How I want it to be.

When I first entered George Mason University, I thought the school was the epitome of my dream school. The diversity completely drew me in along with the appearance of the campus and the sensation that I was in a new environment. However, reality did sink in, and some aspects of George Mason University did not suit me as well as others (still, the good has outnumbered the bad).

In my ideal university, things are able to accommodate the student rather than the student having to compromise to endure things at school. For example, sleep has become a slight struggle whilst being in college. It would be amazing if classes started at a reasonable time (preferably after 10). The same can be said for very late classes. Imagine having to go from a very late class, then back to the dorm to finish homework, and then having the find the time to sleep so that you could be up for your early class. It seems like too much of a hassle for one person. The lack of time also takes away from the opportunity to be able to attend certain events that happen at night. The sleep deprivation is one of the hardest things to deal with in college; it can be a huge factor in how well one does in his or her classes, in health, and in social interaction.

In addition to social interaction, each class within college should have an environment where you can interact with the professor. While some may opt out of this idea, it is nice to be able to speak to the professor when there are troubles concerning grades. Also, it is nice to have a professional opinion when it comes to ideas or work. I do not think that college should have smaller lectures, but I feel there should be a time when it’s okay to have a one-on-one with the professor. It would be useful when a student requires a recommendation or something similar. Sometimes, I enjoy speaking to my professors; it makes asking a question less awkward, and I am capable of really engaging in the class when I understand how my teacher works.

In my ideal university, the choices of classes are also slightly different. General education classes are understandable, but they make it difficult to engage yourself n the classes needed for your major. I noticed that even as I began college, I was worried about finishing my Gen. Education classes before I could worry about my major (back then, I wasn’t even sure I had my major together). I would love for the General Education classes to be optional. For the last twelve years, I have been enduring nearly the same courses I am taking now for my gen eds, and a part of me feels so worn by them. I want to be able to focus on the classes for my major and to have the opportunity to take elective classes. In a way, it’d allow for the student to be able to get into what he or she wants rather than what he or she needs. While the classes or the major are required, there is more of chance that a student will tolerate those classes rather than the ones for the General Education. If General Education classes can’t be optional, then I would want a wider variety so that many topics and interests can be covered.

The work load could also use a change. The workload I have now is slightly spaced out more compared to the work I received in high school, but something about the workload still feels like there is too much at hand. The amount of homework I get at a time is enough to make my head explode; so, I feel like there should be alternating weeks of work and learning. With a week of learning and interaction, a student can recharge him or herself while getting more time to work assignments for his or her class. Instead of rushing through things, there would be more of an opportunity for the student to do well and to have a chance to relax.

Regardless o the bad, the way I am in college now is better than I had expected from the beginning. I think it’s better to say, college is continuously molding me into someone that I enjoy rather than someone I wish I could change further. I am getting every opportunity to better myself and to enjoy things that will continue to open my mind to new ideas and to life.

Is Jesus your homeboy?

1. I am not new to the religious t-shirts that bear slogans like “Jesus is my homeboy” or “Everyone loves a Christian girl.” I see them at the stores I shop at, and I’ve seen several people wearing the hats or carrying the tote bags with the same slogans. Even after reading both arguments by Paul Mitchell and Ruth La Ferla, I remain indifferent to these t-shirts. I have never had the desire to wear them, but I never cared if I saw someone walking down the street with the t-shirt on. When comparing the two shirts above, I feel myself gravitating more towards the black and white one. The shirt itself physically evokes a more powerful message by portraying Jesus as larger and more intimidating than the Jesus in the first shirt. On a pure fashion standpoint, the black and white one is more appealing. Still, when looking at the first shirt, it feels more friendly and modern compared to the second one. Regardless, I do not find the shirts to be a parody. There is nothing necessarily mocking about them, since they portray a religious figure in a way that teens can understand. It seems smart to have religion branch out to a younger generation so that everyone can experience it in their way. Also, the shirt is a result of a movie, not a direct parody. The movie, Saved, didn’t threaten Christianity (at least, there have been no reports about it), so the t-shirts are just a pop-culture reference that some people like to explore. Either way, my religious affiliation is not as strong as others. It would explain why I don’t have much of an opinion about the shirts and why they do not feel like a parody to me.

2. “Spoof Christian t-shirts give the same message to Christendom that spoof advertising t-shirts give to big companies: we see through your propaganda, and your slogans have become meaningless and even offensive to us.” (qtd. in Mitchell)

a. I understand Mitchell’s point completely; no one can perfectly deny that some t-shirts might be a complete spoof and satire of modern day Christianity. However, it seems that Mitchell might be biased. For one, the first few spoof t-shirts were not a jab at the religion, but a result of a popular indie movie. When movies come out, a lot of merchandise is made to promote the movie before and after its release. The “Jesus is my Homeboy” t-shirt is not a direct attract to Christianity, but merchandise for people who loved the movie or certain aspects of it. The other religious t-shirts that came out could be a result of the popularity of the “Jesus is my Homeboy” t-shirt. Also, no one can really say that a modern teenager will be attracted to a religious shirt that he or she cannot connect to. The artwork and the text is an example of kairos and pathos; the more the message fits the people the message is marketed too, the higher the chances that people will respond to it. I cannot say this is the truth, but if a teen cannot connect to a message completely, then the slogan becomes meaningless over time. While to some, the “Jesus is my Homeboy” maybe a parody of the religion, the message is a modern reconnect to religion that could have been lost over time.

3. If the t-shirts only contained text, I would view them as more of a pop-culture reference (the movie Saved) than religious fashion marketing. Although, my opinions toward the shirt would not drastically. Since I wouldn’t view the shirt in a strictly religious way, I might be more prone to wear it. Yet, some people might not be as attracted to the t-shirts because it’d be difficult to connect to the message. The image of Jesus, I think, made it easier for some people to connect their religion to a very modern t-shirt. On the other hand, it might be easier for some people to represent their views with the t-shirt since it’s just text. To a younger generation, the message is easily understood.

4. The first colored t-shirt feels more friendly and open to everyone. The image of Jesus is small and wearing clothes that are more similar to the clothes we wear today. Also, he is giving a peace sign, which wouldn’t necessarily have to mean peace, but the slang that many teenagers use today. The shirt portrays Jesus as someone who can be friend and identify with modern society, thus making the t-shirt more appealing since Jesus’ status is less intimidating than the figure we have all grown up with; also, if makes the religious figure as someone who everyone can connect with. The t-shirt almost says “Jesus is not only your savior and God’s son; he is always your best friend and the guy who you usually hang out with at school.” The second t-shirt gives off a different feeling. The t-shirt is in black and white, and the image of Jesus is bigger than the figure on the first shirt. Not only is Jesus bigger, but he also appears more powerful. Jesus’ body appears more athletic and buff, giving off that sense of power. He is the focal point of the t-shirt, and he takes up most of it, also adding to that sense of power that Jesus has. The t-shirt says “Jesus is still the powerful figure that he is. He is your friend, but do not forget who He is as well.” The second t-shirt is almost intimidating since Jesus does not appear like someone who can connect to everyone, especially teenagers. The lack of color adds to that intimating feel since it makes the t-shirt very static and serious.