Readers’ Forum April 5

274

We deserve spring break

We all stress. This stress can be hammered in a student’s brain and attack them, diverting them from a wholesome learning experience.

There are many resources and ways to avoid and limit the high stress that comes while in school. Many students have different manners of de-stressing which include exercising, spending time with friends and eating. Sometimes we just need a break from school.

Most universities across the nation have “Spring Break”. This is a full week without any classes. As students, sometimes we just need to get away. Having simply a long weekend does not allow us to do that. A week-long “Spring Break” allows us to go home to see family, get away to the sun or maybe just sleep and relax the week away. I believe at BYU we not only need a “Spring Break”, but we deserve a “Spring Break”

— Steve Hansen

Provo, Utah

Stop complaining

Everywhere I go on campus, I hear fellow students complaining.  “Dr. so and so is such a terrible professor,” or, “That class was ridiculously hard!  Can you believe the time required for a two credit class?” How about, “Return missionaries are so awkward. They can’t even keep a conversation,” or, “We kissed once and she wants to get married.  She’s so weird.”

What’s truly sad is that more than anything, complaining is what connects BYU students together. This is BYU. We’re an institution filled with young LDS adults who have so much potential, who have achieved so much, many who have dedicated two years of their lives to serving missions, and yet, we complain.

Let’s spend a little more time pondering about our hardships before we speak. Why? Life, relationships, school, work, etc. can all get hard sometimes. Instead of adopting a victim identity and complaining, let’s rise up to the challenge. Let’s let the trials change us for the better. We will be much happier in the process.

— Brady Liu

Toronto, Canada

Just obey the Honor Code

All BYU students are required to sign the Honor Code, which includes dress and appearance. For men, this means being clean-shaven, or NO beard. Some feel that being clean-shaven does not matter and that it should not be a rule. The point simply is that if it is in the Honor Code, we all signed it and must obey.

I work on campus where we must deny service to anyone who is not following this standard. When we tell individuals we cannot help them because of their beard, it is usually taken negatively. Remember, however, students are aware of the Honor Code and agreed to live it before they attended BYU. It is the student’s responsibility to obey the Honor Code, and we just enforce it.

Obey the honor code. What a simple request.

— Heather Scruggs

Highland, Utah

Terror won’t stop travel

The Brussels bombings shocked the world. Hundreds of people died or were hurt, included four LDS missionaries. After the bombings, not only world travelers but also the LDS community had concerns about travel safety in Europe. Every year, BYU sends hundreds of students to Europe for study abroad programs, and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints sends thousands of missionaries for European missions. Terrorist attacks are unpredictable, but the bombings will not stop LDS missions or BYU study abroad programs in Europe.

Knowing how to travel safely in Europe is essential for both LDS missionaries and BYU study abroad students. Landes Holbrook works at the BYU study abroad safety office, and he recommends the following for students: 1) Be aware of your surroundings, 2) Avoid peak time transportation and large crowds, 3) Minimize travel alone, and 4) Walk with purpose and confidence.

If we are cautious of our surroundings, it will increase our safety. The terrorist attacks will never stop thousands of BYU students from exploring the European culture, and LDS missionaries from preaching the gospel in Europe.

— Xirong Zhang

Winston Salem, North Carolina

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