I’ve never been a big fan of guns — at least, not in real life. In movies, they’re exciting, dangerous and (dare I say it) sexy. In terms of media and the ideals guns symbolize (i.e. freedom, protection, power), it’s easy for someone to be a gun enthusiast in theory. America’s love for guns in the media has only strengthened the impression that Americans are aggressive, violent and power-hunger in every aspect of life. As individuals we know this isn’t true.

It’s hard to turn a blind eye when, for the second time in recent memory, college students in California have been pepper sprayed.

Take a second and imagine and an 18 story building. The Alico Building stands at 22 stories, so start there for a reference. Next, expand that building over 434 acres (just under two times the size of our campus), and imagine it is no longer a building or a huge shopping mall.

When Baylor opens its newest dining hall, East Village, in the fall of 2012, students might have to bid adieu to one of the current dining halls. At a March 27 town hall meeting, Baylor administrators told a group of students the university might close an existing dining hall after East Village Residential Community opens in August. The two dining halls considered for removal, said Dr. Jeff Doyle, dean for student learning and engagement, are Collins and Memorial. Penland would more likely receive a renovation, and Brooks would not close because of its importance to the Brooks community.

I could feel nothing. For more than six months I felt nothing. I was stuck in a fog. I could not see. I could not hear. I felt stuck in the gray. I breathed in light, but I lived in darkness.

As a high school senior, I knew I was going to Baylor, and I knew the Bears were in the 2008 NCAA tournament. So naturally, I penciled in 11-seed Baylor to beat Purdue, a 6-seed.