Wednesday, February 25, 2009

"Im looking for an OBAMA" T.R.U.S.T. and the me of 3D














The conversational siminar was powerful bringing members of T.R.U.S.T and the men of 3D together to discuss relationships just in time for Valentines Day!

Friday, February 13, 2009

"Im Looking for an OBAMA"










What do you get when T.R.U.S.T. partners up with the men of 3D? Just in time for Valentines Day the Old Dominion University campus organization T.R.U.S.T and the 3D members discuss relationships and dating. What are you looking for? College students face many different tasks and decisions every day. Relationships, friendships, and bonds are created aside from school work and many times there is no one to define how to manage all of these tasks. In relationships there are issues of physical, mental, and emotional abuse and it is very prominent among college students. Being away from home gives a new found "freedom" that can be used to grow; however, without family and loved ones around it can be difficult to shield students from bad decisions.

According to www.itsabuse.com 32%of college students have reported abuse by a former partner and 21% reported dating violence by a current partner. That is only the students who actually stand up and report the abuse, there are many students who are afraid to report abuse in relationships; therefore, a great number of students may not be counted for.


T.R.U.S.T. and the men of 3D are determined to bring issues of abuse and difficult relationships to the forefront and also give students tools to what a "healthy relationship" entails. Using President Obama and First lady Michelle Obama's public marriage, they posed several questions to the audience and probed for answers on thoughts and experiences! It was a POWERFUL discussion that led to many observations and action to eliminate uncertainties in bad relationships. These organizations are providing outlets by increasing awareness of relationship abuse and reaching out to make the campus better.

Most colleges have centers and organizations that help students with abusive relationships. If there is no where on campus to report the abuse or receive counseling there are numerous community organizations and non profits who are experts on the subject. Old Dominion University's Student Affairs Office of Counseling Services offer free help and counseling to those ODU students dealing with difficult relationships . Community organizations like ywca of South Hampton Roads has several avenues of contact beginning with the website, and 24/7 Domestic Violence Helpline (757)625-5570.

The T.R.U.S.T organization and the men of 3D are essential to Old Dominion University campus by providing programs like "Im looking for an OBAMA" to help students discuss and evaluate issues and life experiences of college students. The event was extremely beneficial and successful. Campus organizations are doing a great job working together with the community to eradicate issues like relationship violence. Remember.....NO ONE DESERVES TO BE A VICTIM OF RELATIONSHIP VIOLENCE!

Campus Activites "Hear it from them"

I think that college has had a big influence on me in reference to my growth as a person. There are many students who come to college in search of finding a career and in turn, not only choose a career but also find themselves. College students can do a lot to learn more about themselves like, meet new people, being self sufficient and even joining an organization. On-campus activities and organizations can say a lot about a person's interest. I believe it can almost help a person define who they are. To get more opinions on this topic I interviewed three different people: Chanel- a senior with a job and focused on her career path to become a physical therapist, Kristen-a junior destined to be an actress and a Iota Sweetheart, and Shauna- a communications major, senior, and dedicated to on-campus activities.

When all three were asked what they felt about a college student blogging about how being active in college can broaden horizons, they felt it was a n enlightening topic that would be interesting to potential college students. All students are in some type of on-campus activities so they could relate and speak about the benefits. Chanel is on a softball team at ODU and she mentioned that she enjoys meeting new people and she has learned how to make a team function better with communication and cooperation. Kristen focused on the personal benefits of learning to be helpful and learning a lot about how strong she is. Kristen believes campus activities has taught her dedication. Shauna benefits from it because she has learned and important lesson of time management, which is also personally beneficial to her in the future.

When the three interviewees were asked if they have had any bad experiences with on-campus organizations they all answered yes. There was not much detail; however, they all mentioned that it mostly occurs when one is learning how to deal with others (members, admins, etc.) in or affiliated with the organization. Chanel did mention that if the difficult times are constant and out weight the good times then it may cause and organization to weaken and not fulfill its full potential.

There will have to be much more research done on this topic and I believe that the head of student activities can help give more information on the types of activities and their functions. All in all, there are still more things to learn once arriving at college and organizations are great networking, social builders, and fun.

Monday, February 9, 2009

Old Dominion University Football



It seems Old Dominion University is becoming more an more prepared for the arrival of the football team. The transition had a few kinks with housing, parking, and classes because the decision to expand the campus allowed room for more admission of potential players. In the beginning of the process the campus became crowded with an overwhelming number of new students, constructions, and parking difficulties; however, college students and alumni are excited about the sport.
Season ticket dates have been moved forward to be more time conscious. According to The Virginia Pilot, "ODU football Season tickets deadline to be moved to May 1" the change was made to make sure enough time was left fro the seating process, the printing of the tickets, and the parking passes(http://hamptonroads.com/2009/01/odu-football-season-tickets-deadline-be-moved-may-1). May 1, 2009 may be a few months away but the players are already hitting the weight rooms and preparing for their season. Old Dominion University supports their campus community and sports and I predict the same will follow for the football team. Go Big BLUE!

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Response to Surviving College Life


Like most students you probably find yourself the least productive at the moment you need to be the most productive. For example, I noticed that whenever I should be studying for finals I suddenly felt the need to clean my room (though I didn’t do that the rest of the quarter)/play Text Twist/do something extremely time consuming like try to make a stop motion film.
http://www.survivingcollegelife.com/

This blog had five good tips to surviving college life which included
1. Schedule Email Time.
2. Keep Important Docs Online.
3. Turn Off Distractions.
4. Make Lists.
5. Just Do It.

I think this is good for college students because once one is away on their own it can be difficult to be productive and stay focused. In college their are parties, hang outs, and many activities on campus that may be a distraction from work and studies. These tips are very beneficial to a college student who may need more advice. This blog is giving tips from from teaching the students how to manage time, on to giving advice to not procrastinating. I personally enjoy number three because it is vital to study time. There are so many technologies today like the computer, i pod, cellular phone etc. that could pose as a distraction from getting work done, not to mention friends, or noisy roommates. Overall this is extremely good information for a student looking to thrive in college.

Monday, February 2, 2009

Response to "Facebook marks Tow's passing

Facebook marks Yow's passing - Jan 26, 2009 11:51:02
posted by: Marta Lawrence
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Just hours after North Carolina State Coach Kay Yow succumbed to breast cancer, North Carolina Holly Springs High School senior Meaghan Lorraine Whitlock created the In Memory of Kay Yow group on Facebook.

I enjoyed reading this article. I believe this is a creative way to get college students involved because many college students use facebook and are interested in issues like cancer. This blog is interesting to me because it is using a different form of technology to send a messge for support and awareness, and that is my goal and focus in this class for the semester. My topics are community and college awareness; therefore, I am realizing that it does not heave to be conducted by an on-campus organization, it can simply be from one person with vision or idea to do something good. I am new to blogging, so this was a very intersting blog and it opened my eyes to the possibilites of blogging.