This year brought a decade’s worth of lessons; for that, I am wiser. I was forced to detach from the conscience I created from pieces of other people; for that, I am self-aware. I learned it was possible for my whole world to change in one day; for that, I am grateful for today.
Read moreBreaking Through Boundaries: Dr Yusef Salaam Addresses the Skidmore Community
One of the younger boys that was wrongfully convicted for six and a half years, Yusef Salaam, spoke to Skidmore students this past Thursday, March 6th, hosting both a student workshop in the afternoon and a live Q&A later at night. Given how far-reaching Salaam’s story is, it was an honor to hear him speak about his commitment to advocacy and education regarding police brutality, misconduct, and racial bias in the American criminal justice system.
Read moreOn How the NFL Embodies American Hypocrisy
There seems to be a good-as-unanimous consensus that football—and by extension, the National Football League (NFL)—serves as a fundamental, thoroughly red-white-and-blue emblem of American culture, along with grill-branded burgers, guns, and violently orange-colored cheddar cheese. A zoom into the sports world reveals that the NFL has dominated attendance, television ratings, merchandise, and revenue for years now compared to other American sports, and thus is comfortably situated on its very own throne.
Read moreStudent Forums Open a Dialogue on Campus Safety Reforms
In the last year, the United States has begun to confront its connected past with racism and racial inequity. College students have been some of the most outspoken voices, with many from all over the country bringing their experiences with racial bias and prejudice to the fore. Many Skidmore College students have followed suit, but the College as an institution has a long way to go before it is considered “outspoken” in issues of racial justice. A central point of contention on campus has been the Skidmore Campus Safety Department and instances of racial prejudice.
Read moreWhat about friendship breakups?
I wrote this when I was going through a friendship break up, but I kept it stored away in the void of my laptop, and it eventually collected dust because I wasn’t ready to share it at the time.
Read moreFinger Snaps: The Meadows, Haiku
Governor Cuomo Faces Scandals on the Eve of the 2022 Election
Over the past few months, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo’s COVID-19 press briefing heroics have been fading into the past, and he is currently amidst multiple scandals.
Read moreSpring Covid Precautions Yield Increased Plastic Waste
Skidmore’s 2020 Fall semester proved just how different college during a pandemic would look and feel. One seemingly small but significant change is the use of plastic to-go containers in the dining hall. When students returned to campus at the end of January, this waste-producing routine was only exacerbated by the safe shelter mode that defined our first week on campus.
Read moreWhy Mental Health Matters Now More Than Ever
When you get sick or scrape your knee, the immediate reaction is to take medicine or grab a bandage. But what about when you are having a mental health day; when your anxiety or depression is making you feel worse than a cold or a scraped knee could? The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted our lives more than any other time in history. Quarantine became the new norm and, for months on end, our mental health has paid the price.
Read moreTexas Winter Storms Incite a State Crisis
During the winter season in Saratoga Springs, it is normal to experience one or two Nor’easters. Students don heavy coats and boots, classes continue, and life carries on. As the national news reports, however, other parts of the country have been affected severely by strong winter storms this year. Over the past two weeks, Texas – a state not known for having much snow – has been hit by two heavy winter storms.
Read moreCelebrating Black Athletes: 5 Movies To Watch for Black History Month
As we close out Black History Month, it’s a great time to reflect on some of the most incredible and monumental African-American athletes that helped transform the world of sports that we know today. From the track to the court, these athletes’ excellence, hard work, and determination helped them overcome and shift racial barriers in sports. Here are 5 movies, all based on true stories, to watch to celebrate some of these athletes that revolutionized their sport. Happy viewing!
Read moreFinger Snaps: Moments of Peace, A Haiku
I do! More green now
Read moreWinter Varsity Teams Return to Practice and Competition
Winter sports teams all started their seasons this past week (2/15) and are gearing up to start competitions. The College is hopeful that spring and fall athletes will also get the chance to compete this spring.
Read moreThe War on Normal People: Revealing the Privilege of Education
The Skidmore student body prides itself on stepping outside of our bubbles to understand what it is like in the shoes of others. Another privilege that must be acknowledged, educational privilege, is one that we all share as students. The War On Normal People is a book that I believe every current college student or alum must read in order to better understand the experience and future of being “normal.”
Read moreTips on Dealing with the Struggles of Disabled Learning
Skidmore often forgets about students with disabilities. We have no official clubs, organizations, or events that allow the community to make noise. Over the past eleven months, a pandemic has ruled the world. In turn, it has impacted everyone’s way of life.
Read moreDecember 29, 2020, A Poem
Saratoga Police Reform Task Force Meeting: An Update to the Skidmore Community
Earlier this month, members of the Skidmore community gathered virtually to hear from Professors Winston Grady-Willis and Terry Diggory along with Jason Golub, one of the Co-Chairs of the task force. The task force, composed of 13 members – 8 of whom identify as people of color – is charged with reviewing the policies of the Saratoga Springs Police Department (SSPD).
Read moreOp-Ed: On the Accusation of Critiques of Israel Being Anti-Semitic
There is an entire history’s worth of politics and beliefs to consider when assessing the Israel-Palestine conflict because colonialism in Palestine did not begin with Zionism. When making educated, accurate critiques of the Israeli government’s policies, whether past or present, it’s not attacking Judaism or the faith of its people. It is our duty as part of this world system to understand all of its intricacies, and we cannot do that if we intentionally exclude the Israel-Palestine situation.
Read moreIntroduction to "Finger Snaps," A Haiku Series
Robin Jones
Dianna Mason,
Doing well I hope? Thank you
For your note today.
Dianna Mason
Hello Robin Jones,
What a treat to see you here.
Together at last.
If I may ask you,
Do you still watch the sunrise
Near that mossy bench?
Empty table series, Haikus
Alone at the table
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