'Major' Road Work Ahead

When I picture choosing a major for a degree, I see it as driving down the road of life. 

We often have a path envisioned in our minds that is smoothly paved for the ride ahead.  However, the potholes and bumps of difficulties in life can make the journey an off-road adventure.  As much as we hate construction work on major roads, we also often have trouble accepting the necessary time to fix issues.  And, picking the right vehicle is also important.  Palm Beach Atlantic University is the vehicle that I have chosen to navigate my career path. 

This week, I attended a career seminar offered by PBA’s Student Success office.  I had recently felt like I had lost control of the wheel, with the semester ending quickly and having no final destination.  However, the seminar was helpful in affirming my decision on a major, and potential career options. 

When I first decided to come to PBA, I was unsure of what major to choose -- a roadblock.  Initially, I thought Nutrition would be a possibility in order to fulfill my goal of helping others. Except, I didn’t have a passion for science.  I took a detour toward a major in Communication, which was inspired by a social media project I was involved with in high school. 

Nonetheless, here I am, nearly midway through my sophomore year reaching another roadblock.  Much to my dismay, even completing a minor with my Communication major would leave me a semester short of the credits required to reach the finish line at PBA and graduate my senior year.  With no desire to take electives senior year, I am filling up the tank and plan to double major in Communication and English.  This is a perfect route to take because English is one of my passions.  Beginning next semester, I will begin to test drive the English courses on the road to my majors.

What kinds of "major" road work are you encountering?

Sacrifice a Part of True Success

How can you sacrifice your life to the Lord while obtaining success in your career?

PBA's American Free Enterprise Day on Monday answered this controversial question.  I had been hearing both positive and negative remarks about the system that the day represented.  Also, since I was involved in the ceremony, friends and family have asked my opinion about the event.  As a freshman last year, I didn't take AFE sincerely, and simply associated it with the politics of business.  This year, I truly resonated with the event because of this year's medalist, Mr. H. Wayne Huizenga Jr.

It is evident that all of AFE's medalists have proven validity of the American Free Enterprise system with their successes.  However, more importantly, they have shown validity of the light of Christ living in them and shining in their careers through sacrifice.  Mr. Huizenga Jr. spoke about how he "allowed Christ to live through [him]," literally looking past the money to see God, in a story he shared that day.  Mr. Huizenga challenged the crowd, especially the students, to utilize their platform of power to share God with those who may not know Him otherwise.  Additionally, he urged us to use our talents bestowed from God to serve those around us, and offer our gifts back to our Creator.

As I was listening to this speech, I was fondly reminded of a role model in my life, my dad.  My father is a successful businessman. As I grew up and he grew in power, I never saw him blinded by wealth or status.  My father made an effort to put others first, whether it be his family or employees, and to serve God as he was promoted in positions.  As students preparing for the workforce, we are easily blinded by our needs for success.  Self interest isn't bad until it turns in to selfishness, causing us to lose sight of the greatness of sacrificing our life back up to God.

Whether or not you agree with the politics involved with American Free Enterprise Day, I hope that it is clear that AFE has taught that success without sacrifice has no validity.

Here is a video from Mr. Huizenga with the nonprofit "I Am Second," which his speech mirrored on Monday.

The Moving Market of Mediums

 

As I waited for my friend in her dorm, I decided to find out what's happening in the news.  I was going to look at a news website on the Internet when I saw on her table a print edition of USA Today, which is available on campus.  My thoughts turned to deciding which medium of news would be most interesting and informational to me -- online or print. 
It had been a while since I actually picked up a newspaper, so I glanced at the pages for a few minutes. It wasn’t long before I became bored with the tiny print and grey paper, and began searching the online edition instead. 
My favorite aspect of reading news online is that I can tweak it to provide specific information that pertains only to my interests.  Though, a consequence of this method is readers might miss valuable information, and not expand their interests.      

Internet editions of newpapers are popular for its ability to provide updated news anytime, whereas most print editions get one shot a day for the best information. 

Print edition of USA Today

What is more, basic news online doesn’t cost a dime for readers, and print newspapers require subscriptions or a couple quarters at the newsstand.

Growing up, I went to television the most as a source for news. It’s no wonder my brain is used to gathering news through quick and easy methods, which can be found abundantly on the Internet. With the advent of Facebook and Twitter, it’s even more popular to get news online.  My most recent channel of news has come from friends who share links to stories on websites.  I also have a “Pulse” app on my phone that brings news to me anytime, anywhere.

Does the freshness of a newspaper's website oust the print edition's relevance?