W#6 Video Commentary

This is a video commentary that was assigned for my Comm. 435 Opinion & Editorial Writing class here at CSUF.  I wanted to comment on the issue of student loans and the ridiculous amount of debt students are being forced into.  I would almost argue that it's abusive to students who are just trying to get an education.  Basically its a satirical commentary on this issue and I fashioned it after the PSA commercial of abused pets...yes the Sarah McLaughlin one...and yes, the one that we're all guilty of changing the channel from ;-)

Enjoy.

-T.

P.S. Maybe one day I WILL establish the Indentured Student Servant Fund.  You think Oprah would be in on it?

Invaders

Oh boy...they're back.

This is most certainly a treat to many Titans, including myself, simply because its a form of entertainment between class.  Perhaps that's sad to say, but really, seeing a guy talk about the end of days, how homosexuality is a mental illness, and speaking in tongues is KINDA funny after you've been in a lecture hall for three hours. 

I captured this photo after they tried to hand me some literature.  They simply couldn't accept the fact that my arms were full with lugging around a tower of heavy textbooks along with an assortment of binders while managing to balance a Starbucks coffee on top. Or you know, the fact that I looked like a camel with my back strapped to my suitcase of a backpack. Or maybe even the fact that I was "talking" on my cell phone to avoid contact . No.  That would be too easy. But as soon as I said "I'm Jewish" they stopped insisting and replied with "Oh well, WE forgive you."

Lesson of the day: When in doubt, pretend you're Jewish?

Heritage House

Did anyone know that the Heritage House is actually located ON the grounds of Cal State Fullerton?

Perhaps the better question would be does anyone CARE that the Heritage House is actually located on the grounds of Cal State Fullerton?  *crickets* Anybody?  No?

I found myself  and the other four Titans wandering through the Fullerton Arboretum- which I will add is also a hidden gem on campus that nobody really seems to know about-  and in the middle of the trees, overlooking the pond is this- Heritage House.

Originally built in 1894, this is the SAME house that Dr. Clark practiced medicine in at the turn of the century.  Does this not strike some sort of fascination in anyone?  Really?  ...tough crowd.

The fact that its 2013 and this house stood the same way it stands now back in 1894 is really rather amazing.  This is a historical relic.  And its on OUR campus.

As I explored the home of Dr. Clark, I had a moment.  A special moment, you could say.  As I looked down where I was walking, the realization came to me-  this is the same ground that I walked on when I was eight years old and my father would bring me here to the arboretum to visit.  I was walking on the same steps that my eight year old self stood on, I was looking through the same windows my eight year old self looked through (and even Dr. Clark before me) and I looked out to the same pond where I used to feed ducks and where the Clark family enjoyed their summer evenings.  And its still here.

I'm in college now, a Fullerton Titan, soon-to-be alumni, and I can honesty say that I still look at this place with same wonder I had those years ago.  The Fullerton Arboretum and Heritage House have that effect on visitors.  You'd be surprised.

Maybe that is why Heritage House is such a gem to me?  Because its a time capsule, a living time capsule.

Midterms

Scene of the crime.

Victim: my brain.

Victim last scene fully functioning here 3 days ago.  Any information on where my mind is, you are urged to contact myself.

Possible suspect:  MIDTERMS

Food Trucks

And they say college students are starving...

Spanish Bistro, my favorite food truck on campus, might make you think different.

Or at least will make your taste buds think otherwise.

Spanish Paella, $5.  And to think I bought an energy bar at the Titan Gym for $4.75!

Winning.

Fire Drill!!! Quick! Everyone Get Out!

10:00 a.m.  The bell tower strikes 10.  Its time for class.  I'm currently sitting in American Studies 320-- Woman in American Society.

10:05 a.m.  Professor decides to show up.

10:20 a.m. !ATTENTION!  THIS IS THE UNIVERSITY POLICE.  PLEASE REMAIN CALM.  THIS IS A FIRE DRILL.  I REPEAT.  THIS IS ONLY A DRILL.  PLEASE EVACUATE TO YOUR DESIGNATED SAFETY ZONES.  !ATTENTION!....

Let me just add that it seems like even more of a safety hazard to have thousands of students cram their way into hallways and down staircases during this fire drill than it would in a real emergency.  I'm pretty sure I saw 2 students trip and get stepped on.  But I digress...

10:27 a.m.  I see my professor walking to her car.  I don't blame her.

10:32 a.m. The thought comes to mind-- This is THE perfect opportunity for a coffee break.  [runs to Aloha Java, located between University Hall and the Humanities building].

10:33 a.m.  Has a realization-- Am I really the ONLY student who decided to get coffee during the fire alarm drill?

10:36 a.m.  Coffee in hand.  Success.  I'm running back to McCarthy Hall as soon as I see the evacuation is over and everyone can get back to class.

10:37 a.m.  I'm approaching the lecture hall.  I slip my coffee behind my back so it doesn't look like I took advantage of the opportunity-- even though I totally did-- and what do I hear?  "Ms. Coover!"  Momentary panic.  It's my professor.  I turn around quickly.

 "Did you REALLY go and get a coffee?  When the university is trying to make an effort to ensure your safety and all that's required is a little cooperation, and you decide its time for coffee?"

  A sweat starts to break, but before I can answer I see a smile break on my professor's face.  From behind her back she pulls out a coffee as well.  Caramel frappuccino.

 "I'm glad I wasn't the only one", she says.  "Great minds think alike."

Sigh of relief.

Titan's Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest.  Oktoberfest is the world's largest fair held annually in Munich, Bavaria, Germany. It is a 16-day festival running from late September to the first weekend in October with more than 6 million people from around the world attending the event every year.

Well...apparently it is also celebrated at Cal State Fullerton.  One small step for students, one giant leap for  ASI and administrators who are trying to change our image of "commuter college".  And apparently all you need is a Bavarian Pretzel stand (*cough*cough* shout out to Wetzel's Pretzels *cough*) and some free stuff to keep students entertained and ON campus. 

What the face painting or the caricatures had to do with Oktoberfest, I don't know?  Oh! And the henna tattoo stands?  Yeah.  That SCREAMS Germany ;-)   But it was wonderful to see the Titan student body come out and enjoy the festivities.