“Never discuss religion or politics” has been a piece of advice many have heard throughout the decades. But at a private Catholic college like Cabrini, it seems many students aren’t following that advice. After all, religion and politics can be some of the most important influences in our lives.
We believe we should discuss religion and politics. but always be respectful of each other’s views.
As college students we are lucky to be influenced by all the different types of people and points of view we meet at school. Hopefully we then become compelled to be a part of political change. At Cabrini, it’s even more easy as than at other colleges or universities to be included in that change because our Justice Matters curriculum meets head-on some of the challenging problems facing our world.
In addition, the Wolfington center offers many opportunities to learn about social issues in both your backyard as well as overseas. To learn about these issues is as valuable as doing something about them. The school’s curriculum offers junior-year students the chance to lobby in Washington, D.C. to talk to their senators about what they want changed.
The Loquitur staff knows politics may not be the most immediate thought on a college student’s mind. However, after your four years of living and learning in a secure setting, you will no longer be insured under your parents’ health care, along with having to pay a mortgage and pay taxes.
Soon enough, you won’t have a choice but to be politically involved. Why not educate yourself while you’re in a setting where you can rally peers to want the change that you do?
Our advice is to find something that you care about. Something that affects you in a way that inspires to you learn about it. Zero in on what it is you think must be fixed. You don’t have to understand everything that is happening in the world, but discovering a cause that you wish to see prosper is enough motivation to participate in a revolution.
To get started, sign up for clubs and organizations on campus such as Catholic Relief Services or Habitat for Humanity to witness what it is college students are doing to promote positive change for the common good. Use social media like Twitter and Google Reader to follow political figures and learn about their positions on certain issues you find affect you.
Register to vote and have your voice heard during the United States midterm election that will be held on Tuesday, Nov.2.
Unpaid Internships
Internships are crucial in this job market to a college graduate’s resume. If you’re lucky, you’re paid for your work. However, the majority of college students are not.
According to the New York Times, the amount of unpaid internships has tripled in the last two years as a result of the economic downfall and an increase in student’s eagerness.
Recently, government officials have conducted investigations to exploit certain employers who have discarded the regulations of the U.S. Department of Labor’s criteria that companies must meet when they employ both paid workers as well as unpaid interns.
At Cabrini, we have the cooperation education program that offers students college credit for the internships they obtain through the offices services. However, many students may find they have to pay for the college credit that ultimately burdens them. Many students evaluate their internships as being a bystander to a company or the stereotypical fetcher of the boss-man’s coffee.
The Loquitur questions how far should a student should go financially to expand their professional experience. In addition to the $43,000 tuition Cabrini students pay annually, the extra hours in the week add to an already overwhelming schedule that may be only worth it if financial compensation is involved.
Internships are no doubt favorable to a student’s résumé, but at what cost?
