Student Soundbytes

Posted: June 8, 2006

What’s up world this is your man Kyle,

By now I’m sure that everyone has seen the coverage about the mistaken identities of the Taylor University students. I have asked myself a number of times what I would do in a situation like this. The only answer that I come up with is complete silence. I have no idea how I would feel or respond to a situation like the tragic events. Honestly, I wouldn’t even know what to tell the families of the two girls. This whole situation has touched the lives of everyone around the on some level. At this point it isn’t about pointing fingers or placing the blame on anyone. Right now I think that it should be a time of mourning and healing. Many would agree that the families involved are in the prayers of the IPFW community.

As always put God first and hold fast to your dreams. One Love!

Posted: June 1, 2006

What’s up world this is your man Kyle,

Recently Daniel Epple was sentenced to 15 years in prison for the death of IPFW economics professor John P. Manzer. My condolences go out to the Manzer family for their loss. I haven’t had the opportunity to personally meet Professor Manzer but, I had seen him around campus. Every time I would see Professor Manzer he smile and nod his head while passing by. The tragic occurrence of Professor Manzers death will have a drastic impact on the IPFW community as a whole.

The death of professor Manzer is also a sad occurrence for the Epple family. It’s a sad situation for anyone to have to go to prison. In my opinion the judge presiding over the case had choice but to follow procedure in the sentencing of Daniel. I don’t want to see anyone sentenced to serve prison time but, he had to be held accountable for his actions. I read that Daniel Epple ran for office at IPFW to promote alcohol awareness on the campus. Promoting alcohol awareness is a good idea but, IN ORDER FOR ONE TO LEAD, YOU HAVE TO BE ABLE TO LEAD BY EXAMPLE. Daniel Epple had previous brushes with the law while in the Marine Corps. Daniel Epple has faced alcohol causing problems in his life before the death of professor Manzer. In the other incidents of alcohol causing problems in Daniels life he was given a smack on his wrist and sent on his way. The minimal punishments to Daniel allowed for the continued negative behavior. The judge in his sentencing case saw a pattern with Daniels actions and had no choice but to make his punishment severe this time around. As a man Daniel needs to realize that because of his destructive behavior someone’s life was taken from them. It was a good idea for Daniel to start attending substance abuse treatment, although professor Manzers life was taken from him before the treatments started. The whole situation is a sad one that many people wish never happened. It’s going to take a lot of prayer for the healing of both families.

As always put God first and hold fast to your dreams. One Love!

Posted: May 25, 2006

What’s up world this is your man Kyle,

As I have stated before I’m just maintaining school and watching the NBA playoffs. My time is spread out very thin this summer. You need to know that there is always time to watch basketball. Honestly, I think that summer classes are a lot better than classes in the fall or spring. I get out of Fort Wayne as much as I can between busy patches of studying and typing papers. I need to get back studying for Spanish, so that’s all for now.

As always put God first and hold fast to your dreams. One Love!

Posted: May 18, 2006

What’s up world this is your man Kyle,

I have been hearing so much about protecting our border from illegal immigrants. The different conversations that I have been hearing have caused me to wonder what some people’s definition of living in a free society means. I agree that something has to be done about protecting our border. I have heard people saying that we need to round up all of the illegal immigrants and deport them. In MY OPINION I think that rounding up all of the illegal immigrants is a little EXTREME. In order to round up all of the immigrants it would require an enormous amount of man power that we don’t have.

I understand that something needs to be done as far as protecting the United States. Everyone that is a considered a minority immigrant should not be considered a threat or a potential terrorist. I agree that in order to protect the American people guidelines have to be made. In the decision of protecting the border from immigrants everyone won’t be happy with the decision. Once there is a structured plan for border patrol then people will begin to become comfortable with immigrants. Immigrants come to the United States for the same reason we are so proud to be called an American. Immigrants just want to be able provide a good lifestyle for their families. In MY OPINION I don’t see anything wrong with that. I under wanting to feel safe in our free society called America. Some people still need to understand that all immigrants aren’t threats to be on American soil.

As always put God first and hold fast to your dreams. One Love!

Posted: May 11, 2006

What’s up world this is your man Kyle,

As usual this has been a very busy week for me. This summer I am taking five classes in both sessions of summer school. This entire week I have been out of town visiting law schools. Since summer school next week I have been trying to do all of the things that I need to do. I have been to three law schools in Indiana that has grabbed my attention. I have also been to Chicago and Detroit visiting law schools there as well. I think that I have selected a few good law schools that I would like to attend. Everyday that I wakeup I understand that I am truly blessed to be in the position that I am in. Like I said I have tons of things to do before summer school starts.

As always put God first and hold fast to your dreams. One Love!

Posted: May 04, 2006

What’s up world this is your man Kyle,

At this point I am ready for the semester to be OVER. I am just ready for a fresh new batch of classes. Ha, ha. I’m taking summer classes so I guess I don’t really get a break from classes. It’s cool because I’m ready to graduate and move on to the next stage in my life. I’m trying to type papers, study and watch the NBA playoffs. I guess I can say that I am pretty good at multi tasking. I have a lot to say but no time to say it on this blog because of finals.

As always put God first and hold fast to your dream. One Love!

Posted: April 27, 2006

What’s up world this is your man Kyle,

Anybody who is a college student knows about the last few weeks of school and how hectic it is. It’s like the professor think that you are only taking one class. I think that college is about being able to prioritize your work in order to get all of it done. Everybody knows about having group presentations and half of the people don’t show up for meetings. Then when you see the person they have some crazy excuse about how busy they were. It’s like they think you don’t have anything to do but work on the group project. Why should you have to compensate for someone else who doesn’t know how to prioritize their time. When you have a group presentation you have other people counting on you to come through. In my personal opinion I don’t like doing group presentations for any class. I seem to always get stuck with people who don’t have any respect for you or your time. They never make deadlines or come to the appointments. Then when they finally get their work done they expect for you to drop what you are doing to meet with them. I just needed to vent a little.

As always put God first and hold fast to your dreams. One Love!

Posted: April 20, 2006

What’s up world this is your man Kyle,

Our student elections and campaigns have approached us for the next school year. At this time a year it is a normal occurrence to see candidates for office campaigning around campus. Unless you have been living under a rock I’m sure that you have heard about the recent controversy pertaining to our recent election choice into student government.

The voting of Daniel Epple into position of vice president of programming is what has caused a stir among faculty, students and alumni. He will be scheduled to take office 11 days before he is sentenced for killing an IPFW professor in a drunken driving accident. Much of the controversy surrounding the recent election is the fact that he was voted into office awaiting sentencing for his crime. I would argue that the criteria for being able to run for office needs to be amended. I think that the issue isn’t if he is a convicted felon or not. If you have a felony it should not prevent you from utilizing the same opportunities that other students have. BUT, where the line should have been drawn in the criteria for running for office should have been a potential candidate cannot have a PENDING case against them a the time of the campaigning and election. I am a firm believer that everyone needs a second chance. The second chance should not be winning an election while having a PENDING case against you.

Everybody should have the right to privacy with one exception. The exception is if you put yourself out there to run for a “public” student government office. If you have a pending case that might prevent you from accurately completing your elected office, then the people who vote you into office should have enough information for them to make a decision. When we as the students voted Daniel Epple into office it is like he consented into a contract with the faculty and the student that he would serve us to the best of his ability. It was almost like we as the students were deceived into thinking that the person we voted into office would be there for the duration of the term and that might not happen not because of an unsuspecting action. This action was aware to the candidate before he decided to run. I think that anyone who is considering running for any elected office has an ethical duty to do what is best for the people they want to lead. In this case I don’t think that the candidate thought about the best interest of the students. I believe that the candidate had his own best interest at hand by fulfilling a personal goal by being elected to student government. For the best of the student body he should have never run because he knew that there was something that could definitely prevent him from fulfilling his contract as vice president of programming. Don’t misunderstand me for one minute by thinking that I have something against him or anyone who has a felony. My stance is that anyone with a PENDING criminal case should not be allowed to run for office until the matter is resolved. Being that finals are right around the corner I need to get back to work.

As always put God first and hold fast to your dreams

Posted: April 13, 2006

What up world this is your man Kyle,

Throughout my time here at IPFW I have had the privilege of taking classes that have allowed me to think critically. In doing my blog entries I wanted to try and stay away from singling out one class that stood out from the rest. I think that all of the classes within the communication department have allowed me to grow to another level.

I am currently in a class that I personally feel brings the most out me academically. This class is (COM 303) Intercultural Communications taught by Dr. Jennifer Simpson. The format on how the class is set up allows students to think “outside the box” or what normal to us. In the class I see the passion that Dr. Simpson has for teaching. I understand what her purpose and mission is here at IPFW. In my opinion I think that Intercultural Communications, taught by Dr. Simpson should be a required course for all students enrolled at IPFW. There is a lot of talk amongst people that I grew up with saying that IPFW is a small university. Many of the people that I grew up decided to go out of the city to other colleges. Most of their decisions were made thinking that IPFW had nothing to offer. I can’t speak for other majors here at IPFW on how well the professors teach. I can speak on the communications major and how the professors teach. In my opinion I think that what I am learning in (COM 303) Intercultural communication is every bit as demanding and rewarding as it would be if I went to a more “recognized” university. If anyone has the opportunity to take COM 303 with Dr. Jennifer Simpson you will realize that the cost of registering for the class fails in comparison to the knowledge you will have once you have finished the course. Well I need to get back to typing this paper.

As always put God first and hold fast to your dreams. One Love!

Posted: March 15, 2006

What’s up world this is your man Kyle,

Spring break is over and it is back to the daily grind of classes. Unfortunately, my spring break was spent studying for the LSAT (Law School Admissions Test). Preparations for law school consist of a step by step process. Over this past spring break I had the opportunity to visit a few of the law schools that I am considering attending. I won’t mention the Law Schools that I have visited so far to prevent myself from sounding bias to any one school. At this point the schools that I have visited have many things to offer in their own right. I am very pleased with the school that I have seen. I am also still looking forward to visiting a few other campuses before my decision is made. I don’t necessary have a preference of staying in Indiana for law school. You never know you might find me “chillin” some where on Massachusetts Avenue in Cambridge, MA (ha, ha, hint, hint). Everyday I see just how BLESSED I am to have the opportunities that I have. Even though managing school and studying and preparing for law school is very busy process I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world. I understand that you have to be willing to take the bitter with the sweet. If you could have seen what I have gone through in the past then honestly, what I am doing right now amongst all of the work is apart of the sweet. If I want to make law school a reality then I need to return to my studies.

As always put God first and hold fast to your dreams. One Love!

Posted: March 9, 2006

What’s up world this is your man Kyle,

The FX channel teamed up with Ice Cube to create a show with people changing their “race” by changing the color of their skin. I had been seeing a lot of previews of the shows pilot show. Television doesn’t fascinate me all that much any more. Considering I am a communications major I find myself consuming more media then I normally would. I happened to catch some of the program just so I could analyze the affects of changing a person skin color to another race.

I personally think that the show is simple. This simply means that yes it interesting to see how people react and treated once they have changed the color of the skin to another race. I believe the concept of the show is for people to see what is like to walk in another races shoes. The show is probably just meant for entertainment purposes. The concept of the show has a serious undertone. Society today still deals with racism on many different levels. I know what the show was trying to accomplish by having people “become” another race. In all actuality there is no way to fully understand what a race is going through by changing the color of you skin for a few days. You cannot sum up the struggle of a race by just changing the color of your skin. In order for stereotypes and racism barriers to break down people need to begin to have constant interaction with someone from another race. A person needs to do a little research about the race or a culture to see the evolution of their lifestyles or habits. Stereotypes can only breakdown if people are willing to reassess their relationships. People have to realize that in some cases the beliefs that were taught to you as a young person might not be as accurate as they could be if the people teaching didn’t have any contact with people from other races. People should want to learn about other races and cultures for healthy growth. It shouldn’t have to get to the point that someone has to change their appearance and the color of their skin in order to see what another race goes through. People need to take an active role in breaking down stereotypes and racism.

As always put God first and hold fast to your dream. One Love!

Posted: March 1, 2006

What up world this is your man Kyle,

In the recent days IPFW has been getting a small amount of publicity for publishing a controversial article pertaining to a Muslim cartoon. We have to realize first and foremost that we have freedom of press when running articles in “The Communicator”. I think that at the university level there is a thin line when referring to freedom of press. In most regards anything that is done at the university or for the university is considered a representation of the university.

I am all for freedom of speech and the freedom of press. In retrospect I also think that “The Communicator” is the universities newspaper and representation on views from IPFW students. We need to be very careful in printing things that could ostracize or make a race or religion feel like they aren’t respected for their beliefs. Everyone should have the right to freedom of religion and freedom of speech, because that is the beauty of living in America. When the controversial article was ran in the “The Communicator” it should have been explain a little in more detail the reasons for being selected to be in the paper. As a journalist there are times when you write or say something that is not considered to be part of the popular opinion. When something is printed I think that a good sign of a strong writer and journalist is to be able stand behind you words and stand strong on your convictions. I think that as a journalist or a potential journalist when you are considering writing or reporting on a specific issue it is important to stand strong on your convictions but also RESPECT the ethical guidelines for writing or reporting a story. Well I need to get back to handling mine. As always put God first and hold fast to your dreams. One Love!

Posted: February 22, 2006

What up world this is your man Kyle,

Well, Mike Davis is out as the men’s basketball coach. Who will be the next coach of I.U.?  I don’t think that Mike Davis was given a fair shot to do his job as the coach. Anybody that has any common sense knows that coach Bob Knight is a hard act to follow. Bob Knight had die hard fans. A lot of people were Bob Knight fans and not I.U. fans. When Bob Knight left I.U. so did a lot of “supposed” I.U. fans.

Every move that Mike Davis made I.U. fans was so critical of it. Mike Davis was not given the opportunity to coach the team and make mistakes that any other coach would-make. Mike Davis was constantly compared to Bob Knights’ legacy at I.U. Mike Davis was not given the fair opportunity to make his own legacy. The remarks that Mike Davis made regarding who he feels would be better coaching I.U. were very accurate. Everyone knows that before Mike Davis was officially given the coaching position everyone was hoping that Steve Alford would get the position. Mike Davis received a lot of bad press for making the comments that he made. Mike Davis just said what everybody was thinking. I am disappointed with any I.U. fan that who was disloyal to the coach and basketball team. I think Mike Davis got treated less than professional at I.U. I was and still am an I.U. till I die. But, I do think that Mike Davis deserved better and I hope that he gets it. I hope to see Mike Davis coaching again real soon. I am certain on my opinion and I will be happy to discuss or even DEBATE anybody on this matter. Well the show must go on. As always put God first and hold fast to your dreams. One Love!

Posted: February 15, 2006

What up world this is your man Kyle,

As usual life has been very rewarding for me. Lately the death penalty has been a topic that has been pressing on my mind. I have had numerous conversations with people who have opposing viewpoints. In my mind I see that the death penalty does no more than authorize revenge for the victims’ family. The death penalty will not bring the victim back. I have always heard that “two wrongs don’t make a right”.

The issue of the death penalty that has spurred so much conversation was the execution of Stanley “Tookie” Williams. Many people would argue that he deserved to die for the crimes he was “accused” of. Not to take anything away from the victim’s and their families but the life of Stanley “Tookie” Williams did not deserve to be taken away. With Stanley’s work that he was able to accomplish while in prison he saved so many lives. In no way am I trying to minimize the lives of the victims that were lost. We all have sinned at some point in our lives. Being that we have sinned we all have been forgiven for our sins. Killing Stanley would solve nothing other then revenge for the victims’ families. With him alive he was able help so many people. Everyone in prison isn’t bad; they just made bad decisions or choices that lead them to prison. I see no greater hypocrisy than a system that propagates murder for murder. 

I find it ironic that the government will punish a person for committing murder by murdering them. In Stanley “Tookie”  Williams execution I feel without  a shadow of doubt that he helped a lot of people and he would have benefited  the world more if he  was kept alive with a life sentence as opposed to  being put to death. Well I have to get back on my daily grind. As always put God first and hold fast to your dreams. One  Love!

Posted: February 8, 2006

What up world this is your man Kyle,

With deep sadness I learned of the passing of Coretta Scott King. In such a short time two very important people who embodied and stood for equality has left this earth. Not to long ago God decided to call Rosa Parks home. I think that it is the responsibility of all black people to learn about their race. It was because of a lot of strong willed and dedicated people that came before us that we are allowed the privileges that we have. As an African American I know how important it is for me as well as my peers to understand the struggles that our relatives before us had to endure. I urge anyone who has access to the internet to do research on black history. I feel like we as people can change if we take an active role in trying to understand people from other races or cultures.

For many who aren’t aware of the things that the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. has done for not just black people but for all races then I would urge you to do a little research on just how powerful of a man he was. He was truly ahead of his time in many regards. I want to share with the world a little bit of Dr. King’s speech. This is an excerpt from Dr. King’s speech “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop”. This speech was in support of striking sanitation worker at the Mason Temple in Memphis on April 3, 1968. The day after Dr. King gave this speech he was assassinated at the Lorraine Motel.

“Well, I don’t know what will happen now. We’ve got some difficult days ahead. But it doesn’t matter with me now. Because I’ve been to the mountaintop. And I don’t mind. Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place. But I’m not concerned about that now. I just want to do God’s will. And He’s allowed me to go to the mountain. And I’ve looked over. And I’ve seen the Promised Land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we as a people, will get to the promised land. And I’m happy, tonight. I’m not worried about anything. I’m not fearing any man. Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord.” (Courtesy of Dr. King)

I feel blessed and honored to have the opportunity to be able share these words that Dr. King once spoke. Well, I have to get back to studying. As always put God first and hold fast to your dreams. One Love!

Posted: Febrary 1, 2006

What world this is your man Kyle,

It has been a few months since the devastation of the hurricane Katrina. I don’t really know how many improvements have taken place since this catastrophe. As I sit back and contemplate my thought I wonder what we as first being human beings and second being American citizens have learned from the occurrences of the hurricane Katrina. There is so much that we can learn from the SURVIVORS of the hurricane. I think that it is so easy to judge and say what the survivors should have done and what you would have done if you were in that situation. We need to first realize that there is NO possible way that we can say what we would do unless we were physically in that situation.

A lot of people lost there lives due to the untimely lack of response that was sent out. Everyone has there opinion and you are entitled to it. But, this is my forum to get my point across so right now you need to hear my point of view. We need to remember what happened to the people in Mississippi and New Orleans. This is something that when the media stops reporting and giving news coverage on the survivors of the hurricane we can’t forget about them. Many children whom are just starting their lives have had to face this catastrophe and have no way of getting out of this bad situation. The devastation and heart ache of the hurricane is still an issue that so many people are still facing. I urge any and everyone around the world that has access to the internet to keep the survivors and family members of hurricane Katrina and any other hurricane in your prayers. Well you know how it is I go to keep it moving. As always put God first and hold fast to your dreams. One Love!

Posted: January 25, 2006

What’s up world this is your man Kyle,

First off all I want to say that the Colts shocked me with how shabby they played against the Steelers. I was expecting more from them considering the kind of season that they had. I understand that toward the end of the season things took a turn for the worst with the death of coach Dungys son, but these guys are professionals that people pay their good money to watch play. They need to get it together and regroup for next season.

On another note I had the opportunity to read a fantastic book entitled “Drinking the Living Water: A view from the Edge-Lessons I learned on my Way Home”. I was fascinated and intrigued with the struggles of the author. Reading this book I believe that anything is possible when I see someone turn tragedy into triumph. The most exciting thing about this book is that the author is a Communications Professor here at IPFW. I am lucky as well grateful to have had the opportunity to be in a few of the courses taught by Professor Deborah Godwin-Starks. Professor Godwin-Starks is the kind of professor that once you have had her class you will never forget her. I owe a lot of my success her at IPFW to her, because her office door was never closed to me or any other student. For those of you who haven’t taken any classes taught by Professor Deborah-Godwin Starks you are really missing a chance to not only to grow as a student but you will be missing a chance to grow as a person. Well I have to get back to this daily grind that we call life.

As always put God first and hold fast to you dreams. One Love!