Author Archives: sa2225

Journalism: The Art of Filling in the Spaces

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image: nytimes.com

I have always had an immense amount of respect for the practice of journalism, and the sacrifices that journalists make to ensure the correct narrative of the current circumstances is accessible to populations worldwide. However, in recent times the lines are becoming more blurred, and journalism is devolving into a highly politicized field. Although many journalists still try to ensure the correct narrative and both aspects of a situation become accessible to readers, there is still a large portion of journalists writing to convey a very construed message or writing for a target audience, rather than writing to inform. Today’s talk was especially interesting for me, because I not only was exposed to varying opinions regarding journalism today, but also learned how a lot of my peers are obtaining their information. We discussed the importance of being open to all news sources; however, we also established that seeking different sources and being cognisant of the information we are exposed to is equally imperative.

 

Dreamland in the Face of Disaster

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                            image: kuow.org

I walked into Quinones’ lecture extremely tired, cold, and with a very limited understanding of America’s current opioid crisis- when I left the lecture my perspective had changed entirely. I did not have a chance to read his award-winning book prior to the lecture and was anticipating a lecture that would regurgitate information regarding the opioid crisis I already knew. However, when Quinones began to address prominent issues, such as heroin trafficking and struggles with addiction he had instantly captured the attention of many in the room, the same way he had captured the attention of millions around the globe with his book.

Although I found many parts of his lecture informative and inspiring, there was also an instance where I strongly felt he had overlooked integral causes behind the opioid crisis- the inaccessibility of healthcare, which he brushed over as common people demanding “quick-fixes,” and accused people of demanding such medications or “pills”. The over-medicalization of certain problems is a prominent issue; however, several people lack access to the appropriate healthcare they need, and thus, such “quick-fixes” are their only options, and these options then evolve into addictions. Although there were points of his narrative that I disagreed with, the creation of varying opinions is a very natural thing when discussing such complex issue, especially the ones he has attempted to tackle in his talk. Despite the differences of opinion that may exist, he has effectively brought to light the deadly opioid epidemic and has now given it an international platform and an opportunity for reform.

Oh My Gourd

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As the semester progressed I had become so overwhelmingly invested in completing my work on time, that I completely forgot to participate in the activities that bring me joy. I remember reading religiously every night before falling asleep; however, now I usually fall asleep with my Organic Chemistry textbook still open on my bed. I had brought so many books from home and my camera as well, but I am now realizing that both those things have remained largely untouched over the course of the semester. This activity was not only one of my favorite Rose Scholars events but also was such an amazing outlet to destress, as we created stunning nightlights from gourds. This outlet has allowed my creative ability to run free and that was something I had deprived my self of, as I became overwhelmed with the amount of work I was trying to keep up with.

Moulding Clay: Sculpting My Future

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“You have to create your life. You have to carve it, like a sculpture.” – William Shatner

The weekend prior to this event my parents had come up to visit me for parent’s weekend. Moving away from my parents for college had been one of the most difficult transitions I’ve had to go through, being an only child I never really imagined I’d have to move away so soon. The morning after they left, I attended this event with my friends and enjoyed it a lot more than I had expected to. As I sculpted my pot, I was amazed just thinking about the magnificent creations we as humans can create with our own two hands- the full autonomy we have over creating something and shaping it into whatever we want it to be. It was this realization that gave way to another realization- that I had moved so far away from home to create a future for my self- to sculpt my future and myself into someone that not only my parents would be proud of, but  I would be as well.

Medicine vs. Humanity

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image: national conference of state legislatures

“Wherever the art of medicine is loved, there is also a love of humanity.” – Hippocrates

My understanding of medicine has always included a love for humanity, and for making healthcare as accessible as possible. Once I began my undergraduate career as a pre-med student, I became so intertwined in the mayhem of courses and requirements that I had completely neglected the sociological aspect of medicine.

This Rose Cafe event proved to be extremely informational and inspiring, as it has motivated me to not only fulfill my medical school requirements but to take courses that ensure I gain a well-rounded understanding of medicine. Prior to this talk, there were several aspects of medicine that I was oblivious to. I did not fully comprehend how politicized the pharmaceutical drug industry was. I was taken aback when I discovered inflation played an integral role in ensuring certain drug values remain high. With 40 new drugs being introduced each year, each with complex patents, I did not understand the need to keep cost prices high, and why insurance played such a detrimental role in determining this- when the sole motive should be to provide healthcare to people from all walks of life. I have always viewed healthcare through the lens of humanity, for the first time I was exposed to the politics behind the business that healthcare had evolved into.

 

The Art of Pumpkin Carving

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Initially, I was hesitant about attending this event, as I hate getting my hands messy, and just thinking about carving an actual pumpkin made me feel slightly nauseous. However, when my friends and I were at the actual event, I did most of the carving simply because I was not only enjoying it, but it was also an awesome activity that proved to be an outlet for all the stress that had accumulated that week. I was stressed about the myriad of upcoming exams and quizzes; however, in that moment I truly enjoyed myself with some of my closest friends. We ended up naming our pumpkin and took an embarrassing amount of pictures with it.

 

Worlds Apart: Technology vs. Humanity

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           Source: BBC Culture Film Review

In 1968 B.F Skinner stated in his book, The Man and His Ideas, “The real problem is not whether machines think but whether men do.” This quote resonates with the essence of Ex Machina, and the message that is at the heart of the movie. Where Nathan is successful in creating machines that embody humanistic traits and qualities, he is able to maintain his sanity and a distance from the fictitious world he has created for himself. On the contrary, as Caleb’s “sessions” with Eva progress, he begins to sympathize with her and questions his own sanity. As the days advance in Nathan’s repulsive and secluded home, Caleb begins to see the reality of Nathan’s world, and has to ensure that he is not one of Nathan’s artificially created machines- he begins to question his own humanity. By the end of the movie, Eva has not only secured Caleb’s trust but is also successful in escaping Nathan’s artificial world and leaves Caleb behind to suffer in the same way she once had. I think it is imperative to note that earlier in the movie Eva tells Caleb not to trust Nathan; however, Nathan also tells Caleb not to become attached to Eva. When the time comes, Caleb chooses to support Eva over Nathan, and this illustrates that the interaction between two humans was eventually destroyed by a complex machine. The fact that Eva was able to manipulate Caleb in such a way not only brings to light the seemingly complex nature of machines and their human-like attributes but the worsening communication of humans amongst each other as they become increasingly dependent on technology.