Junior ROTC in High School

People tend to either think of ROTC as an extremely negative, or extremely positive organization. There is seldom a middle ground in this debate. Those who believe it is negative are those who buy into the idea that JROTC brainwashes high schoolers or tries to recruit them for the military. In contrast, those who believe it is positive follow the view that JROTC provides excellent leadership opportunities, dicipline and structure, and a place to help someone grow in a positive way through a merit/demerit system.


When I was in eighth grade, I was scouting out high schools in Houston, Texas. There were private schools that I was assumed to fall into because of my life-long attendance at a private school. However, I was intrigued by the idea of being in ROTC. On my tour of Lamar High School, the public high school I was zoned to, I was with others "like myself" (meaning still wearing our uniforms from our respective middle schools). On the tour, the woman guiding us rushed us passed the ROTC department, simply saying, "This is where they put the kids who aren't going to graduate and are joining the military."

I was livid and so was my mother. Thankfully, my mother spoke up saying, "Actually, we would like to hear a little more about the program." This caused the woman to turn beet red as well as cause everyone to stare at me in my khaki, pleated skirt and my starched, white oxford button-down.

Looking back on those four years, ROTC was the best decision of my life. I joined, rose through the ranks, and never looked back. I was never pressured to join the military and never heard any of my instructors say to anyone, "well your grades aren't that great, why don't you look into the military instead of pushing yourself towards college." College was always a priority. Most importantly, was a sense of family you really got from being in the program. Whether stressing over a competition, or simply having a bad day, the ROTC community was there.

Guns and Gun Control

There has always been controversy about gun control, whether it's being debated in elections, in a private conversation, or anywhere in between. Due to recent college shootings, gun control is being addressed now more than ever. Both sides argue their points, but what it comes down to is that almost anyone over the age of 21 (with some exceptions) can purchase a gun. Some celebrate this, saying that the US Constitution presents our rights as Americans to bear arms. Others panic because of this concept.

Recently, I had a blow out near Richmond. I was really too upset to think about the unfavorable situation I was in. A police car pulled up behind me to see what the problem was. I was visibly shaken, yet he left me there to wait for the tow truck... on the side of the highway... at night... alone. Thanks. What if someone had pulled up to my car and raped me? Abducted me? Anything. If the police are not concerned about a stranded, twenty-year-old female, then I would like to carry a gun please!

Some of us at Sweet Briar College arm ourselves with pepper spray or things of that sort. But what if you want something a little more? Not all of us are from Virginia, and when we go home on break, I know I have to occasionally face a 22 hour car ride by myself back to Texas. I'm not going to lie, it gets a little scary at some gas stations and rest stops at night and it's those moments that I wish I had something "stronger" in the event of an emergency. Well, when I get my Concealed Handgun License, I'm getting a Beretta 3032 (pictured here)
While this handgun is small, I figure that with my temper, anyone who is not physically assaulting me shouldn't be aimed at. (The 3032 becomes inaccurate past a certain distance). It's all you really need. It holds seven rounds in a magazine, and the tip-up barrel lets you load directly into the chamber. It's semi-automatic so after your first shot, you can keep shooting without having to cock it every time. It is practical and simple to use. For more information visit http://products.berettausa.com/

If you are going to get a handgun, or any gun or rifle for that matter, BE RESPONSIBLE! It is true that people can react irresponsibly, DON'T BE THAT PERSON. I am not telling anyone to shoot someone, but rather to be protected. We have the right to bear arms, but do so with discretion.

Guns don't kill people. People kill people.

Blogging? Yes or No on "Socially Awkward"

While opinions vary among Sweet Briar students about blogs, the main consensus is that ultimately, blogs are “un-cool.” One student who chooses to remain anonymous says, “Blogs are for forty-year-old weirdoes who live in their mom’s basement and are too scared to venture into the real social scene.” Another source, Dena Gillespie says that blogs are “greatly overused” continuing on to say she’s not interested in reading things that say, “‘oh, I put on a shirt today!’” which Gillespie feels like many blogs have come to address.

Then why are blogs so popular? Sophomore Adella Robinson believes this popularity can be attributed to people’s desire to be known; “People want to have their voices heard, and sometimes blogging is the only way they can see it done.” However, when asked if she would ever create her own blog, Robinson replied, “Definitely not.”

http://www.blogworldexpo.com/ provides an outline of information on blogging and blog users:
These statistics suggests that blogging is not only nationally and internationally popular, but also that viewing blogs is widely practiced. Maybe Sweet Briar students simply aren’t following a trend, or are they? Facebook, in many regards, is a form of “trendy” blog, as you are able to write notes and have an extensive profile, and how many people at Sweet Briar have a Facebook? Perhaps what matters is what it is called.

As a blogger, by class requirement, not by choice, I have grown to like the thought of publishing my opinions and thoughts. However, the day I start publishing, “I put on a shirt today!” will hopefully be my last.


(image taken from jupiterimages.com)