Finals Week

Stressing, studying, think think thinking. So much stress in just two weeks. In these two weeks I prove that I have been paying attention in class and diligently reading my books. Sure, I haven't necessarily been to every class and I may have skipped a chapter or two, but now I get to catch up and show them what a genius I am. Now I get to see if those nights I chose to stay in instead of party really paid off and they will because I have high goals... except maybe in math. Today is my first final exam for my ecology lab and like always I've put studying for it last minute. I am studying for it now, but as I'm looking at the material I have a feeling that these two weeks are going to go a lot smoother than I thought and I am going to end up prouder of myself than I believed I could. I just hope this feeling is right. Now enough writing about studying and actually getting to it!

No place like home... for the holidays only please

I’m Puerto Rican so I have a very extensive family. And most times I just want to run away from them all, pretend like they don’t exist. But every year when it comes time for the holidays, meaning the important ones like Thanksgiving and Christmas, there is nothing more I love than to be smothered and surrounded by the hundreds of people that are related to me in some way or another and feel that because of this relation they have some say in my life and what I do with it.

I just cannot imagine Thanksgiving without a full house and too much food that somehow manages to get completely devoured. Without the craziness, I feel it would not be the holidays.

The same goes for Christmas. I can’t picture a Christmas without every child running around like a crazy person barefoot and screaming, wrapping paper floating behind them. I used to be one of them and I have so much love for these memories.

My family may be huge and irritating and meddlesome and critical but they are also loving and forgiving and loyal and definitely a force to be reckoned with.  I wouldn’t trade my family for any other as hodgepodged and crazy as they are. It just makes me sad that it takes a major family holiday for me to realize that. I really will try to remember it more often

Medical Marijuana

As a child, I was always told that the reason marijuana is deemed illegal is because of the dangers it poses to my health. However, as I got older, I found out that marijuana is sometimes prescribed legally by physicians after certain kinds of medical procedures or for specific medical conditions. If marijuana is so harmful to a person’s health, why is it that doctors prescribe it for medical purposes? Are doctor’s putting their patients at risk? I decided to research what the medical uses of marijuana are, how they positively and negatively affect the patient and how effective its use medicinally is.

The first thing I looked into was the history of marijuana use in medicine. According to Sula Benet in her paper “Early Diffusion and Folk Uses of Hemp” (hemp being another name for the cannabis drug), the drug originated in Asia and Africa, working its way into Europe as a kind of “cure-all” medicine because of the properties it had on the user. It was used after pregnancies, for headaches, earaches, tranquilizer, prevent convulsions, and even fevers. For a very long time, marijuana was used only for medicinal or spiritual purposes. It was not until very recently that people began using it recreationally and the question of health risks came into play.

I felt that I needed more current information about how marijuana is used in the medical field now. On ProCon.org I found out that it is used for a variety of different diseases and medical conditions from Tourette’s , migraines and arthritis to more serious diseases like multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, Alzheimer’s and AIDS.  Basically the calming effect of the cannabis drug helps these patients by subduing some of their more severe and uncomfortable symptoms of their disease such as getting rid of migraines by releasing pressure built up from stress, behavioral problems, nervous tics, and even, surprisingly enough, balance. 

The Americans for Safe Access (ASA) states in a booklet of theirs, “Cannabinoids have been shown in animal models to measurably lessen [multiple sclerosis] symptoms and may also halt the progression of the disease. In Maria Ceballos, PhD’s article “Prevention of Alzheimer’s disease Pathology by Cannabinoids: Neuroprotection Mediated by Blockage of Microglial Activation" published in the Journal of Neuroscience in February 2005, she argues that “cannabinoids succeed in preventing the neurodegenerative process occurring in the disease." However, Helen Phillips in her 2009 article, “Medical Cannabis Is a Blunt Tool,” published in New Scientist magazine states that THC, the chemical in marijuana that has such a controversial effect on humans, creates problems between the signals from our brain to our nervous systems and other parts of our bodies affected by these diseases using prescription marijuana.

As a kid and teenager, many “effects” of marijuana were told to us about the effect of marijuana on our bodies and to our health by our parents, teachers, and the media. For example, if you smoke, then your DNA will change. If you smoke, then your grades and attitude about life will go down, or if you smoke, you will get fat. Also, if you smoke, you will become addicted. After a lot of research I found that the only one myth that I had been told was true: if you smoke, you take the risk of acquiring a respiratory infection or even developing lung cancer.  According to a survey done by Joel Simon Hochman, M.D. in his book Marijuana and Social Evolution, many college students saw an increase in their grades mostly because of their positive outlook on life after they started smoking on a regular basis. B.R. Elejalde disproves the myth that using marijuana can change your chromosomes in his article “Marijuana and Genetic Studies in Colombia: The Problem in the City and in the Country.” What did cause abnormalities in those who smoked were those that also tried more synthetic drugs like LSD. The problem there is that marijuana is sometimes seen as a “gateway drug” but it does not actually do the damage of the drugs most commonly tried after it. In fact, Elejalde proves that marijuana has no negative effects on DNA, reproductive capabilities or libido whatsoever.

Different views exist on whether the use of cannabis as a medicine is safe or not, however I feel that the arguments made against have not been very strong or well-informed. For example, in the Eagle Forum, the brochure “Facts You Need to Know About Marijuana” mentions that it has ill effects on a person’s chromosomes, reproductive organs, and lungs. On the other hand, Frank Lucido, M.D. says in his article "Implementation of the Compassionate Use Act in a Family Medical Practice” that cannabis has historically been safe and effective as far as medicine goes, that it might be a more cost-effective solution than other pharmaceutical drugs, and it might possibly have less negative side-effects.

Finally, to conclude my research, I went straight to the source of my questioning: an officer who helps out with the D.A.R.E. programs at schools. I confronted him with the research I had found regarding marijuana use, the ill effects, and positive effects. Then, I asked him whether there would honestly be any problem with using marijuana, as far as a person’s health is concerned, as long as it was not smoked, but rather taken orally. His opinion was that, although he felt that it should not be used medicinally, the health effects would be greatly decreased because the chances of developing lung cancer would diminish.

After conducting all of my research I was able to determine that marijuana is a natural drug that has been used for centuries all over the world to cure all sorts of ailments that affect humans on a regular basis. I found that studies are being conducted to see how helpful the cannabis drug can be in preventing, stopping or halting the acceleration of more serious medical conditions and that thus far, not enough studies have been made or completed. I also was able to discover that many of the effects told to us as children are not true and have been scientifically proven so.

My research has led me to think that more research should be done regarding the medicinal uses of cannabis. Perhaps those in the past were right and this natural drug is an answer to all our problems. Or maybe it just can help ease the pain and comfort those that have serious ailments. However, I do feel that it should not be handed out to just anyone who gets a headache, or at least should have some laws that come with it. Just like alcohol, marijuana does impair the user and therefore no one should drive or operate heavy machinery while under its effects. Also, if more research is done, scientists may be able to find a way to use marijuana without any harmful effects to a person’s long-term health.

Phi Mu Definition

The definition of a Phi Mu girl: Cute enough to make you look twice, Sweet enough but not too nice, A lil crazy but not to wild, The kind of girl that will make you SMILE. A girl who believes in the basis of Love, Honor, & Truth. A girl that is cute but not a push over. Respected yet fun to hang out with. A lady that is dressed to impress, that can still make you laugh.

Creepers

The very strangest people insist on occupying this Earth with me. I don't know if anyone else has quite as many experiences with creepers or maybe they just aren't as aware of it as I am, but at least once a day I encounter a creeper. It's like a rule for my life or something! Today I was driving to this appointment I had to go to for work and, as I was waiting in a turn lane, I caught this guy in the adjacent lane looking at me and when he realized I had caught him he pointed at me and waved and gave me some weird creep-o smile, so I could do absolutely nothing else but smile sorta kinda funny back at him and wave like I was weirded out, which I totally was! So I carefully ignored him for the rest of the time but I sneaked a peak as I was turning and the dude was on his phone, smiled at me again and pointed at me like he was talking about me or something... Very strange people out in this world. And, Creeper, if you are reading this: next time please roll down your window and say something to make me NOT think you are a creeper. OK, bye now :)

Sisterhood

It's been a while since I last wrote. Life started to catch up with me and since I can't sleep right now (damn insomnia) I guess I should tell the world about what I've learned in the past month or so. I recently joined a sorority called Phi Mu (for more info check out their website www.phimu.org) and I've been experiencing what it is like to have sisters.

To some people joining a sorority is like joining a cult. Some don't see the point since they are already a sister to someone. I joined Phi Mu because I wanted to meet and get to know a group of girls with ideals similar to mine, who will have my back when I need it and who give me something to look forward to each week and Phi Mu has not disappointed me thus far.

For the couple of weeks that I have been a member of Phi Mu Theta Gamma I have learned so much about some of these girls and gotten to be very close to a few. And I've felt accepted and wanted and sometimes even needed. Being in a sorority is more than just being a clique. It's about learning how to make your own family, because I do believe that you can make your own family.
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Being in a sorority has made me involved in ways that I never knew was possible. I am going to be dancing in a homecoming performance! And I will be participating in community service activities on campus. Its gotten me to be more social with other people. And I haven't found it hard at all to make new friends. And it has taught me to be a leader. For once in my life I ran for a position on a council. I am one of the proud historians of the pledge class of 2010! I know it isn't president or anything but it puts me out there. And I am proud of my position.

The point is there is more to being a sister than partying it up, getting good grades and making connections. In just a couple of weeks, I've made friends that I know will be for life, that help me when I am in need.

Sisterhood is about being able to be yourself with your sisters and them loving you for exactly that person that you are, no matter how wacky, nerdy, or high strung that person might be. Sisterhood is believing that your sisters can do things that they have never done before because they are willing to try and get up there when no one else was. Sisterhood is about family, trust, love and loyalty.

As a sister I can not talk about certain things because they are sacred and secret and I have made a promise and a bond to my sisters that I refuse to break, but just no this:
Being a Phi Mu, even just a provisional member, has made me the happiest I have been in a long time and I wouldn't trade my bid or my decision to rush for any other. I know I have made ht right choice and that great experiences, life lessons and family are about to come my way.

Truth, Honor, Love. Phi Mu

Now a Part of the Workforce

As of this weekend I officially joined the millions of Americans who are happily or unhappily a part of that which we call the workforce. I had lots of fears about having a job, no matter how much I wanted one or needed one.For instance, I was terrified that I couldn't do the job, that I wouldn't be capable because I would be too stupid or whatever (I know, stupid, but that's how it is). And then I was also worried that I would be focusing too much on work and that I wouldn't have time for school or my friends. That my grades would drop and I'd be stuck in some two-bit job for the rest of my life because I flunked out of college. Or that I would lose all my friends because I was working constantly and I would steadily become this unhappy person that all they had in their life was work and school. I didn't realize that my time management skills are much better than I thought. Even working 14 hours this weekend I managed to finish all the schoolwork I needed to complete, sleep enough and hang out with my friends. All of my friends. And next weekend I feel I wil do just as well. I've sort of made up a kind of life schedule for myself. Where I need to do at least one social thing a week, one school event a week and have one day a week where I sleep in. Then all the rest of the time I can focus on school and work and I will still have a life. I feel like I have finally started accomplishing something in my life. Now I have school and a job and all I need to do is start incorporating art into my life again and it will all go perfectly. And I have a feeling that I'll be able to figure out how to figure that in.Once I have, my life is on track and actually have a life.

One of Those Days

I'm just having one of those days that makes you feel all out of sorts. You know. When you sit back and realize that today is just not your day and just maybe you should not have stepped forth. It started last night when I couldn't find clothes for my new job at a price I could afford, continued when I realized I had left my lunch box behind in class. Then this morning I didn't sleep as late as I could have because even my body is rebelling against me. And when I went to make my lunch, I had to end up taking a ham and cheese sandwhich since I couldn't find a tupperware that fit inside my tiny Snoopy tine can lunch box. I got into several nasty little snippets with my grandmother which I'm sure I'll hear about later from my mother and then it started raining after my first class when I had to get stuff from my car parked all the way at the opposite end of the Univerity of course. And as I finally get to my car... It stops raining!!! After I've already gotten soaking wet THEN the skies open up to let the sun out! The injustice of it, I'm telling you. Now when I check my e-mail, of course my math proffessor sent me an e-mail long after I had already gone to sleep for the night so I don't have what I need printed out for class and then I'm behind on my6 schedule for reading for my geography class (which has been the only highlight of my day) and that time of the month is quickly approaching. I almost slipped and died right in front of Graham Center and I wasn't even running. I have a party to go to tonight that I'm seriously reconsidering since I just may get slipped something today since it seems to be my day for horribleness. Come on world! Let's see what else you can throw at me....

When You Learn Something New

I find it interesting how, when you learn or discover something new, that has always existed or has existed for is not a new concept, it seems to follow you around and make itself as obviously there as possible. For example, in my Geography class, I recently learned the term globalization and all the little nuances that fall under that term. Now, globalization has existed for longer than I can even trace my ancestors and I know that I participate in it every day, but I never realize how much a part of my daily life and the world it was a part of until I learned about it in class. Now, it's like every day I notice something, or several things, that have to do with globalization: Facebook, the kids at my school, eating at McDonalds, buying products at WalMart. Every time I look at the tags on my clothes and toys and pens and everything that has a "Made in China" or Made in Indonesia" or wherever it was made, I'm aware of how that is globalization and all the effects that it implies. It's almost the same, except on a less serious scale, as when I was in middle school and I discovered Converse sneakers for the very first time. I'm sure everyone wore them before I learned about them. Maybe even people that were close to me. I just never seemed to notice them until my sixth grade year and then I was like "woah!" She's wearing them and he's wearing them too! What a coincidence? Not really. They were a pretty common shoe, just not for me at the time. I don't know if it's like that for everyone, but I know that every time I learn something that seems to have an impact on me or that really sticks in my head all of a sudden I see it everywhere. I see globalization in the book I read for pleasure and in the newspaper and on Facebook. I see Converse on everyone I meet and in stores, in magazines, etc. I just find it kind of amazing that the things you learn can actually open your eyes to the world. I makes me feel like maybe I just did learn something new

Doing What You Love Matters Most

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/26/education/26HUMANITIES.html?_r=1&sq=The%20Humanities%20for%20Love,%20Not%20Money&st=cse&adxnnl=1&scp=1&adxnnlx=1282914130-FVvGqAPbzl7AgpPW9Y4pUg

I just finished reading an article from the New York Times ( I know I'm one of the few weirdo 18 year olds who actually read the newspaper) and fell in love with this it! It talks about how all the statistics point to the fact that interest in degrees in the humanities and arts are growing after the recession. I've always thought it was more important to do what you love rather than what was going to make you a millionaire. I figure that if you are doing what makes you happy, everything else will just fall into place, and honestly, I've heard being a millionaire isn't all it's cracked up to be anyway. I'm so glad to see the growing trend of lawyers, doctors, and business-people who continue their education and decide to look into a field in the arts or humanities. Few people realize how important they really are, but when you think about it, our society and cultures would not be the way they are without our basic knowledge of the arts and humanities and a desire to delve more deeply into that knowledge, regardless of the kind of pay you know you will be receiving, I respect that so much. So to all my family that put down my goals of getting an art degree with a minor in art history and business, here's to you: I'm going to do what I love, I'm going to love what I do and I'm going to be so much happier than the rest of America!