Change ...Good or Bad?

           I do not agree with Williams Deresiewcz's position in his article titled Faux Friendship. He brings up the idea that friendship in itself has changed over time. I agree with that idea. However, the author implies that somehow this change is a bad thing. One may ask themselves by reading this article if change is a good or bad thing. Change is neither a good or a bad thing.
            It is a known fact that in life things change, people change, and it is not a surprising factor that  we operate our friendships differently in today's society. In the article Deresiewicz states that the ancients friendships were rare, precious, and hard-won. Is he implying that since we have newer technology and different means of communicating that we no longer have rare, precious, and hard-won friendships? He also bring up the christian model of relationships. However, this has nothing to do with social networking.
            Social networking is designed to help people connect faster and more efficiently. This takes away from nothing being that we still have access to the previous models of communication that were exhibited prior to our current generation.

-Ryan Gates

Social Networking has good points and bad.  I can keep up with friends and family that live in other parts of the country.  I can comment on the accomplishments of friends’ children or make wisecracks about their comments.  It is a break in a monotonous day or a pick me up.  However, young people are losing an opportunity to get to know other people in a more personal way. Making a contact by reaching out and shaking hands or giving a hug is something special.  My 82 year old mother wanted to learn how to use email because the church newsletter is now sent by email.  The choir director had to call her to let her know what the choir would be doing for the month.  Her complaint was that she likes talking to people.  She wants the interaction she had with the church secretary and the choir director.  She misses the phone calls. Social networking is causing people to miss out on something very, very important… personal touch.

By Jane Adamson-Merrill

The Swans of CSU

When you think of Clayton State University (CSU), what visual images come to mind?  Students gathered in the quadrangle talking and laughing, the beautiful wooded campus, or the modern, brand-new buildings are just a few that popped into my thoughts.  CSU does not have the storied history of schools like William and Mary, Harvard or Notre Dame but the supporters of my soon to be alma mater are not to be out done.

 One of the memories that I will take with me are of the images of the swans silently paddling around Swan Lake.  There are photographs of these iconic birds all over campus.  In the halls of the buildings, large poster size photographs adorn the walls.  On the brochures advertising the many advantages of an education from CSU are tranquil pictures of the lake.  The S.W.A.N is the acronym for the Secure Web Access Network that the students and faculty use for access to the many computer based portals used on the campus.

The first swans were donated by a professor in 1995 and they were named Rhett and Scarlett.  Rhett was killed by a dog while defending the nest and since then there have been several replacements all with names from the book Gone With The Wind.[1]  It is a common sight to see photographers wandering around the lake snapping pictures of these magnificent birds.  The students will sit on the park benches to read or watch.  I have taken leisurely strolls around the lake snapping pictures and stopping to reflect on the time that I have spent at CSU.  As one of the swans glides elegantly by, I note that this will be the image I take with me.

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[1]  "Legends." 2012. Clayton State University. 21 January 2012 http://www.clayton.edu/about/university/legends.

A Recipe For Success

When I try to think of an image that properly represents what Clayton State University means to me, the first thing that comes to my mind is a huge pot. While the swans, the lakes, the blue and orange school colors, and the Laker mascot are all visual images that stand out, Clayton State is so much more. I guess to a young and eager freshman, all of these things do make up our school. However, I am not a traditional student, so my perspective is a little different.

When I first moved to Clayton county twenty-two years ago, Clayton State University was Clayton Community College. I was only sixteen at the time and was preparing to go off to college. Clayton Community College was not even on my short list of schools to attend. I wanted to experience dorm life and all of the other activities that a four year institution had to offer. Clayton Community College offered none of these things.

As the years passed, this little unknown community college changed. It became a full four year college. Clayton State University grew in leaps and bounds. All of a sudden, there were four year degree programs, sorrorities, fraternities, and even dorms. People from all over were choosing to make Clayton State University the college of their choice. Young people were excited by the thought of attending CLSU.

Because of the peaceful environment that CLSU is nestled in, it also appeals to many non-traditional students like myself. When I step into my classrooms here at CLSU, I find myself among all types of people. There are young and older people. There are students of all ethnic backgrounds. This is also true of the faculty here. This is why I think of a pot whenever I think about Clayton State University. Clayton State is a huge melting pot that contains many different ingredients. In the near future, I can see my school contending with the bigger universities because in our very diverse melting pot, we are cooking up one sweet recipe of success.

                                                                                                                      By: Tamika R. Huff