“The primary skill for conversing with others who have different opinions than us is to truly listen to what they are saying, by having a posture of humility, in which you recognize that none of us have the full picture of any issue or debate.”
Browsing: Opinion
Every time I have come home within the past few months, there has been someone who asks me how my time at Baylor has been. I am able to tell them that it’s amazing every time, and there isn’t even a hesitation or a stretch from the truth.
Serving as the editor-in-chief of The Lariat has been the greatest privilege of my college career. I never could have imagined how bittersweet it would be to unpin my prints from the board, design my last staff meeting presentation and pass my final story on Camayak. But here I am, shedding a tear or two writing this letter.
It might be easy to immerse yourself in your part-time job or wish the next three months away in eager anticipation for the fall, but summer is the perfect time to build habits, not break them. So, if you’re looking for some extra ways to fill your summer calendar, here are some suggestions.
1500 miles away from home and three years in, I can finally say I’ve somewhat made Baylor a second home. It’s never too late to join an organization that best fits you. Remember to take a deep breath. You may not be able to see the future, but you can give it your all and go for it.
When most people think fondly of summer, it normally involves hot days spent splashing at the pool, laughter from friends both new and old and the “cha-ching!” of a biweekly paycheck hitting your account. Sure — to most, working in the summer is an effort to fund another Cowboy Coffee for when you desperately need a pick-me-up. But if you give them the chance, summer jobs have more life lessons packed into them than you would think.
After a hectic year of classes, many students take the opportunity to rest and recharge during the summer. While I understand wanting to take a break, I think students should be more open to taking summer classes. Taking summer classes helps you complete hours in a cheaper, more individualized way.
While test anxiety is nothing new — and many of our parents and grandparents have similar stories of their hearts racing and palms sweating before being handed an exam — there is an alternative: final essays.
Whether it’s hosting several service days throughout the semester, partnering with nonprofits to spread awareness or creating more service projects for students to participate in, there are so many opportunities for Baylor to highlight the needs of the Waco community.
Have you ever considered studying abroad or becoming a foreign exchange student? I am excited that I may get to experience this special privilege, but one thing that scares me is sticking out like a sore thumb.
In theory, events such as formals and dances should be the highlight of our college experience. But let’s face it: Are these events really living up to their full potential, or have they become mere photo-ops?
Sure, it may suck. But it already happened, and guess what? The world is still spinning. We’re still going about our daily lives. That’s why it’s important to remember mistakes that were made in the past so you don’t repeat them. But don’t ever think to yourself, “Man, I wish I could go back and do that differently.”
The idea of summer being this beautiful time of year for a break is just not reality. Summer is a sweaty and preoccupied time. This is not to say that I have never had fun during the summer, because I have. I am just pointing out that it is not all it is talked up to be and that there are better seasons in the year.
Our world is a consistently evolving place, and there’s no telling how technology will affect our future. So, as a society, it might be best to accept it and learn how it can help us.
While they may be known for wearing their classic green-and-white striped shirts and riding tandem bikes, members of Student Foundation contribute to Baylor in so many more ways than they will ever be recognized for.
Cultural diversity brings a deeper understanding of the world — and with Baylor’s student body continuously growing in diversity, the opportunities to learn about cultures keep expanding. Baylor currently has over 40 academic/professional, religious, Greek and special interest multicultural groups that host events anyone can attend.
While looking back on all my involvements, I can confidently say that I have no regrets participating in my weird mix of activities. I hope my fellow Bears can also say they have no regrets — not because they are limiting themselves but because they are experiencing as many things as possible.
Students could learn practical skills, make some spending money and even help lower the costs of the university. Now, just because it would lower the operating costs of the university doesn’t mean it would be reflected in a tuition drop — especially when you remember the sentiments in Vedder’s article.
Instead of wasting our summer playing video games or watching TikTok, let’s pick up a book and sit outside.
In turn, there is much to be learned from grandparents. They have been on this Earth far longer than most, meaning they can be positive role models and give great advice. There’s also a good chance they can tell you more about your cultural heritage and family history. They always have stories to share.
As a distinguished institution of higher education, it is imperative that we uphold the recognition and preservation of the rights of our students. However, I recently learned that the due process rights of our student organizations have been overlooked for an extended period.
Don’t get me wrong; I’m not immune to this feeling, and neither are 75% of people. But I have implemented some more positive ways of thinking that have completely changed my perspective. The first step? Realizing comparison is the thief of joy.
With a variety of fast food options at our fingertips, it’s easy to overlook local food options when treating yourself to a meal out. However, Waco has lots of affordable, healthy and delicious food options within a few miles of campus.
America faces a fundamental issue: We lack a place to go that is neither “work” nor “home.” We define this space as the “third place” — a space for recreation where one can simply exist — and its absence is an ongoing problem in how we structure our cities, exacerbated by the rise of phone use.
For about the last six months, Israel and Hamas-led Palestinian groups have been at war along the Gaza Strip. As tensions have ebbed and flowed, it’s been sad to watch the destruction and devastation — but what about the stories we don’t see in nearby countries?
Even though I don’t necessarily want to follow Newton’s advice, building momentum is essential to boosting productivity and getting the hard stuff done. Working very hard in short episodes is one thing, but consistency will keep you afloat in college, yield higher self-esteem and make you feel like a winner.
Why is the world so obsessed with pitting successful women against each other? I understand that basketball is a competitive…
It is easy to make Easter a holiday to celebrate spring with eggs and bunnies, but the true reason is…
I know a battle for spice, the “Lisan Al Giab,” riding giant sandworms and a weird, bald Austin Butler may not sound like a classic recipe for success in the film industry, but that combination delivered the best movie of the year in “Dune: Part Two,” and it’s only April.
Finding people who can truly accept criticism seems to be increasingly rare. For as long as humans have been the dominant species on Earth, we have been plagued by people who cannot handle being critiqued. They get angry, defensive and dismissive. Where the true problem lies is accepting that you might be one of those people.