In response to the ‘Butts in Seats Bakesale’

I’m not sure what point the bake sale was trying to make, but this whole thing would be a non-issue if the government didn’t extort money from individuals in order to pay for services provided to others. Since this is obviously not the case, the fundamental question here — and this is where the real argument lies — is why does the government fund education? Is it to increase the productivity of its citizens by preparing them for suitable careers, or is it to give them the opportunity to indulge in more the abstract topics of academia? Which one, or both — if any — of these goals makes the act of forcibly taking a portion of the earnings of working individuals to provide services for others a morally justifiable decision?

Joshua Chen

senior, nuclear engineering

Mental health stigma

Does it surprise you to know that nearly one in five N.C. State students seeks services at the Counseling Center? Within the past year, 49 percent of N.C. State students report overwhelming anxiety and 44 percent experience feelings of hopelessness. Mental health remains a controversial issue on campuses across America. Decreasing the stigma around mental health issues is a critical part of bettering campus life and ensuring student safety while enacting positive social change. A stigma is when someone negatively judges you based on a personal trait. 

The Center is launching a “Stop the Stigma” campaign designed to raise  student’s and faculty’s awareness, and provide ways to help those who may be struggling in our community through education and compassion. Faculty will soon receive information about ways to decrease mental health stigma in the classroom, as well as ideas to help students who may be affected by mental health concerns. Students will also receive information on how to help their peers, as well as themselves, get the support they need to be successful in the college. No one should suffer in silence because of mental health concerns. I applaud the work of the N.C. State Counseling Center to forge an open dialogue about mental health on campus. I am heartened by the message they painted in the Free Expression tunnel, reading, “Challenge your beliefs about mental health issues. Get involved. Be kind to others. Find out more. Because we could all use help.”

Megan  Tajlili

graduate student , Curriculum, Instruction & Counselor Education

‘Regalia’, not ‘costumes’

Thank you to all who have an interest in Native American culture and those who attended the Powwow on Saturday, April 6. I would like to clarify the use of the term costume as related to the traditional wear that was seen at this year’s event as reported in the April 8 issue of the Technician. The term costume is used to describe attire which allows a person to portray something they are not. With that being said the use of that term is offensive to Native people and greatly offended the Native population at N.C. State. This implies we are “dressing up” as something we are not. The appropriate word for our traditional attire would be “regalia.” We are not simply trying to be something of the past.  We are Native, we aren’t pretending, and we do not wear costumes as a part of our culture. I hope you (and others) will embrace and use the term “regalia” in the future.

Shiana Thomas

senior

‘I hate this time of year’

I hate this time of year — when I have to figure out what I’m going to be doing with my life the next semester. You guessed it, I’m talking about making schedules. Trying to figure out the next chapter in my life about three months in advance. I dread every agonizing second of it, from the meeting with my advisor to the final adrenaline-pumping click when I find out if my “perfect schedule” remains perfect.

Which brings me to my main point: classes reserved specifically for freshman. Out of all the restrictions that I have encountered my two years at the university, this one might be the biggest pain in my butt. I can agree with restrictions and reservations specifically for those registered in a major and even those in the minor. I cannot for the life of me, however, understand the use of restrictions for incoming freshman. I have invested a lot of time and money, sweat and tears in this university and the degrees I’m pursuing — and you’re telling me that I cannot fulfill a simple GEP for my women and gender studies minor because the entire class is reserved for freshman? 

I understand that, I was in the exact same position not too long ago. However, for people like me, who will soon be classified as upperclassmen and more than likely have their life somewhat in order — who know what their majors and minors are and know where they are going in life, there should be no restrictions for us. 

So I’m sitting here scrambling, emailing all of the teachers I know, begging and pleading to see if they will allow me into their class. But most of them cannot do anything for me. Not their fault, simply out of their control. Whereas, freshman will come in two or three months from now and register at orientation. Making their “perfect” schedules, even though, in reality, they will probably be switching majors within the semester. Hey, they might even still be considering switching schools. But they will still have precedence in a class over upperclassmen within the major.

Please, don’t mind me. I simply just want to get a high-valued education at an esteemed university within a four year time slot. I really do not believe that is too much to ask. Especially with the amount of money I’m paying in tuition.

Hayley Pickard

sophomore, international studies