We Need To Communicate Better

In A World Of Mass Communication, There's Not Enough Conversation

Miscommunication? I don't associate with her.

Abby Slanga
Abby Slanga Apr 30, 2019
50
views

The internet is everywhere. Chances are that if you're around my age, the internet has been present throughout your entire life. Sure, maybe it wasn't as relevant in your life 10+ years ago, but the rise of social media allows the world and its thoughts to literally be right at our fingertips.

There are countless ways to talk to someone. Whether it be in text, emails, social media DMs, messaging apps, in person, or via carrier pigeons, surely we would know how to talk to each other by now.

I'm not trying to sound like a bitter technology-hater; modern technology drives our society and has given us great things like vaccines, industry improvements, and pictures of cute cats. One of the main problems I believe to exist when it comes to communication is a lack of listening and healthy confrontation.

For example, if you're in an argument with someone, you shouldn't jump at them with a bunch of "you did this" or "you said that" because that will likely just make the other person more defensive. It's better to keep a level head and phrase your thoughts with things like "I feel this" and "this is how I interpreted that thing even if it wasn't your intention for it to have that connotation."

The same thing goes for debates with random people online. You can't expect to act all high and mighty with your side and be able to successfully convince the other party; again, they're just going to get defensive. You should strive to acknowledge what the other person said and take into account that not everyone has the same thoughts as you (unless their ideology is harmful to themselves/others or can literally be disproven with hard facts).

Lastly, while you shouldn't go around picking fights or starting debates with people just because you want to argue, it's not exactly the best idea to avoid confrontation altogether either. I absolutely hate confrontation and try to avoid it at all costs, but sometimes it's necessary to clear up miscommunication or give answers to one's questions.

At the end of the day, we're all people. Shouldn't we start treating each other as such by having a simple conversation?

Abby Slanga
Abby Slanga Apr 30, 2019
At University of Oregon

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20 Fun Facts To Use When Introducing Yourself

As we embark on the semester, we are put on the spot in order to share interesting details about ourselves. This article discloses possible fun facts to tell others!
Jennifer Kustanovich
Jennifer Kustanovich Sep 4, 2017
1005208
views

After experiencing my first week of classes, I have learned that every student needs a handy-dandy list of fun facts about themselves to tell other people. Many professors use the first couple of classes to learn about their students, so you may need to think about who you are and how you want to introduce yourself to your professor and classmates. We all have that one go-to interesting fact about ourselves, but sometimes you just have to mix it up!

1. My favorite hobby is...

What do you do in your free time? Personally, I love to stay active! I am a competitive Latin dancer and enjoy teaching and taking Zumba classes, going to the gym, and hiking.

2. I love...

Is there something, someone, or somewhere that you love? What makes your heart ache? What do you miss when it's gone? I can say that I love my friends because I feel my most confident when I'm surrounded by those who love and support me.

3. I look up to...

Is there someone you adore? Who mesmerizes you? Who do you wish to learn from? After watching "A Ballerina's Tale," I discovered Misty Copeland. In 2015 she became the first African American ballet dancer to become the Female Principal Dancer at American Ballet Theatre. Her passion, grace, and strength continuously motivate me to better myself as an athlete and an individual.

4. This art speaks to me because...

Coco Chanel said, "In order to be irreplaceable one must always be different." This encourages me to always follow my heart no matter what. I will never follow society's standards and norms because they do not define me. Chanel's saying definitely influences my character and lifestyle.

5. A funny and/or embarrassing memory of me is...

When you make others laugh they want to spend time and make memories with you! Don't be afraid to embarrass yourself. You will come off as down to earth, easy-going, and loyal.

6. My siblings or lack thereof influenced me by...

I can go on and on about my brother, who is 10 years older than I. We have opposite personalities and despite the age gap, we're quite close.

7. My pet(s) are my life because...

Only sad people don't like hearing about furry creatures, even if your pets are slimy and slithering creatures all human beings enjoy hearing pet tales!

8. I'm afraid of...

Your personality can be revealed by your likes and dislikes, including the things that you fear. I am terrified of change and the unknown, hence, the future is an anxiety-inducing topic to discuss for me.

9. I am the way I am because...

What have you gone through in life that has shaped you into who you are today? Remember to be open minded and allow yourself to open up to your peers. You may be surprised by how others respond and/or what others have endured as well.

10. The most unusual item that can be found in your dorm...

This is a fun fact about yourself that can easily liven up an awkward conversation. Think about your quirks and differences! One item I have in my dorm is my teddy bear, Peter, whom I like to joke is my boyfriend.

11. My dream job is...

In college, "What's your major?" is a widespread question. Nonetheless, skip the boring statement of "I'm majoring in..." and go in depth on what your dream job is (hopefully your major factors in to this dream of yours).

12. My hidden talents are...

Angelina Jolie is a knife thrower. Kendall Jenner can produce bird noises. Amanda Seyfried can crochet and knit. Is there anything special you can do? Some people have rare and unique talents, maybe you can think of some hidden talents of your own!

13. My guilty pleasure is...

I will say it a million times: don't be shy when introducing yourself to new people! I'll start by divulging my guilty pleasure: Youtube's family vlogging channel, "OKBaby"!

Check them out: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvUCbnwzySKgbKiB_...



14. Some activities on my bucket list are...


This is an easy way to grab people's attention and find others with similar desires as you. Be an adventurer! Go out of your comfort zone!

15. Talk about your best friend...

How would your best friend describe you? What do you love to do with your best friend?

16. Talk about an accomplishment of yours...

You are incredible and have achieved so much! Reveal something that you are proud of — show off a little!

17. This one time at my job...

Bosses breathing down your neck. Curious coworkers asking personal questions. Cursing customers who never leave you alone. Your job can be filled with tons of hilarious situations that can easily entertain a crowd.

18. During the summer...

Any scars with stories? Any summer flings? Any lessons learned from the tanning too long? Now that summer is over, disclose memories that can leave positive impressions on others.

19. I volunteer at...

Do you do any community service? Share a funny moment while you were volunteering. What did you learn while there? Would you continue?

20. [blank] is meaningful to me because...



What do you appreciate in life? What brightens your day? What makes you fall in love? What does someone have to do to make you smile?

Finally, remember to be outgoing! Reveal that three-mile smile and open your arms to learning about others. Spread smiles, love, and happiness.

Cover Image Credit: Pexels
Jennifer Kustanovich
Jennifer Kustanovich Sep 4, 2017
At The State University of New York at Stony Brook

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Dear...

#4

Madi Williams
Madi Williams Jun 17, 2019
13
views

Dear teacher that I used to love,

I used to love going to your classes in elementary school.

I used to love the after school activities that you would have.

I used to love coming over spending the night (since I became friends with your daughter).

I loved all the new things everyone introduced me to.

I loved how you would let me stay for a week because the snow wouldn't stop.

But somehow that all began to change...due to one little incident.

It was a misunderstanding, but how it was dealt with at the beginning was not right.

Calling out a high schooler when your the adult also is not the right way

Calling them out on social media is never the right way to deal with things, no matter the situation.

It hurt me that you felt that way about me, and the things that were said on that post hurt.

So when you apologized to me one day about it, and then asking me to come and join an activity like nothing ever happened.

At that time I couldn't forgive because I was still hurt and angry by everything that happened.

From that post it told me how you felt about me, over something that was miscommunicated. But because we had slightly different views on things that worsened things in my opinion.

Sure did I comment on somethings saying my opinion on things? Yes. But it was just to bring in information that most people didn't fully understand, not to bring you down.

Now today if I see you in public sometimes we say hi, but not so much anymore.

I see on social media that you comment on other students accomplishments in school or in life.

But whenever I post something about my life, or an article I get nothing. And honestly, it hurts a lot.

I would think I would at least get a like, but honestly I feel that anything I post doesn't even get looked at.

I have moved passed that post. The hurt is still there though.

Sincerely,

Your former elementary school student

Madi Williams
Madi Williams Jun 17, 2019
At University of Washington

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