In the 21 years I have served as adviser of The Slate, the student-run newspaper at Shippensburg University, I have never requested space in the publication for any reason. My role is, always has been and will continue to be in the background as adviser, mentor and cheerleader for the students who dedicate long hours to producing award-winning journalism.
With the 2024 presidential election quickly approaching, I have been reflecting on American democracy. There was once a time in my life where I was optimistic about the direction of our country and its politics. Now, that optimism is gone.
“My two biggest pieces of advice are to get over-involved and then find your priorities. I joined lots of clubs freshman year and made a point to attend as many on-campus events as possible. Everything from paint nights to BINGO to dance lessons, my friend group went to it all."
It is kind of insane that in just over a week I will be (hopefully) walking across the field of Seth Grove Stadium to receive my diploma and officially be a college graduate. I say hopefully because I do not want graduation indoors; my grades are… fine. When the adults in your life tell you that these four years fly by, they are not wrong. Maybe COVID-19 keeping much of campus closed for the first full year of my college career played a part in the passage of time being a nonexistent concept to me.
During my childhood, I had always felt drawn to the Disney Channel show “Hannah Montana.” One of my biggest inspirations is Miley Cyrus, but I never knew the genuine reason I cared so much. Of course I knew that she was talented, individualistic and, to some, a role model. Nevertheless, I had other people I felt this way about, but none of them influenced me quite the way that Miley Cyrus did. So why was I so fascinated?
Before embarking on my journey halfway across the world to Australia, I was repeatedly warned of the dangerous creatures that lurk down under.
Here is a suggestion for Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene. If your goal for when you grow up is to be a commentator on Fox News, you can quit Congress at any time to go make that dream a reality. While Greene has not said that is her goal, it is the only explanation for her and her freedom caucus colleagues’ attempts to turn the House of Representatives into a swamp where no bills move without their say.
Each year, humans experience solstices and equinoxes that lead to a form of anxiety in one way or another. As we inch closer to summer, there are many unrealistic expectations that our society depends on in regard to fully participating in the solstice. It is important to discuss why these social precedents are unrealistic. There are many different ways to have a good summer that do not include preconceived ideas of fun.
I have one request of all my readers. Please unplug your headphones, stop your actions and limit your social interactions while consuming this piece. You will thank yourself later.
As the semester draws to a close, April proves itself to be one of the most stressful time for students and faculty. Grades and assignments are piling up and events seem to be jammed back into this 31-day span. Now with the finals schedule released, the clock is ticking on those looking to finish the semester strong. If that’s not bad enough, for graduating students April is even more intense as the real world bites at their heels and the thoughts of post-college responsibilities keep them up at night. However, if you find yourself reading this and you’re one of the students in this predicament, take a moment and listen.
U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East has been in disarray for decades. It is one of the few political constants in the post 9/11 world. One exception to break that trend came, surprisingly, during the bombastic presidency of Donald Trump. Whether this can be attributed to luck, or the work of some unnamed diplomatic official, is unimportant, as Trump has called for Republicans to spurn this advantage and follow Biden Democrats down the same path of American retreat.
Given that Christianity predominates over other religions, it should come as no surprise that the United States is greatly affected by it. For instance, most employers and students have time off on holidays such as Christmas and Easter. However, it is important to acknowledge that while these Christian holidays are mainly recognized and celebrated, there are other holidays that are significant to other religious groups and are often neglected.
Nostalgic television stars spoke their truth in a new Max documentary series called “Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV.” The series aired for the first time on March 18, and it encompassed emotional stories from people who grew up working for Nickelodeon. It is important for society to understand the burden that Nickelodeon placed on these lives and how to minimize the chances of this abuse happening again.
Higher education has a branding problem that is affecting its bottom line. After decades of compulsory enrollment, universities are finding that they are losing customers to trade schools and the workforce. This is causing cracks to form that, if left untended, have the potential to shutter colleges and universities across the country.
April is known for the blossoming of colorful spring flowers and the end of U.S. tax season. However, this month has also become known as Autism Awareness Month, also known as “Autism Acceptance Month.”
During a difficult transition from teenager to adult, there are several misunderstandings about how to manage responsibilities and mental stabilities.
There are many kind and wonderful people in sororities and fraternities. Some of my close friends are in Greek life. My girlfriend (hi, babe) ran for president of her sorority last year. My roommate participates in an academic fraternity and has had glowing things to say. This is a criticism of a system. Whether or not that criticism extends to the people who support the system is up to interpretation.
Happy Cancer season! I know cancer season is mid-June to mid-July, but I am not talking about zodiacs. It is that time of year when organizations count laps or hours spent dancing in the name of fighting cancer. I mean, the Pennsylvania State University just raised a record-breaking $16,955,683.63 at its yearly THON which is a 46-hour dance for philanthropy.
