Leslie Reece Schichtel2013-05-23T06:53:07-04:00Leslie Reece Schichtelhttp://www.news.moviefone.com/author/index.php?author=leslie-reece-schichtelCopyright 2008, HuffingtonPost.com, Inc.HuffingtonPost Blogger Feed for Leslie Reece SchichtelGood old fashioned elbow grease.Electronic Duo Coyote Kisses Releases Thundercolor EP (INTERVIEW)tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2013:/theblog//3.32685762013-05-13T17:34:38-04:002013-05-14T13:40:38-04:00Leslie Reece Schichtelhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/leslie-reece-schichtel/
Coyote Kisses have solidified that they are a force to be reckoned with. The electronic duo of Joe Sussingham and Bryce Bresnan, both 22, released their latest project, Thundercolor EP, a week ago, and it has already climbed the charts with their original dance beats.
The college students from Washington and Lee and New College of Florida, respectively, made their debut in February 2012 with their first EP that featured the aptly-named title track of "Acid Wolfpack" and "Galactic Love Song." The pair is also known for their covers and remixed hits, including Carly Rae Jepsen's "Call Me Maybe" and Gotye's "Somebody That I Used To Know." (Street cred: CRJ commissioned Coyote Kisses' version as the official remix, and the duo has won remix competitions for Mad Decent and OWSLA -- which are Diplo's and Skrillex's labels, respectively.)
The newest album comprises four tracks: "Diving at Night," "Stay With You," "This Is How You Know" and "Changing Guard." From the band's name to the dream-like quality of Thundercolor, the duo sets itself apart from other "anger-driven" electronic music, and this was no accident.
We have the exclusive on these up-and-comers. SNEAK PEEK: These southerners have upheld their identities within a music genre that, at initial glance, may repel them.
How did Coyote Kisses come to be?
It started as a VERY different monster. Both Joe and I were seniors in high school when we started playing music together. I played keyboards, and Joe played guitar. We tried forming a sort of lo-fi punk band, but that fell through pretty quickly. Joe and I kept playing together though, off and on. Eventually we went for electro/synth pop using my keyboards and garage band. We would record vocals and be generally embarrassing to our friends. At one point we decided we were going to try our hand at hard electronic dance music. We bought ourselves a copy of Ableton and never looked back.
Where did the name Coyote Kisses come from?
We derived our name kind of randomly. Coming up with a name is really hard, Coyote Kisses was the only thing that sounded right to us. When we first started, we wanted to be the cowboys of dance music, sort of as a joke. But we kept it 'cause it's got interesting imagery, reflects our southern roots, and it felt unique.
Describe your workflow when producing a song. What is the process you go through when working on a new track?
We exclusively use Ableton, and recently we've been focusing more on live instrumentation. Each song varies. We're writing music about 20 hours a week. But we're in school, so that's mostly during the weekends and at night. And we go to different schools, so when we get together for break we'll work hard and go on little music binges. But we're graduating this month, so that dynamic is about to change.
"Acid Wolfpack" is still one of my favorites. It has such an incredible sound, and it seems to be the song that gained you the most attention. What did that song teach you about your identity as producers, and how did it shape your approach to future projects?
"Acid Wolfpack" let people know that we had potential. That song was really a summer art project. There was something pure about it because no one knew who we were. It was entirely for us. It was the first time we've gotten real recognition, so it made us think that maybe gaining some notoriety was within reach. It gave us confidence and was a definite turning point. Also, we put so much time into that song, hopefully that's clear. So, if anything, it showed people that we were willing to put a ton of work and heartache into every track we release and hold ourselves to really high standards. That's something we've tried to carry forward with every track since.
"Dead Giveaway." Just because I literally just heard it for the first time a couple days ago, and it's still stuck in my head
Quick: Download or stream? Why?
Download. We typically will encourage people to steal a song if they're not planning on buying it. At the end of the day, we'd rather they have it and enjoy it. We've certainly stolen too much music over the years to whine about people stealing ours.
If you could put on a show anywhere in the world, with any artists by your side, where would it be and who would be a part of it?
We like small rooms, intimate shows where we can really make a connection with the crowd. So to answer your question, we'd play with Van Halen, Van Gogh and Van Wilder... in the back of a van (for consistency).
You're given the opportunity to meet anyone in history -- past or present. Who would you choose, and what would be the first thing you discuss?
Genghis Khan. But we wouldn't speak at all. It'd be more of a staring match or a battle of wills.
Have you ever kissed a coyote? If so, wow. If not, could we set that up?
No, but a Coyote has kissed me.
You just recently released your Thundercolor EP, which is a must-hear. What were you trying to accomplish with the EP, and how would you compare the contents to your past songs/projects?
We worked on getting an EP out for a year, but all of those tracks came together mostly in the last few months. We wanted to make a statement that we were more than electronic music group, that we didn't want to follow trends anymore. We wanted it to be an amalgamation of what we were listening to, what we've learned about production and how we're evolving personally. Those tracks encapsulate that. We feel like we are about to depart on a journey, so the music has a dreamy, emotional, wide-eyed feel. That's how we're feeling right now. We want to make music that makes people happy, whether they are dance music fans or not. We wanted to make music that was energetic, but not angry or scary. That feels like something that's missing from a lot of what's coming out of dance music right now.
Quick: Favorite TV show (current or past)?
Weather Channel. Past. Their new programming is too flashy.
Your sound lends itself to vocals, and the applied vocal samples are always seamless. Do you plan to work with more vocalists in the future?
We're working on our live show right now and a big part of that is vocal training. Both Joe and I sing and eventually we'd like to get back to our roots as a live rock band utilizing our own vocals.
If you could trap your worst enemy in a room and play either "Gangnam Style" or "Harlem Shake" on repeat, which one would you choose, and why?
I wouldn't wish that on anyone.
What advice would you give to aspiring artists/producers?
For anyone making music, there are a couple important things. Musical training is critical. We've been at this for years. There are lots of examples of people shortcutting to fame but they won't make a serious impact in the long-run. Being a real musician takes training; anyone can write music, but being a musician requires more of you. It's like anything else, if you put enough time into it you'll get results. Pick up a guitar; take piano lessons; learn basic music theory.
Listen to Coyote Kisses' EP here.]]>The Faces of The Everygirl: Danielle Moss and Alaina Kaczmarskitag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2013:/theblog//3.27757472013-02-28T14:12:57-05:002013-04-30T05:12:01-04:00Leslie Reece Schichtelhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/leslie-reece-schichtel/Everygirl, they might say -- well, their company.
When Syracuse University alum Alaina Kaczmarski sauntered into a Chicago Christmas party in December 2010, a mutual friend introduced her to the woman who would become her fellow co-founder of a lifestyle blog: California native Danielle Moss.
Though from different parts of the country, Kaczmarski and Moss connected instantly. They both blogged and wanted to start new careers. The duo met over coffee soon after to brainstorm new entrepreneurial ideas. That chapter became The Everygirl.
Last week The Everygirl team celebrated their first anniversary with about 300 readers at Chicago's West Elm in Lincoln Park with giveaways, champagne and bite-sized desserts on a snowy Thursday.
"We had 100 gift bags that were gone in the first five minutes of the event, and the room just kept filling," Kaczmarski, 27, said. "It was amazing considering the weather forecast that night."
The pair established The Everygirl LLC in August 2011, and the online women's publication went live the following February. Within a year, the small Chicago-based company grew into a fashion, lifestyle and advice blog for "Everygirls."
"Starting the site really didn't cost us as much as it could have," Moss, 30, said. "If we weren't both graphic designers, I don't think starting the site would have been possible."
According to Moss, the duo saved $5,000 to $10,000 by designing the online publication themselves and only paying for a programmer to code the site. They began The Everygirl on a budget of less than $8,000.
With nearly one million page views per month, the site has obtained not only a national, but also an international reach. Most readers perusing content are from Chicago or New York.
Moss and Kaczmarski owed the blog's popularity to social media.
"Everything is organic," Moss said. "We've never paid for advertising... when we do features, our subjects do a great job of spreading the word and tweeting our articles."
Word-of-mouth is usually considered the best form of advertising, and social media has taken this to the next level.
"Social media has definitely had the biggest impact," Kaczmarski said.
You could say it is the new 'word-of-mouth' -- people sharing stories on Twitter and liking our links on Facebook has helped grow and garner a loyal readership. Twitter is essentially free marketing for brands, if you know how to use it.
After four months The Everygirl had caught the attention of Forbes and was honored with coveted spots on such lists as "Top 10 Sites for Millennial Women" and "Top 100 Sites for Women." Most recently DailyTekk ranked The Everygirl in the "Women" sites section alongside Gwyneth Paltrow's Goop and Zooey Deschanel's HelloGiggles in the list of "100 Best, Most Interesting Blogs and Websites of 2013."
Kaczmarski and Moss said they aspire to give 20-somethings the same guidance and lifestyle advice they wish they'd been privy to at age 23. The publication's appeal to an "Everygirl" makes it unique.
"Most of our ideas come from (1) personal experience and (2) talking to friends," Kaczmarski said.
As the youngest of three children, Kaczmarski recognizes that standing out means lengthy hours spent perfecting a skill -- as well as pushing the limits to become extraordinary. In both Moss's and Kaczmarski's interactions with writers, interns and each other, they strive to hold ideas and content to a certain standard, Kaczmarski said.
"If an idea has potential but isn't there yet, I like to promote discussion and talk about how it can be perfect. How it can have 'The Everygirl' angle," Kaczmarski said. "I think anyone who is type-A can agree that's necessary to be successful and proud of your work."
Kaczmarski's motto: "Push the boundaries, push limits and inspire."
Twenty-two-year-old Caitlin Brown substantiated the virtue of this motto. Having been one of The Everygirl's first interns in 2012, Brown saw firsthand the type of work ethic that differentiates Kaczmarski and Moss from the others.
"Even when we're watching movies together, they're always working on something whether it be a blog post, graphics or copy for a new feature on The Everygirl," Brown said.
And this type of dedication and talent is what transforms a casual conversation over coffee into a Forbes-recognized company within a year.
Photo credit: Stoffer Photography Danielle Moss and Alaina Kaczmarski at The Everygirl's first anniversary celebration at West Elm in Lincoln Park.
]]>White Sox Pitcher Chris Sale: Not Too Worried About Verducci Effecttag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2013:/theblog//3.25741902013-01-30T19:08:21-05:002013-04-01T05:12:01-04:00Leslie Reece Schichtelhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/leslie-reece-schichtel/
Anticipating the start of his third season with the White Sox, the young lefty has already established himself as an asset to the White Sox organization. Last season, he was considered for the Cy Young award, was awarded Major League Baseball Player of the Month and threw 192 innings (a 120+ increase from his first season).
Left elbow issues, though, landed him in the bullpen in May. Fortunately, his stint there was short-lived. Sale, known in part for his lankiness, has put on a few pounds and is returning as a starter full-time.
Apart from baseball, Sale and I share a certain hood-to-hood connection. Both of us call the small city of Lakeland, Florida home, and we both now live in the Chicago-area. That being said, interviewing the starting pitcher one-on-one was a unique experience.
Excerpts:
SCHICHTEL: Did you have a "welcome to the big league" moment?
SALE: First day out of the gate, I had to carry a pink princess backpack out of the bullpen with candy and Red Bull and stuff like that in it. That was definitely a welcoming gift. Other than that, the first batter I ever faced [Brian Roberts of the Baltimore Orioles] in major league baseball, I walked him on four straight pitches. My major league debut didn't go so hot.
SCHICHTEL: What is your favorite off-day activity?
SALE: Well it depends on if I'm on the road or if I'm home. If I have my family with me, we usually go to the park or to the museum or to the aquarium. We live downtown so we go to Navy Pier when it's warmer. When I'm on the road, I don't leave the hotel room at all. I watch TV, play some video games and just relax a little bit.
SCHICHTEL: Do you have a favorite place to go out or eat in Chicago?
SALE: There's actually a place RPM Italian and the Chicago Cut has some of the best steaks of all time. And then I would say just a fun, quick in-and-out place to grab beer and food would be Timothy O'Tooles -- the Irish sports pub. I live pretty close to that place so we shoot over there a lot.
SCHICHTEL: Being a fellow Lakeland-native, I must ask -- what do you like to do when you go home to Lakeland?
SALE: I usually hang out at the house and have some buddies come over -- especially now with having a son. We usually just hang out around the house and not really do too much.
SCHICHTEL: Which team is your favorite to play against?
SALE: That's hard to say. I really don't have a team that I prefer to play against. There's some cool places I like to go as far as stadiums. Camden Yards where the Orioles play just because that's where I made my debut. I have a special place for that just because that's where I first started. I like going to Detroit, too, just because it's always a heated rivalry in Detroit. The hotel is one of the nicest hotels we stay at -- and one of my favorite clubhouse crews, too.
SCHICHTEL: Which hitter has challenged you the most?
SALE: The guy that gives me the most trouble is Billy Butler from Kansas City. He's probably hit four home runs off me in two-and-a-half years. He always finds a way to eventually hit the long ball off me.
SCHICHTEL: Do you have any pre-game rituals?
SALE: Not really -- there's nothing that I really do all the time. I have my routine of stretching, but there's nothing etched in stone. I don't have any lucky socks or anything (laughs).
SCHICHTEL: What do you think of manager Robin Ventura? Does he bring more to the table since he was a former star player himself, on the White Sox no less?
SALE: He's got a great grasp of the game and leading a team. I think I can speak for everybody when I say that we all love him. He kind of brings this energy and this attitude of playing hard, working hard but still having a great time. When we aren't playing so well, he's the same guy as he is on our good days. He keeps us level and keeps everyone clicking.
SCHICHTEL: How has the transition been from bullpen to starter?
SALE: So far so good. I've really enjoyed it -- it's a different way of pitching. It's been fun for me because I get to learn a new aspect of the game. Sitting around and picking the brains of Peavy, Cooper and Thornton -- all those guys have done so much for me as far as letting me progress to where I am now. They've kinda seen and done it all. If I can pick their brains and learn from them, it will only better myself in my career.
SCHICHTEL: Sports Illustrated writer Tom Verducci has you listed on the short list of players who may fall victim to The Verducci Effect. The trend is that young pitchers who see a large increase in pitching between their first and second years tend to burnout. Do you have any concerns about this?
SALE: I haven't really done too much research on it. I don't pay attention to that honestly. I just go with the flow. I've put a lot of time and work into the off-season. I'd like to think that that's not going to happen. But there are unexpected things that happen over the course of the year, and I try to just adjust accordingly to what goes on.
SCHICHTEL: How are you going to approach this season differently? Do you anticipate any changes in your pre-game or off-days training sessions?
SALE: This year I got a trainer down in Naples in the off-season--Rick Lademann at Beyond Motion. He's been helping me out getting core strength and lower body strength, just sharpening all tools to get better and get stronger. And hopefully I'll end up throwing more innings than I did last year.
SCHICHTEL: Which current player on staff do you count on as a mentor? Are there any other pitchers in the rotation that you look up to or get advice from the most?
SALE: I would say Peavy -- Peavy and Danks, for sure. Those are the guys I spend most of my time with on and off the field. We saw each other this weekend up in Chicago for Soxfest, and once a week we see each other in off-season and we get straight to talking about pitching. It's something we all enjoy doing. They've all done it well for a long time, and getting advice from them never hurts.
SCHICHTEL: Who's the clown of the team? Do you have a prankster?
SALE: I'd say anybody on a given day is liable to do or say something funny. You know, you spend eight months with the same group of guys and everyone has their moments or their days. I'd say it's pretty open in our clubhouse.
The White Sox's official spring training season bats off on February 23 with a match-up against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
But the spring training game I'm now most excited to see? March 17. Against the Kansas City Royals. I don't know about you, but I'm anxiously awaiting the moment Sale pitches to Butler...]]>Did Manti Te'o Have a Hand in the Scam?tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2013:/theblog//3.24970472013-01-17T17:22:11-05:002013-03-19T05:12:01-04:00Leslie Reece Schichtelhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/leslie-reece-schichtel/
In his statement issued Wednesday, Te'o posits that he was indeed a victim.
To realize that I was the victim of what was apparently someone's sick joke and constant lies was, and is, painful and humiliating," he said. "This is incredibly embarrassing to talk about, but over an extended period of time, I developed an emotional relationship with a woman I met online.
His hometown of Laie believes his story, crediting him to be "open" and "trusting" and described in the L.A. Times by Makala Paakaula, a school administrator, as being "a hero and role model".
Notre Dame correctly described the hoax as a "sad, cruel game" and is continuing their investigation surrounding the scandal.
Sports journalists and the public, though, are skeptical. The Sun-Times' Rick Telander speculates that Te'o was an active agent in the falsehood with his eye on the Heisman. (A strategy that worked to some degree, considering Telander admits that he was swayed to vote for Te'o following hearing of the tragic story.)
However, other issues arise if we operate under the assumption that he was oblivious to his friends' ruse. From a personal and safety standpoint, how could Manti Te'o not have realized that she was a fabrication?
The following beg the previous question:
1. Wouldn't he have corrected the media when they continually wrote that he met her at a Stanford game? In recent interviews, Te'o asserts the relationship was strictly online and over the phone. Surely, the "straight-laced" linebacker would have ensured that all stories about him were as accurate as possible.
2. Presuming he had believed that he "met" her online, being a fairly well-known college football player, wouldn't he have Googled her for safety reasons? Google searches producing nothing more than a Twitter and/or Facebook account should have raised a red flag, especially with today's catfishing and danger involved with online dating.
3. Te'o is believed to have been entrenched in a serious, albeit online, relationship. One that he prioritized enough to stay on the phone with all night and dedicate games to after she "passed away." Upon her death, such a deep relationship would have triggered Te'o to at least want to read an obituary for closure, right? Assuming he did try to find the obit, wouldn't he have contacted the family requesting one? Or even if one can assume he missed all funeral ceremonies due to football commitments the alleged girlfriend would have wanted him to keep, wouldn't he have wanted to visit the gravesite?
Since Deadspin broke the story, questions concerning the details have yet to be satisfactorily explained. For me, it's a bit hard to swallow that Te'o was a victim considering his claimed emotional connection sans action to meet with the family following her then-believed death.]]>Planning: An Art or a Science?tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog//3.21163992012-11-13T13:23:14-05:002013-01-13T05:12:01-05:00Leslie Reece Schichtelhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/leslie-reece-schichtel/
In reality, planning isn't a tool that solves life's equations. Planning is an art -- and a peculiar art form at that. I've learned that, much like art, life isn't necessarily a problem waiting to be solved. It's an art waiting to be enjoyed for its own essence. It follows that life plans must then be fluid. They may even change day to day. Who am I to predict what will happen tomorrow? The answer's simple: I can't know until I get there.
That's the tricky part about planning. Plans disguise spells of time to be a series of cause-and-effect, leading us to consider sequences of events a science. In similar ways to any science, plans give us a certain degree of feeling powerful and in control -- positioning us as an authority in the realms of prediction and speculation. Instead, we are just as vulnerable to the tides of life with or without a plan, and the only authority we possess is in terms of our decisions and how we react to situations.
I had planned careers in law, engineering, education, marketing, public relations, and now in journalism. What has made the difference so far? A few unexpected turns. My passion and morals never wavered, they just took various forms and expressed themselves differently as my experiences broadened with maturity, a statement with which most can identify. For instance, I still want to devote my life to a meaningful purpose and goal; I will always strive to be the best I can be; I aim to make my parents proud; I trust I'll always remember those who have loved me; and I'm determined to give graciously to my community. These are the types of plans -- plans of personal spirit and moral fiber -- that merit dogged pursuit.
Wartime brings about such unexpected moments that place personal spirit and moral fiber at the forefront. During World War II, my grandfather couldn't have predicted his B-17 would be shot down over the Baltic Sea, or that the Germans would take him as a prisoner of war for the next 11 months. But this unforeseen moment changed the rest of his life. All other plans immediately changed as he fit himself to reality, living day to day simply thankful to be alive. How he reacted to this moment made him the man I knew him to be: strong, hopeful, measured, and yes, a bit stubborn.
Other unplanned moments hinge on others' decisions and acceptances, such as college, graduate school, and job opportunities. Upon entering my freshman year at Vanderbilt, I would never have expected I'd walk away an English and Communication Studies major, and I certainly couldn't have predicted that I would be entering Northwestern's Medill School of Journalism this winter. These things, as most defining moments tend, do not fall into cookie-cut plans. These moments rather upset, only to cause flashes of fortunate confusion that subsequently replace what was formerly "the best possible plan" with one even more superior.
Life isn't about adhering to one, two, or 20 versions of a plan. It's about taking opportunities as they come, breathing enduring curiosity, and building upon the next unforeseen upset. The old adage has it right; I simply interpreted it wrong. Planning our future in specifics is futile; planning our character and personal growth is self-control. And self-control is truly the only plan we need to succeed. In the same vein as any work of art, appreciate plans for what they are and leave room for spontaneous creativity. What initially strikes us as a violation of or departure from the grand plan may become the focal point of the next.
For more on wisdom, click here.]]>RateMyProfessors.com Rankings Releasedtag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog//3.18390512012-08-31T11:58:39-04:002012-10-31T05:12:02-04:00Leslie Reece Schichtelhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/leslie-reece-schichtel/rankings. While the site is predominantly utilized as a tool to help current college students strategize their way through university life, the site has compiled and released rankings that could transform otherwise unknown colleges into prospective pickings for high school seniors.
The rankings offer good news to both penny-pinching students and America at large. Less expensive alternatives to four-year institutions are considered by students to be some of the top-ranked schools. Additionally, fields known for offering the best chances of guaranteed jobs post-college tout the highest-ranked professors.
Some notable observations:
1. In an era where solid math and science students are few and far between, it may be comforting that math and science professors make up 20 of the top 50 professors. In terms of junior colleges, six of the top professors teach math and four teach science. With so many of our current math and science-focused jobs being outsourced, this could lift a few worried spirits whose eyes have been fixed on America's future in technology.
2. Going to a top-ranked school no longer necessarily breaks the bank. Distinguished college meccas such as Boston, New Haven, Chicago and St. Louis make the list; however, the schools aren't Harvard, Yale, University of Chicago, or Washington University. Instead, it is Missouri Baptist University in St. Louis (No. 6), Roosevelt University in Chicago (No. 8), University of New Haven (No. 17) and Suffolk University in Boston (No. 19). This does not mean that these colleges are better than Harvard or Yale; it simply shows that these students are happy with their professors' teaching styles and helpfulness.
For those looking to maximize use of tuition dollars and who already have a career in mind may also consider a specialization school. The advantage would be that students wouldn't waste money on classes they don't need. While some may contend that students at specialization schools may change their career paths by sophomore year, the students' high ratings reflect that they continue to be happy with their choices. For example, the rankings listed Palmer Chiropractic as No. 15 and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical as No. 16.
3. While the surprise is that the likes of Harvard, Yale, University of Chicago and Washington University in St. Louis are excluded from the list, it's not so much of a surprise that students in sunnier parts reflected well on their colleges. Both California and Florida found their way into the rankings in each category, with Florida claiming 10 of the top 25 junior college professors. Students also favorably rated other southern schools and professors in Tennessee, Texas, Georgia and Alabama.
4. If focusing on your studies curiously correlates with how hot the professor is, I suggest checking into California schools. Four of the top 10 hottest professors are located in California, with two teaching at Pasadena City College. Reviews of Hugo Schwyzer, the No. 2 ranked professor from Pasadena City College, demonstrate that a professor's attractiveness doesn't have to detract from the students' attentiveness to the actual content. While one RateMyProfessors.com reviewer dubbed him "Hotty McHot," another reckoned, "you'll be more interested in what he says than his handsomeness."
Need more proof that having a hot professor won't distract students away from their studies? Let's glance at the reviews of James Madison University's psychology professor David Daniel, the occupant of the top-rated position on the "Hottest Professors" list. Speaking for his looks, one student reviewed Daniel as "super hot"; speaking to other attributes, another student noted that as "one of the best professors at JMU... he is really funny and helpful and he actually makes you want to come to class."
5. In keeping with other lighthearted rankings, RateMyProfessors.com debuts its "Fun Lists" this year. Over the next few weeks, we will learn which professors have the largest followings on Twitter, who the Top 5 Hottest Math Professors are, who the best Professor Smiths are, along with other lists that could come in handy at the next cocktail party.
All kidding aside, what RateMyProfessors.com really proves is that students pursuing college degrees are investing themselves in their own learning environments by volunteering feedback to professors and peers. "There's no higher honor for teachers and schools than to be praised by the students who are being impacted by their influence every day," said Carlo DiMarco, senior vice president, Strategic Partnerships and Development, mtvU. "We extend our sincere congratulations to all of the professors, universities and junior colleges on our top lists."
Because most students seriously consider the site's ratings before signing up for a course, the site serves as a system of checks and balances for the professor to provide clear instructions and offer ample guidance. Regardless of what the rankings are, the site itself illustrates an unmistakable interest in education. Students recognize the importance of choosing a professor who will guide and help them grow intellectually, and the desire to help future students achieve this same goal explains the site's success. RateMyProfessors.com provides students the comfortable platform necessary to share their reviews anonymously. The idea that students realize the profound influence professors can have in their lives already points toward a brighter future.
To learn more about how RateMyProfessors.com configured these rankings, please visit: http://www.ratemyprofessors.com/methodology.jsp.]]>The Unforgettable Moments of CMA Fest 2012tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog//3.15867452012-06-11T18:04:35-04:002012-08-11T05:12:07-04:00Leslie Reece Schichtelhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/leslie-reece-schichtel/
While they may expect to hear all about the four-night headlining concerts on LP Field or celebrity gossip from the press conferences, the stories I will choose to share are about the fans and how County Music deeply affects its listeners.
When I reached my assignment location at Fan Fair Hall Saturday in Nashville's downtown convention center, I interviewed people who were waiting in lines for autographs about their experiences at CMA Fest and what they enjoyed most about the artist who stood where the lengthy lines ended.
While many in Robin Meade's area recognized her from CNN Headline News or simply found her music catchy, Matt Pekoski and Ian Foster, who serve in the armed forces, came to thank Meade for her segment, "Salute to Troops."
"We are both in the military and every single day she does 'Salute to Troops,' and when we were on the boat, we'd turn around and watch. She's the only person who does something like that every single day," Pekoski said.
Foster agreed, "We'd wake up in the Caribbean every morning with coffee, eggs and Robin Meade."
Just as Meade touched the lives of these military men, The Band Perry has touched the lives of an entire community in Georgia.
I met the Bevill family in line at The Band Perry autograph booth in Fan Fair Hall Sunday. Standing off to the side with notebook in hand, I awaited The Band Perry's arrival, allowing fans to photograph the band from inches away before I asked any for an interview.
When Kenneth Bevill approached me, he inquired as to why I was the only person feverishly scribbling in a notebook. Once I told him my reason for being there, he shared with me his. He proceeded to tell of the heartbreaking suicide of 14 year-old Sydney Sanders in Richmond Hill, Ga. in April 2011.
"I coach a softball team and one of the girls I coached committed suicide and 'If I Die Young' was played at the funeral," Bevill said. "I talked to The Band Perry's publicist and we gave her the picture of Sydney and our home address to see if she would get the picture signed and send it back to us so we can give the autographed photo to Sydney's momma."
These instances are only two of thousands, maybe even millions, of stories artists at CMA Fest's meet and greets heard about how their music deeply affected another life, and I consider myself fortunate to have met fans such as these.
As I prepare to board my flight back home, my friends and family may be disappointed when I tell them that the concerts were forgettable. I will forget Underwood's outfits, Bryan's dance moves and Gilbert's song selection. But I can promise you that I will never forget the overwhelming chills I felt when I spoke with the Bevill family about The Band Perry or the depth of gratitude in the eyes of the two military men awaiting Robin Meade to give their thanks.
Those moments with the fans were the unforgettable moments, the moments that set country music apart from other genres and explain why country is on the rise -- its music and lyrics articulate the heartbreak and hope of so many, cutting straight to the heart.]]>Emily's Southern Charm Reigns in The Bachelorette, Episode 3tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog//3.15537112012-05-29T17:39:13-04:002012-07-29T05:12:04-04:00Leslie Reece Schichtelhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/leslie-reece-schichtel/The Bachelorette is more alluring than recent seasons -- all of which now blur together as replays of the same types of dates, personalities and dramas.
Is it because the Bachelorette Emily Maynard has a child? No, former Bachelor Jason Mesnick also came as a package deal. Is it the man with the ostrich egg? No, we've had contestants commit other forms of social suicide to try to get noticed in the past (Remember Jeff, the man with the mask, in Ashley's season?).
Perhaps, it is because this season is based in the southern city of Charlotte and Emily carries with her a painful past -- yet refuses to let it overtake her. She exudes a certain dignity and confidence underscored by humility and faith. This season is fresh because Emily is the reality television star who comes the closest to representing true southern style. She handles people with class and grace, yet leaves no doubt that she will not be pushed around.
Tony, one of the contestants with a son, shares with Emily the joys and trials of being a single parent; however, he makes the fatal mistake of placing himself in the position to be mothered by Emily this week. He worked himself up over his son needing and missing him, while his son sounded very happy on the phone. On the phone call shown, Tony prompted his son to say, "I miss you." Regardless of whether Tony missed his son to the point of leaving the show or whether he was trying to use this as a point of connection with Emily, the Bachelorette's grace and class again prevailed when she shared with him her own experiences on Brad's season. In saying that she would not have stayed if she knew she was not the one for Brad while simultaneously saying he should go be with his son, Emily gently let him go.
While most might have perceived Emily's sweetness and openness as the equivalent of a pushover, think again. The beauty of southern charm is that ladies are polite, sweet and welcoming; however, do not mistake this for desperation or noncommittal to predetermined values. Emily's encounter with Alessandro sent him packing on the spot. Alessandro admitted that he saw being a father as a compromise. His concern over his future travel and business ventures seemed to be his priority, and committing to Emily and her daughter would affect this. Emily quickly asserted her values that family comes first, and she is searching for a man who would view becoming part of a family as an honor. As my brother commented during the airing, "If Alessandro wanted to use economic terms to communicate his ideas, he should have said, 'Family is an opportunity cost you don't regret.'" Yes, Alessandro, we understand that in choosing to have a family, you must give up certain aspects of your former life; however, it may have been advantageous to take Arie's delicate approach and tone in articulating your current workload and avoiding terms such as 'compromise.'
Not only did Emily handle Tony and Alessandro in remarkable fashion, but she also did the same with Kalon. To Kalon's statement, "I love it when you talk, but I wish you'd let me finish," Emily responded with subdued humor -- feigning that she had no idea he was controlling or preferred his way. And later, she coined the witty comment, "I like tall, skinny and funny, but not tall, skinny and condescending." Why he received a rose this episode is beyond me.
ABC has successfully transformed the average Bachelorette into a sort of novelty. Emily's southern roots have guided her actions and character throughout the season thus far, setting her apart from previous bachelors and bachelorettes who are now lost in the lackluster realm of reality television.
Frontrunners: Arie, Sean and Doug Need to be Eliminated ASAP: Ryan, for his narcissism and negativity toward others (reference his quote on why Arie is not Emily's type, "He's more of a dainty man, and I'm more of a physical man.") Eliminated: Alessandro, Tony and Stevie]]>5 Striking Spots for Chance Meetingstag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog//3.15493162012-05-29T12:29:27-04:002012-07-29T05:12:04-04:00Leslie Reece Schichtelhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/leslie-reece-schichtel/
Because we meet people all the time and in unlikely places, it's important to note that we are always in the public eye. It may even be wise to heed the phrase, "Always look your best. You never know who you'll meet when you're looking your worst." Looking your best, though, truly only requires a smile and a positive demeanor.
Whether we find new friends or a romantic interest, these spots are known for chance meetings.
Sporting Events
The team atmosphere has been a staple of American sports since their beginnings. People create instant bonds over loyalties to the same team, making light conversation with the people around us effortless. On an even smaller scale, becoming involved in local leagues gives you a weekly activity, exercise and opportunities to grow your social life. Especially in smaller towns, softball and kickball games lead into dinner and drinks with fellow teammates and those who came to cheer.
Community Groups
The best advice in meeting new people who share your interests and goals is to join community groups with a specific focus. For example, enjoy food and wine? Join a wine tasting club. Value civic duties and leadership? Find a local Rotary or Kiwanis club to attend.
Volunteering/Church
What's better than realizing that a potential flame shares your philanthropic or religious interest? Sticking around after church to socialize along with volunteering at local elementary schools, in retirement homes or in missions are paths to meeting people who share your core passions on a weekly basis.
Airports
Airports are known for bringing people together -- usually, though, they're known for RE-uniting us with our loved ones. However, some people actually meet their significant others on a single plane ride. Having college or interest-related paraphernalia attached to luggage or clothing can become conversation starters and break the ice for you. Additionally, Southwest Airlines' open seating policy has made it relatively easy to transition the conversation from the waiting area to the actual flight.
* The airport is a much different setting than a restaurant, church or ballgame because it is not rooted in the town itself -- it's a revolving door for people of all walks. The people I've met in airports who had become interests or great friends had always ended up going to my university or being from the same area. This goes without saying, but airports require more caution when talking to new people.
Coffee Shops
People usually don't just go to a coffee shop once; they often frequent the same one each day before work. Becoming a regular at a coffee shop opens the door for you to meet other ambitious young people. Plus, initiating a conversation in a seemingly never-ending line is natural, can ease your wait and would give you the chance to chat with a new someone.
Despite the boom of the Internet as a means of meeting others, people do still run into one another the old-fashioned way -- by crossing paths in everyday life. The above are simply avenues to those first introductions. Whether or not you take advantage of the roads you already travel is up to you.
For more on relationships, click here.]]>There's Danger in Playing Chess with Politicstag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog//3.15198702012-05-15T22:22:59-04:002012-07-15T05:12:09-04:00Leslie Reece Schichtelhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/leslie-reece-schichtel/
The beauty of America is that there is no checkmate. We might play chess with politics and with social questions, but there is never an absolute winner.
So why do we speak to one another as though we'll eventually get to checkmate? The problem is particularly acute in our political discourse, as both Republicans and Democrats try to vanquish each other, using rhetoric, negative advertisements and ad hominem arguments as pawns in an effort to catch the opponent in a misstep. During this election season, we would do well to think about what kind of discourse we want to define our nation.
Of the many factors that tempt us to lock the other political party in checkmate, our concern over revenues stands at the forefront. The media will undoubtedly profit from reframing the issues in order to cater to their target audiences, making the political game of chess more about a certain political party winning and less about how Americans can collaborate to discuss issues civilly and to improve the national climate.
The focus on the economic aspect of politics and the competitive spirit that drives each side to 'win' jeopardizes what makes this country special: the art of dialogue. Dialogue can only be productive if each side of a debate considers the other a worthy opponent. Through dialogue, each side can give, take and eventually compromise to find the best solution considering all parties involved.
This is the same point that John Dewey, the great philosopher of democracy, makes in The Public and Its Problems. Dewey emphasizes that the local community is necessary for people to gather to discuss opinions and debate positions to fuel democracy. Furthermore, Dewey contends that the communication that occurs in these local communities leads to a successful democracy: "Without such communication the public will remain shadowy and formless... Till the Great Society is converted into a Great Community, the Public will remain in eclipse. Communication can alone create a great community."
Ironically, the increased number of communication channels has only decreased the type of communication Dewey credits as the foundation of a "great community." Since the switch to the 24-hour news stations, there is more money to be made from highlighting the hype from drama to fill the news-hole than from reporting the issues as they occur. Oftentimes, the drama surrounding the issues leads liberals or conservatives to discredit the other group. Liberals try to write conservatives off as close-minded and uneducated while conservatives try to write liberals off as unreligious. This strategy automatically discounts the other group's ideas as unworthy of consideration and renders further debate useless, which only serves to dismantle the principles upon which America thrives.
Consider the response to recent coverage of North Carolina's decision to pass Amendment One, which proposed a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage. In a comment to a local article, one reader discredited conservatives in North Carolina with the sweeping conclusion, "A sad day for equality in N.C. Maybe this will wake up people who are too busy to vote... our state is in danger of becoming just another red state backwater, full of uneducated bigots, proud and confident in their ignorance and hate."
On the other side of the aisle, a commentator on an ABC News article suggested that those who opposed North Carolina's Amendment One ultimately went against God's will: "The world has changed, sadly. Just because the world has changed doesn't mean we should forget God's Word or God himself. The world has changed, but that doesn't mean we have to turn away from Christianity."
Many liberals are religious, and many conservatives are great thinkers. Are there some who identify with each category who have accepted their opinions based on others around them? Absolutely. Yet there are also those who have researched, debated and looked to history and their experiences to shape their beliefs and political positions. Both sides should be encouraged and valued, not degraded by conclusions and assumptions drawn from media headlines suggesting otherwise.
Citizens' political leanings are shaped by their personal experiences, education, upbringing and beliefs. All of these variables are significant when considering how to handle the issues facing America today -- gay marriage, abortion, even taxes. America is the land of the free, and we should focus on discovering how to mold the laws so that each person's freedoms are maximized while ensuring that another person's freedoms are not infringed upon.
Sharing perspectives, which involves listening, provides a foundation for this discovery. Both liberals and conservatives have worthy, well-thought opinions that have shaped, and will continue to shape, our past, present and future as a nation. However, degrading the opposition's intellect and stamina throws the game. In choosing to play chess with politics, in making checkmate the goal of our exchanges, we sacrifice a defining characteristic of our nation: the art of dialogue. This is a continual game of chess with gives and takes from individuals across the political spectrum. Let's aspire to preserve these democratic ideals and the sacrality of dialogue as we interact this election season.]]>God, Family, Country, Vanderbilttag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog//3.15140722012-05-14T17:18:18-04:002012-07-14T05:12:04-04:00Leslie Reece Schichtelhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/leslie-reece-schichtel/
Congratulations, Vanderbilt University. You managed to unleash 1600 more Commodores into the world to execute the motto "conquer and prevail." But Vanderbilt, you also conquered and prevailed as an institution. You somehow took 1600 talented high school seniors and transformed them into thinkers. You intimately bonded a diverse, opinionated group of students and created lifelong friendships. You ingrained the value of hard work and struggle, but not without the strong emphasis on people and relationships as the highest priority.
Many of the lessons Vanderbilt taught us took place outside of the classroom. With the Nashville Flood of 2010, student groups supported affected faculty along with organizing and volunteering in the greater Nashville community in efforts to rebuild. In addition to the value of community, we were trained to actively challenge rather than to passively accept, to spot needs, to rectify mistakes and to patiently work through painstakingly difficult problems until we reached an accurate solution.
Vanderbilt's Class of 2012, the first to graduate from the Ingram Commons, care about and respect each other unlike any other group of students I've seen. We understand the meaning of community and most importantly the characteristics that create great leaders. A leader may not necessarily be the one who has the best ideas, but is the one who understands and accepts others, is the one who unites and is the one who ensures that the talents around them are celebrated, utilized and heard. A great leader is the one who selflessly serves.
The value of community on campus is inescapable. Vanderbilt's friendly atmosphere made meeting and building relationships a daily occurrence. I became close with many of the employees and continued forging friendships with other students up until the very last moment. If I were to regret anything, it would be that I did not meet some people sooner. Continuing these new friendships may not be effortless; however, I trust that because Vanderbilt brought us together, they will be rewarding.
Not only did the emphasis on community resound within the campus but also within the very structure of Vanderbilt's orientation and graduation weeks, making the entire college experience come full circle. Orientation four years ago consisted of endless social events and activities, along with inspirational lectures to explain what it meant to become a Commodore: honor, service, community and scholarship. Being from a large family, the graduations of my older siblings focused primarily on receiving their diplomas. Not Vanderbilt. Vanderbilt's graduation revolved around receptions, parties and more wisdom-filled lectures, turning the usual half-day graduation ceremony into a three-day celebration of community and commissioning us to live lives of significance.
Tom Brokaw, our senior day speaker, recounted the work ethic and character that the greatest generation, our grandparents, embodied. Though we have neither been through World War II nor had to suffer through the Great Depression, many of the values Mr. Brokaw emphasized are true of Vanderbilt's culture. I echo his challenge for this generation to become the next greatest generation. And with Vanderbilt's influence, I believe that this is realistic and possible.
In placing some of this nation's brightest in the presence of brilliant professors and in an environment where service and relationships are valued, humility and cooperation replaces the arrogance and cutting competition that characterize many other top universities. Because of this, I consider my classmates to be exceptions to the stereotype of lazy, instant-gratification chasers that my generation has unfortunately been identified as.
Students who walk through West End's gates will be met with talent and honor.
For those joining Vanderbilt's Class of 2016, congratulations! You have placed yourselves into one of the finest environments to not only learn among the brightest, but also gain the tools with which to become valuable citizens. Recognizing that the former is worthless without the latter will be your very first lesson.
Just as the love of God, family and country has shaped my life, so too, have you, Vanderbilt. Because of the way you have influenced me, I add you to the list. Thus, my loyalties lie with God, family, country and Vanderbilt. Go 'Dores!]]>Your Game Plan to Conquer Finals Weektag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog//3.14352952012-04-18T17:18:38-04:002012-06-18T05:12:02-04:00Leslie Reece Schichtelhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/leslie-reece-schichtel/
7. Switch locations as you transition between subjects.
Personally, I am a coffee shop studier, so I have a set line-up before I hit the books of which spot corresponds to which class. If the library is more your style, at least take a break from the stacks for a bit. If your university has multiple libraries, stretch your legs and mobilize. Compartmentalizing subjects via location-changes helps separate the overwhelming amount of information you are bound to cram in a short period of time.
6. Set immediate incentives.
Once you get through x amount of chapters in a certain class for the final, take a break and go for a run or a swim. If you are really cutting it close on time, have your favorite take-out restaurant in mind as an incentive. There's no shame in using your next meal as a source of excitement!
5. Create a study playlist.
The playlist must be strategically crafted. The goal of this is to place you in the proper mindset. Decide whether you operate best under a happy, relaxed environment or under a more competitive, pressurized one. Any song that heightens your preference should be included.
Personal favorites: Legally Blonde: The Musical soundtrack, especially "Chip on Your Shoulder," "What You Want" and "So Much Better"; "Eyes Open" by Taylor Swift
4. Distance yourself from addictive social media.
That's right, you'll need to shut down your social life for the next week or so. This may mean deactivating Facebook or entrusting a pal to switch your password if you don't have the strength to do it yourself. Ladies, your Pinterests will still be there when you return. As for your Twitter account, there's no need to tweet that you are busy working -- your tweets may only distract other weak-willed followers by prolonging their procrastinations.
3. Adopt a game-time perspective.
Love sports? Make studying for the exam synonymous to practicing for a big game or meet. Have a pre-study routine to set you in attack-mode. After all, your mission come exam-day is to get as many points as you can and get out as quickly as possible.
Tip: Calculate the number of points you will need to score your desired final grade. Once you are confident that you hit that number on the exam, feel free to head for the door to make your getaway.
2. Fake it 'til you make it.
Hate the current class you're studying for? Pretend you enjoy it for the hours you study and the time you spend taking the final. It may be tough, but can only improve your score (and attitude!).
1. Add Baileys to your coffee.
This is for that final hour when you realize that the class is beyond the scope that the mantra "fake it 'til you make it" covers. This #1 tip is self-explanatory; however, be careful, a little goes a long way. The goal with Baileys 'n coffee is to alleviate your temporary state of misery and prolong your tolerance toward the books, not destroy your chances of showing up for tomorrow's final.]]>The Hunger Games & the Race Issuetag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog//3.14074552012-04-06T19:19:54-04:002012-06-06T05:12:01-04:00Leslie Reece Schichtelhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/leslie-reece-schichtel/
That being said, I was stunned to read tweets from fellow fans of The Hunger Games commenting on Rue's skin color. (For those of you who need a bit of updating, Rue is the little girl who assists Katniss in the games by warning her of the tracker jackers and is the brains behind the ointment that saved both Katniss and Peeta's lives.) Once the movie premiered, a portion of the audience believed that the producers had unjustly cast African Americans for the parts of Rue (Amandla Stenberg) and Thresh (Dayo Okeniyi), taking to Twitter as a platform to vent over this seeming mistake. Some manifestations of their anger include:
"I'm still pissed that Rue is black."
"Ewwww rue is black?? I'm not watching."
"Why does rue have to be black not gonna lie kinda ruined the movie."
"Why did the producer make all the good characters black?"
"Why is Rue a little black girl? Stick to the book, dude."
A voice of reason rose to Rue and Thresh's defenses by blogging, "The reactions are all based on feelings of disgust... These people are MAD that the girl that they cried over while reading the book was 'some black girl' all along. So now they're angry. Wasted tears, wasted emotions... This is a BIG problem."
This blogger is correct: this is an astronomical problem. For people to see qualities in characters and then, once race enters the picture, disclaim previous feelings of admiration, is a matter that insists we discern the progress we think ourselves to have made from the progress we have truly made, in valuing people based on how they can better society versus how society views them.
Because Suzanne Collins describes Rue to be of "dark brown skin," some readers may not have realized that this depiction is just as much another way to describe African Americans as "pale coloring" would be to describe Caucasians. Instead of blatantly stating that these characters are indeed black, Collins forces readers to evaluate their individual intelligences, moral characters and personalities based on the characters' actions instead of appearances. Kudos to Collins; she portrays Rue based on her ability to pick berries and create ointments that heal Katniss' and later Peeta's wounds. Because of Rue's pivotal position in the book, audience members become invested in her character, the way we would with any other good-willed person.
The reality is, Americans seem to be still hung up on the idea that skin color, and even gender, is a better way to define someone rather than defining them by their achievements, potential, intelligence or moral character. Too often are women degraded and objectified in the media, are blacks portrayed as less intelligent than whites and are men praised as leaders and active agents. Collins takes this opportunity to overthrow these traditions by giving Katniss sizable power, Peeta vulnerability and Rue an opportunity to bask in the admiration of millions.
Outside of the entertainment industry, discrimination still permeates other worlds, such as politics. All political leanings aside, when the United States elected Barack Obama to be President in 2008, many of the discussions in my classes revolved around the progress African Americans had made in finally gaining equality. I disagreed. We should not fool ourselves into believing that the race issue had disappeared when, upon electing an African American to be president, headlines read, "Obama, first black president" and reactions to the election were not that we had elected a fit executive, but that we had "overcome" racism to an uncharted extent. Would we have seen headlines that read, "George Washington, first white president?" Of course not. Whenever the coloring of a person's skin is used as an adjective in a headline, it becomes a means to define him or her. In turn, these adjectives play into readers' associations. The recent race issue with The Hunger Games unveils just how discriminatory the eyes through which some view other races are.
If Hunger Games fans would like to argue about any of the movie's distortions of the book, they should instead be enraged over the movie skewing the storyline of Haymitch's hand in the love conspiracy. No parachute appeared with the sleeping drug for Peeta, and no conversation of any great length occurred over Haymitch acting upon the star-crossed lovers idea as simply a way to keep the District 12 tributes alive. Instead, the audience leaves with the impression that Peeta and Katniss genuinely care for each other, which is certainly not the case at the conclusion of the book.
]]>The College Senior's Bucket Listtag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog//3.13955002012-04-03T14:42:48-04:002012-06-03T05:12:01-04:00Leslie Reece Schichtelhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/leslie-reece-schichtel/
My mind spins back to three years ago; I am standing outside of Stambaugh dormitory on the new all-freshman Commons campus and wondering how I would meet friends on such a huge, unfamiliar campus. Fighting weekly homesickness and struggling with challenging courses eventually both strengthened my confidence and also compelled me to rely on others for support, guidance and even criticism. What once seemed un-navigable became familiar and the courses that once seemed impossible became stimulating and exciting.
Now, as time in Nashville slips away from me, I'm beginning to face the truth: graduating and moving away from a college-town is much different from graduating high school and moving away from a hometown.
When I left my small school and home in Lakeland, Florida, I left with the knowledge that I would be coming back for Fall Break, Thanksgiving Break, Christmas Break and Spring Break, and that I would always be able to freely come home to see family and friends. However, when I leave Vanderbilt this May, I do not leave with the same comfort. I do not know exactly when I'll be back or if I will see some of my dearest friends altogether again. Rather, I leave with the knowledge that I have met some of the best people I know so far, including both professors and peers, and that I have an education that is not only applicable to the real world but also one for which I worked hard to earn.
College also brings people closer together than high school does. While in high school, I would see friends at school, at swim team practices and possibly on the weekends if our schedules permitted, but it was my family I would come home to each evening to discuss the day's events, eat dinner and relax before saying our prayers and calling it a night.
College reverses the friend/family dichotomy to an extent. In college, friends become a kind of family unit. We live together, work together, eat together, laugh together, go to church together and cry together. And I could not be prouder, or happier, to call Vanderbilt my family.
For all college seniors, I encourage you to create a bucket list if you have not already. These next few weeks are the last we have in this phase of our lives. Reliving college traditions with the people who made college not only enjoyable, but unforgettable, one more time before throwing the cap up in the air may help alleviate the process of letting go.
As for rising college students, embrace your new family. New opportunities run rampant, yet are sometimes hidden in the midst of our fears of rejection, among other insecurities. Be open to new experiences, fresh faces and chances to learn more about yourself and the world.
In the meantime, seniors, here are a few ideas to enhance your bucket lists.
TO-DO BEFORE GRADUATION
1. Reconnect with the people who made freshman year slightly less scary
2. Plan a road-trip with your three closest friends
3. Go to all of your favorite restaurants (as much as possible)
4. Try out a few new restaurants, time permitting
5. Print pictures posted on Facebook and create a scrapbook or photo album
6. Plan with friends to return for Homecoming in the fall
7. Create a bucket list to pass down to another younger student
Regardless of what may come post-graduation, I will leave Nashville knowing that I will always be cheering for the 'Dores and bleeding black and gold. The only real difference is that in the future, I will join other alumni, cheering from the other side of the line.]]>ABC's The Bachelor: A Reflection of College Romancetag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog//3.13442392012-03-14T16:35:04-04:002012-05-14T05:12:01-04:00Leslie Reece Schichtelhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/leslie-reece-schichtel/The Bachelor concluded on March 12 and as my final year as a college student winds down, I have recognized that the troubles plaguing relationships following the television show resemble the trajectories of relationships I have seen during college. These two sets of relationships fall victim to the same fatal flaw: Both are based on limited interactions and are established within carefully selected settings.
College and The Bachelor exist outside of reality -- in other words, each environment is contained within its own artificial bubble. None of the participants in either world deal with the range of issues normally faced in everyday life. Both worlds remain free of weighty responsibilities, which normally serve to test the strength of relationships. Moreover, every day seems to bring new, exciting challenges that prevent relationships from moving past those first few weeks of infatuation. And, most importantly, these two worlds conveniently produce eligible individuals that fuel a competitive dating environment, unheard of in post-college life.
As college students, we are challenged intellectually with new ideas, new readings and new assignments in the classroom alone. Outside of our studies, we turn to Greek life, extra-curricular activities and intramurals to offer instant friends and entertainment.
As far as responsibilities go, most college kids are only accountable for themselves and their educations. Many of my friends, including myself, rely heavily on parents for financial help. We do not worry about food, clothing, paying rent or even stress-relieving outings. For the time being, we avoid the monotony, and at times loneliness, that a stable, nine-to-five job accompanies.
Not only does a university quench our thirst for knowledge and excitement, but it also lays the foundations for exhilarating dating cultures. Especially at Vanderbilt, beautiful and intelligent women are the norm (and the majority), all vying for the few eligible gentlemen's attentions. After college, I doubt I will be surrounded with as many brilliant, beautiful women in such close quarters as I have been at Vanderbilt; thus, easing the immediate competition that college dating presents.
Cue The Bachelor. All candidates share the same goal of falling in love. All have been selected based on their compatibilities with the 'Bachelor,' creating a space much like a university in that there is an admissions process to choose members according to a predetermined goal and culture. Much like college-life, the women in the Bachelor mansion have instant companions at the house, eager to share in the day's events or add to the drama with snide remarks. The producers of the show become these "college students'" metaphorical parents, providing food, shelter and prepared, romantic dates with the eligible man of the hour.
In both the university and The Bachelor, people come to believe that their significant others are truly who they present themselves to be based on a single, pre-determined setting. However, behaviors change with settings. Courtney's behavior in the presence of the other women at the house did not resemble her behavior when she was alone with Ben on dates. Ultimately, settings limit the interactions and depth of relationships.
So, you ask, what happened to transform Ben and Courtney's dispositions from seemingly smitten to devastatingly somber in Monday's "After the Final Rose" special? The setting had changed; their relationship was brought into the harsh light of the real world.
No longer were there extravagant, pre-planned dates in Switzerland. No longer were there 24 other women to make Ben that much more attractive or Courtney that much more elusive. Life's responsibilities and monotony replaced the sheltered and thrilling adventures that the television show had once offered.
Is this to say that college relationships, like many of the Bachelor couples, are doomed? Absolutely not. I only assert that the transition from college to adulthood will test the most 'ideal' relationships, just as the transition from the Bachelor mansion to reality continues to try Courtney and Ben's relationship. Promising another person forever is not to be taken lightly; the versatility, and success, of a couple comes at a premium while transitioning between two disparate environments.]]>
