An Open Letter To Snowdays

Dear Snowdays, or Snow, in General,

We do admire your fluffy white texture as it lays on the tree branches. We do admire the way that you pack into the most perfect snowman or snowball. We love the way you look with a “corncob pipe and button nose”, and especially with a top hat on. We love when you make the conditions too bad for school – however, we love this all to a point.

Although our love is like no other, sometimes, we can feel a bit smothered by your snow embrace. You’re a great weather event, however sometimes you can be a bit much. 

Don’t get us wrong, we love loud, strong personalities. But don’t you think you’re getting to be a bit much? Don’t you think giving us 28.9″ and below is a little mean? We get it, it’s winter, this is your season, blah blah. But wasn’t one storm enough? You’ve hit us with two more and another one on the way. 

At this point, we may have to break up soon. A lot of us are already contemplating picking up and moving to warmer habitats. Some of us students have classes, club meetings, and events that keep getting cancelled because of all of these Monday and Tuesday snow days. Why must you always make it all about YOU? Can’t you consider our college careers? We’re paying to get class cancelled and get assigned paper and extra assignment sin lieu of class.

Also, isn’t it a little annoying to be piling on top of where we live, drive, and park? Why must we limit our lives because you want a little bit of attention? Also, why is it up to us to move you with our hands and shovels? Why can’t you remove yourself? You’re so selfish!

So, sorry snow, but I just don’t think we can work out anymore. It’s not us, it’s you. Maybe we can stay friends.

Sincerely,

The Students

Images:

http://lubbockonline.com/national-news/2013-02-10/big-dig-out-new-england-ny-slammed-snow#.VN5SHlPF_50

http://www.bostonglobe.com/news/bigpicture/2015/02/11/snow-keeps-piling-new-england/YttQKdnPFScuG6m4ZeRE8I/story.html

http://whyfiles.org/2010/how-do-snow-fences-work/

Parting the Seas of Social Change

Here at SSU, we believe you can change the world. That’s what the student leaders who attended our leadership conference weekend from Saturday, September 14th to Sunday, September 15th learned. One of the major ways of getting involved in society today, even as a student, is social change. Getting involved in the major social issues of our day such as LGBTQ rights, the wage gap, or immigration can give you experience to use after you graduate.

Assisting with social change doesn’t have to be this grandiose, difficult process. Your addition can be as small or as big as you want, as long as it’s something that makes you happy. The conference’s keynote speaker Johnny Cupcakes emphasized doing what you love, and being happy. If social change makes you happy, go for it. If walking dogs is what makes you happy, go walk some pooches. Whatever it is, do more of what makes you happy as Johnny Cupcakes says.

 

I know what you’re thinking: making a difference isn’t as easy as it sounds. What exactly should I do? Do I make changes on a big or small scale? What’s the first step? What you want to do is up to you and your passions. Multiple universities and scholars have constructed a guide using “the 7 c’s” to help people conduct social change.

 

 

INDIVIDUAL VALUES

• Consciousness of self
  Be aware and knowledgeable of the values you are advocating for, and know how you feel about them yourself.
• Congruence
  Be consistent with your values, thoughts, words, and actions.
• Commitment
  Me committed to your mission. Be motivated and passionate, and it will eventually rub off on others!

GROUP VALUES

• Collaboration

Working togethers empowers others. When the public sees a group of empowered individuals,             they will feel empowered too! There’s power in numbers

• Common Purpose

A common purpose strongly bands people together. Being in a group will enable the members to          analyze the issue and take steps toward change.

• Controversy with Civility
  Recognizes two fundamental realities of any creative group effort: that differences in viewpoint are inevitable, and that such difference must be aired openly but with civility.

COMMUNITY/SOCIETAL VALUES

• Citizenship
  The individual and the collaborative group become responsibly connected to the community and the society through the leadership experience.

 

If you’re aware, committed, and part of a group, you can change the world!

 

Sources:

http://www.kean.edu/ku/Social-Change-Model-of-Leadership-Development

http://www.keepcalm-o-matic.co.uk/p/keep-calm-and-make-a-difference-12/

Image Credit:

http://www.keepcalm-o-matic.co.uk/p/keep-calm-and-make-a-difference-12/

http://www.kean.edu/ku/Social-Change-Model-of-Leadership-Development