MARCH-ing forward

It has been a fruitful month. Things are beginning to slow down a little as spring break approaches in a week's time.

To sum up Feb., it was all about multicultural events and activities. February celebrates Black History Month as well as LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transexual) History Month. In the mist of it, the Asian-American and American Indian societies hosted some events too in conjunction with Unity Day.

I can't believe I have survived through half the spring semester already. My performance in the University Chronicle surprised myself even more. As of date, I have 22 news and arts articles published, not counting 6 opinion columns. My journalism class professor challenged the class to publish at least 18 news stories because one student did that last semester and my professor is very proud of her. I take pride for breaking her record in half a semester though.

As March comes by, more tests and assignments await in my schedule. Nonetheless, I'm very excited about the upcoming Arizona Mission Trip during the spring break. I can practice as a good servant of God and show God's love for the community in the Apaches reservations.

Being with you is all I ask...

Confusingly, I'm surrounded by the question regarding "love" at this moment, way past Valentine's. I hold fast to the principle of John 3:16. And I believe God loves us for who we are. Yet, sometimes, I wonder if who I am deserved to be loved. I overheard a very triggering saying today: God hates sin but loves the sinners. We, sinners, are worthy to be loved and do love who you love.

Just a side bar, I've just got the Minnesota driving permit last Friday. I can now drive with a license holder and schedule for a road test after the summer break, I guess that would be a better time to drive on the road, without the snow and ice.

I can do this.

So, my focal points in March are 1. Continue to get published in the Chronicle, and 2. Academics. 3. Weight down to 150lbs by the end of the month.

C'mon, all ye soldiers, let's go MARCHing on!

Mind your language

Let’s put this straight, I don’t want to offend anyone but it is just what’s happening around us. We are all very-so familiar with the F-word, S-word and whatever that has relations with hell and its damnation. How many of us remember passing a day without speaking or hearing any of such word in our daily routine?

I recently watched a video clip on YouTube that promotes the use of the F-language. Instead of feeling entertained by the usage of such a language, I was upset by its reality. Most of us, especially the “Millennial” generation, think that such vulgarity is just something that happens in life. In fact, many would ask me to just “get over it.”

I am not offended, but I just couldn’t accept how these words can even be seen as a norm. Even heart breaking is that one said it could even be seen as a form of art. I’ve once heard a professor in a theatre class using these words for expressions. In my opinion, these terms did not bring any praiseworthy effects. Instead, it brings shame to a person who uses it.

The F-terminology is so often used to expressed anger or disagreement, the YouTube clip said. I just don’t see how this terminology could help with any situation. Taking for example: if one was very angry over another person, a “go F*** yourself” would not resolve the situation very much.

You get what I mean? With almost everyone using these words in our society right now, even toddlers would pick them up and use them as they learn their conversation. I couldn’t foresee how our world would be in the future if these F’s are growing to be a norm in our culture.

Be it noun (fish), verb (fishing), adjective (fishy), adverb (fishing-) or any parts of speech, the F-terminology has become recklessly dominant. One day, I think no one would be surprised to see in our Constitution (Amendment XXXX) that reads “No individual shall f***ing commit any language offense without due process of law…”

We are what we do or say. People value one another by observing their behaviors including their speech. Employing vulgarity in our speech puts down our reputation before others. Why don’t we use any of those F-words when it comes to interviews? It is simple: we knew it very well that these terms downgrade our status. Then why do we use them when our superior wasn’t around? Haven’t we trashed our integrity?

In short, I personally oppose the use of this indecorous lingo. Finally, let’s take one of the greatest and infamous quotes that playwright Shakespeare has ever written, and turns it into our F-terms: “O, Romeo, Romeo, where f**king art thou Romeo?

O well, it doesn’t seem very artistic after all.

Jason Tham/Columnist

University Chronicle

Of fate, faith, and luck

Do you believe in "fate?" Or it's "faith" that you cling onto?

I've always argued with my inner self that we Christians should not trust "luck." This may be why you don't always see me wishing people "good luck" in their undertakings.

Nonetheless, is "fate" similar to "luck?"

Dictionary.com defines "luck" as the force that seems to operate for good or ill in a person's life, as in shaping circumstances, events, or opportunity.
Dictionary.com defines "fate" as something unavoidably befalls a person.
Dictionary.com defines "faith" as confidence or trust in a person or thing.

If you have Faith, do you still believe in Fate? Doesn't already God designed your Destiny?

I'm sorry. I apologize for throwing so many "frustrating words" to you, beloved readers. But it really triggers me when my acting class professor said today that, "as an actor, your body is somehow your fate."

It has been echoing in my mind for the rest of the day till I decided to pen this in my blog. One side of my brains struggle that I live my life based on Faith. It is faith, the truth, that has made life meaningful to me. On the other hand, Fate seems to be real too. When everything starts to fall in place, have you ever wonder why things JUST happen?

Oh well. I know this is not a topic that worth the time to think over. Yet, these are things that somebody needs to clarify for us. I don't want to live a life pondering why things happens. I trust that God has plans, this is Faith, I'm sure. He knows what's before us and how we will ended up be.

What about Fate?

I guess the following video serves as a very good example of fate. Some people are just so blessed with talents, may be this is fate. Watch it, and you'll understand what I meant.

He very-so good.

Let's spend the rest of our February loving everyone around us!