Universities Seeing a Gender Gap in Enrollments

This chapter is about how fewer males are enrolling in college, and possible explanations on why this may be. Albert Cruz is also featured in the article explaining his reason for dropping out and why he doesn't plan on going back to school. There can be an unlimited amount of reasons why less males go to college, but I think there are about three major reasons why there are less males enrolling in college than females. The first reason is that males are more susceptible to substance abuse. This can result in memory problems, lack of work ethic and other problems that would cause problems in school or even death. Men also decide to serve our country more than girls which effects enrollment rates for obvious reasons. Men in some areas also have clear job opportunities that don't require college. I know in my town there were many males that didn't go too college because they could just work on farms or drive trucks for milk companies, without paying thousands in student loans and wasting years of their lives. Cruz is right, "sometimes it's not  what you know, it's who you know", and sometimes "it's not for everyone".

We're Lying: Safe Sex and White Lies in the Time of AIDS

The chapter explains Meghan Daum's lack of knowledge on AIDS in high school and how when she goes to college she learns to fear it, but not enough to always be protected. She also touches upon the myth that AIDS is a homosexual disease. I think the "we" Daum refers to throughout the chapter are teens and young adults that don't think AIDS will effect them. I am unfortunately part of the "we". I've taken two health classes, one in middle school and another freshman year. I had one day devoted to safe sex in 5th grade and I've had at least three "talks" either from my parents or from others' parents who unfortunately had planned to give their child the "talk" that day while I was over. I've learned about STDs, HIV and AIDS more than necessary and I still don't live in fear. Why? Like Daum says we as humans try not to focus on negatives. I believe that I can make good choices and the people I'm around are "clean", but the truth is AIDS doesn't have a face. There is no sign that warns you who has AIDS and who doesn't and that must change. It is unfortunate, but "I probably won't truly take the AIDS crisis personally until I see either someone like me succumb to it". I know to wear a condom, but it's more about pregnancy. Yeah, I'm scared of STDs, but it's not my initial fear. It is sad, but true and I think it makes me part of the "we".

Drinking Deaths Draw Attention to Old Campus Problem

"Drinking Deaths Draw Attention to Old Campus Problem" is about how two colleges and their communities have come together to address the epidemic of drinking problems after two student's deaths, and the divide on how to fix these alcohol related issues. I think that college students are hugely responsible for the amount of drinking done I college, but not entirely all of it. College drinking isn't the same as social drinking. College drinking is binge drinking that is fueled by peer pressure and a desire to fit in. There are many students that don't go out, because if they do they know they will constantly face peer pressure to drink. Fraternities tend to get a bad reputation, because there tends to be a even bigger need to drink to fit into that group, although the pressure to drink comes even at parties not affiliated with fraternities. There are however times when students are not to blame which is pointed out by Russell Harverson who says, "These kids are away from home for the first time and not taught to drink responsibly". Many parents tell there kids not to drink, but when drinking does occur the students don't know there limits. The biggest influence in drinking is the perception of college being a place where binge drinking is excepted, which is only partially do to students. This is due to movies, stories, music and other things that students often can't control. It is hard to find a solution to the alcohol epidemic that colleges are facing, with a fear of restrictions causing even more drinking. One thing that is clear though is that campuses are not the only places where change is necessary. Change is needed in social media, the television, the radio, and so many other places in our daily lives.

Could Your Facebook Profile Throw a Wrench in Your Future?

The thesis of the chapter is how Facebook has evolved and is no longer just a site for college students. As more and more people use the site, it has changed to be more than just another form of social networking. This evolution has led to employers reviewing job applicants by using their personal sites, which is another thesis along with the moral controversy that the snooping brings. One line that I've based my whole opinion off  reads, "We use systems like Facebook  to share uncensored aspects of our life..." I believe that it is the students responsibility to censor their social networking accounts and to only post what they want to be seen. I don't think there's much of a difference if John Doe snoops on your site versus an employer. When you post things, you have the option to make your account private. If you don't want certain people to see your account you can also change your name, block them or use other means such as texting to stay in touch with your friends. When you post without doing these other means of security it is implied that it is okay for anyone to look at it, whatever it may be. I think employers and colleges are smart to look at profiles and that it is very necessary to maintain a healthy business/campus. What if that employer hires some kid that is outspoken on social media about his use of marijuana and your business clientele see this and decide to do business else where? Not checking a applicant's Facebook account can have a change on the business' profit. People have children to feed and can't afford to hire the wrong worker. I should also say that my viewpoint on this subject is based on small business ethics, coming from a town with very little big business. Small business is dependent on reoccurring clients and losing a few can be devastating in the long run. People should base their accounts with their future in mind, it's just like the saying "Dress for the job you want". It isn't like you can't put positive images like accolades and volunteer work onto your profile. There are so many people on this Earth that you have to find things to pick out the very best. It's sad but it's just how the world works.

Focusing on Friends

The thesis of "Focusing on Friends" by Steve Tesich is that he treats his friends differently based on their sex. Two lines help draw upon this central idea. One line is "I can tell women I love them" which is later contrasted with the line "But I can't tell the men". These lines set the stage of how the ability or incapability to say three simple words can drastically change how Tesich acts toward his friends. In many ways I can see the same treatment of friends in my life. The conclusion of the story surprised me at first as Tesich said, in the second to last paragraph,"if anyone was cheated and short changed by me, it was the women". I felt at first that Tesich was wrong. I felt the male counter parts whom he had grown up with were short changed because they never got to hear the words "I love you" from their friend. I understood his point that his female friends were indeed short changed. They had heard "I love you", but Tesich never proved it. I guess to me both sexes were short changed and I was taken back by how the author only felt remorse for his female friends. I think that the women need to feel Tesich's love just as much as the men need to hear it.