Throughout our lives, we, the citizens of these United States, are urged every November or April to exercise our right to vote. While it is a right to go to the polls every election day and select those who will represent us in office, the mere thought of uneducated and apathetic voters casting ballots troubles me. These days, it’s difficult enough to juggle work, family, finances and other obligations without adding anything to the mix. And while I do think that this generation of voters is much more inclined to actually research the candidates and learn the issues, there are still those who register to vote without knowing anything about their potential representatives.
And I can honestly say that, once upon a time, I fell into that category. With my 18th birthday falling in October of an election year, I was more wrapped up in the reality of being an adult. Voting was the last thing on my mind. Besides, my apathetic self had adopted the, ‘one vote won’t make a difference’ philosophy. Four years later, my bad decision making once again reared its ugly head. Caught up in the whole MTV “Rock the Vote” hype, as well as being surrounded by a college crowd that was certain that our future depended on us getting to the polls and making a difference.
Of course, smart college student that I was, I focused my attention on the presidential race – Gore vs. Bush. I steadfastly threw my support behind Bush because all of my views on the majority of issues mirrored his. I developed a cocky attitude that I was right and all of those who supported Gore were imbeciles … including my better half. Together for three years, we never had as heated arguments as we did leading up to that election. Our political differences drove an insurmountable wedge between us and, eventually, our relationship bent until it broke. Looking back, I can’t help but kick myself for getting so wrapped up in politics that it adversely affected my life.
But, I digress. Heading to the polls that November, I looked over my ballot and realized I failed to do my homework. Sure, I had the president vote all figured out, but then came all the other candidates for Senate, Congress, Assembly and sheriff, with a referendum thrown in for good measure. Like the typical uninformed constituent, I merely chose the names that sounded familiar – those of the incumbents. After filling it out, I left feeling like a failure. Sure, I had done my part and fulfilled my right to vote, but I really had no idea what I was doing.
That’s why people need to realize that votes do count. And just because an incumbent has been in office for 30-some years doesn’t mean he or she is the right person for the job. Guess that whole live and learn saying rang true for me. And while I realize there are only a few days before Nov. 2 gets here, please do yourself a favor and, if you intend to vote, make sure you do some research. Going to the polls without any knowledge of who the candidates are and what they stand for is like walking into a final exam at school without ever having cracked a book.
Also, just because the option to vote party lines is there doesn’t mean you have to use it. These days, I find it hard to believe that any one person agrees or disagrees with either perspective entirely. Don’t be lazy. Get to know the candidates, the issues and go into your polling place knowing exactly who and what you’re supporting. After all, this is our country and we have to live with it until the next election rolls around … so let’s make it the best that it can be. And remember, every vote does count.
Jennie Oemig,
Editor
Arcadia News-Leader
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Seat Belts Save Lives ... Mine Included
In recognition of national teen driver safety week, I thought it would be appropriate to reiterate the importance of safe driving.
To be fair, safe driving is pertinent whether you’re a teenager or not. And the main cause of fatalities is the fact that people are not buckling up when they get behind the wheel. All our lives, we’ve been told to buckle up for our safety … that that strap might save our lives if we’re ever in an automobile accident. I’m living proof of that. If it weren’t for those thin pieces of interwoven nylon, chances are I wouldn’t be here today.
When I moved to Wyoming in the summer of 2007, there were a number of things I had to get used to, such as climate (I’ve seen snow in July), environment (I’ve walked past a moose on the sidewalk) and, of course, altitude (you’d be surprised how quickly you can get drunk at 7,000 feet). But all of those things I had pretty much anticipated. One thing I never took into consideration was that I would have to adapt to the rules of the road in the west. Over there, the speed limit on the interstate is 80 miles per hour and 65 miles per hour on the highways. But that’s not even the worst of it.
Because there are so many animals that live in the mountains and cities are few and far between, drivers tend to share the road with nature … even mores than in Wisconsin. In addition to deer, you have moose, pronghorn, bison and mountain goats to contend with in those parts. So, one morning while I was driving out near the Jonah Field and Pinedale Anticline, two large energy fields in Wyoming, I came across a herd of pronghorn. Going 65 and rounding some sharp corners, not to mention the fact that shoulders are pretty much non-existent on rural highways, I swerved to avoid hitting one of them. Getting off the pavement, I yanked the steering wheel to get back on the road. Unfortunately, I ended up overcorrecting the vehicle and it started to roll.
While I had always been told that car crashes seem to take place in slow motion, I never believed it until I lived through it. The car rolled for what seemed like forever, though it was only one a a half times. After my car came to rest on its roof in the ditch on the opposite side of the road, I began to assess my situation. I was alive, so that was a good start. Looking around, I saw that two of the windows were shattered and there was glass everywhere. Still in somewhat of a state of shock from had just happened, I didn’t even realize that my index finger had been lacerated and was bleeding profusely. My primary concern was finding my phone and calling for help. Unfastening my seat belt, I looked all over the upside down wreckage for my cell.
While I eventually did find it, it was pretty much a lost cause. I was out in the middle of nowhere and didn’t get much in the way of reception. Thus, I had to wait for a truck driver to come by and call for help. When the police, paramedics and other emergency personnel showed up, the officer who questioned me pointed out that my finger was bleeding pretty badly. Initially turning down treatment, I eventually told the officer that it might be a good idea to go to the hospital and have my finger looked at. Eight stitches and several bumps and bruises, including marks on my waist and shoulder from where the seat belt held me in the vehicle, was all I got out of the terrifying ordeal.
But, I couldn’t help but wonder what would have happened had I not buckled up that morning. Would I have been ejected from the car? Would I have died? Would I have survived the crash, but had injuries so severe that I would have died before I got treatment? Would I be brain damaged or paralyzed if I did make it out alive? Thankfully, because of those two straps, I didn’t have to find out. But, any other day on any other road, there are people who aren’t as fortunate … who decided not to buckle up. Sure, I know of instances where people died because they were wearing their seatbelts, but those are few and far between.
Since that day, I’ve never not buckled up … and neither should you.
Jennie Oemig
Editor
Arcadia News-Leader
To be fair, safe driving is pertinent whether you’re a teenager or not. And the main cause of fatalities is the fact that people are not buckling up when they get behind the wheel. All our lives, we’ve been told to buckle up for our safety … that that strap might save our lives if we’re ever in an automobile accident. I’m living proof of that. If it weren’t for those thin pieces of interwoven nylon, chances are I wouldn’t be here today.
When I moved to Wyoming in the summer of 2007, there were a number of things I had to get used to, such as climate (I’ve seen snow in July), environment (I’ve walked past a moose on the sidewalk) and, of course, altitude (you’d be surprised how quickly you can get drunk at 7,000 feet). But all of those things I had pretty much anticipated. One thing I never took into consideration was that I would have to adapt to the rules of the road in the west. Over there, the speed limit on the interstate is 80 miles per hour and 65 miles per hour on the highways. But that’s not even the worst of it.
Because there are so many animals that live in the mountains and cities are few and far between, drivers tend to share the road with nature … even mores than in Wisconsin. In addition to deer, you have moose, pronghorn, bison and mountain goats to contend with in those parts. So, one morning while I was driving out near the Jonah Field and Pinedale Anticline, two large energy fields in Wyoming, I came across a herd of pronghorn. Going 65 and rounding some sharp corners, not to mention the fact that shoulders are pretty much non-existent on rural highways, I swerved to avoid hitting one of them. Getting off the pavement, I yanked the steering wheel to get back on the road. Unfortunately, I ended up overcorrecting the vehicle and it started to roll.
While I had always been told that car crashes seem to take place in slow motion, I never believed it until I lived through it. The car rolled for what seemed like forever, though it was only one a a half times. After my car came to rest on its roof in the ditch on the opposite side of the road, I began to assess my situation. I was alive, so that was a good start. Looking around, I saw that two of the windows were shattered and there was glass everywhere. Still in somewhat of a state of shock from had just happened, I didn’t even realize that my index finger had been lacerated and was bleeding profusely. My primary concern was finding my phone and calling for help. Unfastening my seat belt, I looked all over the upside down wreckage for my cell.
While I eventually did find it, it was pretty much a lost cause. I was out in the middle of nowhere and didn’t get much in the way of reception. Thus, I had to wait for a truck driver to come by and call for help. When the police, paramedics and other emergency personnel showed up, the officer who questioned me pointed out that my finger was bleeding pretty badly. Initially turning down treatment, I eventually told the officer that it might be a good idea to go to the hospital and have my finger looked at. Eight stitches and several bumps and bruises, including marks on my waist and shoulder from where the seat belt held me in the vehicle, was all I got out of the terrifying ordeal.
But, I couldn’t help but wonder what would have happened had I not buckled up that morning. Would I have been ejected from the car? Would I have died? Would I have survived the crash, but had injuries so severe that I would have died before I got treatment? Would I be brain damaged or paralyzed if I did make it out alive? Thankfully, because of those two straps, I didn’t have to find out. But, any other day on any other road, there are people who aren’t as fortunate … who decided not to buckle up. Sure, I know of instances where people died because they were wearing their seatbelts, but those are few and far between.
Since that day, I’ve never not buckled up … and neither should you.
Jennie Oemig
Editor
Arcadia News-Leader
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
If You Build It, They Will Excel
In regard to the meeting two weeks ago, I must applaud the decision of the facilities committee. Considering the recent disaster this community has faced and adding to that the poor economic condition, I think it took a lot of courage to insist upon a new elementary and middle school. While there will surely be a great deal of concerns, mainly of the property tax variety, I think it’s important to realize what’s at stake … the education of the children in this community. While Arcadians’ wallets may be dealt a huge blow if this process moves forward, ultimately, those kids are the ones who will be affected most by the final decision.
Though money always seems to come up as a concern when a construction project of this magnitude is being discussed (to be truthful, I don’t think I’ve ever witnessed a time when funding was not an issue), at some point in the future, a new building will have to be constructed. And If you look at the economy, barring another major downswing in the market, things never tend to get cheaper. Let’s be honest … an increase in property taxes will never be something people will welcome with open arms. But, a lot can change in just a few years. If it were the pleasure of the committee and school board to wait five or so years to move forward with a new facility, when it absolutely, positively needs to be built, chances are it will cost even more.
Given that construction companies are practically begging for work these days, it’s more likely that, if the project were bid out sooner rather than later, the cost will be significantly less. And then, when you take into consideration the value of the children and the fact that their futures hinge on the education they receive right now, one would think cost would be a non-issue. Making sure those kids are in a conducive learning environment should be job one. A noisy building that was initially built 90 some years ago, has an unreliable heating system and consists of rooms that can no longer contain modern class sizes, is a far cry from conducive.
When I was in elementary school, the building I attended classes in left quite a bit to be desired. While not necessarily unusable, it was, without a doubt, in need of some serious upgrades. Handicap accessibility was lacking, it was unbelievably cold and drafty during the winter months, what with a faulty heating system, and security was minimal … I mean, how secure could a building constructed almost a century prior possibly be? And while there’s no doubt that teaching methods and the material are two crucial factors in a child’s academic success, I would have to argue that environment is just as important, if not more so. Let me tell you, listening to the clanging and banging of pipes every time the furnace kicked in during the winter months was a huge distraction, especially while attempting to comprehend long division or trying to read “Lord of the Flies” – as if those weren’t challenging enough as it was.
When you take into consideration the effects that learning environment has on students, it makes perfect sense to somehow find the funds for a new facility, regardless of the cost. While I’m not a parent and I don’t pay property taxes in Arcadia just yet, I know that a child’s education is priceless and monetary constraints of any kind should not be placed on the future leaders of this country. Sure, there’s a lot of time before anything is set in stone regarding this project, but this is merely food for thought ... something to have in the back of your minds when and if this issue comes to referendum.
Jennie Oemig
Editor
Arcadia News-Leader
Though money always seems to come up as a concern when a construction project of this magnitude is being discussed (to be truthful, I don’t think I’ve ever witnessed a time when funding was not an issue), at some point in the future, a new building will have to be constructed. And If you look at the economy, barring another major downswing in the market, things never tend to get cheaper. Let’s be honest … an increase in property taxes will never be something people will welcome with open arms. But, a lot can change in just a few years. If it were the pleasure of the committee and school board to wait five or so years to move forward with a new facility, when it absolutely, positively needs to be built, chances are it will cost even more.
Given that construction companies are practically begging for work these days, it’s more likely that, if the project were bid out sooner rather than later, the cost will be significantly less. And then, when you take into consideration the value of the children and the fact that their futures hinge on the education they receive right now, one would think cost would be a non-issue. Making sure those kids are in a conducive learning environment should be job one. A noisy building that was initially built 90 some years ago, has an unreliable heating system and consists of rooms that can no longer contain modern class sizes, is a far cry from conducive.
When I was in elementary school, the building I attended classes in left quite a bit to be desired. While not necessarily unusable, it was, without a doubt, in need of some serious upgrades. Handicap accessibility was lacking, it was unbelievably cold and drafty during the winter months, what with a faulty heating system, and security was minimal … I mean, how secure could a building constructed almost a century prior possibly be? And while there’s no doubt that teaching methods and the material are two crucial factors in a child’s academic success, I would have to argue that environment is just as important, if not more so. Let me tell you, listening to the clanging and banging of pipes every time the furnace kicked in during the winter months was a huge distraction, especially while attempting to comprehend long division or trying to read “Lord of the Flies” – as if those weren’t challenging enough as it was.
When you take into consideration the effects that learning environment has on students, it makes perfect sense to somehow find the funds for a new facility, regardless of the cost. While I’m not a parent and I don’t pay property taxes in Arcadia just yet, I know that a child’s education is priceless and monetary constraints of any kind should not be placed on the future leaders of this country. Sure, there’s a lot of time before anything is set in stone regarding this project, but this is merely food for thought ... something to have in the back of your minds when and if this issue comes to referendum.
Jennie Oemig
Editor
Arcadia News-Leader
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
I'm All For Gender Equality, But ...
Members of the media attending games, as well as practices of professional sports teams is nothing out of the ordinary. It’s something that has been done for decades. Those same reporters gaining access to the player locker rooms is even more commonplace. If you want an interview with any of the athletes, whether it be to comment on their performance or the game that has just ended, the locker room is the place to do that.
But, recently, there has been a dramatic increase in female reporters crowding the sidelines during games, especially in football. Most of these ladies are there because the networks that broadcast the sports match-ups are merely trying to cater to the male faction of their audience. Let’s face it, men would much rather look at attractive women down on the field chatting up the athletes than some overweight, washed up, former pro … no offense to Tony Siragusa. While that’s all well and good, I have a problem with those ladies trotting into the locker rooms after the game to interview the players. This very issue is what has had the New York Jets – as well as loud-mouthed athletes like the Washington Redskins’ Clinton Portis – in hot water lately.
Ines Sainz, a former beauty queen who now serves as a reporter for TV Azteca, a Mexican network, was on the sidelines at the new Meadowlands during a team practice, where she was reportedly harassed by some of the players. Not deterred by the behavior, Sainz was on the sidelines again during the Jets’ showdown with the Baltimore Ravens last Monday night. Following the game, the bosomy blond made her way into the Jets’ locker room to interview quarterback Mark Sanchez. Once again, she was harassed by some of the athletes, receiving cat calls and whistles.
First of all, a female has no business going into a men’s locker room, plain and simple. Granted, every person should have equal opportunity when it comes to employment, I think this freedom of equality should be rescinded. Male reporters are not allowed into women’s locker rooms, so why should female reporters have access to a male team locker room? As for the behavior of some of the members of the Jets squad, it’s sophomoric and should definitely not be tolerated.
However, when you look at the attire of Sainz, one would quickly come to the conclusion that that kind of behavior is to be expected. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not condoning sexual harassment, but, as a professional news reporter, Sainz leaves a lot to be desired in the dress code area. There’s no way that anyone would deem her practically painted on pants and short dresses as appropriate for her profession. A true professional would likely be fired for wearing the kind of clothing she does while she’s working. I had a boss threaten to fire me for wearing flip-flops to work, for crying out loud. Sure, there are people out there who say she had it coming, but that’s not really a fair assumption to make. Regardless, she should have known better than to wear what she did.
Jennie Oemig
Editor
Arcadia News-Leader
But, recently, there has been a dramatic increase in female reporters crowding the sidelines during games, especially in football. Most of these ladies are there because the networks that broadcast the sports match-ups are merely trying to cater to the male faction of their audience. Let’s face it, men would much rather look at attractive women down on the field chatting up the athletes than some overweight, washed up, former pro … no offense to Tony Siragusa. While that’s all well and good, I have a problem with those ladies trotting into the locker rooms after the game to interview the players. This very issue is what has had the New York Jets – as well as loud-mouthed athletes like the Washington Redskins’ Clinton Portis – in hot water lately.
Ines Sainz, a former beauty queen who now serves as a reporter for TV Azteca, a Mexican network, was on the sidelines at the new Meadowlands during a team practice, where she was reportedly harassed by some of the players. Not deterred by the behavior, Sainz was on the sidelines again during the Jets’ showdown with the Baltimore Ravens last Monday night. Following the game, the bosomy blond made her way into the Jets’ locker room to interview quarterback Mark Sanchez. Once again, she was harassed by some of the athletes, receiving cat calls and whistles.
First of all, a female has no business going into a men’s locker room, plain and simple. Granted, every person should have equal opportunity when it comes to employment, I think this freedom of equality should be rescinded. Male reporters are not allowed into women’s locker rooms, so why should female reporters have access to a male team locker room? As for the behavior of some of the members of the Jets squad, it’s sophomoric and should definitely not be tolerated.
However, when you look at the attire of Sainz, one would quickly come to the conclusion that that kind of behavior is to be expected. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not condoning sexual harassment, but, as a professional news reporter, Sainz leaves a lot to be desired in the dress code area. There’s no way that anyone would deem her practically painted on pants and short dresses as appropriate for her profession. A true professional would likely be fired for wearing the kind of clothing she does while she’s working. I had a boss threaten to fire me for wearing flip-flops to work, for crying out loud. Sure, there are people out there who say she had it coming, but that’s not really a fair assumption to make. Regardless, she should have known better than to wear what she did.
Jennie Oemig
Editor
Arcadia News-Leader
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Mosquing the Pain
Lately, there has been a lot of controversy surrounding the concept of building a Cordoba mosque near the site of the former World Trade Center towers in New York City. As an American, my first response was to be outraged. But, in all actuality, I think the entire issue has been blown way out of proportion.
After sitting down and learning more about the issue, I have found myself wondering why everyone is so worked up about it.
First of all, the building will not just be a place of worship. It's a community center that will contain a mosque. However, the mosque aspect of the plans seems to be overshadowing the fact that the building will also contain fitness facilities, an auditorium, a restaurant and a library. Don’t get me wrong, I am not in favor of a mosque being built on sacred ground, but, clearly, that’s not what’s happening in this case.
Also, if you look at a map that shows the proposed site of the Park51 project, you will see that it’s a good two blocks from where the terrorist attacks took place. Believe me, it would be an entirely different story if this facility were being built on the same tract of land where the World Trade Center once stood. Upon further examination, it’s easy to see that there are two churches and a chapel within that same distance from Ground Zero. Obviously, it’s not a matter of precedence to build a center for worship in this particular vicinity.
While many argue that erecting a 15-story community center that contains a Muslim mosque that close to the site where nearly 3,000 people were killed, is insensitive – not only to families of the victims, but to the entire population of the United States – those people need to realize that the building proposal was not made to dishonor the memory of those who were killed by Islamic terrorists. Besides, we can’t punish an entire religion for an attack that only a handful of extremists carried out. That’s not fair. Not to mention, real estate in downtown Manhattan is hard enough to come by as it is without our opposition.
A long-time tradition of Muslim supremacists has been to construct mosques adjacent to or upon other groups’ holy and sacred grounds.
At the same time, those who have made the proposal need to respect the fact that the site where the World Trade Center towers once stood, though not necessarily a holy site, has become, in a sense, hallowed ground, what with all those who perished just over nine years ago. Ergo, it should be respected as such. With that, the opposition the developers are encountering has nothing to do with suppressing religion or infracting upon the First Amendment of the United States Constitution. Sure, I understand that it could be interpreted as such, but, obviously, that is not the case here.
But, what really gets my goat is the prominent role this controversy has taken in our lives. We have people dying in Afghanistan and Iraq while serving our country, a massive oil spill recovery effort taking place in the Gulf and an economy that is still in the process of rebounding from a terrible recession. There’s just so many other things that should be taking front and center at the moment. Yet, what people are choosing to focus their time and effort on is trying to prevent a building from being erected in New York City. Something just isn’t right here.
Jennie Oemig
Editor
Arcadia News-Leader
After sitting down and learning more about the issue, I have found myself wondering why everyone is so worked up about it.
First of all, the building will not just be a place of worship. It's a community center that will contain a mosque. However, the mosque aspect of the plans seems to be overshadowing the fact that the building will also contain fitness facilities, an auditorium, a restaurant and a library. Don’t get me wrong, I am not in favor of a mosque being built on sacred ground, but, clearly, that’s not what’s happening in this case.
Also, if you look at a map that shows the proposed site of the Park51 project, you will see that it’s a good two blocks from where the terrorist attacks took place. Believe me, it would be an entirely different story if this facility were being built on the same tract of land where the World Trade Center once stood. Upon further examination, it’s easy to see that there are two churches and a chapel within that same distance from Ground Zero. Obviously, it’s not a matter of precedence to build a center for worship in this particular vicinity.
While many argue that erecting a 15-story community center that contains a Muslim mosque that close to the site where nearly 3,000 people were killed, is insensitive – not only to families of the victims, but to the entire population of the United States – those people need to realize that the building proposal was not made to dishonor the memory of those who were killed by Islamic terrorists. Besides, we can’t punish an entire religion for an attack that only a handful of extremists carried out. That’s not fair. Not to mention, real estate in downtown Manhattan is hard enough to come by as it is without our opposition.
A long-time tradition of Muslim supremacists has been to construct mosques adjacent to or upon other groups’ holy and sacred grounds.
At the same time, those who have made the proposal need to respect the fact that the site where the World Trade Center towers once stood, though not necessarily a holy site, has become, in a sense, hallowed ground, what with all those who perished just over nine years ago. Ergo, it should be respected as such. With that, the opposition the developers are encountering has nothing to do with suppressing religion or infracting upon the First Amendment of the United States Constitution. Sure, I understand that it could be interpreted as such, but, obviously, that is not the case here.
But, what really gets my goat is the prominent role this controversy has taken in our lives. We have people dying in Afghanistan and Iraq while serving our country, a massive oil spill recovery effort taking place in the Gulf and an economy that is still in the process of rebounding from a terrible recession. There’s just so many other things that should be taking front and center at the moment. Yet, what people are choosing to focus their time and effort on is trying to prevent a building from being erected in New York City. Something just isn’t right here.
Jennie Oemig
Editor
Arcadia News-Leader
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Fruits of Our Labor
Growing up, I had no idea what Labor Day was all about or what it meant to be part of the laboring nation. To me, it was simply another day that I didn’t have to be in school … sort of like a last hurrah of summer before I really put my nose to the grindstone. Once I hit 16, however, it was a completely different story. That’s when I was hired for my very first job. Not so much work as it was a way to pay for the important things in life – car, clothes, CDs, a ticket to Country Fest – I quickly learned the importance of hard work and the value of the hard-earned dollar.
My very first job was as a Jill-of-all-trades at McDonald’s. You see, at those kind of places, you don’t just get to do one thing … you do it all. However, my first few days, I was stuck on French fry duty for four hours at a time. That meant I had to put the frozen product in the deep fryer, pull them up, salt them, box them and do it all over again. Needless to say, I have absolutely hated McDonald’s fries ever since. But after four hours of grease, salt and so many burns I couldn’t even count, I had an entirely new appreciation for people who work at fast food restaurants. Moreover, I sincerely believe that everyone should have to hold that type of job at some point in their life.
I feel those same sentiments about my second and third jobs, as well. Before I started working in the restaurant business, I simply assumed that, once you order food at a restaurant, it should magically appear in front of you in a reasonable amount of time. As I would soon learn in my position as a cook and server at a small cafe in my hometown, there is a lot of hard work that goes into those jobs. Before I began waiting tables, I never really understood why we needed to leave tips. Waiters and waitresses make minimum wage, so why do they need extra money, right? Not so much.
In my opinion, servers are the hardest working individuals in the workforce, right alongside farmers and construction workers. I mean, think about it … they bring you food, drinks and are at your beck and call while you’re in their place of work, most are on their feet for at least eight hours a day and they’re doing it all while making less than minimum wage. Servers depend on tips to make a living because, Lord knows, they’d be hurting if they were counting solely on their wages to pay their bills. While I was making my way through college, I revisited my days of working in fast food when I took a job at Dairy Queen. But it wasn’t until I began working there that I really got the feeling that people really didn’t appreciate or understand the kind of labor employees at fast-food joints actually put in.
Not only were most of my co-workers full-time college students trying to earn some extra spending cash, but several were student-athletes, as well. Imagine trying to go to a full day of classes, hitting the gym or field for practice and then coming to work, only to get bitched at by unappreciative customers. While those types of jobs helped mold me into who I have become today, I must admit that I’m much happier not working in the food service industry. So, the next time you go out to eat, whether it be at a fancy restaurant or a fast-food joint, remember that just because the employees may be a little lower down the totem pole, they’re still an integral cog in the labor force of this country.
Jennie Oemig
Editor
Arcadia News-Leader
My very first job was as a Jill-of-all-trades at McDonald’s. You see, at those kind of places, you don’t just get to do one thing … you do it all. However, my first few days, I was stuck on French fry duty for four hours at a time. That meant I had to put the frozen product in the deep fryer, pull them up, salt them, box them and do it all over again. Needless to say, I have absolutely hated McDonald’s fries ever since. But after four hours of grease, salt and so many burns I couldn’t even count, I had an entirely new appreciation for people who work at fast food restaurants. Moreover, I sincerely believe that everyone should have to hold that type of job at some point in their life.
I feel those same sentiments about my second and third jobs, as well. Before I started working in the restaurant business, I simply assumed that, once you order food at a restaurant, it should magically appear in front of you in a reasonable amount of time. As I would soon learn in my position as a cook and server at a small cafe in my hometown, there is a lot of hard work that goes into those jobs. Before I began waiting tables, I never really understood why we needed to leave tips. Waiters and waitresses make minimum wage, so why do they need extra money, right? Not so much.
In my opinion, servers are the hardest working individuals in the workforce, right alongside farmers and construction workers. I mean, think about it … they bring you food, drinks and are at your beck and call while you’re in their place of work, most are on their feet for at least eight hours a day and they’re doing it all while making less than minimum wage. Servers depend on tips to make a living because, Lord knows, they’d be hurting if they were counting solely on their wages to pay their bills. While I was making my way through college, I revisited my days of working in fast food when I took a job at Dairy Queen. But it wasn’t until I began working there that I really got the feeling that people really didn’t appreciate or understand the kind of labor employees at fast-food joints actually put in.
Not only were most of my co-workers full-time college students trying to earn some extra spending cash, but several were student-athletes, as well. Imagine trying to go to a full day of classes, hitting the gym or field for practice and then coming to work, only to get bitched at by unappreciative customers. While those types of jobs helped mold me into who I have become today, I must admit that I’m much happier not working in the food service industry. So, the next time you go out to eat, whether it be at a fancy restaurant or a fast-food joint, remember that just because the employees may be a little lower down the totem pole, they’re still an integral cog in the labor force of this country.
Jennie Oemig
Editor
Arcadia News-Leader
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Don't Laugh At Me
As the new school year commences, it brings back fond memories of my days attending school back home in Cornell. If you didn’t guess it already, I was one of those geeky kids who loved school, much to my parents’ delight. Sure, I enjoyed summer as much as the next kid, but, for some reason, I yearned to go back each fall and bury my nose in books and homework.
I loved homework, writing and being artistic – which really hasn’t changed all that much, I guess. Regardless of how hard I worked at getting straight A’s, it was sometimes difficult for me to stay focused in school.
No, I’m not talking about passing notes during class or whispering about boys in a secluded corner of the library. Granted, there are many of those instances I can recall that have been stored in my memory banks, I’m referring to the harsh reality that school can oftentimes be a horrific place for a kid. Though I had an affinity for learning, I neglected to mention that I was also a pudgy kid who was blessed with Coke-bottle spectacles by the time I was in fourth grade.
While that period of my life has come and gone – for the most part – I, like many other kids that age, became the subject of ridicule from my classmates. Words like ‘fatty’ and ‘four eyes’ were thrown my way on a daily basis. Meant to be a place where kids felt safe and did the majority of their maturing, I quickly discovered that school wasn’t always a conducive environment for learning.
When I started kindergarten, I remember a choice few of my classmates who were just plain mean to me. Though I wasn’t the one who bore the brunt of their wrath, it still hurt. I was only leafy to imagine how other kids who were incessantly teased felt.
While there were others who saw humor in this kind of behavior and joined in on the pranks and jokes on occasion, class clowns they certainly were not.
As we grew older, several of those same mean kids continued to tease and torment classmates, so much so that it brought kids to tears. And while I’d like to say I was merely a victim, innocent when it came to bullying, I admit that there were times I caught myself laughing at the expense of others. Looking back, I can’t help but shake my head in disgust. It’s not funny, whatsoever. But, as they say, hindsight is 20/20. Unfortunately, it doesn’t appear as though much has changed since my elementary and high school days.
Through all the technological advancements that education has seen, as well as the many fads that have come and gone – from the leather and grease of the ‘50s and the hippie chic of the ‘70s to the big hair of the ‘80s and punk and grunge styles of the ‘90s – bullying seems to be the one constant that every generation has endured. As tragic as it is to imagine, bullying has always been a problem within the confines of any educational institution, whether it be in the cafeteria, out on the playground or in the classroom.
And, sadly, with new conveniences like cell phones and computers, bullying has become even worse. Threats and torments are now as easy as sending a message via Facebook or text message. And while I know, from experience, that kids don’t like being tattletales – not to mention the fact that it can be embarrassing for them to admit to being bullied – parents need to make sure their children are not being victimized. While I know that schools have bullying policies in place, this kind of behavior should be nipped in the bud before these kids even enter the hallways. Parents need to instill in their children that teasing of other individuals won’t be tolerated. Not only should they respect their elders, but they should be taught to respect everyone.
Jennie Oemig
Editor
Arcadia News-Leader
I loved homework, writing and being artistic – which really hasn’t changed all that much, I guess. Regardless of how hard I worked at getting straight A’s, it was sometimes difficult for me to stay focused in school.
No, I’m not talking about passing notes during class or whispering about boys in a secluded corner of the library. Granted, there are many of those instances I can recall that have been stored in my memory banks, I’m referring to the harsh reality that school can oftentimes be a horrific place for a kid. Though I had an affinity for learning, I neglected to mention that I was also a pudgy kid who was blessed with Coke-bottle spectacles by the time I was in fourth grade.
While that period of my life has come and gone – for the most part – I, like many other kids that age, became the subject of ridicule from my classmates. Words like ‘fatty’ and ‘four eyes’ were thrown my way on a daily basis. Meant to be a place where kids felt safe and did the majority of their maturing, I quickly discovered that school wasn’t always a conducive environment for learning.
When I started kindergarten, I remember a choice few of my classmates who were just plain mean to me. Though I wasn’t the one who bore the brunt of their wrath, it still hurt. I was only leafy to imagine how other kids who were incessantly teased felt.
While there were others who saw humor in this kind of behavior and joined in on the pranks and jokes on occasion, class clowns they certainly were not.
As we grew older, several of those same mean kids continued to tease and torment classmates, so much so that it brought kids to tears. And while I’d like to say I was merely a victim, innocent when it came to bullying, I admit that there were times I caught myself laughing at the expense of others. Looking back, I can’t help but shake my head in disgust. It’s not funny, whatsoever. But, as they say, hindsight is 20/20. Unfortunately, it doesn’t appear as though much has changed since my elementary and high school days.
Through all the technological advancements that education has seen, as well as the many fads that have come and gone – from the leather and grease of the ‘50s and the hippie chic of the ‘70s to the big hair of the ‘80s and punk and grunge styles of the ‘90s – bullying seems to be the one constant that every generation has endured. As tragic as it is to imagine, bullying has always been a problem within the confines of any educational institution, whether it be in the cafeteria, out on the playground or in the classroom.
And, sadly, with new conveniences like cell phones and computers, bullying has become even worse. Threats and torments are now as easy as sending a message via Facebook or text message. And while I know, from experience, that kids don’t like being tattletales – not to mention the fact that it can be embarrassing for them to admit to being bullied – parents need to make sure their children are not being victimized. While I know that schools have bullying policies in place, this kind of behavior should be nipped in the bud before these kids even enter the hallways. Parents need to instill in their children that teasing of other individuals won’t be tolerated. Not only should they respect their elders, but they should be taught to respect everyone.
Jennie Oemig
Editor
Arcadia News-Leader
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