For me personally, though, this Valentine’s Day wasn’t just different because of the impossibility of subverting a Western subculture of capitalism and spending money.
Grief is a microcosm of life – and life is beautiful.
It’s odd to have had to say good-bye to experiences so early. It feels premature somehow, but all we’ve been asked to do this year is adapt. And we have, again and again.
And though fraternity hazing is publicly criticized for its outward displays of toxic masculinity and violence, sorority recruitment acts as an alternative form of hazing plagued by toxic and detrimental female stereotypes.
More than anything, I hated my million small flaws that stood in the way of perfection.
But I will still forever be grateful for the mask. After all, what if my eczema flares up horribly again? What would I do without the patterned cloth to distract from my face?
Honestly, if he wants another term after this one, he better recognize this fact, cut “unity” out of his vocabulary and replace it with “justice.”
So if you have the means and the time and the health and the privilege to go somewhere warm and travel safely, stop wringing your hands in the cold like I did all of last semester and go.
Though I cannot remedy the issue of being plagued by stereotypes, what is better than an unbiased, professionally trained adult who is legally obligated to keep your secrets, listen to your drama and help you through the ups and downs of life? Absolutely nothing.
The Office of the Provost believes we need to return to some form of normalcy, but this isn’t the way to do so. Raising the standard by which we are graded clashes with our current situation, which continues to remain both uncertain and dominantly online.
Despite Miami University’s efforts to get students on board with their guidelines for public safety and getting them to care for the community in general, OPD continues to put the very community it’s meant to serve at risk.
Removing their dear leader from office isn’t going to make these people see the light. Doing that will require many, many tough conversations.
In complicated and unpoetic fashion, our hope and joy comes with strings attached.
And in those small moments, I find this ever-present sense of loss, split into such miniscule pieces that they feel insignificant when compared to the unfathomable losses some people have dealt with during this pandemic.
When they stop putting us first, we need to be on our own team. And, sometimes we need to support our more vulnerable team members.
I knew this semester had to be different, and online school presented me with a chance to work at that. After applying to multiple places and weighing my options, I took a job at Skipper’s and am so happy I did.
Why, though? Why is it so scary to speak my truth and tell my loved ones that I think capitalism is immoral and that I’ve literally never believed in God despite being a confirmed Catholic?
Yes, in the past, we have pushed the school for more frequent communication on COVID-19. But now it’s time for the next step. Quantity means nothing without quality, especially in a pandemic.
Obviously, there are still plenty of ways you can celebrate Halloween while still being safe, masked up and socially distanced. In short, Halloween isn’t ruined — it’s just different.