The Mathematics of Thanks

Last night as I walked into my evening exam, I couldn't help but feel a rush of euphoria. It didn't have anything to do with my excitement for the exam, but a realization that we really have it good. 


Today, a brisk and drizzly Wednesday, marks the brink of Thanksgiving break for many students, faculty members, and all community members alike. There's an accumulation of vibrant red and orange leaves along the edges of pathways and a distinct smell to the air that provides a foreshadow of winter. Many lecture halls are calm, speckled with the few students who have yet to begin their break. On a few select academic building windows and bulletin boards, are festive signs wishing all a Happy Thanksgiving. Amidst general conversation amongst classmates is mention of the well-publicized Black Friday and familiar plans--most commonly involving food, food, and more food. To the economy, Thanksgiving marks the stretch of time where profit margins begin to spike into the gains. To most others, Thanksgiving marks the tradition of spending time with family, jubilant chatter over a palatable meal, and that warm, fuzzy feeling that comes just around this time. 


But as we all know, things change. As we age and mature, we learn that there is no standard structure to family. The dynamic of family changes. The roles of primary care taker morphs and may even transition from one person to another within one's lifetime. As the events of life play out, even well-loved or well-dreaded traditions may have their skipped pit-stops on the journey, and eventually, may even cease to be an observed and celebrated landmark. People need to work, plans fall apart, family members may not be so harmonious when in the same room. Life happens. And we do the best that we can given the circumstances on our plate. 


At times, we may find ourselves reminiscing about the younger years, what we "used to do." We'll make a few comments about how it was so much easier back then when there were no worries--no bills, no stress, no complicated variables. And we may even let out some steam amongst friends over coffee or a competitive bout of Halo. It's seldom, however, that we tell ourselves, "Life is good." It's seldom that we think about all the variables around us, that keep us going. 


My definition of "family" has endured many revisions over the past several years. I equate family to groups of friends or even those that I meet, who I feel I can connect to. These are people who, even if we ever moved to the opposite poles of the planet, can come back together after a stretch of time, and pick up where we left off. For those who prefer literal definitions, these are the specific cohorts in your life that make each day interesting. They are the people who see the best, the worst, and all the sides of you in between. They are the ones who inspire you, who encourage you, and make you stop once-in-a-while in order to catch your breath. They are the ones who make true the phrase, "Home is where the heart is." 


As a college student, I, like many others, will face days where we begrudgingly trek to class, running on a maximum of four hours of sleep--the result of a mixture of procrastination and well-intent of being studious. We'll have points where we pull out our hairs over course material, frustrate ourselves over a lengthy paper that seems impossible to write, and crash on the couch wondering why we even put ourselves through this torture each and every semester. And we sometimes forget the times when we experience the thrill of solving that math problem or having a concept suddenly click. We sometimes overlook the progress we make as students--from where we were, to where we are. 


As I sit typing these words on a Wednesday afternoon, my classes done for the day, and my Thanksgiving break about to begin, I think about the causes for my frustration this semester, and I think about all the elements in my life that make it possible to wake up each morning and keep going. I think about the quirkiest, most caring people in my life, and how fortunate I am to be sitting here, right now, a student of this university, expressing my thoughts to you. For all this, and all that I acknowledge in my heart, I am grateful. And for what it's worth--despite what message society may place upon the holiday season, the material appeal or the cookie-cutter traditions, I believe the underlying message is everything and nothing at the same time. The holidays? They're a neon sign; a physical flag to get you to slow down, even if for just a little bit, in this fast-paced lifestyle. To not only rest, but to spend time--time amongst people or by ourselves. Time to realize that it's not so bad as it seems. Time to appreciate all the variables in our lives that we never calculated would end up in the equation. Variables that add up beautifully. 


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Holly Tran, Staff Writer, is currently a junior at the University of Rhode Island pursing a major in Biological Sciences.  

The Evolution of Social Media

Ever since the social networking website myspace.com was created mid-year 2003, social networking websites have continued to grow in number and popularity. Nowadays people have a variety of networks to choose from. Just about everyone from college professors, to employers; I’ve even seen grandparents with Facebook pages. In the age where just about everyone is on some kind of social networking website, what does the future hold? 

            As time advances so does technology. And with technological advances social networking websites continue to expand and become more in depth. What started out as an easy and entertaining way to keep in touch with friends now seems to be transforming into a way to define a person and broadcast their life. Think about it. How many people do you know on facebook or twitter who update their statuses every time they sneeze. Not very many of my friends do this anymore, or at least those whose statuses I haven’t blocked from my news feed, but there was a point in time when several of my friends on facebook would put their daily schedule’s as their statuses. 

            To me this just seems like you're begging to be stalk victim. Why would anyone need to know your entire day’s schedule? Realistically all your closest friends probably already know what your day looks like, and if not, couldn’t they just call you? Well thanks to a recent update on facebook, anyone can call your cell phone number provided you add it to your page. Oh, and I’ve actually seen facebook pages with the person’s phone number right under their profile picture. If you think that’s just a tad bit ridiculous, well it doesn’t stop there. Due to a previous update, you can now tag where you physically are in your facebook post and include directions on how to get to your location. Once again, anyone who posts their current location or phone number on the internet is just begging to be a stalked, kidnapped, or something in between. 

            My first thoughts when I first saw that facebook had added these stalker options was who in their right mind would willing put so much personal information on semi-public thread? Is privacy valued at all anymore? Or is everyone just so thirsty for attention that they are willing to post anything just to get anyone to look at them? In my opinion these social networks that make it public as to where an individual currently is, their phone number, age, work place, school, and much more are only beginning to fulfill the prophecies foretold by George Orwell’s 1987 and Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451. But then again, that’s just my opinion.



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Stefan Correia, Staff Writer, is currently a junior undergraduate student at the University of Rhode Island studying Public Relations.

Welcome to the Future of Diversity

A recent viral YouTube video shows the making of Japanese candy commercial featuring the cast of the AKB48 band. But here's the jaw-dropper--the center band member, Eguchi Aimi, a beautiful young woman who embodies the similar expression and poses as her group, is not real. She's a virtual being, a composition that results from select bodily features of each of her group members. Coverage for this story even noted Aimi's features as the "perfect" pickings from her peers. But in learning that one's "reality" isn't fully true, one can't help but 1) applaud technology's new abilities, and 2) feel an eerie sense that makes one develop a need to question the truth in everything seen.

That being said, if we are capable of creating a matrix within our lives, what exactly determines what goes into it? How do we discern what is real from what is created? And if we can, do we even want to know? Is this a situation where "ignorance is bliss"?

In a case where social standards place preference upon certain "norms," where is the distant future of diversity going? Are we becoming a large melting pot that will eventually simmer into a uniform creamy soup? Is this what we are aiming for? Will diversity continue to exist? This is the question that Diversity Week 2011 will seek to answer.

Let's take a step into a hypothetical situation. Now we know that the field of genetics has advanced enough that we are able to map out out genes and calculate our chances of developing a certain disease or illness; and we have even gotten to the point where we can grow bodily tissue in vitro. Let's take a spin on that and say that in the future, we can grow complete and fully functional organs that eliminates the need for organ donors. Need a new heart? We'll take a few or your stem cells and pop out a new thumper for you in 2-3 months. Is your liver failing? No worries, your new one just matured yesterday! Now what if instead of fixing, we also act proactively and eliminate the need to ever fix. Say we choose the attributes in our children that will allow them to thrive and be the best they can. You know what, I always thought that blonde hair was gorgeous even though I'm a brunette--let's make our daughter Caucasian, blonde with green eyes...but add in a splash of hazel. Make her tall and intelligent with a musical inclination. Genetic diseases? Why on Earth would I want to give her my husband's colorblindness?

See what happened there? If given the choice to put together our "perfect" child, who would choose to give them genetic disorders that as a society, we have deemed as an abnormality? Who would actively choose to bear a child with cystic fibrosis, dwarfism, Angelman syndrome, or cri du chat? While there are a few individuals who identify themselves with their genetic disorder, there are also the few who reject the notion that they choose to abort their baby or give their child up for adoption because of it. Returning back to the hypothetical situation, we come back to the case of societal-deemed norms. If these norms are so ingrained in us that the majority of females always seek the "tall, dark, and handsome" men to sweep them off their feet and males are so apt to fawn over females who are slim, full-chested, then what happens to everyone who doesn't fall into that category? Given the choice and ability to choose all the "perfect" attributes, would we unknowingly eliminate all the attributes that made us unique? Would we effectively erase diversity?

Will our conformity force us to redefine what makes us who we are? We are excited to present you a look into diversity in the future this fall as the focus of our 2011 Diversity Week workshop lecture series. Guest speaker, Dr. Michio Kaku, a theoretical physicist, will introduce you to his hypothesis on the world as we know it in the not-too-distant future.

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Holly Tran, Staff Writer, is currently a junior at the University of Rhode Island majoring in Biological Sciences.

Sugar, Fantasy, and a College Education

Ways to Pay Off a College Education:

1. Work Study
2. Part-time Job
3. Scholarships/Grants/Loans 
4. Having a Sugar Daddy



Say what? If you think #4 was a typo, guess again. The Huffington Post reported a story this week about the web site, seekingarrangement.com, which markets "mutually beneficial relationships," and currently cites that it has had an increase in traffic from college females seeking rich men to help get them get through school. Known as "sugar babies," these "attractive, ambitious, and young" females are students or young adults working towards their dream. But in this economy, such a chase can be pain-stakingly difficult alone. Here's the solution--find a rich man. All you have to do is arrange to meet said person say, once a week (or more if you both agree), be each other's companions, go out for dinner, and maybe have intercourse.

A senior in college, Lola, is busy working two part-time jobs, studying for her GREs, and also finding the time to meet her client/Sugar Daddy/friend, B.K., a married man twice her age who slips her $150-$200 per interaction. Another female college student identified by her caramel colored mane, describes the interaction with her Sugar Daddy as a pool rendezvous. A much older gentleman, he's described as balding with leathery skin. After she lathers him with sun tan lotion, they waddle for a bit in the water before they both go to his bedroom. While she says her arrangement with her Sugar Daddy is a means to an end, another college Sugar Baby explicitly comments, "If this isn't prostitution, I don't know what is."

While the site's mechanism of business has critics clamoring about what exactly qualifies as prostitution--how since the site isn't explicitly marketing sex for money, rather offering rich, generous mentors, it isn't quite as such...or rather, since prostitution is the practice of engaging in sexual activity for the exchange of payment and Sugar Babies also provide companionship (and so forth), it's not just about sex. Many even go out on a limb to describe the relationship as modern dating--and Mercedes, a 22-year-old junior in college, agrees: "I don’t see how people can view this as exploitation. I could go out and work three jobs and still go to school and probably make decent grades, but is that really what I want to do? I make more money this way, and I have a lot more fun because I get to go out to concerts, go shopping, see movies and make money off of it. If instead of this I was just dating a rich guy, it’d be almost the same thing, and society wouldn’t look down on that. You know with a sugar daddy that they’re spending a lot of money on you and they clearly want something in return, but is that really any different than how it is with a boyfriend?"

Dating. B.K. describes his relationship with his Sugar Baby as "dating," while, mind you, he has a wife and children about 90-miles from where he and his Baby meet up for some alone time when she's strapped for funds. The New York Times describes the transformation of courtship in the last century, "In the early 1900s, courtship shifted from girls’ porches or parlors to a commercial venture: a date. Etiquette manuals of the time were explicit — boys were to pay for meals, entertainment and transportation, and in return, girls were to provide well-groomed company, rapt attention and at least a certain amount of physical affection. His money bought not only companionship but also her indebtedness." I will go out on a limb to say that this type of arrangement--Sugar Daddies and Babies--does not fit in the category of "dating." While social norms may have men feeling pressured to foot the dinner checks or shelling out dollars for expensive jewelry and flowers, the fact-of-the-matter remains that women do not, and should not, provide "rapt attention" and a "certain amount of physical affection" in exchange. Call me a romantic, but I do believe dating does involve some sense of emotional attachment--may that be adoration or even some degree of love.

While I won't go out on a limb and classify this type of arrangement as prostitution, I will redirect you to that moral fiber in your heart. You know that strange feeling you got when you first read this article? Yes, that's your moral fiber letting you know that something's fishy.

A female college Baby, when asked about her arrangement with her Sugar Daddies, admits that she uses a fake name when dealing with the web site and her clients. She confesses that only her roommate knows of her situation. This is her safety net. When she goes out to meet her clients, she makes sure that her roommate knows exactly where she's going, and they make sure to text throughout the day until she returns back to the apartment. Another Sugar Baby, a young women with dark eyes and skin, comments that her physical appearance is to her advantage, allowing her to play any role her Sugar Daddy desires--be it "Spanish, Indian, or Middle-Eastern mistress." 

But this double identity is a dangerous one--especially for young women who, many of which, are still on a journey of trying to figure out who they are, what they want, and who they want to become. It creates a possibility for long-term psychological trauma. While a few young women have reported feeling "dirty" and "disgusted" with themselves after such interactions with their Sugar Daddies, others succumb to the high of fast money, new-found luxurious attention, and materialistic gifts; suggesting that this sought arrangement can quickly turn into an addiction. 

All that aside, would you want your daughter snuggling with a man old enough to be her father or even grandfather, in order to foot her semester's tuition or monthly rent? Would you feel comfortable, if you were a Sugar Baby, telling your children or friends that you managed to put yourself through school by waitressing on the weekends, washing dishes in the dining hall in between classes, and sharing some body heat with your respective Sugar Daddies? Frankly, if young women feel the need to resort to sleeping with rich men in order to afford their college education, society must have a lot of missing screws and bolts somewhere.

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Holly Tran, Staff Writer, is currently a junior at the University of Rhode Island pursing a major in Biological Sciences.

More than Just a Name: The Heart of the 13th Annual URI Diversity Awards

On Tuesday, April 12th, 2011, a crowd of students, faculty, and staff gathered in the Memorial Union Ballroom to collectively celebrate the achievements of the 13th Annual URI Diversity Awards recipients. 


A peach-toned program featured a short blurb about what the award means, "The URI Diversity Awards helps to develop campus community by honoring and promoting personal and organizational initiatives that advance institutional equity and inclusiveness." Although true, this blurb only could not adequately sum up the energy radiating from the room that night. 


Beaming smiles carried a contagious element as nominees mingled, laughed, and shared stories over a catered three-course dinner. It was a climatic evening leading to the awards ceremony where fourteen students, faculty, and student organizations were recognized for their contributions to the campus culture. 


The ceremony started off with a commendable speech from the Director of the Multicultural Center, Melvin Wade, and followed off with the first set of awards introduced by senior undergraduate student, Denise Dujon. Cue the video. A black screen flashed and a string of text swirled horizontally across the backdrop. Rhythmic music played softly as the first award recipient, Jason Almeida, told the story of how he created a network for disc jockeys. Slowly, audience members felt their heart grow warm and their lips curling into a smile. Something beautiful had happened. Besides being a witness to a quick awards ceremony, fellow peers and supporters were given the opportunity to not just see a name to a plaque, but also the person behind the achievements--their dreams, hopes, and journey to where they are now. In that brief moment, the room of onlookers were able to see more than a short bio, a bolded name, or a picture. They were able to see the passion, determination, and perseverance of an awardee whose intrinsic goals served as his life's motivation.  


One by one, stories ran through the projector system. Audience members hopefully watched as Maxwell Edmonds told of his plans of working in Vietnam post-graduation, with plans of applying to medical school when he returned--cheerfully ending off with fingers crossed for his Fulbright scholarship application, and an amiable grin glowing on his face. Students sat transfixed to the screen as students from the Gay Straight Alliance described their round-the-clock protest in the University's 24/4 Hour Room, the prejudices they've seen, and the wholesome support that has come their way. And it didn't stop there. 


As one sat through the procession, it quickly became clear that these names, these faces, were more than meets the eye. They were named the 2011 Diversity Award recipients for a reason, and it is with great hope that they will continue their endeavors, continue to inspire, and continue to change the lives in which they live and the world around them. 


Please take this time share the few accomplishments of this year's Diversity Award winners, and show your support for the many who are actively taking a role in constructing not only their own, but also the community's future. 







Congratulations to the 2011 Diversity Award winners! 
>>READ MORE

Check out a copy of the program from the evening!

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Holly Tran, Staff Writer, is currently a sophomore at the University of Rhode Island.

Conquering Fear

Even though the Random Acts of Kindness theme was slated for February, I firmly believe that the results of such acts can last for a lifetime. That being said, I would like to share a random act of kindness I was fortunate to observe. 


My co-worker is an extremely amiable person. He has a vibrant personality and a genuine sense of honesty. A few months ago, the topic of blood donation had come up in conversation. As it turns out, the RI Blood Center was hosting its seasonal blood drive in the Memorial Union atriums. My co-worker had never donated blood before; in fact, the idea frankly frightened him. Nevertheless, he decided to accompany me to the Union. We registered and it was evident the trepidation still resided inside him. His first comment as we stepped inside the room--"It smells like death in here." Nevertheless, he sat and waited. We went through the paperwork, the iron content testing, and made conversation over provided snacks. Time tinkered by. There was a stage full of people eager to donate ahead of us and a showing of "Happy Feet" across the room. 


When a turn was offered to us,  he graciously declined. We sat and watched as throngs of students had a pint of blood or plasma removed from their bodies. He was on-edge. He was perfectly okay with leaving right then and there. But he just sat and waited. Watched as others before and after him donated their share. I checked my watch and took the next opening. I was short on time. 


The hour hand neared seven o'clock and my co-worker finally stood up. He would be the last donation for the day. The expression on his face illustrated the thoughts running through his mind. He confessed his first-time-donator status to the phlebotomist, and she instinctively smiled and reassured him. 


As I headed out, my co-worker was still lying on the bench-like table, his eyes glued to the ceiling. 


He admits, post-donation, that although the process was not as nerve-racking as he has feared it to be, donating blood was not on the top ten of his favorite activities. Nevertheless, it was his courage and willingness to face his fears that were inspirational. My co-worker and very good friend, took a moment from his daily routine to step out of his comfort zone in order to do a great deed. This random act of kindness immediately touched three lives and indirected influenced many more. 

Random Acts of Kindness

February is "American Heart Month;" in celebration, we are featuring a month of special posts designed to bring a little love into your day, a smile to your face, or an appreciation for your fellow person. It's time to shake off your snow-covered boots and de-ice those walkways. Send us your encountered or completed random acts of kindness (to multiculturalcenter.uri@gmail.com) and we'll share your ray of sunshine with the world. 

 <3

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Love your heart. Learn more about what you can do to prevent heart disease:

http://www.goredforwomen.org/