the conversation is starting

People complain about Gen Y for being lazy...and other things I don't feel like looking up. Ha, see what I did there? (Really, it's just because that isn't the point of this post.) But what is Gen Y really?

According to Forbes, we are the most diverse, self-expressive, and educated generation yet.

What does this mean for you? Well, right now, it means that you see a lot of Facebook posts and Tweets (and unknown bloggers blogging about bloggy things) about controversial topics. With the inception of social media right as we reached peak age to get involved with it, it means we have an outlet to express our sometimes controversial views. And we have a lot of them. It means that those of us that don't have our degrees yet are working towards them and that we are preparing to be you in ten years. Except we won't be.

Our parents were raised in a time where their controversies led to the way that they raised us, as all parents do. Those mindsets, to raise us better than they are (as almost all parents seem to want out of their children), has led to us being a highly tolerant- no, I'm not even going to use that word- inclusive generation. We don't tolerate people, they're like us. They are included. For the most part, our generation doesn't care if you're white, black, tan, or purple polka-dotted. We don't care if you're gay, straight, pan, bi, or transgender. We don't care if you're a male or female. We don't care if you're Christian, Muslim, Mormon, Hindu, or any other religion. We grew up with you. We love you for who you are. And we want to know all of you, even the parts that spark controversy in the nightly news. To us, the groups you associate yourself with are no different than which clubs you join or what gym you work out at. They're a part of you, but it's not going to make or break our friendship. 

Does my generation have biases? Of course. But somewhere around 76% of Gen Y believes that are biases are lower than those of our parents and grandparents. (That's from one of my college textbooks from this semester. I'll find it if someone's really dying to know the source. Otherwise, just take my word for it, okay?)

What does this mean?

1. It means we aren't afraid to start the conversation.

Because we are such a diverse and self-expressive generation, it means we'll talk about it. It means that for the next few years at the least, you will see at least one or two things on your newsfeeds every day about feminism, racism, religion, or LGBTQA (and more- drug legalization, pornography, animal rights, etc.). These are no longer hushed conversations that you talk about for a moment at the dinner table before your parents say it's not politically correct to talk about it, and not to do so again. They are things that we talk about every day. Not a day goes by that I don't have one of these conversations with someone. Whether it's a Tweet, a Facebook post, an e-mail, a text, a phone conversation, or a chat with someone as we walk to get coffee, we're talking about it. We talk about how our parents and grandparents viewed these topics, how we see them, and our observations at how the younger generation sees them. We talk about our hopes for what the conversation will be once we are in the workforce, and how it can be as the younger kids grow up. We share our experiences and retell anecdotes that our parents and grandparents, and sometimes even great-grandparents, told us about their childhood. We're willing to start the conversation, and the conversation isn't ending anytime soon.

2. It means we're ready to ask the tough questions.

Our generation is going to ask the tough questions that our parents and grandparents didn't necessarily ask. We will ask the not so tough ones, but sort-of-awkward-and-I'm-sorry-I'm-so-culturally-inept questions: "What does wearing a hijab mean to you?" to "Does your religion really promote people doing that to one another?" We will ask the tougher ones: "Have you ever been discriminated against because of your race or gender?" "Is being gay a choice? If it was, what would you choose?" We grew up discussing these topics, and we were told our whole lives that no question is stupid. So why shouldn't we ask? Is it politically correct? Not usually. Is it awkward? Most definitely.  But how will we know if we don't ask? We will never come to an understanding and start to see ourselves not by our classifications but as people until we understand one another.

3. It means we will answer the tough questions.

 

My generation was raised to respect and appreciate our differences. Almost all of us made a snowflake in kindergarten and our teacher told as that we are as unique as the snowflakes we created and that every snowflake in history is completely original. If someone asks, we will describe our experiences on whatever the topic may be. We will share our view and compare it to someone else's viewpoint. Furthermore, we will listen to each other. A recent point that has been circling the social media is the difference between hearing and listening. When we hear someone, we process their words but we think of how we will respond. When we listen, we consider their view and ask questions to better understand. On occasion, it might even alter our point of view.

4. It means that the future is bright.

Because we grew up with a different idea of biases based on whatever classification, we are getting ready to tackle their consequences. Soon, we will be in the jobs you hold. We will also be creating new ones that directly address these social issues.



The conversation is starting. Are you ready for change?

10 Influential Books Challenge

So this challenge has been going around on Facebook to list 10 books that have been influential to you as a person. I've decided to make it a blog post instead of a status so that I can really go in to detail about the books I choose. I group some together that I feel had the same influence on the way I think or that are just very closely related books. I wish I could put more on this list. I've read tons and tons of books and they've all shaped who I am today. Most of these are also fiction novels and I could write a whole separate list of non-fiction books that have influenced me...and a whole different one of dystopian novels that have influenced me...and probably one for every genre. But I've tried to narrow it down here. Enjoy!

1. Harry Potter series, J.K. Rowling

The Harry Potter series probably has had the greatest impact on my life. I've read the series since a very young age and have loved the whole franchise ever since. Harry Potter taught me about loyalty, friendship, love, morality, ethics, the importance of education, spontaneity and a sense of adventure, hope for a better tomorrow, and to be who I am without concern for how others may perceive me. This series has made me laugh and cry and everything in between. My generation really grew up with these characters and you can see this influence in the attitudes and behaviors of my age group. I've actually had lengthy discussions with peers about the influence of Harry Potter on our generation. I could write a whole blog post just about that, easily.

2. Little Brother, Cory Doctorow (and consequently, its sequel and 1984, George Orwell)

This one probably seems a little obscure. If you'd like to read it, I believe the author has it published for free on his website. I read this when I was 14, in my freshman year of high school. I actually started reading it as a book club sort of thing with my mom after she made a joke that the main character reminded her of one of my friends. I really enjoyed the novel, of course, but it had a deeper impact than that on me. I had recently joined the debate team and was learning to see multiple sides of issues. This book was, to me, the first time I questioned authority and the legitimacy and honesty of our government. Up until this point, I believed what the media told me and assumed that the government always had our best interests at heart. After reading this, I had questions. I did research. I started reading 6 or 7 of the same news story to get different viewpoints. I looked in to conspiracy theories and scandals and highly criticized government actions. For the first time in my life, I was able to ask those above me who gave me orders and rules every day, "Why?".

3. Emma, Jane Austen

Okay, so this one is probably more of a I-really-love-this-novel than a this-changed-my-entire-future sort of book. A problem I often find in novels is their romanticization. Everything just goes perfectly for characters except for a little bump in the road. Emma was the first novel I read that the author took a step back and said, "Hey, things just don't go this perfectly." Yes, everything turns out just dandy in the end; however, the author took her main character and told her, "No. You aren't perfect. Stop pretending you are." I love this aspect of the novel and could really relate it to my every day life. Things usually turn out okay for me, but they don't always. And that's alright.

4. The Scarlet Letter, Nathaniel Hawthorne

I read this book junior year of high school for my AP Language class. I'll be honest. My first read-through of it, I absolutely hated this book. The language and grammar are complex, the story seems dry, and the characters aren't at all relatable. After reading this a second time, however, I realized that the book made some excellent points. I learned several lessons from it, including not being hypocritical and considering that someone's situation has more to it than the eye can see. Everyone makes mistakes and everyone has a story to tell. We shouldn't make judgements anyways, but if we insist on doing so, we need to know the whole story first.

5. The Prophet, Khalil Gibran

This is another obscure one. I found this sophomore year of high school by accident. There are times when I just roam the library and grab random books. This was one of those times. I just happened to come across this beautiful work of poetry. It wasn't something that really changed who I am but it was beautiful and I admire it to this day.

6. Persepolis, Marjane Satrapi

This story was one of my first views into the brutal reality of oppressed cultures. It taught me about oppression and the sweet relief of freedom- including its dangers. There is also at least one sequel to it. I read these when I was very young, so it was a pretty hard-learned lesson.

7. The Bible, Various Authors (and other books not included in it)

This is pretty obvious.

8. The Case for Christ, The Case for a Creator (in progress), Lee Strobel

I've often read the happy-go-lucky be-a-happy-Christian-because-God-loves-you books. these books took a different spin. They were written by an atheist journalist who later converted. The really neat thing about them is their look in to the scientific evidence for Christ and for God. It confronts widely accepted scientific theories and refutes them or accepts them based on modern scientific research. I have often wondered what scientific research existed, if any, and why science seemed so determined to go against Christian beliefs. Some aspects still do, even in modern research, but a lot of the big arguments are no longer valid in today's society.

9. Go Ask Alice,  Beatrice Sparks

I asked my mom if I could read this when I was 13. She said no, so naturally, I took it that night and read the whole thing. I had trouble sleeping for days and days after this, but eventually managed it. Anyways, this is the reason that I never really partied and never had any interest in drugs despite being offered them plenty of times. So thank you Beatrice Sparks for the intense paranoia and phobia that your book gave me. Drugs are bad, guys.

10. Wuthering Heights, Emile Bronte / The Count of Monte Cristo, Alexandre Dumas

Last but not least! I combined these two because they really show the same life lesson. Revenge and hatred are poison. They taught me that love and forgiveness are far better options, not to mention they are just great, quality writing.



So that's it! What are ten influential books in your life? Do we have any in common? Let me know!

Freshman Myths

I'm going in to my junior year in college. I didn't really know many freshmen last year, but know quite a few freshmen or freshmen-like* people this year. So, basically, I've been thinking a lot about things I thought freshman year that I've realized aren't true. Enjoy!

*Freshmen-Like People- Any student who is a freshman, acts like one, or is considered one because it's their first year in a traditional university in which they are forced to live on campus.


Myth 1: Soda Will Give Me the Extra Boost I Need This Week.

I used to think that a Coke or a Mountain Dew would really get me through my busy week at school. I would be "good" and get a diet drink, but let's be honest. Those aren't any healthier than the regular drink. In fact, many of them are shown to be worse for you. Seriously, Google any variation of "diet sodas are unhealthy". Check out some research or something. You're intelligent. Anyhoo, I would enjoy that soda and it would keep me going for....an hour? Maybe two? Which, honestly, I probably could have managed without it. The problem with these sugary sodas is that they're not natural (seriously, I will give you a dime for every natural ingredient you can find in that ingredients list on your soda bottle); furthermore, they are high in sugar. So? Because they are high in sugar, it means you'll be really awake for awhile and then you're going to crash. 

Fact: Other drinks are healthier and will give you more energy.
My favorite alternative is green tea (make it yourself, don't buy it, even though Arizona Green Tea tastes like magic in a can), but check out other alternatives here.

You will get as much caffeine as you would in your normal soda, but with less or no sugar. This means, you'll have that burst of caffeine you want to help you stay awake without the sugar crash after a couple of hours. I haven't had a soda in....easily months...that I can think of. When I do have one, it isn't for the caffeine. It's for the taste for a special treat. Don't believe me? Check out this list of caffeine content in your favorite drinks.  




Myth 2: I Need To Dress Up Or I Won't Make Friends
First off, if you're friends care about what you wear in college, you're wasting your time. Dress to impress or dress like a mess. Be you. If they don't like it, they can find someone else to hate on. It's perfectly acceptable to wear yoga pants or sweatpants once or twice...shoot...three times a week. Whatever. However...

Fact: Dressing to Impress Can Yield Success
It has been shown in several research experiments, like this one, that dressing well or dressing in character helps you to succeed in the classroom. You'll often hear variations of this: if you look good, you'll do good (not to be a grammar freak, but *cough* "well"); dress well, do well; dress for success, etc. I used to just wear yoga pants or sweats all the time. Nowadays, I try to wear skirts and nice-looking shirts. Not only does it show your professors that you care about their class (even though you probably don't), but also it tells your brain to get in to the mindset to learn today.



Myth 3: Failing an Exam is Okay and I Don't Need To Do Anything About It
Some professors drop your lowest exam or quiz grade. A lot of students, especially freshmen, take this to mean, "that means I don't need to study for this since he'll drop it anyways". Oh, wouldn't that be nice. 

Fact: If You Fail an Exam, Something Needs To Change
You didn't study? Study it now. The vast majority of your classes will have cumulative finals. What does that mean? It means that the material you failed to learn is on it. Oh, and your final is probably something like 25% of your grade. LEARN IT. 



Myth 4: Skipping a Lecture Isn't a Big Deal
For the first time in your life, attendance (probably) isn't mandatory...or if it is, it only loses you one or two points on your next exam. Whatever. Besides, the syllabus is online, so is the Power Point, and you started this section last class anyways. You sort of know some of the material. You'll be fine. 

Fact: Every Class You Miss Will Affect Your Final Grades
This is a pretty complicated subject, but I'll just post some links from researchers that explain my point in a more technical way. AKA this article. If you Google this topic, it finds about 13 million results, most of which (in the first few pages) all seem to say the same exact thing. If you miss content, you're going to miss the question on the exam. Remember, the Power Point is a summary of what the actual lecture is about. The syllabus just tells you what you covered. The book only tells half of the story. Go to class!


I'm sure I'll add on to this over time, but right now I need to go start making flashcards for Psychology. Bye!

P.S. You can now disregard everything I just said because I'm going to go eat a bunch of sugar. I want a cookie.
  
 

Cooking With Broke College Kids

Hey everyone, I wanted to share a recipe with you all that I made last week.

I'm calling it Homemade Tuna and Sun-Dried Tomatoes Cheesy Raviolis. AKA I-was-out-of-food-and-money-and-got-desperate-so-I-made-stuff-up.Yeah, it's a mouthful (quite literally). So I'm just going to post a picture and the recipe below!

Ingredients:
2 Cups Wheat or Regular Flour
1 Tsp Olive or Vegetable Oil
1 Tbsp Milk
3 Eggs
1 Can Tuna
1 Can Pasta Sauce
1/4 Cup Alfredo Sauce
2 Tbsp Feta Cheese
1 Tbsp Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Italian Seasonings to Taste

1. Pre-heat oven to 350.
2. Put flour on a cooking/pastry board. Make a little dent in the center like you would if you were putting gravy on mashed potatoes.
3. Beat eggs, oil, and milk until well-mixed.
4. Slowly pour egg mixture into the dent in your flour and use fingertips or fork to create a ball of dough.
5. On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough.
6. Flatten out the dough using hands or a rolling pin.
7. Cut in to squares.
8. Drain tuna.
9. In a small bowl, mix alfredo sauce, tuna, feta, and sun-dried tomatoes.
10. Pick up two squares of dough and stretch the sides lightly. Place on a lightly floured surface.
11. Add a very small amount of the tuna mix to the center of one of the squares.
12. Put the other squares on top and lightly press the sides together until sealed.
13. Use a fork to lightly press the lines in to the side. I don't know if there is a scientific reason for this, but it looks good and only takes about two seconds.
14. Set aside.
15. Repeat for remaining squares.
16. Pour pasta sauce into a short cake pan or casserole dish.
17. Place raviolis on top of sauce.
18. Sprinkle spices and extra feta on top.
19. Place in the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes.
20. Serve immediately with oregano sprinkled on top for good show

Makes 12-15 raviolis.

Prep Time- 15 minutes
Bake Time- 10-15 minutes