Opinions - The Independent Florida Alligator

OPINION | COLUMNS

Let’s continue to fight for our abortion rights on the anniversary of Roe v. Wade

Jan. 16, 2018

Anti-abortion folks never cease to amaze in the tactics they use to prevent access to this entirely lawful procedure. From protesters harassing women and workers at abortion clinics, to state-sponsored fake medical centers that attempt to trick and shame women out of abortions, our access is also obstructed by laws leading to too few abortion clinics in our state – resulting in women traveling long distances and taking off multiple days of work – and abortions themselves costing hundreds of dollars. To make access to abortion a reality for all women, we need free abortion on demand. To make that a reality, women must fight back.

OPINION | COLUMNS

We are trapped in comment culture

Jan. 16, 2018

Why do you comment?

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

My period started an hour ago.

Jan. 16, 2018

It came two days later than it was “supposed” to. Like many women, my period’s schedule has never been particularly predictable. Without birth control, mine would arrive weeks late or early, last many days longer than it should, and come with excruciating pain every day.

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Student Body Treasurer to De-Affiliate from Impact Party and Announce Affiliation with Inspire Party

Jan. 16, 2018

As a first-generation college student I was eager to learn about all of the different opportunities that the University of Florida presented both academically and professionally—not only for myself, but for every student attending UF. I viewed each position in leadership and campus involvement as an opportunity to make a positive difference in my peers’ lives, to make their experiences better and to encourage them to become their best versions of themselves. This is ultimately what led me on my path to Student Government: knowing leadership was my best chance at a meaningful way to create lasting change for my peers and the students who would come after us.

OPINION | DARTS LAURELS

Darts & Laurels: Jan. 12, 2017

Jan. 11, 2018

Ah, syllabus week. For some, this five-day period is used for organization and recalibration after a long month free of classes and responsibilities. For others, the infamous syllabus week is a nonstop bar crawl through Midtown and a chance to sow their wild oats before the stress and pressure of their 18-credit schedule crushes their very soul.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Having high-speed rail in America would be a dream, but right now it’s simply not practical

Jan. 11, 2018

Anybody who’s ever traveled across Europe has likely experienced the marvels of a well connected high-speed rail network. Within a few hours, passengers can traverse entire countries, all the while being able to relax along the way. All major cities have proper and up-to-date infrastructure and stations, and the lines have been constructed in such a way that nearly any town or village either has its own stop or is a relatively short drive away from one.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Don’t be afraid to make a resolution, even if you have failed in the past

Jan. 11, 2018

Happy New Year, dear reader! Welcome back to Gainesville, to school and to your unbridled independence. Did you miss it? Judging by my extensive Twitter research, it would appear that a lot of you did. While I was conducting my all-important social media research, I also came across another common thread. Many people seem to have already crashed and burned in the pursuit of their New Year’s resolutions. This trend is not unique to 2018 — nearly every year I have been a user of social media I have noticed this. People exit a year with big plans and lofty goals for self-improvement. We set goals to accomplish everything from going to the gym to eating healthy, from stopping bad habits to being more positive. And each year, we get upset when we are unable to meet these goals.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Don’t just pick any summer internship

Jan. 11, 2018

Since kindergarten, we have been asked the question: What do you want to be when you grow up? Although each of our predictions may have changed over time, we will soon have that answer.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Don’t let your impostor syndrome haunt you

Jan. 9, 2018

I remember meeting seniors when I was a freshman almost four years ago. It felt like I was meeting someone from another generation — another dimension, even. While I was struggling to remember which Regional Transit System bus would take me home, they seemed like they knew everything and done everything. The word senior seemed synonymous with wisdom. And I hoped I probably would have this wisdom, too, by senior year. I had time.

OPINION | COLUMNS

The good, the bad and the elevator pitch

Jan. 9, 2018

Two words: Elevator pitch.

OPINION | COLUMNS

This year, I want to meet people different from me

Jan. 9, 2018

I am conflicted about New Year’s resolutions. I doubt they do much beyond remind us of how fickle our willpower is. The culture of the new year itself entraps us in a cycle of goals, effort, failure and guilt. It’s not the culture’s fault, however. The culture is simply a reflection of our society.

OPINION | EDITORIALS

Joe Arpaio does not deserve the people’s vote

Jan. 9, 2018

It was only a matter of time before the next chapter in the Joe Arpaio saga came around.

OPINION | EDITORIALS

New year, better you

Jan. 8, 2018

It’s that time of the year again. The gym is filled to capacity, the library is surprisingly full and the rude classmate you’ve dealt with for the past three semesters is suddenly rather friendly. It’s a new year, a new semester and a new chance for people to change for the better — or at least for them to pretend to.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Don’t be afraid to make a resolution, even if you have failed in the past

Jan. 8, 2018

Happy New Year’s, dear reader! Welcome back to Gainesville, to school and to your unbridled independence. Did you miss it? Judging by my extensive Twitter research, it would appear that a lot of you did. While I was conducting my all-important social media research, I also came across another common thread. Many people seem to have already crashed and burned in the pursuit of their New Year’s resolutions. This trend is not unique to 2018 — nearly every year I have been a user of social media I have noticed this. People exit a year with big plans and lofty goals for self-improvement. We set goals to accomplish everything from going to the gym to eating healthy, from stopping bad habits to being more positive. And each year, we get upset when we are unable to meet these goals.

OPINION | COLUMNS

I’m loading up my last-semester bucket list — are you?

Jan. 8, 2018

Welcome back! If you underwent a smartphone or social media cleanse this past break, I’ll bring you up to speed. Everywhere got really cold out, the #MeToo movement picked up speed and we’re not (yet) engaged in a nuclear war with North Korea. Is everyone caught up?

OPINION | EDITORIALS

Set realistic goals

Jan. 7, 2018

It’s that time of the year again. The gym is filled to capacity, the library is surprisingly full and the rude classmate you’ve dealt with for the past three semesters is suddenly rather friendly. It’s a new year, a new semester and a new chance for people to change for the better — or at least for them to pretend to.

OPINION | COLUMNS

My final column

Dec. 6, 2017

As that old proverb says, all good things must come to an end. At long last, to the joy of some and the great disappointment of others, you’re reading my final column of the semester. While I won’t miss the hate mail, I’ll miss this great opportunity I had to speak to my peers. Here are some of my final thoughts before I go.

OPINION | EDITORIALS

Final unsolicited advice from the opinions editor

Dec. 6, 2017

This week and the one that will follow are sure to generate a host of emotions for everyone at UF. We find ourselves faced with endings, goodbyes and new beginnings. Not to mention the stress and anxiety that inevitably accompany the slew of final exams and papers thrust upon us. Needless to say, the vast majority of us are emotional wrecks right now.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Take care of yourself first (HELP HELP HELP)

Dec. 6, 2017

Confession time: After four semesters of reporting and editing, writing in first person is going to be a challenge. So, buckle in.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Amanda and Michael finally get to say goodbye to the Alligator

Dec. 6, 2017

The stress of this job has killed our social, physical and spiritual well-beings. Still, we have learned more than two things that have made us the people we wanted to see in the mirror when we were 7 years old.