University Experience Comparison Assignment

The effect of war on students

            

           War is a terrifying word. Those who lived during such times were terrified to say the least. But we, the new generation, thankfully didn’t experience a global chaos that puts everyone on the edge of their seat. But can you imagine the people who did? It’s very interesting to read about the individuals who were present at those times. How they felt, what were they thinking, and most importantly their part at the time.

            The United States was at war. World War II to be exact. The Daily Collegian in December 18, 1941 stated that they have been accused of publishing too many articles on the war, which affected the students. But the Daily Collegian made it clear that it is their duty to publish the facts. Even if they are repeated. “As long as the campus is an integral part of the American Force, we will print news, which is essential toward winning that conflict.” (The Daily Collegian, 1941).

            How did the war affect the universities? Many students went to war, which was the reason the number of students dropped dramatically from 1940 to 1945 (Year Book 1944-1946). However, it was great to see that Penn State didn’t change that much. College started in fall 1940 with the soccer team pulling through it’s seventh undefeated season in a row.

            Comparing this to the war in Iraq, there’s no competition to what is a greater calamity. I asked one of my relatives to compare the two. To be exact, I talked to my aunt about the situation. She stated that very few news articles are being published about the war in Iraq than what was published during World War II. Actually, many people don’t know the exact situation that is in Iraq. Including residents of the Arabian Gulf.

            In conclusion, war, no matter how big, is a disaster. But how it’s being dealt with by neutral citizens is what makes us stand together. It’s great to see newspapers, universities, and militaries doing their part. Whether it’s spreading news or actually fighting in the war, it’s an important role that should be recognized as heroism.

References:

            "We Strip for Action." The Daily Collegian [State College] 18 Dec. 1941: 2.

http://digitalnewspapers.libraries.psu.edu/Repository/ml.asp?Ref=RENHLzE5NDEvMTIvMTgjQXIwMDIwMA==&Mode=Gif&Locale=english-skin-custom

Penn State Year Book 1944-1946. 47

The Alchemist

The alchemist and Santiago met a monk who was going to help Santiago reach the desert.  During the journey, the monk brought some lead. The alchemist used his alchemy skills to transform the lead to gold. Santiago asked whether he could learn it. The alchemist explained that this was his Personal Legend, not Santiago’s (Santiago’s personal legend is the treasure). He divided the gold into 4 pieces. Each kept one but he asked the monk to keep two in case Santiago needs one more. Santiago was puzzled and questioned the alchemist. The alchemist explained by saying an Arabic proverb:

“Everything that happens once can never happen again. But everything that happens twice will surely happen a third time” He was referring to when Santiago got robbed twice. Then the alchemist left and Santiago went alone to pursue his Personal Legend.

I finished reading the book and I'm afraid if I say anything more I will completely spoil it. It was a truly inspirational book and I had so much fun reading it.

The Alchemist Summary

Santiago and the alchemist continued their journey but the war was still going on.  They met a tribe along the way which took them as hostages. The alchemist offered Santiago's money to their boss and he explained to Santiago that his life is way more important than money.

The Alchemist

The Quote:

“Tell your heart that the fear of suffering is worse than the suffering itself. And that no heart has ever suffered when it goes in search of its dreams." Said the Alchemist to Santiago (P.130)

I'll explain it for a little bit:

 Santiago left everything he ever had to go search for the treasure with the alchemist. He had a good life in the oasis. He had gold, a girl and he became counselor of the oases. And so he told the alchemist "My heart is afraid that it will have to suffer." He was afraid that he may not return and that he may have made a mistake leaving a good life behind and searching for something that is so far fictional.

I found it interesting because I agree with the quote. Fear is the real enemy as Walter White said in Breaking Bad. Also when you follow your dream, even though you may come against some hurdles, the reward will make you forget about all the hurdles you faced.

The Alchemist

I continued reading chapter two of The Alchemist and I was very proud of the main character. He was very courageous and this is something that he developed on his journey. As I said last week, there was a war going on near his region and one day he had a vision that an army was coming toward the oasis (where he is staying). So he had two options: To run or to inform the people of the oases. He chose to go with his gut and wasn’t afraid of the consequences (he could’ve died). Thankfully, they believed him. He wasn't afraid to die for what he believed in so I was very proud of him.

The Alchemist reaction

Crossing the desert was my favorite part in my reading last Monday. The author’s writing was very insightful that I got drawn into the scene. The extreme weather was not the only problem that Santiago and the rest of the travelers faced. There was also war. Santiago’s character development gets better every chapter. He now fully believes in omens and that everything happens for a reason. Thus, he’s able to see the good things in situations that seem helpless.

The Alchemist outline

I only read the last couple of pages in chapter one and about 15 pages of chapter two last Monday so this is what I have:

I chose to do it this way because my handwriting is really bad!

Coelho, P. (1993). The Alchemist (pp. 35). N.p.: Harpertorch.

Coelho, P. (1993). The Alchemist (pp. 38-39). N.p.: Harpertorch.

Coelho, P. (1993). The Alchemist (pp. 63-64). N.p.: Harpertorch.

Coelho, P. (1993). The Alchemist (pp. 64-65). N.p.: Harpertorch.

What surprised me the most about my reading was the protagonist will to continue his journey. Although he had a terrible experience when he first moved to Tarifa (being robbed), he found a way to make money by serving the crystal merchant. A year passed and he had enough money to go back to his hometown and buy back his sheep but he chose to continue his journey despite the odds being against him.

The Alchemist

I finally received my order yesterday.

I began reading the first chapter of the book. It's about a Spanish shepherd who's on a quest to find a treasure in Egypt. The first chapter was mainly focused on introducing the main character, Santiago, and his joy of traveling. He first found out about the treasure in a dream that he's been having lately. The dream would end before a young kid offers him directions to the treasure in Egypt. I really enjoyed the first chapter.

One quote that I really liked was:

"It's the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting." -Santiago

Freakonomics

I had fun reading the first couple of pages of this book. It was astonishing how small things can have an impact on economics.

I'm still waiting for the book that I ordered. Hopefully by the next extensive reading class I receive it. If not, this book does the job just fine :)

Extensive Reading

I would like to read Freakonamics. It sounds interesting and judging from the reviews it looks like it's a great book and fun to read.

But I am also waiting for the book that I ordered online which is The Alchemist:

	Class #1	Class #2	Class #3
Class name and # (for ex.: Ag 113)	201598 CH E 100S Exploring Chemical Engineering First-Year Seminar	273439 CH E 097S Chemical Energy: Present and Future	201601 CH E 210 Introduction to Material Balances
Days and time it meets  (MTWRF,  2:30-3:20)	W 2:30 PM - 3:20 PM   01/13/14 - 05/02/14	W 1:25 PM - 2:15 PM  01/13/14 - 05/02/14	M W F 3:35 PM - 4:25 PM 01/13/14 - 05/02/14
Classroom	140 Fenske Bldg	012 Life Sciences Bldg	010 Sparks Bldg
Professor’s name	Gomez, Enrique Daniel         Gomez, Esther Winter	Janik, Michael John	Velegol, Darrell
Professor’s email	edg12@psu.edu ewg10@psu.edu	mjj13@psu.edu	dxv9@psu.edu
Reason you’re interested in observing it	My future major is Chemical Engineering