It's hard to be an idealist

Many say that the young generation are the idealists. They see all that the possibilites and goodness the world has to offer. As time passes, and the young grow old, their attitudes tend to change. Though, you can't blame them for transforming to a more pragmatic outlook. When you are young, you view life as problem free. When you start to age, you see a a less clouded picture. You are able to see death and pain along with people's everyday suffering.
This week alone was another reminder that the world we live in is far from perfect. Jennifer Hudson, the famous singer and actress, lost both her mother and brother when they were brutally slain in their Chicago home. Darnell Donerson and Jason Hudson were both shot to death this past Friday, the 24th of October. Julian King, the seven year old nephew of Jennifer Hudson, was abducted that same day. In the news as well was the story of Anne Pressly, a 26-year-old woman who was beaten to death after being attacked in her Arkansaw home. She was killed by whom investigators believe to be a random robber. Along with these events, two Ball State University students students were injured in a shooting this previous week. Nick Serrano and Chadwick Nash were both wounded in the legs by the gunshots. The victims were supposidly not random, but intended by the shooter.
It seems awfully difficult to be an idealist in the world we live in. Everyday there are new pressures and pains to face. It is hard to see the world's flaws, and still believe in dreams and the overall goodness of man. Tragedy happens. Being able to get past it, and live life believing in what seems to be impossible, is one of the hardest feats of all.

The price of making dreams a reality

A common dream for most students at New Trier High School is to get into their top college of choice. The harsh fact is that not all students accomplish this goal, and therefore doesn't become a reality for everyone. As time has passed, and the pressure for school has increased, students have tried almost all methods imaginable to get into college. I came across an article in the Chicago Tribune highlighting the college competition called Students add sabotage to college-entry arsenal. The article focused on a particular method used by students and even their parents. This tactic includes ruining other students in order to help increase their chances of acceptance. This ruining involves notes and/or pictures being sent to colleges and universities that involve other students partaking in illegal activity. There are also letters that simply bash other students that are applying. Students would send letters or emails anonymously that varied in truth.

I couldn't believe that teenagers would resort to such measures in order to achieve their dreams. Dreams are so important to people, that not achieving them isn't an option. The idea of rejection has become too hard to bear emotionally and even socially. From reading this article, I relooked at the word dream. I had always viewed the word as something that people aspire to happen, but don't necisarilly think will actually take place. Now it seems as some people's dreams need to be reached, and because of that, it can justify horrible behavior. People blame their dreams for the reason they commit dishonest or just plain mean acts . I don't believe that the ends justify the means. Is it really worth it to go against moral in order to make a dream a reality?

More than just a race

Over 33,o33 people woke up early this weekend to run 26 miles and 385 yards in surprising eighty degree weather. The 2008 Chicago Marathon hosted runners from across the world. The event was sponsored by the Bank of America, and took place this Sunday over Columbus Day weekend. Evans Cheruiyot from Kenya took first place with the amazing time of two hours, six minutes, and twenty- five seconds. He fought to the end of the race, and didn't have a definite lead until mile 25. His will and determination led him to win this race, and it was an uphill battle the entire way. After the intense heat of last years marathon, many strayed from this years race after hearing the weather report. Though, more stayed and decided to run. They risked a lot to compete, but the runners put on a brave face, and were a part of history in the 31st Chicago Marathon.

I can't help but see the symbolism in this run. After the huge stock market crash the week before, thousands of people were still able to rally together to complete a common goal. The race, a long, hot, crowded, journey to the finish line can represent any countries or individuals struggle through life. Even though these people are battling through horrible pains and obstacles, the manage to bear it. The aches and sores are all worth in it the end, when they cross the line and finish. Life is full of trials that will test you, but making your way through and really living is the prize. Its moments in time like these, that give me hope. I know that it is just a marathon, but the fact that people can overcome obstacles to accomplish something for themselves, gives me faith that even in times of crisis, our country and the world can overcome.

Stress comes in many forms

I came across an article today in the Chicago Tribune that I found some truth in. The article Fans seek soft landing off click playoff slope emphasizes on the common sports fan. The article focused on baseball , and the current playoffs. With Chicago having had two teams in the playoffs, the article grabbed my attention. Writer John Kass, explains how Americans want games that don't come down to the 9th inning, 3rd period, or end of the 2nd half. They want to know the outcome of something before it actually ends. If a team is up by a landslide, then you can judge that they will probably win. That takes off a lot of stress and anticipation. People want to enjoy a game, but with such intense fans nowadays, people cannot seem to watch without the worry of winning. People become so attached to these teams, that they get themselves sick over a game. I can relate being a fan myself, but I have to think that those buzzer beater shots, and last inning home runs make the sport all the more worthwhile. Though, I have to admit, that after those games, I am usually worn out and ready for bed due to the fact that I have probably jumped, screamed, and maybe even prayed for the past 2-3 hours that my team come out ahead.
This article may focus on sports fans, but I think this type of human behavior can relate to all types of people. It goes to show the stress everyday people put on themselves. What is stress and what causes it? It may not be over a baseball game, but maybe a term paper or a performance. People have the overarching desire to want to do well, and the pain felt in not reaching that success causes a great deal of anxiety.
People also feel the common need to be a part of something whether it be a team, a group of friends, or even a country. Everyone wants to feel as if they belong somwhere. At the time of the Puritans, the young girls joined together to save themselves from accusations. During the Great Depression, the poor came together, in order to feel less alone. No one wants to go through something by themselves. It is easier to feel hurt when you know others are going through the same thing. So, when the Cubs got swept it was less difficult for me knowing that I wasn't the only one upset, half the city was too.