Over Spring Break my friends and I had a lot of time to sit and enjoy each other as the new women we’ve become over the last four years. It was so fantastic! Though it was stormy weather at the beach, my ray of sunshine was finding out that I got into grad school and sharing that moment with my best friends.

I finally know what my plans are after graduation. Whew! It warms my heart to be able to say that. Over the past few months, the question “what are you doing after graduation?” drove me crazy. I would get nervous and scared because I didn’t have a firm answer and I didn’t have control over my own future at that point. Lately I decided to turn it into a more humorous situation by asking the person what they envisioned for me, turning the pressure around for them to entertain me with a creative response. I heard wild ideas ranging from a hot air balloon captain to a Travel Channel show host that elopes atop Mt. Everest.

So, here’s the big news. This is my equivalent experience to shouting from a rooftop. I’m graduating May 17 from Converse, interning in DC June - August through the National Council on US-Arab Relations, and beginning grad school at the Phillip Merrill College of Journalism at the University of Maryland in the fall! Go Terps!

It’s really amazing to see how everyone’s post-grad plans end up. Woody Allen once said “If you want to make God laugh, tell Him your plans.” It’s so true! A year ago my friends and I had our lives totally planned out at least until age 30 (grad schools, perfect job, fun city, preferred age of marriage, etc). Today we all are getting ready for our exciting futures, but our plans have taken some interesting twists. In my case, my career goal is still the same, but the way I’m going to accomplish it is a new route that I’m only just discovering.

Strength and dignity are her clothing, And she smiles at the future. Prov. 31:25

I’m baaack to college life at Converse.  Last weekend I traveled to DC with the Model Programs delegation of Converse for the Model NATO conference where I served as the Secretary General.  It’s always a great experience to be up in the Capital with hundreds of other like-minded, motivated students putting their knowledge of international affairs into practice.  I’ve definitely learned SO much about diplomacy and decision-making through my experience with this program.  Taking on the role of policymaker and responding to crises with time-effective solutions has allowed me to gain insight and understanding that balances my classroom lessons. 

I was thrilled to spend some time with the keynote speaker, NATO Assistant Secretary General of Public Diplomacy, Jean-François Bureau.  His enthusiasm for the organization and the future of NATO operations was contagious and inspiring!  The whole time I was up at the head table I kept thinking “Sit up straight, Sarah.  Look serious.  Speak clearly and slowly so this Frenchman can understand.  This guy is the REAL DEAL!!”  Monsieur Bureau addressed ME as “Madame Secretary General!!!!” 

Back here at Converse, spring semester is in full swing and I’m working hard for a strong finish in May.  My classes have all rolled around to the first period of exams, books due and paper deadlines.  This past week I’ve felt like a hamster running on a wheel trying to get things done and catch up.  With no real break last weekend, it’s been quite difficult to keep my motivation up for studying and exercise!  Hopefully this week’s productivity will be much better.  

At the Morris Hall building meeting this week, the residents and staff made a resolution to promote health and fitness this semester.  My CA, Talisha, has created “Talisha’s Trim Down” for spring break.  We started last night with a 45 minute Pilates work-out.  Woo hoo!  I absolutely love Pilates, but last night’s work-out definitely kicked my butt!  Those of us that participated last night have been moving a little slower today since we’re dealing with the soreness.  We’ll see how I handle the other work-outs that are planned for the month.  I’ve never been a skilled kick-boxer… this could be a you tube classic! 

Afterwards, I came back to my room and watched Mona Lisa Smile until I fell asleep.  I really wonder what women in the future will think of us now.  What have we made the role of women in society?  Today we live in a society where eighty percent of women graduates (graduated from college since 1970) are in the workforce and we have had women serve on the Supreme Court, as top advisors to the President, and even as a Presidential candidate.  Still, have we completely abandoned the notion of republican motherhood?  I’m not sure.  Katherine Watson yells “I thought I was headed to a place that would turn out tomorrow’s leaders, not their wives!”  She was frustrated with Wellesley students of 1953-54.  At the President’s house the other night, there were girls at the table that do plan to get married right after graduation and start a family soon after.  Most of us still want to have a successful career and “make it,” but only a few would completely abandon the hope of having children and going to their piano recitals and soccer games for a better paycheck.  It will be interesting to see how these Converse girls venture out into the labyrinth and what they do with their lives and career.

I’m taking a history class on the British Empire and Commonwealth (highly recommended) and really enjoying it. It’s fascinating to read about the background for most of the world’s problems today. I turned on CNN the other night and took a tally of how many of the issues the anchor talked about that had some root in what we’ve talked about in class. Nearly all of them did! Problems in Pakistan, Gaza and Egypt, Yemen and in central Africa. Before my mid-term I listened to Billy Joel’s “We Didn’t Start the Fire” as I was getting dressed to get pumped up. I made up my own version saying something to the effect of “we didn’t start the fire. it was always burning since the empire’s dawning. we didn’t start the fire. no we didn’t light it but we’re the ones trying to fight it.” Cheesy, I know.

Despite the fact that I’ve been going to bed WAAAYY past midnight nearly every night, I’ve still made it out in town for some fun. A girl deserves a good time to catch up with friends after ten hours in the library! We've gone to kereoke twice with some alumnae friends in the area... too much fun!

The wine shop down the street hosted a wine tasting last week and a Belgian beer tasting this week. Some of my friends and I went down to try the beverages and learn a little from the distributors that were hosting the events. I was thrilled to hear fun little trivia about the wines. Did you know monks were the first to make champagne? Ha! Going to these events is always a nice mini-break from Spartanburg to escape into an international delight and try new things. 

2008 brings about a major event: Election 2008.  As we roll through the Iowa and New Hampshire primaries, it’s become increasingly clear who the top contenders will be for party nominations and what the decisive issues are.  What I really can appreciate about this election so far is the variety of characters that have risen as candidates for us to choose from.  We have minorities like a woman, an African-American, a hispanic, and a Mormon, as well as a former POW, a former preacher, a TV star and cancer survivor!  All of the candidates are first and foremost great patriots, but they all are also promoting ambitious ideas to better America. 

To a degree with Democrats, and definitely with Republicans, voters can enjoy making up their own minds this year.  I’ve never appreciated elections as a means to educate people on important policy and issues, but this primary season has brought new scrutiny on topics such as the controversial debate on immigration, growing unemployment, fair tax and speculation of a coming recession.  It's a very critical point for America!

Looking at the top contenders for the Democratic nomination, there’s a strong push for change.  Clinton and Obama have proven themselves to be agents for change in their respective elected positions, but I have never heard so much talk of “change we can believe in” and “fundamental shift in America” in my life than listening to the Democratic candidates!  Each seeks to touch the heart of what Americans want, hoping to demonstrate bipartisan leadership for America.  I may not agree with their ideas, but they are impressive as politicians. 

Around campus, girls are talking about how they will vote in the South Carolina primary.  Some Democratic voters say they don’t know who they really should support in this election, they are only sure that they are anti-Hillary.  Others support fellow southerner John Edwards, but most support minority candidate Obama who recently visited the campus.  It is my sincere hope that the voters will make their final decisions in November based on the issues they care most about.  I believe that the upcoming November election, if Obama gets the nomination, will shift towards issue-voting regardless of who the Republican nominee is.  That will be refreshing!  He’s a solid guy driven by dreams and, whether you support him or not, is in this race because he believes he can evoke positive change on specific issues he cares about.

On the Republican side, things are really hot!  Most of us breathed a heavy sigh of relief after Obama swiftly defeated Clinton and Edwards in the Iowa Caucus.  Though he may spare us a third Clinton term with the Democratic nomination, we look with longing eyes towards our choices for someone who will spare us a non-liberal, Democratic term.  Republicans spent 2007 debating the merits and demerits of the suave city politicians Romney, McCain, and Giuliani, deciding how “Reagan” they are.  Party purists really underestimated the draw that struggling middle-class conservatives would have to former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee.  Could we possibly have an Obama-Huckabee race in November? 

Huckabee’s come-from-behind victory in Iowa demonstrated his fantastic campaigning skills against great odds.  Both he and Obama drew new voters to the polls.  The former governor is a funny, likable guy that plays bass guitar with rock and roll bands at campaign rallies.  It’s no surprise that he’s attracting the under 45 vote among the G.O.P.  His campaign message also resonates with traditional conservatives as a regular kind of guy emphasizing socially and economically conservative themes.  I have my doubts about his ideas on foreign policy, but Huckabee has my attention.  He may be our strongest nominee. 

From what I’ve gathered from conservative voters around Converse, everybody likes him, though all are not ready to vote for him on Tuesday.  McCain and Romney have significant support here on campus.  Although I’m not ready to place any of their bumper stickers on my car, I do think Mike Huckabee stands a good chance of becoming the Republican nominee.  He may even be just what we need to beat the Dems.   

The first Monday night after Thanksgiving, all of us dress in our favorite holiday pajamas and head up to Wilson Hall for the SGA Holiday Party.  After filling myself with Christmas cookies and eggnog, my friends and I got our picture taken with Santa (Dr. McDaniel).  The Pink Panther and Red Devil classes each decorated their own tree in Main Hall and President Fleming read The Littlest Angel aloud to everyone.  Throughout the evening, students performed holiday music pieces, adding a cheerful background to the fun.  I especially enjoyed Ashley Mitchell’s rendition of “Santa Baby.”  Oh, if only Santa really would bring me half of the things on that list! 

At the end of the party, we had Mrs. Claus announce that Margaret got engaged and invited all of the girls present to join us in another Converse tradition - Gwathmey Fountain throwing.  Margaret was so surprised!  We threw a Santa hat on her with white tissue paper taped to the back as a bridal veil and marched her on our backs around Main Hall to the fountain at the back of Gee.  After tossing her into the fountain, Margaret’s engagement was then officially official! 

My favorite meal served in Gee Dining Room is most certainly Christmas Dinner!  Served before Lessons & Carols on Thursday, the dinner warmed me up to the Christmas spirit after a long day in classes.  Jolene served up a wonderful holiday feast complete with a ham and carver. The wait staff dressed up in whites and the tables were decorated.  My friends and I went early to get in line first before we spent at least an hour sitting and chatting in the dining hall that was decked out in Christmas décor and music. 

Lessons & Carols rang in the Christmas season for the 105th time at Converse!  The long-standing tradition is always a treat as the entire community gathers together for an outstanding evening in Twichell Auditorium with all nine lessons of the Christmas Story read aloud by campus leaders.  I personally enjoy the music the most.  We joined in singing traditional Christmas carols, even the enthusiastic off-key elderly baritone in the row behind me.  It’s always a good feeling to be able to share the celebration with everyone in the community, though.  The Converse Orchestra and Chorale performances are always superb. 

After leaving Twichell, I gathered with alumnae and friends for our last reception at Cleveland Hall.  The beautiful Alumnae House will no longer be a part of Converse traditions after this month.  Though it was nice to mingle with professors and alumnae, I had to go to sneak one last moment in the all-pink bathroom on the second floor! 

One word can describe the capstone event of the week: Stellar! Peppermint Ball, our annual winter formal, was brilliant. Katie Mayes and the SAC transformed Gee into a scene from the Nutcracker Suite with the Dick Goodwin Band playing crooner favorites right in the middle. After a senior champagne toast, my friends and I hit the dance floor with our dates from USC and Alabama. It was such fun to pretzel, dip and spin in a beautiful gown! It was a classy change from a night at a club or the Blind Horse line-dancing. 

After all that fun, it took nearly all of Sunday to recover and get my life back on track to prepare for exams. It’s a bit sad to think that I don’t have another Peppermint, but I had the best time. I could not have asked for a better week of Holiday cheer!    

I’m considering doing some work for a year or two before beginning a Master’s program.  I’m not doubtful about my career path, and I’m certainly not “burned out” on school, rather I think I have a lot to learn from an out-of-classroom experience right now.  After graduation in May, I’ll be 22 and unattached, which makes the appeal of getting out into the world to try my hand at something new very tempting.  Over Thanksgiving, in addition to graduate applications, I’ll be working on applications to some year-long internships, fellowships and jobs with organizations that will allow me to do research and work in foreign affairs. 

I have no intention of getting a glamorous job that would tempt me to stay because I really would like to complete graduate school as soon as possible so that I can start on my career.  Any opportunity I have to learn more about people and policy will be very valuable in the long run.

This past week highlighted some striking, yet exciting differences in the paths my friends and I will take after graduation.  Of my close friends here at Converse, all of us plan to pursue master’s degrees after graduation.  Margaret will get married in August, one week before she and her fiancé begin their Masters of Accountancy degrees at USC.  Sarah will pursue an MBA at a top-ranked program after a few years of work experience, as recommended by MBA Admissions counselors.  Lucy will go back to Ole Miss for law school and become a criminal prosecutor.  All of my other friends have really great prospects, too!

These past months have been filled with much anxiety over the GMAT, LSAT, GRE and PCAT in addition to graduate applications.  We’ve still made plenty of time to enjoy ourselves, but some dark clouds have been looming over our shoulders.  Soon enough, we’ll be hearing back from graduate program admissions!  These are the tracks we are supposed to follow to become respected, accomplished women in our respective careers.  It’s so exciting to imagine where we will all end up!  (I personally cannot wait to finally be a student at a school with a celebrated football tradition.) 

After Fall Break, I was in Spartanburg for three days before I drove up to Washington, D.C. for a Fall Board meeting and Convention Planning weekend.  I have been involved in the National Society Children of the American Revolution nearly all my life.  It’s the oldest patriotic youth organization in the country with over 10,000 members around the U.S., Mexico, Canada, and France.  You can find out more on www.nscar.org.

My best friend Katie is currently the National President of the organization.  We met when we were about 8 years old and have remained friends ever since, seeing each other at conferences and balls around the country every year.  We made a promise to support each other’s ambitions in life and in C.A.R. come what may, so as soon as Katie won her election for President, I accepted the position of National Convention Chair for the 2008 Convention in Washington, D.C.  I spent the weekend of the 19-21 of October with Katie, getting plans set for the conference.  We even got a commitment from the Ambassador of France to come!  Woo hoo!

Upon returning early, early Monday morning to Spartanburg, I got set for another brief week.  After taking the GRE Wednesday morning, I caught a flight to D.C. with eight other Converse students and Dr. Dunn, this time for the Arab-U.S. Policymakers Conference sponsored by the National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations.  You can find out more about this organization at www.ncusar.org.  I even got offered a job working in Yemen!

Again I was back in Spartanburg for a couple of days before driving down to Columbia for the South Carolina Student Legislature Fall Session.  This year, I served as Chief of Staff to the Governor and Chair of the Converse delegation.  You may find out about this organization at www.scstudentlegislature.com.  Eleven Converse delegates debated policy in the State House chambers and three of our bills were passed!  These bills will be passed on to the actual state legislators for consideration. 

I was absolutely thrilled to be honored with the Chad M. Beatty Award given annually to an outstanding non-officer senior.  The other seniors and I left session early on Saturday to get back for the Champagne Toast at the President Fleming’s house before the 1889 dance!

Now that we’re settling into colder weather here in Spartanburg, I’m settling into my regular spot on the third floor of Mickel Library.  It’s catch-up time for my studies and soon enough, finals will be putting a hold on my fun, jet-setting plans. 

"Desire is the key to motivation, but it is determination and commitment to an unrelenting pursuit of your goal - a commitment to excellence - that will enable you to attain the success you seek."

Mario Andretti

www.dagsc.org, www.savedarfur.org

Living in a city classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site was amazing.  The Old City buildings stand as testimony to the spirit of the people who have carved beauty out of a rough land in the intricate window and wall detail.  A road that wraps around the city is built to catch the overflow during rainy season when it becomes a river!  The surrounding mountains are topped with elaborate houses that boldly reach to the very edge of a cliff.  While the architecture and the landscape were amazing, it is the people involved at the Yemen Language Center who were the best part of the program. Not only the Yemeni hosts and instructors, but also the similarly driven students who came to Yemen, one of the most conservative Arab countries, put a stimulating spin on my experience that I never would have anticipated.

After a couple of weeks in the city, some friends and I found a really interesting opportunity with a women's community center opened by a Yemeni NGO.  In the short time that we were in Sana’a, we presented lectures, arranged after school games for the children, and I even taught Pilates!   I particularly enjoyed spending time with Yemeni women in a relaxed environment.  Out around town, my interaction with Yemeni women was nearly nonexistent because of the social restrictions in the country. 

For four hours a day, Saturday through Wednesday, I attended a grammar class and conversation class.  My long weekends were spent traveling around the country, visiting historic sites, and practicing my Arabic.  Fortunately, I visited the city of Mar'ib the weekend before the car bombing destroyed the temple mound there.  It was crazy to see Yemen all over the news!  While I realize Yemen is not wholly secure from threats imposed by terrorists, I never felt personally threatened by any radical extremists or terrorism in the country.  We were escorted by armed guards on any trip where security might pose a threat.

From the Bedouin tribes in the Empty Quarter, to the fisherman on the Red Sea who took me out on their boat to go snorkeling over a coral reef, I found the people immensely hospitable and nearly untouched by the progression of time!  The northern part of Yemen where I lived remains unconquered by any Western power, so the people have maintained traditional Yemeni customs.

I’d originally planned to be in Yemen for five weeks, but I extended my stay for another five weeks because my experience had been so rewarding!  I simply couldn't bring myself to pack up and leave.  More of the amazing people and experiences will have to come later, as this blog can’t cover it all.

About two weeks before I returned home to America, I bought a ticket to Ethiopia for the weekend and hopped on a plane that very night, to visit two of my very dear friends at Converse in Addis Ababa, the capital city.  I could not think of a better way to spend the last part of my summer than in a sub-Saharan African country with my friends who would be able to show me their native land!

For three years now, Mahal and Yosi have been “international students” in my home state, speaking English and leading a life very similar to my own.  Traveling to Ethiopia allowed me the chance to be a foreigner in their home country for once.  I met their families, went out on the town with their friends, ate Ethiopian food and learned a little bit of their traditional dance.  For obvious reasons, I could not completely “blend in,” but the people of Addis Ababa were some of the most hospitable, colorful people I have ever met in my travels abroad. 

One of the most bizarre experiences of my summer happened at the Ghion Hotel in Addis.  The first day, I arrived in the country around 5am and checked into a hotel.  Although I was exhausted, I could not bring myself to go to bed when there was so much to see and learn!  I decided to visit the breakfast room and get a cup of tea while I studied some Arabic and read a travel guide.  The hostess seated me on the porch next to another hotel guest’s table. 

Cordially, the man at the next table greeted me with a “good morning” in English and asked how my stay in Ethiopia was going.  After engaging in introductions and some polite conversation, I found out that the man with whom I was sharing tea was the Minister of Foreign Affairs from Rwanda!  He was in Addis for a conference on implementing the Nairobi Protocol.  I spoke with him for an hour at breakfast, learning about his career path and the work he does now with the Nairobi Protocol.

After I left breakfast, I pinched myself to make sure that I wasn’t dreaming!  I guess it’s true that you never know where life’s path may lead you and whom you may chance to meet along the way. 

Why isn’t the world up in arms against the rappers, the magazines, and other sources of sexist, insulting remarks and disrespectful portrayals of women, even young teenaged girls?  Why do women, especially teenage girls themselves, not only allow this, but welcome an image of themselves as “ho’s” and promiscuous sex objects?  The problem is much deeper than the Imus incident alone reveals. 

Several colleges, including Vassar, Harvard, and Brown, were recently featured on the news because of the porn magazines that they now allow to be run by students on campus, with faculty advice!  Ads are put on student boards for porn models and articles, and the faculty’s position (those interviewed) was that porn was a big business, and they were proud that their students were learning to manage that type of business with success.  A female law student who wanted to have some “fun” before she entered what she called a “boring profession” filmed herself naked in various acts  -- even saying, “Spank me,” and put it online on a “Naked Girls” website.  Something is wrong with this picture! 

Let me ask another question, to get at what I believe is the root of the problem.  What type of relationships do those girls have with their fathers, brothers, and other guys in their lives?  Do they even have a concept of God their Father? What is the source of their self-esteem – their sexiness, or their character?  Has anyone given those girls the sense that they, individually, no matter how they look, are precious and are loved? 

Although I don’t think Converse College is about to start a porn magazine, our college is not immune to the sentiments and actions under scrutiny here.  We can’t shut out the forces that glorify “sex”- ness and encourage sexual gratification sans commitment.  But thankfully, Converse has the likes of Dr. Dunn – who encourages us to “put on our lipstick and pearls” and look our best at our Model team competitions, but make sure the competition stands in awe of our knowledge and our delivery – and not just our looks! 

I don’t deny that I love to feel glamorous myself; dressing up for some social occasion in what some would call a sexy dress.  But I’d be completely lost if I thought that I had to use sex to have fun, or that I could use sex to find success.  I hope people can use the Rutgers incident to focus on what they can do in their own lives to develop and encourage a deeper respect for women of all ages, and a deeper understanding of what young women might really want and need to feel secure and loved and in touch with more than just their sexuality.

Since it’s been a while since I’ve updated, I’ll give you a brief run-down of everything that I’ve been up to of late:

The weekend before Spring Break, my fabulous cousin Paula came down to visit from Alexandria, Va.  After shopping, lying out and getting sunburned, and touring the campus, we went to the Spring Concert featuring Ingram Hill and Better Than Ezra in Twichell Auditorium.  To say the least, we were stoked.  The bands put on a great show that was enjoyed by die-hard fans and newbies alike.  Paula even got a guitar pick from BTE!  After the show, we were able to meet and hang out a little with both of the bands!!

Carrying on a long Converse tradition, Monday night at midnight, my friends and I dressed all in black, woke Rebecca up and threw her into the Gwathmey Fountain to make her engagement to Pete official to the Converse community!  Congrats!

My Spring Break started early as my friend Mahal and I drove to Washington, DC for National Model Arab League.  Along the way, we dropped my sister and her new black lab puppy “Jake” off in Richmond.  It was so hard to leave him behind!  I wish we could have pets on campus.

Mahal taught me some Amharic on our drive that I was able to use at the Ethiopian restaurant “Dukem” where we ate dinner that night.  It was my first time eating Ethiopian, but I loved it!  The food was a little spicy, but once I got past the idea of eating out of a shared plate with my hands, I indulged.  I have not been that full in a long time.

At Model Arab League, I served as Chair of the Social Affairs Council.  In addition to learning a lot about the social condition of the Arab World, I enjoyed catching up with friends that I only get to see at Arab League conferences.  People come from all over, including the American University in Cairo, to Washington to participate.  After the conference, I returned home to Richmond for a nice, relaxing Spring Break. 

In high school and especially at Converse, I’ve participated in many different organizations, each catering to an interest or passion of mine, such as tutoring underprivileged children to volunteering for a political campaign.  In high school, we were all encouraged to join organizations to show that we were well-rounded in leadership, service, and scholarship; but if you take it seriously, participating in these organizations does so much more than help you get into college or honor society. Being involved has been a great way to get to know others who have the same concerns and interests, and it has kept me connected to the community as I “think globally and act locally.”  I’ve also met people outside of my own peer group, people who have taught me valuable lessons or opened me up to something I never would have known or done.

Recently, applying for internships and employment, I’ve been asked to explain my leadership or service involvement in organizations.  I imagine that throughout life, belonging to an organization says something about who we are.  It is an important way to distinguish ourselves, but it’s even more than that – it’s an expectation, a rite of citizenship!  

I wonder how long my involvement in organizations can maintain a priority status in my life when I have work and family, though.  Our generation and that of our parents just don’t seem to be involved in associations as the generations before us have been.  I’d like to think that I will forever feel a responsibility to be involved in an organization that allows me to impact my community. 

Here I’m helping landscape Rolnicky in the Czech Republic.

Looking around, nearly everyone I know has been involved in something in high school or college:  club soccer, FCA, Rotaract, Relay for Life, or the school newspaper.  My macroeconomics class this semester has a special focus on service learning which requires us to volunteer at a local elementary school once a week for Junior Achievement.  Even my study abroad program last summer in the Czech Republic incorporated service learning as we spent a weekend volunteering at a special education school called Rolnicky or “Jingle bell.”  Both of these experiences have been incredibly rewarding opportunities for me to “give back” and connect with others to make a difference. It seems that every Convese student is involved in some way.  Service is a way of life on this campus, but will we all keep that attitude when we leave college?  Will we be able to?  I know it sounds trite, but just imagine if EVERYONE took some time EVERY YEAR or even on a more regular basis to engage in their community?

I wonder why more people aren’t involved in social organizations today.  Is it selfishness?  Laziness?  Lack of compassion?  Isn’t our involvement in associations a reflection of who we are?  Associations consist of like-minded individuals, and you can really tell a lot about a person by what they choose to invest themselves in, whether it’s as a garden club member, a Presbyterian, a DAR, an American Cancer Society activist, or a Civil War re-enactor.  De Tocqueville would argue that it is to the detriment of American society that we have a declining involvement in associations.  We risk people isolating themselves, therefore disconnecting themselves, from their communities.  Overall, this declining involvement will detract from the spirit of American democracy.  The unfortunate consequence of our growing passivism is that the world will pass us by. 

For a brief update on my week:

• On Tuesday night at the Mortar Board Probe symposium on “Women in Politics,” Leecia Eve, senior policy advisor for Hillary Clinton, and Elizabeth Patterson, former Congresswoman from SC, emphasized that the greatest responsibility for women today in politics is to engage- whether as a candidate, campaign volunteer, or as a voter- to make an impact.
• Monday I’ll be wearing an orange shirt with “ORPHAN” written on it to raise awareness for the global AIDS pandemic.  SCA asked 1/10 of the Converse student body to wear these shirts on Monday to represent the projected proportion of children orphaned by AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa by the year 2025 if the current infection rate is not checked.  Monday night I will participate in the Broken Bread Meal with the Student Christian Association.  For every person partaking in the meal, a donation will be made to World Vision’s food aid programs in an area highly affected by AIDS.

During my weekend at home, my sister told me about one of her friends who couldn’t remember who the Pilgrims were.  My jaw dropped.  I couldn’t believe that there was a soul in America who couldn’t remember the Pilgrims.  Don’t they eat Thanksgiving dinner? Didn’t everyone dress up like the Pilgrims and Indians in grade school every year in November?  It’s a bit religious, so has the public school system become so concerned with not allowing religion in schools that they don’t include the Pilgrims (who prayed) in the celebration of that All-American holiday anymore?  Maybe that person is a genius accounting student, but even accountants should know about the Pilgrims!   I admit I don’t know last year’s Super Bowl score, but the Pilgrims are much more than a football team!

For a CCIFL project last year, I surveyed over a hundred people to see if they could pass a U.S. Citizenship test.  The people surveyed ranged from freshmen in college to professors with Ph.D.s, the majority of whom were registered voters in the United States.  I asked questions like “In what month is the President inaugurated?” and “What is the legislative branch of the U.S. government?” I was appalled to discover that about 40% of the people surveyed could not have passed a U.S. citizenship test with a score above 70%.  As I asked people how they felt about their score, many seemed embarrassed but quickly made excuses like “I’m an art major,” or “I haven’t taken a history or politics class since high school.”  I’ll concede that knowing the month in which the President is inaugurated will not necessarily promote a career in architecture, but it might!  The one who knows when the new administration comes in may get the edge on a new contract or just signify that that architect keeps up with the times – something that may prove as beneficial as a good golf round!  Knowing that Congress is responsible for declaring war, not the President or the Supreme Court, helps to ensure that when people go to vote, they’ll hold the politicians accountable for the power they wield. 

Today we live in an age where we can have access to information 24/7 at the tip of our fingers.  While this should enhance our knowledge and efficiency, Americans seem to be entirely too reliant on information systems for basic know-how, with an attitude of “I’m sure I could google it if I ever need to know it.” It’s disheartening to watch a show like “Are You Smarter Than a 5^th Grader?” and realize that, if the show is reflective of American society, parents can’t even help their elementary school kids with homework! I bet kids Google or search Wikipedia before they even ask their parents anymore!  When asked what the product of 2 x 5 is, do adults really need scratch paper or the calculator on their cell phone for quick math? 

My liberal arts education has definitely confirmed that there’s so much to learn, and despite the papers and tests, it’s really fun!  I’ve had the opportunity to take classes in religion, biology, philosophy, economics, music, golf, and dance outside of my load of history and politics classes for my major.  I recognize that knowing where Shinto originated or what a double-bogey is may not enhance my resume, but I feel that I’m a bit more in touch with the world with everything I learn.  I hope I can keep taking classes all my life –  whether it’s a course I never got to take in college, like Russian literature, or something like a cooking class – and I’ll cook Thanksgiving dinner dressed in a Pilgrim hat just to make sure all my guests remember who they are!   

This week’s update:

I was elected to be a Senior Class representative to Honor Board!  Honor Board is Converse’s academic judicial board that hears cases concerning violations of the honor code.  I’m really excited and honored to be a part of this.

I cheered on some friends in the volleyball intramurals.  It was so much fun to watch accounting, math, and education majors getting totally worked up on the court.   

This weekend Converse hosts the Southeast Regional Model Arab League conference where I’ll serve as chair of the Joint Defense Committee.  It’s going to be really fun to have so many other college students from out of town here on campus over St. Patrick’s Day weekend!

Quotation of the week:  "It is not by accident that the happiest people are those who make a conscious effort to live useful lives. Their happiness, of course, is not a shallow exhilaration where life is one continuos intoxicating party. Rather, their happiness is a deep sense of inner peace that comes when they believe their lives have meaning and that they are making a difference for good in the world."

Ernest A. Fitzgerald

Here’s a glance into the highlights of my week outside of classes and meetings:

On Partner Day, I spent the day with the Assistant Director of the Converse Fund, Elizabeth Walker.  Partner Day is an opportunity for staff and students to get together and share our Converse experiences as we have breakfast, attend classes together, and we end the day at the President’s Council of Organization meeting.  The highlight of our day was definitely my golf class!  In the future, Elizabeth and I might use the game to make some great business deals, but it's safe to say that this dynamic duo poses no threat to Tiger Woods.  We did win the "Look Most Alike" superlative for the day’s event.  I can’t imagine not knowing the people who sit behind the desks in the administration building at a school.

My friends and I took my Converse lil sis, Laura, out to Bruster’s Ice Cream for her birthday on Friday!  I absolutely adore Laura – she’s an amazing musician -- and I’m grateful to have such a wonderful lil sis.  I’m so glad that I got to spend some time with her this weekend.

Saturday morning, I ran in the Carolina First Reedy River Run with over 2,500 other people!  It was my first road race, but I had a great time.  I’m hoping to run again in one here in Spartanburg May 5^th.

Then, this is one of the great things about living in a college town: Wofford College hosted Christopher Dickey as a guest speaker early this week for a symposium on "The War Year" and Converse students could attend. Mr. Dickey is the Paris Bureau Chief and Middle East Regional Editor for Newsweek Magazine.  I attended his lecture on Iraq and later got to meet him!  His reception of our questions and his comments to very sensitive issues were generally warm, not at all condescending or impatient.  The two of us Converse students were the only students in the audience to ask questions at the lecture or to speak with Mr. Dickey.  I wondered why the Wofford students didn’t take advantage of the opportunity; it’s not that we couldn’t follow Mr. Dickey, and right now finding out more about Sunni-Shiite tensions is quite relevant.  To be honest, there have definitely been times when I’ve asked myself, "When will I ever really need to know this stuff in my life?"  Now it’s here – my brother is in Iraq, our next President may be chosen based on opinions about those issues. So all those late nights in the library and sleepless nights now seem worth it. Afterwards, both the President and Dean of Students of Wofford came over to us to ask what class required us to come!"  They were surprised to find that there was no requirement; I just couldn't have let an event like that pass me by. They obviously don’t know many Converse students! Who knows -- I could be working with Mr. Dickey some day! 

Instead of a quotation this week, I’m offering some advice.  On MSN.com the other morning, I came across an article on healthy choices we can all make in our lives.  I know that heart disease is the number one killer of women, so I thought I’d share the article.  Please take notice!

This week has really brought to my attention the paradoxical expectations placed on a woman today, especially in terms of her wardrobe.  I attended the National Model NATO conference in Washington, D.C. with the rest of the Converse delegation where I served as Assistant Secretary General.  Whenever I go to these types of events, I pack my insecurities about what I will wear along with my suit bag.  These concerns reach far beyond the typical frivolous whims about whether open-toed or closed-toed shoes look good with a certain skirt; instead, I have to worry about whether these shoes or that suit will reflect the professional attitude I must convey.  Really!  In order to be taken seriously, I must dress with modesty, no inappropriate necklines, no skirts above the knee, and definitely not anything too tight.  Suits, not dresses, are generally the rule, and I dare not take off the jacket if I have a sleeveless shirt underneath.  Even the color of the suit affects the perception others will have of me. 

I remember walking into my first Model Arab League conference in Boston my freshman year and the head delegate telling me, “Sarah, you look as cute as can be, but how do you expect anyone in the room to listen to what you’re saying about anti-terrorism efforts in the Middle East when you’re wearing pink?”  It seems funny now, but at the time, I was terribly aware of how others looked at me:  was that a smile saying, “Cute suit,” or “Good point.”  In the world of politics, it’s important to know the difference and to shoot for the second.  

Unfortunately, women in the world of military affairs, politics, and even business face a bias.  The system has not changed, even in student groups.  I can be the best-researched delegate in the room, offering the most dynamic solutions to problems, but I will always have to work twice as hard to earn the attention and respect of the other delegates.  Obviously, Converse has learned how to do it, since we continually rank tops in these programs.   I usually don a “power suit” the first day of a conference -- a dark-colored pant suit – to make a strong first impression.   

Hillary Clinton’s wardrobe has been the object of much criticism lately, especially her pant suits.  The experts say she should embrace her womanhood and wear skirts, “show some leg.”  On the other hand, can LEG win the White House?  In the traditionally male-dominated field of politics, a woman must conform to the environment to be accepted as an equal.  Condi Rice and Nancy Pelosi often wear skirt suits that do not raise doubt in their policy-making skills, (not to say no one doubts some of their policies); rather, they get acclamation for their fine taste in designers such as Armani.  Should a woman Presidential candidate run as a lady, pantyhose, pumps, and pearls included, or would voters doubt that such a picture of femininity would serve well as Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces?  Coco Chanel once said “A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous.”  I wholeheartedly agree, and the lady who finds just the right wardrobe that’s classy and fabulous and portrays herself as a competent leader in a man’s world will be unstoppable, especially if she finds a way to include pink in the outfit!

Also, talking about image – sororities: the ultimate sisterhood, right?  Not if you’re a Delta Zeta at DePauw University in Indiana, which evicted 23 women from their sorority house after interviewing 35 members.  The 23 evicted women apparently showed “insufficient commitment” to the sorority.  The New York Times is reporting, however, that members who were “socially awkward” were asked to leave.  This event was provoked by a growing stereotype of the DZ’s as socially awkward, and the DePauw sorority had suffered from a decline in membership.  How sad!  Couldn’t they tell those girls had trouble during rush? Although I believe they went too far in excluding girls that didn’t fit their “sorority girl” archetype but were already in, I understand their concern about image.  If you recruit by your image, you need to be sure the image you want is “out there.” 

Image really is important when the image represents more than just the individual, and when an organization or person needs to highlight their best characteristics.  How we are perceived in turn affects how we are received.  The character Ian in “What I Like about You” questioned, “Why are you trying so hard to fit in if you were born to stand out?”  Sometimes standing out is important, and sometimes it’s all about fitting in.  Before coming to the table, it’s good to know how it’s going to be set!

Still it’s important to remember, no matter where you’re going, that “A great man (or woman) is defined not by how he looks, but by how he thinks, how he feels, and by how he lives.”   That’s always important to remember.

Quotation of the week:

"Be daring in the pursuit of right, don't accept the limits, constraints, conditions and definitions placed on you by others. But I would also tell them not to think they are without support, that there are other women who they should use as a means of breaking barriers and to refuse to be intimidated or excluded from the decision making arena. Be confident in your abilities to share as an equal partner and often to take leadership positions because there is nothing that predetermines your abilities on the basis of gender or sex." -Hanan Ashrawi

The Magic of Girlfriends

There’s a magical bond that unites women in friendship. We may have different goals, different lives, and different opinions, but somewhere deep down we find that the similarities we share are the most important.

It’s with our girlfriends that we find solace from the rest of the world. We go to each other for comfort, for support, and even for a laugh. Many of us plan a special “girls’ night out” whenever possible.

When we’re with our girlfriends, more than any other relationship, we find that it’s easiest to be just who we are and nothing more. Together we can discuss anything and everything, from politics to fashion to philosophy to relationships. Our perspective as women lends a unique insight on any topic we choose. We are always learning from our girlfriends, becoming better people, and better women.

As I read this, I was thinking “yes, that’s us!”  In one Gee conversation the other day, we began discussing the latest news about Democrat presidential candidates and ended up on what age we should begin using anti-wrinkle creams!  A common topic of conversation is how we will balance the ambitious careers we want to have with the ideal home situation we desire.  Is it ok to be a stay-at-home mom with a masters or PhD?  Is that a waste of time and money?  Does the Bible say anything about this?  What kind of car does that mom drive?  A Volvo station wagon, suburban, or a BMW?  Did you know that your personal chances of getting a divorce triple if you get married in your twenties?  They do.  Is it ok to pursue a lucrative career in New York City, even though it may not be conducive to raising a family the way you hope to?  A lot of discussion is triggered by our own analysis of how we were raised, and how things will be different for our own lives. 

Each of us is so unique and I consider it such an honor to have them be a part of my life.  Being around them truly does make me a better person as I learn and grow with them through our college years.  I am more motivated to study, volunteer, run for office, join a Bible study, and socialize because of my supportive friends.  Despite differences, I value their opinions, advice and challenges greatly. 

My roommate grew up on a cotton farm in the Mississippi Delta.  To say the least, her upbringing was a bit different from mine.  When I went to visit her farm for spring break my freshman year, I got to explore snake hunting, going muddin’ in a bean field, and a world that’s just a little bit slower-paced.  Lucy and I have been roomies for three years now and I absolutely adore her.  We have the same majors, and often have similar class schedules, but we’re different enough to complement each other. 

She’s currently studying abroad with our suitemate Danielle in London, and I miss them terribly.  Another friend, Kelsey, is studying abroad in Iceland!  This week especially, I have missed being able to come back to the room, let my guard down, and just talk to them.  Thank goodness for today’s technology!  Ten years ago, we would have had to make grossly expensive phone calls and send letters.  Since Lucy, Kelsey and Danielle have been gone; we’ve been able to stay in touch through daily IMs, emails, and facebook messages.  I love being able to just log on and see their photo albums five minutes after they upload pictures.

The years we spend at Converse are a wonderful time of our lives, but we each have an exciting future to realize.  All of us are seeking higher degrees in our fields of study and are looking into careers that may literally take us all over the world.  Baye is applying for a Fulbright to go to veterinary school in Scotland, Kelsey is pursuing a career as a flight surgeon for the Navy, Sarah is auditioning for graduate programs in piano performance, and Margaret will get her CPA to be an accountant here in South Carolina.  I don’t plan on living down the street from these girls for the rest of my life, our kids playing together, or doing supper clubs with our spouses. However, I fully plan on staying in touch, having them be my bridesmaids, and taking annual vacations with them.  

Just an update on this week:

• I definitely got to meet Senator John McCain in the flesh over a hotdog at Sugar ‘n’ Spice on Sunday!  In case you were terribly concerned, he is left-handed.
• I did not win the SGA President election, but I do plan to run as my class’s representative to Honor Board.
• I’m heading to Model NATO in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday where I will serve as Assistant Secretary General.

Quotation of the week: “A woman of courage enters a room and everyone is put at ease. There is something in the way she walks and in the way she holds herself.”

- Maya Angelou

So far, the past week has been a whirlwind of activity. Another round of Montgomery by Moonlight, Model NATO and Arab League practice, SC Student Legislature meetings, and Bible Study. What’s new, right?   

I started my much-anticipated spring schedule.  Yikes!  The classes are quite daunting at the outset, other than golf, but I’ve been waiting my entire college career to finally get the chance to take American Political Thought and American Foreign Policy.  I have a feeling that these two classes will play a large role in determining my course of study that I pursue in graduate school.  Academically, this semester will rock.  Socially, I may be a bit handicapped.  Let’s just say that I am awaiting long, intimate datenights with Mickel Library. 

Have you ever had an experience where you were SO interested in the idea of understanding something, but the more you heard, the more you were like “can I go back to how things were before?”  That’s what is going through my mind right now.  I’m absolutely fascinated by American foreign policy, and I hope to do more research into its rich history this summer, but it is scary!  I’m currently reading The Looming Tower: Al-Qaeda and the Road to 9/11 by Lawrence Wright.  It terrifies me to read page after page describing just how we arrived at our generation’s defining moment in history. 

Here's some exciting news: I’m running for SGA President.  You wouldn’t believe how hard it is for me to type that!  It seems like just a little while ago I walked through the front door of Wilson Hall for the first time as a prospective student and met then-President Jane Marion.  Now I’m at the stage in my Converse career that I can serve in that capacity.  I’m not sure how the outcome of the election will be, but I am definitely appreciative of the chance I have to run!  Between my classes and the SGA President election, I will truly experience “living on a prayer.” 

This week began a new month of healthy goals for some of my friends and me.  During January term, Sarah, Margaret, and I set goals to help us develop good habits and maintain a lifestyle of health and fitness.  I gave up sodas (I used to drink Diet Coke all the time), reduced my coffee consumption to one cup a day, and began to run four miles per day.  We celebrated our success on Saturday night at the Blue Fire Grill in Greenville, our favorite restaurant.  I am continuing my endeavor with three weeks until my first race of the spring in Greenville.  That deadline should keep up the motivation for me to run.  A fun girls night at P.F. Cheng’s is at stake this month! 

Cheers!

Quotation for the week: "Nobody grows old by merely living a number of years; people grow old by deserting their ideals.  Years may wrinkle the skin, but to give up enthusiasm wrinkles the soul."
-Samuel Ullman (1840–1924)