Penny for My Thoughts

      After another semester of classes, it is hard to believe another term has come to an end.  Where does the time go?  (I would appreciate having some of it back!)  Throughout the term in our JN 101 course, we have been exposed to a variety of issues, debates and topics.  All have been insightful, meaningful and useful.  But I believe the topic I have taken the greatest interest is in regards to what is happening to journalism today.  

      In the present day, some critics say that students are not taking a stand and taking the easy way out.  But after reviewing the youtube clip from the student protest and rally at Berkeley, I beg to differ.  This video displays the passion, dedication and drive which students have for their education.  They are focused, determined and refuse to let finances be the only factor which stands in their way.  I view this similar to the journalists of today.  Despite arguments regarding whether or not traditional news outlets can survive, we need to realize that they HAVE survived.  Yes, perhaps subscription of newspapers and magazines have decreased over the years.  But, the fact remains that citizens still want to remain informed and have the media resources available to them.  It is unfortunate that issues such as profit orientation is leading to less credibility; this should not be the case.  Citizens have become more vocal in their views and opinions, which has influenced the broadcasts but also brought about a new point of view.  Citizen journalism may be on the rise, but at the end of the day, journalists are still needed and always will be. 

      

Why We Need to Understand Our Stories

      "We need to understand our stories because our lives depend upon it."  After hearing these rather wise words by J. Edward Chamberlin, it is of little surprise that he was asked to guest lecture at Laurier Brantford.  His passion for story-telling and interdisciplinary curriculum is a perfect fit for atmosphere at Laurier.  Chamberlin visited the campus over a two day period and delivered a lecture on Tuesday Oct. 19 at the Sanderson Centre to faculty, staff and students.  Also, a conference was held the following day at which Chamberlin again addressed those present.  His lecture was part of the Grand River Book Forum, which for this inaugural event was based upon his nonfiction book, If This Land Is Your Land, Where Are Your Stories?

      The opportunity to have Chamberlin visit the campus and engage members of the Laurier Brantford community was a rather unique and innovative experience.  The concept for the Grand River Book Forum was created by Ian MacRae, a Contemporary Studies professor.  The concept is that everyone on campus, particularly those in the Contemporary Studies field, would read one book.  After having an opportunity to read the book, panels and forums would be organized to allow for discussion.  By choosing one book for all, it allowed students, faculty and staff to interact on more than a classroom level.  

      Kristen Groom, a third year Leadership student, attended Chamberlin's lecture and found the forum to be an effective tool.  "As a student, I feel it is very important for students to attend events such as this book forum in order to achieve the most out of the four years at Laurier Brantford."  Groom also suggested bringing other famous authors or individuals of interest such as activist Craig Kielburger to the school.  Perhaps visits from more guests would help spark interest in other students to attend events such as the forum.  

      On the second day of the forum, a conference was held in the Carnegie Building lounge where a panel of professors along with members of the audience discussed Chamberlin's book.  Certain members of the audience asked thought-provoking questions to some of the panel, including professors Sue Ferguson and James Cairns.  A heated topic of discussion was issues of Isarel and Palestine, among the panel and audience.  The audience seemed to be compromised of professors, students and staff whom were all engaged in the discussion.  

      Following the panel discussion, Contemporary Studies program coordinator Peter Farrugia introduced Chamberlin as the keynote speaker.  Farrugia reflected upon the forum's activities and "applauded the courage of my colleagues to criticize all cultures; even our own," he stated.  Farrugia gave a personal introduction, reflecting on a story of when he was backpacking in Europe in 1985.  The story recalled him and his fellow traveler meeting a glass blower during their journey.  Based on this personal recollection, Farrugia stated that, "education is a transformative process.  The glassblower is the student and the fire is the professor."  And with that analogy brewing in the audience's mind, Chamberlin took to the floor and addressed the crowd. 

Mayoral Debate Arises Concerns among Students, Local Residents

      The mayoral debate, held on September 28, 2010 at the new Research and Academic Centre of Laurier Brantford, proved to be an evening filled with student concerns, candidates' promises and some entertainment thrown into the mix.  The opportunity allowed for students, faculty and local residents to connect with the individuals running for office.  The evening was deemed as a success, despite outbursts from one rather vocal candidate.  Questions for the candidates, which were pre-determined, discussed how the downtown can be revitalized and issues such as homelessness, unemployment and drug-related crime were addressed.  The seven of nine candidates in attendance were: Dianne Austin, James Calnan, Richard Casey, Chris Friel, Mark Littell, Mike Quatrociocchi and John Turmel. 

      All candidates appeared to be in agreement regarding the need for downtown core to be revamped, especially since the university has already grown past any previous expectations.  A question from the audience posed the concern of depending on how big the school will get, they will be taking over the community and squeezing others out.  With university estimates capping off at 12,000 students, there is still much preparation needed for this.  Third year Leadership student Kristen Groom found the event to be insightful but also that candidates needed to be more direct.  "I think the candidates have to be realistic and not just say we need. They need to show us how they are going to bring jobs to the city and keep the streets safe and keep their promises."

      All candidates were asked the same question, given a chance to answer, then were allowed to rebut one another's answers.  This followed the guide set by University of Toronto public policy meetings.  Kevin Klein, Laurier Brantford's external relations coordinator, stated "anytime you have nine candidates for a position, there is so much to learn and so many platforms to look at.  Having them all in one room, or at least the seven that attended, was great to be able to compare not only their approach, but their personality."  Klein helped the evening's hosts associate professor Sue Ferguson and Scott Blacklock, editor of the Sputnik for Laurier Brantford, to organize the debate.  

      The overall consensus from the candidates seemed to be that the community's problems need to be addressed together as one.  Candidate Quatrociocchi stated his thoughts that honesty with the public is key, as well as making city hall more approachable to the public.  "Let's face the issues and problems and have real solutions," he stated.  Mayoral candidate Austin seemed to hit close to home with many Laurier students due to her platform regarding safety in the downtown.  One concept that Austin suggested was the installation of emergency buzzers in the parking garage to deal with the issue of safety at night.  Other candidates also attempted to address the student population on a more personal level.  Littell attempted to speak to the students in attendance with his remarks, "Laurier believes in Brantford and I believe in Brantford.  We need to deal with problems, don't cover them up." 

Film Response Interview: Alyssa Albano

      Students should be able to express their beliefs, correct? Many would like to agree and say yes.  However, after viewing a video of the student protests and walkouts at University of California, Berkeley certain opinions and views may have been altered.  The video mentioned refers to a youtube clip of the protest and rally against the increase of tuition prices.  The ever increasing cost of attending post-secondary education is an issue which affects many students throughout the United States, as well as Canada.  Despite the current suffering economy, the prices for education continue to be raised.

      Alyssa Albano, a first year student attending Wilfrid Laurier University - Brantford campus, had a rather insightful opinion on the protest and rally which were displayed in the youtube clip.  "It is evident that the students have a passion for attending university and receiving an education.  However, the financial fees are causing this desire to be harmed.  Eventually, these universities who keep raising their fees will not have any students who can even afford to attend," stated Albano.  

      According to a recent survey by Statistics Canada, post-secondary tuition fees across Canada increased by an average of 4% this year.  "Canada is on the verge of bankrupting an entire generation," according to a statement by the Canadian Federation for Students.  It is not only the increase in fees that affects students, but the ever decreasing amount of financial aid which is available.  OSAP assistance and bursaries are becoming less available, while the number of students continues to be on the rise.  How are students expected to attend university, have one or two part-time jobs, and maintain good grades when the financial struggles they face drastically increase the stress in their lives.  

      "Immigrants come to the United States for a better life and more opportunities, and as soon as they are achieving their goals, they are ripped away from them.  When you live in a country other than the United States or Canada, you view these countries as having endless opportunities.  It is not as simple as one would think though," said Albano.  "And it is not just immigrants, but also everyday citizens who face these struggles with the suffering economy."

      Students are faced with challenges on a daily basis.  However, shouldn't a student who maintains good grades and works hard not have to suffer just because of financial resources?  Are we not denying these students their right to learn?  Education is a key factor in one's life and upbringing.  If early education is available to individuals at no cost, why can we not look into changing fees for post-secondary education?  Equality for all should be taught, practiced and maintained at all levels of education.