Freshman Fear Factor

Dear Students,
I would just like to say that it has been a pleasure working with you all this semester. Best of luck next year on your new journey! Shakespeare once said, "Above all to thine own self be true." (Hamlet) Remember- find what you love to do and then get paid for it!

Best of Luck,
Mrs. Sundberg

I'm sure you're all excited to embark on your new journey at college next year. However, I'd like you to take a moment to read a blog below that touches on some things you all may be feeling before you leave the nest. Please reflect on your own fears or concerns for your freshman year at school and beyond. This is your last blog entry, so make it count.

http://myusearchblog.com/my-freshman-fears-concerns

Teen Unemployment

Read the following article and reflect on whether this issue has/will impact you or others you know.
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1952331,00.html

The job market is tough for everyone. But this recession has become a jobs disaster for 16-to-19-year-olds. How worried should the youth of America be about this issue?

"Smart Security"

After the events of 9/11, the ”shoe bomber” and now the recent “underwear bomber,”
it is obvious that current airport travel security procedures are ineffective and inadequate.

Please read the following article on “Smart Screening” and reflect specifically on the following:
http://www.cnn.com/2010/OPINION/01/05/emerson.profiling.smart.screening/index.html

How can the US prevent terrorists from smuggling homemade bombs through security?
How willing would you be as a traveler to go through more extensive screening procedures?
“Smart Screening” is the screening process utilizing watch lists, ethnicity, religion, behavior, and travel history.
How far is too far when it comes to “screening/profiling” people for travel?
Where do you draw the line between civil liberties and security?
What are your personal feelings towards travel and security under these current conditions?

Top 10 Most Notable Happenings of the Decade

As we enter into a new decade, take time to reflect on the events of the past decade and its happenings. List your Top 10 Most Notable Happenings of this past decade and explain why you feel each one has made a tremendous impact on society.

Toddlers and Tiaras

One of TLC's top rated reality shows is called Toddlers and Tiaras.
Why are we as a society so fascinated with this phenomenon?
Child beauty pageants: Are they positive or poisonous?
Is this considered exploitation?
Do beauty pageants negatively affect children or is it merely all in good fun?
Explain your answers.

Generation Me

Your generation has been often been called "Generation Me." Does your generation have a sense of material entitlement? Read the following article from Newsweek and reflect on the author's discussion of narcissism. Do you agree/disagree? Explain why. Please offer a detailed response.

http://www.newsweek.com/id/194640

The Power of Words

In today's society, many people often speak without thinking about how their words can affect others. Explain whether or not using religious, gay, or racial slurs is ever acceptable. How do we determine if using these words crosses the line and becomes offensive? Why are there so many people who still believe their freedom of speech is more important than being sensitive to others in terms of their ethnicity, race, religion, or sexuality?