Feb 21
Last week I was watching Jon Stewart where he interviewed Arne Duncan, the Secretary of Education, when they discussed the education system in America and the new Obama plan of Race to the Top. You can watch the interview here, but essentially it is Stewart criticizing this new system, which has been a lackluster attempt to …
Feb 20
Not long ago I wrote a blog post on the changes that President Obama wants to bring to universities. Many of his changes revolved around student loans, and helping young people get the best out of their higher education experiences. The president has been calling for education changes in rapid succession, and recently asked Congress …
Feb 15
Recently I read an article that told the story of a former child soldier who fought in the civil war in Burundi. The story recounted his tale and brushed on his use of narcotics as a means to escape his memories of the war. As I read this I could not help thinking; this man …
Feb 13
When we think of the homeless population, it is sometimes hard to understand all the differing circumstances of how these individuals lost their homes and also why they are unable to break the cycle of homelessness. I’d like to highlight challenges faced by homeless youth and how their particular condition is in dire need of …
Feb 13
Education has been an issue that I have touched upon time and time again, and many times I have mentioned the ill reputed No Child Left Behind law. The law, which was revamped under former President George W. Bush’s term, has left a bitter mark on teachers and schools across the nation. Thousands of teachers, …
Feb 10
I noticed an interesting phenomenon the other day. As I sat down to watch my favorite show on television, I started closely observing the commercials. A few car commercials passed and then a commercial for Pretzel M&M’s, a few more commercials were played and then a McDonald’s commercial. I also saw a commercial for Snickers …
Feb 09
American children face a new and exciting environment, especially in their preschools and elementary schools. The faces, languages, and cultures of children in our country are incredibly diversified, offering a huge opportunity for kids to learn about families that are different from theirs. In large part, this diversity is being embraced, as is evident with …
Feb 09
For many young people, listening to music while walking down the street has become a pretty common practice. Thousands of students on college campuses, as well as high school and middle school students, can be seen bopping about to their iPods or mp3 players. However, there is a major issue coming out of this new …
Feb 06
Khalil, a six year old in first grade, attends elementary school in Southeast D.C. We just finished reading The Little Engine That Could, and began discussing what it means to overcome obstacles and believe in oneself. Khalil is one of the sweetest kids I know, with overwhelming positivity and optimism for the future. He always …
Jan 30
Phillip Parker grew up in Tennessee with a loving family and a supportive group of friends. He was upbeat and energetic throughout most of his childhood, and was respected by many. He was also openly gay. Unfortunately, with his confidence in being out of the closet came the consequence of bullying. To a number of …
