4A - Friday, September 7, 2012
The Michigan Daily - michigandailycom
4A - Friday, September 7, 2012 The Michigan Daily - michigandailycom
Edited and managed by students at
the University of Michigan since 1890.
420 Maynard St.
Ann Arbor, MI 48109
tothedaily@michigandaily.com
ASHLEY GRIESSHAMMER
JOSEPH LICHTERMAN and ADRIENNE ROBERTS ANDREW WEINER
EDITOR IN CHIEF EDITORIAL PAGE EDITORS MANAGING EDITOR
Unsigned editorials reflect the official position of the Daily's editorial board.
All other signed articles and illustrations represent solely the views of their authors.
Resist "Temptation"
Don't chant "You Suck" at tomorrow's game
or anyone who's been to a Michigan football game in recent
years, there's a peculiar tradition in which the student section
chants "You Suck," to the tune of "Temptation." It's a student-
made tradition that many enjoy, but it's also a tradition that can make
our University appear petty. It's uncommon in the world of sports for
teams and fans to come together and agree to cut down on negativ-
ity and trash talk. It's all part of the game, right? It doesn't have to be.
And that's why Michigan students should be commended for starting
a movement aimed at banning "You suck" at the Air Force game on
Saturday.
Decisively undecided
returned to Ann Arbor a
. changed student. Yes, I'm a
year older, a year wiser and
all the other
philosophical
wisdom people
mutter about.
But most impor-
tantly, I came
back to campus
with a clear idea
of where I want
to be and what I SARAH
want to do. SKALUBA
For those of
you silently judg-
ing the fact that I'm an undeclared
junior, pardon me. But unfortunate-
ly, I was in the ranks of freshmen
that come through the University's
doors with a cookie-cutter plan and
a declared concentration.
The first year of college as an
undeclared student is a breeze. Peo-
ple ask what you're studying, you.
reply you're undecided. They quickly
take pity, "don't worry - you still
have so much time." Well, let me tell
you a secret I've learned since then:
They're wrong. Your collegiate years
do indeed fly by. My freshmen year
ended, then my sophomore year and
before I knew it, I was lost in the
"undecided, pre-med, possibly pre-
health" shuffle that all too many stu-
dents seem to find themselves in.
If there's any sort of wisdom I
can pass on to incoming freshmen
and those still-undecided sopho-
mores out there, it's this: Explore
all that our college has to offer you.
Whether it's that crazy first-year
seminar about aliens or Econom-
ics 101, move beyond your comfort
zone. How are you supposed to
know you love cultural anthropolo-
gy if you never take an intro course?
Or that your true passion lies in
public policy, but you've only taken
science courses?
Outside influence - whether
from family, friends or close men-
tors - places immense pressure on
decisions about concentrations and
future career paths. Decisions that
not only shape your entire under-
graduate experience, but affect
the opportunities you'll encoun-
ter years from now and the person
you'll ultimately become.
It's extremely important to not
only take a step back and think
about yourself and what truly
inspires you, but also to take into
consideration your own individual
goals and hopes. Too often, we
get lost in the hustle and bustle of
everyday campus life. Running to
classes, cramming for exams and
attempting to maintain some sort of
social life doesn't exactly leave time
for self-reflection.
Not to mention that future finan-
cial success, a well-respected career
and job security are important
factors constantly on our- minds.
Especially today, when our nation's
economy continues down a dan-
gerous path and the post-graduate
employment rate is worse than ever,
with 58 percent of recent graduates
either unemployed or underem-
ployed.
The economic environment we're
currently facing is most likely one of
the main reasons that more than half
of all undergraduates are declaring
concentrations in business, engi-
neering or nursing, according to U.S
Department of Education statistics.
There's nothing wrong with these
majors if it's truly what you feel pas-
sionate about and want to pursue.
But as young, determined Michigan
students with a variety of skills and
talents, we shouldn't feel restrict-
ed to a pre-professional major just
because it promises a specific career
upon graduation.
Why take advice from a complete
strajsger who's both undeclared
and already entering her third
year of college? It may seem like the
blind leading the blind. But honestly,
if there is one thing I wish I would
have known coming here two years
ago, it's this.
Discover what truly inspires you,
take courses that excite you and real-
ize you've only scratched the surface
of academia. If you don't take advan-
tage of all the opportunities thrust
your way an undergraduate student,
then when exactly do you plan on
discovering your passion and niche
in the world?
Ignore outside
influence and find
your passion.
Clearly, I took the roundabout
way of getting to where am I now,
but if it weren't for my misstep's
over the past two years, I'd still
be in the same undeclared, topsy-
turvy mess I found myself waiting
in a year ago. The eclectic courses
I took, my work at The Michigan
Daily and my recent experience
working on a U.S. Senate cam-
paign have helped shaped me as an
individual and have paved a road
towards a future I'm excited about
and willing to work for.
So here's to you guys - the help-
lessly lost, continuously wandering,
undeclared students of LSA. Don't
lose hope, ignore outside pressures
and never lose sight of finding what
truly inspires you.
-Sarah Skaluba can be reached
at sskaluba@umich.edu.
On fourth down, regardless of the score,
the Michigan Marching Band plays "Tempta-
tion." But while the band chants "Oh, Yeah,"
Michigan students chant "You suck." A few
months ago, Michigan students took it upon
themselves to put an end to this tradition,
if at least for one game. With the Air Force
game fast-approaching, students created a
Facebook event urging other Michigan stu-
dents to chant "Defense, Defense" instead of
"You Suck" during the song. More than 2,100
people have joined the effort.
This is a student initiative. And while reac-
tions may vary, it'sgreat to see students striving
to be more respectful at football games - espe-
cially to those who serve in our country's armed
forces. It's important to show other universities
and sports fans that Michigan students have
respect for those risking their safety for our
nation's. This student objective has potential to
promote respect at non-sporting events as well.
By committing to this movement, students are
proving they can take initiative and not simply
react to an administrative decree.
University administration has been threat-
ening to force the band to stop playing "Temp-
tation," but actions should not only be altered as
a result of threats. As students of the Universi-
ty, we should realize that the "You suck" chant
can be perceived as - and usually is - imma-
ture by our respected alumni base. After all, as
college students, we should be above juvenile
language, despite a competitive setting. By par-
ticipating in the chant, we're encouraging neg-
ativity to younger generations, as well as other
schools the Wolverines face.
As students of a University with leading
reputations in a multitude ofstudies, we should
also strive to be leaders in promoting respect.
This movement is a first step toward eliminat-
ing negativity. In this case, it is a matter of lead-
ing by example. As a leader in collegiate sports,
we need to act the part. On Saturday, by not
chanting "You-suck," we can change aless than
impressive tradition.
Refraining from the "You suck" chant at the
Air Force game this weekend is a simple, but
necessary, way to show our appreciation for
servicemen and women. Everyone should unite
and participate in this effort to show respect.
SANJAY JOLLY I
Promote ciVil rights and education
EDITORIAL BOARD MEMBERS:
Kaan Avdan, Eli Cahan, Ashley Griesshammer, Nirbhay Jain, Jesse Klein,
Patrick Maillet, Harsha Nahata, Timothy Rabb, Adrienne Roberts,
Vanessa Rychlinski, Sarah Skaluba, Caroline Syms
Get theperfect trip, not shot
spent 10 days with my family traveling art in the world - even before a gelled-up Tom
around London and Paris m Hanks starred in The Da Vinci Code In the
I wish I could tell you that I come from Louvre, the smiling lady is in company of wall-
l
a family that goes to our
chateau in Bordeaux to Fat
handmade crepes every
summer. That would have
left me a hell of a lot more
cultured that I am today.
Instead, I come from
a simple family. I hail
from D.C. - a paradise for
camera-strapped travelers
prone to getting lost - so
I've had a fair number of
run-ins with tourists. In Loi
felt like Alice going through t
Armed with maps, a camer
granola bars, we set out each
adventure. We lined up beh
of people wearing neon-colo
case it wasn't already obvious
we were tourists. We waited
attractions our guidebooks
worth seeing.
And then, as if on cue, all
cameras came out.
Without the picture, the
prove that they were there. T
12 albums to Facebook wi
hang a photo in their offic
Christmas card to make the
want to go to there."
Maybe I'm cynical actualt
cal. Maybe I'm overly critical
people with digital cameras.
There's no denying that
digital cameras has complete
tourism. These days, there is
that is not worth capturing on
That flower - beautiful.
- whoa, geology! That 15th
Dame - the perfect angle!
photo - this time smile, for G
Their experiences aren't1
experience itself, but rather t
pictures they come home with
If I had gone to London a:
ago, I would have had a con
experience. it was a mysteriou
had to go to CVS - scratch1
stores - to see how your pictu
Let me give you the prime:
ples of a wasted touristicc
Mona Lisa.
This painting is one of thef
Paris many know of before bu
book. It's probably the most
I
to-wall-to-wall paintings and sculptures.
The museum itself is actually fairly compli-
cated. The audio-guide you can rent literally
has a GPS built into it. But somehow everyone
finds the Mona Lisa.
YONAH Leave the camera
and see the view
ndon and Paris, I for yourself
he looking glass.
aand many, many
day in search of
ind huge groups The moment you walk into the small hall
red shirts just in with the painting, your senses are overwhelmed
s to everyone that - it feels like a silent rock concert is happening
in the hot sun for in the corner of the room. People are violently
assured us were pushing and shoving towards that part of the
room as if the painting is about to disappear.
around us - the And once you get to the front? A quick click
and then you're done. Turn around and make
re is no way to your way out of the crowd. Average time spent
They can't upload looking at the painting itself? If I had to guess,
th catchy titles, 3.7 seconds.
e or use it as a I stood in front of the painting for a good 10
ir friends say: "I minutes, thinking about why it was so famous,
trying to figure out what Mona was smiling
y, definitely cyni- about and reflecting on the people around me
1 about these nice who only wanted to get close to her to prove
that they were there.
the invention of Look, I understand why our generation
ly revolutionized enjoys taking gobs of pictures. In fact, I love
literally nothing that our era allows us to capture thousands of
camera. moments without concern of running out of
colors! That rock film. And I know how easy it is to lose track and
shot of the Notre capture everything that moves; on my trip I
That 28th family tooknearly 1,000 pictures.
od's sake! Still, tourists should try to see the country
based off of the through their own eyes rather than through
he quality of the the lens of a camera. I tried to enjoy the unique
h. atmosphere and culture.
nd Paris 20 years So I challenge all of us: Be self-aware when
npletely different you travel. Don't just take pictures for the sake
as time, when you of taking pictures. Do it because you want to
that, real camera remember how you felt at that moment. Do
ires turned out. it because you see something special on your
st of prime exam- screen that you want to take back home.,
opportunity: The Just, please, don't do it for those Facebook
albums.
few attractions in
iying their guide- -Yonah Lieberman can be
famous piece of reached at yonahl@umich.edu.
When MariaIbarra was a senior in
high school, she had only one school
in mind for college -the University
of Michigan. But when she told a
counselor that she lacked legal citi-
zenship status, she was devastated to
learn that her dream was most likely
impossible. Maria was born in Mex-
ico and came to Detroit with her
parents when she was nine years
old. Maria is undocumented. And as
a result, she was ineligible to obtain
in-state tuition status from the Uni-
versity, nor could she be supported
by federal financial aid. That harsh
financial reality keptAnn Arbor just
out of Maria's reach.
Maria instead attended the Uni-
versity of Detroit Mercy, where last
year she graduated as Valedicto-
rian. Because of the University of
Michigan's regressive tuition poli-
cies, Maria was denied access to her
dream school, and we were denied
Maria's talent and intelligence.
The University ties eligibility for
in-state tuition to legal residency,
and thus excludes the thousands
of undocumented students who
attend Michigan primary and sec-
ondary schools. These students,
often from' the lower rungs of the
state's economic ladder, face pro-
hibitively high tuition rates with
fewer means - such as financial aid
programs - to overcome them. The
University is in effect hindering a
specific class of young Michigan-
ders with institutional barriers to
educational access.
The rationale for tiered tuition at
public universities istwofold. First, it
supposes the notion that those who
have paid into the university sys-
tem through taxes deserve a lower
rate. Contrary to persistent anti-
immigration myths, undocumented
immigrants contribute substantially
to state and federal coffers. They pay
sales and property taxes and at least
half, according to the non-partisan
-Institute for Taxation and Economic
Policy, pay income taxes through an
IRS Individual Taxpayer Identifica-
tion Number.
Second, public higher education
is often deemed an investment in
those young people most likely to
stay and contribute to the state. In
the case of undocumented students,
their personal and civic ties reside
squarely in Michigan, and almost
all, including Maria, count more
years in this state than many of
their documented counterparts. It's
counter to the University's mission
to "serve the people of Michigan"
and detrimental to the state's eco-
nomic future to effectively shut its
doors to an entire group of bright,
qualified Michigan students.
Critics of tuition equality for
undocumented students cry foul
over fairness, claiming that it's
a disservice to citizens and legal
immigrants to "reward" those
without legal status. The reality is
that the students in question ille-
gally crossed borders or overstayed
their visas.as young children at their
parents' behest, or were themselves
victimized by an often perverse
immigration bureaucracy. The con-
sequence of condemning entire gen-
erations of young people is economic
stupidity and abject moral failure on
a societal scale. -
It's worth remembering that
before this issue entered the ugly
realm of partisan debate, it was
addressed with common sense and
decency. Currently, 12 states have
laws that grant undocumented stu-
dentsequalconsiderationforin-state
tuition, includingKansas, Texas and
Utah - not exactly bleeding-heart
liberal legislatures.
The University has the constitu-
tional authorityto act autonomous-
ly in this regard, and it has a moral
obligation to do so. Access to edu-
cation is perhaps the defining issue
of contemporary civil rights in this
country. The Coalition for Tuition
Equality, a collection of more than
a dozen student organizations, is
committed to making sure that
the University makes good on its
responsibility to all students in
Michigan and finds its way to the
right side of history.
As representatives of the state's
flagship of higher education, it's the
duty of all students, faculty mem-
bers and administrators to speak
out against discrimination and
in favor of access and justice for
young Michiganders. Once Presi-
dent Mary Sue Coleman and the
University's regents hear our voices
and those of the thousands of young
people fenced out from the Michi-
gan Difference, a failure to act on
tuition equality would besmirch
with bitter hypocrisy our place
among the leaders and best.
Sanjay Jolly is a fifth-year senior
in the School of Public Policy.
SEND LETTERS TO: TOTHEDAILY@MICHIGANDAILY.COM
Be m indful of both mental ness - can for some be a very long and crooked path.
This road can test the limits of one's hope and resil-
and physical illnesses ience. It can be filled with treatments that do not always
work the first time. And, it can be filled with wanting
to remain in silence, with wanting to work everything
TO THE DAILY: out on our own, with thinking we are to blame and with
The staff at Counseling & Psychological Services would hesitancy to fully engage in further treatment.
like to make a strong statement of support for the personal At the same time, breaking throughthese very real fac-
statement written by Ms. Kaitlin Williams on Sep. 3,2012, tors is another way we can change the world. Using the
In fact, we'd like to say more than "support." We would resources on campus listed below is a way to speak loud
like to acknowledge the strength and the courage it takes and clear. Helping a friend during the journey, not just at
to speak and to write on the difficult topic of what it is like the beginning but in an on-going way, checking in with
to live with mental-illness as a student at Michigan. friends, suggesting healthy ways of coping and being an
Through this act of strength and courage, and the active listener are all ways to do something to help and to
experience it represents, along with countless other ,show caring and sipport - not only to individuals, but as
stories of Michigan students' challenges and success- a beacon for our whole campus.
es with mental health, we change the world when we We applaud being our own best friend, as Ms. Williams
speak to counteract the silence. We change the world describes. We applaud saying it shows strength to get
when we speak to end the stigma associated with help. And,we applaud Ms. Williams'voice.
mental illness. We change the world when we create This is how we enact hope and resiliency, asa campus
a culture of caring on our campus, and a culture of "do that is 100 percent supportive of student mental health in
something" to help ourselves and a friend. all its' forms.
Ms. Williams describes a journey that some of us
know, yet others do not. The road'to healing and recov- Todd D. Sevig Ph.D.
ering from any illness - physical illness or mental ill- Director of CAPS