WORD OF THE WEEK

Word of the Week is presented by the students of Honors Writing Seminar I, under the advisement of Professor Gladdy White.  The series is sponsored by the Honors Program, Writing Across the Curriculum, and the School of Liberal Arts.

May 1, 2006

Relief - "(ri-'lEf) n. “The ease of a burden or distress, such as pain, anxiety, or oppression."

As the semester comes to an end and we complete another year of college, we are all cramming to finish building our final models or type our last papers. The stress that builds up is suddenly released after our final crits and our last finals are submitted. There is such pent up anxiety about packing, studying, finishing everything, and parting from new friends.

April 17, 2006

Anxiety (n) “A state of uneasiness and apprehension, as about future uncertainties” (Dictionary.com).

Your heart is pounding, palms are sweating, and stomach is flip-flopping: you are becoming dizzy.  Whether it is due to an oral presentation, a company meeting, or a blind date, you are experiencing anxiety, something that everyone encounters, no matter what stage of life.  Instead of feeling cool, calm, and collected, people become nervous about future situations.

Examine your own life.  Here, at Philadelphia University, students almost always have anxiety, whether about classes or homework or social problems they may be having.  Especially now that finals are fast approaching, anxiety is hitting almost every student on campus.  Many design students pull all-nighters to finish projects they fell behind on; others spend hours nervously studying for tests.

As bad as it is, anxiety is also something that can be dealt with.  Philadelphia University offers many services to help students deal with anxiety, such as counselors willing to talk (email CounselingServices@PhilaU.edu) and tutors willing to help students overcome their test anxieties (Ext. 2730).  There is also a Physical Education course offered called Stress Management, which cam help students deal with their stress.  In Philadelphia, the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Inquirer inform the community about different anxieties and how to deal with them.

Recent books and films that deal with anxiety include the following:

Coping with Anxiety: 10 Simple Ways to Relieve Anxiety, Fear & Worry, by Edmund J. Bourne and Lorna Garano. This book gives readers a guide to getting rid of the anxiety that troubles them, both mentally and physically. There are relaxation techniques. Many people with chronic anxiety and/or panic attacks recommend this book.

High Anxiety. Directed by/starring Mel Brooks, this movie spoofs ten classic Hitchcock films. The main character, a psychiatrist, suffers from a form of anxiety himself. He becomes the head of an institute for nervous people and encounters many quirky characters along the way. This hilarious movie pokes fun at types of anxiety, and was nominated for a Golden Globe (Best Picture) in 1978. Its sequels are also worth a trip to the video store.

Works Cited

"Anxiety." Dictionary.com. 2006. 15 April 2006. <http://dictionary.  Reference.com/search?q=anxiety>.

Bourne, Edmund J. and Lorna Garano. Coping With Anxiety. 15 April 2006. <http://www.amazon.com/books>.

High Anxiety. Dir. Mel Brooks. <http://www.imdb.com>.

April 7, 2006

Heritage (n).  (her-i-tij) 1.  A cultural or familial tradition passed down through successive generations 2. 1.  Physical possessions that are inherited; an inheritance (Merriam-Webster.)

As spring emerges, Philadelphia University students are shedding the layers of shirts, sweatshirts, jackets, and socks they have grown so accustomed to during the past five months. Finally, kids are walking outside again, playing football, throwing a frisbee, and lying in the sun; finally, you can see another side of PhillyU, one that has not been seen since early September. With flowers blooming and trees budding, there is a rebirth of life all around us.  It is impossible not to be swept up in the warmth and happiness that accompanies this time of year.  And as all of this life is reborn, we think of our pasts.

Most importantly, we think of the heritage of everyone and everything around us, the generations upon generations of Philadelphia University students who have come before us, and the traditions we carry on for them.  We think of the people who attended the Catholic Girls School on the Ravenhill Campus.  We remember the families of rich Philadelphia aristocrats who used to reside in the large estates that now belong to PhillyU.  And we think of the histories of the servants who worked in those homes.  We also think of our relatives.

Look at your heritage.  Without it, you wouldn't be who you are today.  Think of how the history and heritage of everyone who has contributed anything to Philadelphia University has shaped where we walk, where we throw our footballs and frisbees, and where we live and study.  Then think about how you, too, can leave a lasting impression on the future generations of Philadelphia University students. What kind of impression might it be?

This month at Philadelphia University, we are celebrating foreign languages and cultures—our various heritages—with a number of foreign films shown throughout the month of April. Included are Spirited Away and Italian for Beginners.  Both movies celebrate a different cultural experience. To complement the movies, the dining hall will serve international cuisine.

Other recent films that celebrate people’s heritage: Whale Rider (2002); Real Women Have Curves (2002); Stealing Harvard (2002).

Works Cited:

"Heritage." Merriam-Webster Dictionary Online.  2006.  4 April 2006. 

<http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/controversy>

Real Women Have Curves. International Movie Database. 2006. 6 Feb. 2006

<http://www.imdb.com.>

Stealing Harvard. International Movie Database. 2006. 6 Feb. 2006

<http://www.imdb.com.>

Whale Rider. International Movie Database. 2006. 6 Feb. 2006

<http://www.imdb.com.>

April 3, 2006

Controversy: con·tro·ver·sy (n) “'kän-tr?-"v?r-sE, Etymology: from Latin controversia.  . . controversus -- disputable, literally, turned against, from contro- (akin to contra-) + versus, past participle of vertere to turn -- more at WORTH; 1 : a discussion marked especially by the expression of opposing views : Dispute 2 : Quarrel; Strife” (Merriam-Webster).

When one thinks of the word ‘controversy,’ he or she may think of anything that two or more parties may argue about while not being able to come to an agreement. Controversial events happen all around us, every day of the week.  Many of these issues are not things that would be addressed in casual conversation.

A major recurring controversy in the city of Philadelphia today is the topic of the proposed casinos. The state government decided that Philadelphia was unable to decide where these casinos will be placed.  This perturbed the officials and citizens of Philadelphia.  Nothing has been finalized as of yet, but it will be voted on in the state congress soon. If you look around the neighborhoods surrounding our campus, you will see many bright orange signs declaring “No Casinos.” East Falls, like many Philadelphia communities, does not want a casino here.

On campus, because of the size of this year’s freshman class and the number of students returning next year, the issue of housing has been brought to our attention. Many students were unable to receive on-campus housing because of the large number of students who need rooms.  With that said, the Kanbar Student Center is brought into the spot light.  This is controversial because instead of building more housing for the students in the upper classes, the school decided they would build a new student center, even though there is already a student center and two gyms available for use.  Many students are upset about this because they are left without housing.  An outcry has been heard, but it seems to have fallen upon deaf ears so far.  Although a pressing issue, it is not the only controversial one facing Philadelphia University.  The students need to voice their opinions on these subjects or else nothing will be done about them.  One possible venue is the new student newspaper, The Rampage.  You can submit work to Rampage@PhilaU.edu.

Books and Films: This week, the Word of the Week team is listing some of the books and films that have been so controversial at one time or another that they have been banned or censored somewhere. Because there are hundreds of these, we list only a few – some may surprise you:

Books: I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou; The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain; The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain; Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck; Harry Potter (Series) by J.K. Rowling; Heather Has Two Mommies by Leslea Newman; The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger; The Giver by Lois Lowry; The Color Purple by Alice Walker; In the Night Kitchen by Maurice Sendak; What’s Happening to my Body? Book for Girls: A Growing-Up Guide for Parents & Daughters by Lynda Madaras; What’s Happening to my Body? Book for Boys: A Growing-Up Guide for Parents & Sons by Lynda Madaras; To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee; Beloved by Toni Morrison; A Light in the Attic by Shel Silverstein; Brave New World by Aldous Huxley; James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl; Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret by Judy Blume; Lord of the Flies by William Golding; Native Son by Richard Wright; Where Did I Come From? by Peter Mayle; Where’s Waldo? by Martin Hanford; Summer of My German Soldier by Bette Greene; Little Black Sambo by Helen Bannerman.

Films: Brokeback Mountain; American Beauty; A Clockwork Orange; Passion of the Christ; Bowling for Columbine; Kids; Schindler’s List; Star Wars; Harry Potter (series).

Works Cited

“Controversy.”  Merriam-Webster Dictionary Online.  2006.  29 March 2006.  <http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/controversy>

“The 100 Most Frequently Challenged Books of 1999-2000.”  American Library Association.  2005.  29 March 2006.  <http://www.ala.org/ala/oif//banned booksweek/bbwlinks/100mostfrequently.htm>

March 27, 2006

Activism  - (ak-ti-vi-zm) n. "A doctrine or practice that emphasizes vigorous action, especially in support of or opposition to one side of a conservative issue" (Merriam-Webster).

When you are passionate about something, it shows in your actions. It is by doing more that you get the most fulfillment. You learn how to give of yourself, and you learn about yourself in the process. Activism is realistically giving something to someone and, in return, receiving great emotional rewards. In a community, important things can be accomplished through activism: neighborhoods can be cleaned up, political action can be encouraged, and, as we have seen in Philadelphia, murals can be put up that can make a difference.

Part of the college experience is getting involved, and many opportunities for doing so surround us every day. Several students gave up part of their spring break to build houses down south for Hurricane Katrina victims. Others are giving blood, handing out sandwiches to the homeless downtown, or becoming involved in racial awareness. It's now, in college, when you should figure out what you want to stand for and then find an activity that promotes your stance.

Any student interested in activism on campus can join the Diversity Programming Committee by emailing Shana Alston at alstons@philau.edu or Lesley Day at dayl@philau.edu.

Books and films that show the power of Activism:

But is it Art? The Spirit of Art As Activism by Nina Felshin: A collection of several essays examining the fundamentals of public/activist art within modern society and the relevancy of their roles.

Recent movies that depict Activism include Syriana, Hotel Rwanda, North Country (one of Philadelphia University’s “Film for Thought” series selections), and Mississippi Burning.

Works Cited
"Activism." Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary. 2006. 22 March 2006<http://m-w.com/dictionary/activism>.

March 20, 2006

Materialism (m-tîr-e-liz-m) n. 1: a desire for wealth and material possessions with little interest in ethical or spiritual matters

In the United States and many other Western countries, materialism is a common characteristic. Materialism can be learned by the very young when parents spoil their children; it can also be encouraged, especially by today’s consumer-driven media, which provides the greatest materialistic ideals to the public. By equating material goods with happiness, the media drives the population to base its well-being on physical items.  All in all, materialism leads to wanting unnecessary amounts of material goods. Materialism can also cause greed, which only further increases the amount of goods one person wants.

Take a look around your dorm room.  Do you really need to spend hundreds of dollars on a designer purse that you hardly use?  Is it really necessary to drop a ton of money to follow trends?  Or can that money be spent on something more beneficial?  Or can it be saved?

Many students find themselves with scarily small amounts in their bank accounts by second semester.  They can tell themselves that the money was all spent on necessary things, like design supplies or books for classes or on train tickets.  But they could also tell themselves the truth -- that they indulged a little too often in the latest fashions at King of Prussia, that too much of their money is going to partying, or that they should not have bought that iPod. 

Maybe what students at Phila U need is to zoom out from themselves for a minute.  Think about kids right here in Philadelphia who only have the clothes on their back.  Think about families who would do anything just to have the $300 someone just spent on that iPod so that they could pay for their heating bill. Is all this stuff that surrounds you really essential? 

In the Philadelphia University community, a shoe drive is being held to provide shoes for people in Africa. Donate one of your many pairs of shoes and see how good it feels to make a difference.

Throughout this country and also the world, many groups and organizations are formed with the intention of dispelling materialism. One group working against materialism is World Vision, an organization that improves children’s lives by making donations throughout the world. Recently, the United States was hit by devastating hurricanes, including Hurricane Katrina. Many relief programs, including Direct Relief and the Red Cross, are working to help rebuild the South after these devastating storms.

Here are some recommended books and movies about materialism:

Affluenza: The All-Consuming Epidemic, by John De Graaf, David Wann, and Thomas H. Naylor. This book discusses materialism to an extreme: affluenza, or "a painful, contagious, socially-transmitted condition of overload, debt, anxiety and waste resulting from the dogged pursuit of more." The authors view affluenza as a virus that has spread throughout America.

The Progress Paradox by Gregg Easterbrook. The common reading book for L111, this book describes how even though Americans have become more and more materialistic over the years, most have failed to achieve the happiness they so think possessions will bring.

Works Cited:

"Affluenza, The All-Consuming Epidemic." Amazon.com. 2006. 22 February 2006/ <http://www.amazon.com>.

"Materialism." Dictionary.com. 2006. 22 February 2006. <http://dictionary.  Reference.com/search?q=materialism>.

February 27, 2006

Integrity n. (n-tgr-t) 1.Steadfast adherence to a strict moral or ethical code; 2.The state of being unimpaired; soundness.

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary online search database selects a “Word of The Year” every year based on the top online word searches. “Taking Care of Business,” by Dave Beck, notes that the most commonly chosen “Word of the Year” is usually something representing the current events of the year; however, for 2005, it was something that was less specific and a bit surprising! ‘Integrity’ was the most searched-for word this past year. Beck’s article tells how people need to represent integrity on a daily basis in the work place, as well as in life. Perhaps it is the most searched for word because people have a hard time understanding what it is and how to live with integrity every day. By making good choices and being respectful, you represent integrity, and by understanding it, you are already taking a step in the right direction.

Unfortunately, in today’s society, there is a terrible lack of integrity. With respect to the Olympics, several Austrian cross country and biathlon athletes and their coach were recently suspended for using steroids to help them achieve their goals. This is just one example of how dishonor can ruin a lifetime dream. It is important to keep the future in mind and not compromise dreams for short-term rewards.

As midterms are approaching, the concept of integrity arises. Students are pressured to perform well in all of their classes, and it can be very difficult to juggle final critiques, exams, and lengthy papers that tend to have the same due dates. This might lead some to resort to dishonorable methods of completing these tasks. Though it may seem like the easy way out, the academic integrity policy in the Student Handbook warns students of the consequences of such actions as cheating. Adhering to the policy will guide students to take more pride in their hard work, which, in turn, will only lay a positive base of integrity for their futures. Now is the best time to start acting with honor and making it a habit.

Works Cited

Beck, Dave. “Taking Care of Business: ‘Integrity’ deserves singling out as Word of the Year.” 26 Dec. 2005. San Antonio Express-News. 15 Feb. 2006. <http://web.lexis>

“Integrity.” The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language. 4th ed. Boston: Houghton, 2000.

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary Online. 2006. <http://www.m-w.com/>

February 20, 2006

Conformity noun.  (kn-fôr-met-ee) 1. Similarity in form or character; agreement: 2. Action or behavior in correspondence with socially accepted standards, conventions, rules, or laws. (American Heritage)

In college, individuality is celebrated.  While we are defining our individuality, we learn how to retain it while being successful in a conformist society.  Although organizations that are considered conformist are all over our college campus, each individual who joins these groups has something unique to contribute.  This compromise between individuality and conformity can be paralleled with expectations of future employers.  When out in the work force, it might be necessary for one to sacrifice some of the characteristics that make them unique.  However, in a world full of conformity, you must be more than a suit. Show how you are different while acknowledging the need to conform to the high standards required for success.

On Campus Next Week:

2/22/06 – Film for Thought: Bamboozled.  Meet Rel Dowdell, local award winning film director, as he leads a discussion following the screening of Spike Lee’s controversial satire of the television industry.  Tuttleman 109 – 6:00 p.m.

2/23/06 - Corporate Connections Networking Reception.  Meet over 30 employers recruiting talent for summer internship and full-time job opportunities.  Downs Hall Auditorium - 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Learn more about “Conformity” by checking out these books and films:

Hello, I’m Special: How Individuality Became the New Conformity,

The Devil Wears Prada, and Mona Lisa Smile

Works Cited

“Conformity.”  The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language.  4th ed.  2000.

Hello, I’m Special. . . and The Devil Wears Prada. Amazon. 2006. 18 Feb. 2006 <http://www.amazon.com>.

Mona Lisa Smile. International Movie Database. 2006. 6 Feb. 2006 <http://www.imdb.com.>

February 13, 2006

Diversity  noun.  (de vur’se te) 1:  quality, state, fact, or instance of being diverse; difference.  2:  variety.  3:  any difference between one thing and another.

As incoming freshman, we have found ourselves thrown into a new environment and experiencing a bit of a culture shock.  Students have come from all over the United States and even some other countries, and the backgrounds and experiences that they have brought with them to campus have made Philadelphia University very diverse.  For example, all of those “mandatory” freshman activities during the first weekend that we were on campus really helped throw different kinds of people together and even gave us the chance to become friends with people completely different from us.

As February moves into its third week, we experience not only Valentine’s Day, but also “Random Acts of Kindness” week. This little known campus event runs from February 13th to the 17th and is an excellent chance to celebrate diversity here on campus. As a challenge to the student body, we would like to ask that you do one thing during this week for someone you normally wouldn’t talk to or even think about; let this be more than just holding a door, preferably.

Philadelphia University has a policy about diversity that probably goes unread. In this policy is a passage that says, “Creating a truly pluralistic community requires continuous effort. To make it happen, each member of the community must strive to work and learn together in an atmosphere of understanding and acceptance.” As you go through “Random Acts of Kindness” week, keep this passage in mind. Expand your horizons by going outside of your comfort zone and diversifying your life!  Explore Diversity through books and film by checking out the following:

Diversity: The Invention of A Concept – Peter Wood, a social scientist, delves into the concept of diversity in this recent book. 

Remember the Titans – This film, directed by Boaz Yakin, tells the story of a football team’s first season as a racially integrated unit.

Glory Road – Directed by James Gartner, this film also deals with a racially integrated sports team.  Based on the story of Don Haskins at Texas Warner in 1996, this newly released film introduces us to the first all black starting line up for an NCAA basketball championship.

Works Cited

“Diversity.” Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary. 2006. 26 January 2006. <http://www.m-w.com>.

Remember the Titans and Glory Road. International Movie Database. 2006. 6 Feb. 2006 <http://www.imdb.com>.

February 3, 2006

Dream  noun. ( drEm) “. . . a strongly desired goal or purpose . . . <a dream of becoming president >   verb. 1: to have a dream; 2 : to indulge in daydreams or fantasies <dreaming of a better future>; 3: to consider as a possibility.”

One ever-present concept familiar to most of us is that of The American Dream. Typically, this is associated with idealistic images of success that include such things as a having a lovely home, belonging to a loving family, living comfortably, and being contented in the workplace. Depending on the person, the details of the American Dream may vary, but the overall feeling of happiness and security is universal. Overall, the foundation of the American Dream is opportunity – the opportunity to dream a dream, to work towards the dream, to achieve the dream, and finally, to live the dream.

On January 31, our country was saddened by the death of Coretta Scott King, the widow of Martin Luther King, Jr. As we move into February, Black History Month, King’s celebrated speech recognizing the dreams of his people reverberates in all of our lives. “I have a dream,” he declared in his now famous “I Have a Dream” speech given in Washington D.C. in 1963, and these three simple words became synonymous with the concepts of freedom, equality, and social change. King’s dream bolstered the Civil Rights Movement and still lives on today, showing Americans that even the most impossible of dreams can be attained.

Philadelphia University begins its Black History Month events with the film Lumumba, to be shown Monday, February 6th at 6:00 p.m. in the Tuttleman Center Auditorium.

Other important Black History Month dates: 

February 3, 1870 – 15th Amendment was ratified, giving every American, whatever their race,

the right to vote

February 12, 1909 – the NAACP was founded

To learn more about Martin Luther King, Jr. and to read his famous speech, visit http://www.closeup.org/dream.htm or http://dewey.chs.chico.k12.ca.us/king.html.

To learn more about the American Dream, the following recent books are highly recommended:

Dreams From My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance, by Barack Obama

The American Dream: Three Women, Ten Kids, and a Nation’s Drive to End Welfare, by Jason Deparle

Works Cited

“Dream.” Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary. 2006. 26 January 2006.<http://www.m- w.com/cgi-bin/dictionary>.

December 5, 2005

Reflection n. “ri-‘flek-shen 1. the production of an image by or as if by a mirror 2. a thought, idea, or opinion formed, or a remark made as a result of meditation.”

As the end of the semester and year approaches, we find ourselves reflecting on what we have done, who we have met, how we have changed, and where we are going. In this year alone, we have ended a major chapter in our lives and begun a new one when we entered the halls of Philadelphia University. Freshmen students have finished high school and started college.  Now we are heading into the final stretch of our first semester. When we take a look at ourselves in a mirror, we see how tired we are, a true mark of how much we have accomplished.

Works Cited

“Reflection”. Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary. 2005. 2 December 2005. <http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/reflection>.

November 21, 2005

Comfort – (kum-fert) n. “A condition or feeling of pleasurable ease, well-being, and contentment” (“Comfort”).

You all know that feeling after a long rainy day and a nice warm shower when you put on a newly washed pair of sweatpants and a favorite sweatshirt so you can lie on the couch and curl up until you fall happily asleep.  This feeling is commonly known as comfort. This holiday break brings Thanksgiving and many college students will head home to their comfort zone to enjoy a nice, fun-filled weekend with their family, the people they are most comfortable with.  Others who decide not to go home can spend their time here where they may have found a comfortable place with friends who have become like family.  So throw on your sweats and celebrate with the people that make you most comfortable and have a happy Thanksgiving!

Works Cited

"Comfort". The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language (2003). Retrieved 17 November 2005, from xreferplus. http://www.xreferplus.com/entry/4074981

November 14, 2005

Soul (n.)  “The spirit or immaterial part of man, the seat of human personality, intellect, will, and emotions; regarded as an entity that survives the body after death (“Soul” 1).” 

College is an excellent time to develop one’s personality and to do some soul searching.  But what exactly is one looking for when one soul searches?  Some cultures believe that the number of souls one has can vary greatly.  The Hmong, for example, worry that one of their souls may wander away at any given moment and so they often literally call out to them to return.  A deeply religious person might believe that the soul is sacred and representative of “the divine part of the human being, the image of God in man” (“Soul” 2).  Soul searching for such a person may involve prayer and reflection.  Others might soul search by examining themselves in day-to-day situations and looking within to understand who they are.  Regardless your idea of soul, while searching, you must maintain an open mind to discover yourself.

Works Cited

“Soul.”(1)  Collins English Dictionary. 10 November 2005. <http://www.collins.co.uk/>

“Soul.”(2)  Dictionary of Jewish Lore and Legend, Thames & Hudson , 1991. Xreferplus.

October 28, 2005

Candy Corn (n.)  A strange corn-shaped concoction of corn syrup and sugar customarily served in the fall, especially on Halloween. 

Did you ever wonder why you were drawn to that bowl of candy corn on Halloween, yet repulsed by it the second after you ate it? Well, you’re not alone. Each year, Americans consume 8.3 billion kernels of candy corn. That’s enough to circle the moon four times (“Candy Corn”)! And it just so happens that candy corn was invented right here in Philadelphia. George Renninger, a German candy-maker and employee for the Wunderlee Candy Company, wanted to create a special candy for the fall season. Wunderlee became the first company to market candy corn and it turned out to be a big hit (“History”)! So this year, put on your costume and hit the halls of your dorm. Trick-or-treat isn’t just for kids; it’s for anyone who enjoys Halloween and the uncanny lure of candy corn!

For some candy corn humor, check out Lewis Black’s monologue on candy corn.

Works Cited

“Candy Corn.” National Confectioners Association. 27 October 2005 <http://www.candyusa.org/Candy/candycorn.asp>

“History of Candy Corn, King of Halloween Candy.” Haunted Bay.  27 October 2005 http://www.hauntedbay.com/history/candycorn.shtml

October 17, 2005

Stress (n.) "A state of extreme difficulty, pressure or strain" (Stress).

Stress affects us all, especially students.  Late nights spent working on assignments and projects can lead to a lack of sleep, an inability to concentrate and an overall bad mood.  Whether you're studying design, business or biology, you may feel particularly stressed around test times and due dates.  Here are some strategies for dealing with the stresses of college life:

• Focus your energy on preparing rather than worrying.
• Make an appointment with Counseling Services to discuss your feelings.
• Visit the Learning & Advising Center to gain confidence in classes that are causing anxiety.

Works Cited: "Stress." American Heritage Dictionary. 3rd ed. 1994.

October 3, 2005

Identity -- "The sense and continuity of self that develops as the child differentiates from parents and family and takes a place in society” (“Identity”).

A person’s identity evolves as the individual matures. An identity can be shaped by many influences such as family, friends, and past experiences. Identity can be challenged when moving from place to place.  Many Philadelphia University students, having just left home, try to maintain their identities in a new environment without the familiarities of home. It is up to the student to decide what elements of his or her identity will survive the transition to college life. Likewise, the student’s identity will undergo further revision after graduation in the transition from college life to adulthood.

Works Cited

September 26, 2005

Assimilate (n.) 1. “To make similar; cause to resemble” or 2. to “absorb (immigrants or a culturally distinct group) into the prevailing culture” (American Heritage Dictionary)

The Philadelphia University community includes people who have come from all over the world. Some of us live an hour away while others come from halfway across the globe. Because of the broad range of students, many different backgrounds blend to enrich our college community.

As first year students enter the community at Philadelphia University, they can learn from the experiences of newcomers to America.  According to Mary Pipher in her book, The Middle of Everywhere, when refugees or immigrants try to assimilate rapidly, they are “too vulnerable to the downside of America” (78).  She advises newcomers to strike a balance between their old and new cultures (71).  This can apply to college freshman who carry with them the culture and values of their homes.  Participation in the college community can help them become new and important members of the Philadelphia University family, but retaining elements of their own culture is also crucial for a successful transition to college life. Pipher refers to this as “selective acculturation,” a process where newcomers make choices about which new values and ideas to accept and which to reject (77). 

Works Cited

“Assimilate.”  The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language (2003). Retrieved 20 September 2005, from xreferplus. http://www.xreferplus.com/entry/4062838

Pipher, Mary.  The Middle of Everywhere. New York: Harcourt Inc., 2002.

September 12, 2005

Refugee n. – A person who is “unable or unwilling to return to his or her country because of a well-founded fear of persecution” (Pipher 18).

The term refugee typically denotes one who is removed, uprooted, or misplaced from his or her home. This term has recently been used by many people to describe the victims of Hurricane Katrina. However, as national leaders, President Bush and Rev. Jesse Jackson have both pointed out, refugee is an inappropriate term for these victims (Noveck). Refugee is most commonly considered a political term used to grant legal rights to people who are fleeing persecution in foreign countries. The hurricane victims may have lost their homes, but they are still in their home country and are being supported by their neighbors.

To learn more about what Philadelphia University and the City of Philadelphia are doing to help victims of Hurricane Katrina, please visit:  “University Community Reaches Out” and Project Brotherly Love.

Works Cited

Noveck, Jocelyn. “Use of the Word ‘Refugee’ Stirs Debate. Yahoo! News 6 Sept 2005

September 12, 2005

Home (n):  “One’s place of residence” or “the social unit formed by a family living together (Merriam-Webster Online).”  [unable to open link…tried three times]

For college freshmen, home is a place that many of us miss.  Home is not only a residence, but also the place where some of our most important experiences and emotions are stored.  Home does not necessarily need to be a house or apartment.  It can be an entire street, city, or even a country.  In fact, home is best defined as a feeling and not as a place.  Home is a feeling of belonging that grows out of shared experiences.  This can be felt in your hometown or in your dorm room.  The point is, home is where you make it!

For more information about how to make Philadelphia University your new home, explore the Campus Life page on the Philadelphia University web site.