Students Navigate the Challenges of a Tumultuous Academic Year
In January 2020, they were seniors in high school. Graduation was just around the corner. But so was a deadly pandemic.
By mid-March, Covid had upended daily life and many students were forced to spend their final months of school at home. Proms were cancelled.
Four years later, those same students are now in college about to graduate. And once again, they face a similar souring of what would normally be a festive occasion.
Pro-Palestinian protests have erupted at over 130 college campuses across the US, as organizers demand their universities cut ties from companies linked to Israel.
“Students dragged away by police are my final memories.” – Madison Morris, University of Texas
‘Students dragged away by police are my final memories’
Madison Morris, 22, University of Texas
] The day the state troopers came in…
] That’s something that’s going to be ingrained in my memory forever…
] It’s hard to even feel happy right now while seeing all the negative stuff…
] Graduation is next week. I had been looking forward to it for the last four years…
] I was really hoping for a traditional graduation this year…
“I might not be allowed to walk up at graduation.” – Craig Birckhead-Morton, Yale University
‘I might not be allowed to walk up at graduation’
- I was one of the 48 students arrested on 22 April…
] I have two final papers due. I have an Arabic project due…
] We still haven’t heard how the university plans to respond. And in many ways that’s scarier than our actual legal charges.
“The protesters are ruining student life.” – Melissa Manesh, University of Southern California
‘The protesters are ruining student life’
- This is supposed to be a happy time, the last few days on campus we’ll ever have as students…
] The protesters are ruining student life. Libraries aren’t being open at a time when most people are trying to study for final exams…
] I know for the Jewish students, a lot of us are scared…
Despite the challenges faced by graduating seniors, it is crucial to recognize their resilience and determination in navigating these difficult times. These unprecedented circumstances have shaped their academic journeys, leaving indelible memories that will last a lifetime.
As colleges and universities grapple with pro-Palestinian protests sweeping across their campuses, students like Madison Morris candidly recount the impact this has had on their overall experience. The emotional toll is visible as they struggle to balance celebrating their accomplishments with the distressing events unfolding before them.
Craig Birckhead-Morton brings attention to additional concerns facing graduating seniors. The uncertainty surrounding potential consequences from participating in protests further complicates an already arduous end-of-semester academic workload.
Melissa Manesh raises valid concerns regarding disruptions caused by ongoing demonstrations on campus. Not only do students face increased safety concerns and restricted access to resources like libraries, but they also endure heightened anxiety during exam preparation.
“Personally, I feel that all this knowledge I’m acquiring at Yale needs to go to a just cause.” – Craig Birckhead-Morton
This sentiment echoes many students’ underlying beliefs – that education should be utilized for positive change within society. As Craig expresses his commitment towards justice in Palestine while grappling with personal challenges, his story serves as an inspiration for others who strive for impactful activism alongside academics.
The Way Forward: Nurturing Resilience
- Encourage universities and student organizations to engage in peaceful dialogue regarding diverse perspectives on sensitive topics.
] Develop comprehensive support programs to ensure students’ mental health and emotional wellbeing during periods of unrest.
] Promote inclusive environments that respect all students, regardless of their religious or cultural backgrounds.
In conclusion, the experiences of these graduating seniors encapsulate the complex intersection between personal achievement and societal upheaval. Yet, amidst such challenges, their stories highlight the resilience and determination exhibited by young individuals navigating this tumultuous academic year. By recognizing their triumphs, supporting their needs, and fostering an inclusive environment for diverse voices to be heard, we can help ensure a brighter future for our students as they transition into adulthood.
Seniors Face Tumultuous Ending of Academic Careers: Protests Disrupt Graduation Festivities
Children’s Day Heavy Rain Warning: Severe Weather Across the Country
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[날씨] Heavy rain across the country on Children’s Day… Heavy rain warning issued in some areas
[앵커]
Heavy rain and strong winds are falling across the country.
In some areas, a warning for heavy rain has also been issued.
For detailed weather information, we will contact a meteorologist located outside.
Enchanter Yunjin Yang.
[캐스터]
Today, Children’s Day, heavy rain is falling, unlike yesterday’s clear weather.
Nowadays, even in Insa-dong, citizens can be seen wearing umbrellas to avoid the rain.
It is currently raining heavily across the country.
In some areas it rains heavily accompanied by thunder and lightning.
A heavy rain warning was also issued in various parts of Jeju, Jeonnam and Gyeongnam.
Heavy rainfall of more than 100 mm is expected in the metropolitan area, more than 150 mm in Jeonnam and more than 300 mm in the mountainous areas of Jeju by tomorrow.
In other areas, up to 80 mm of rain will fall, which is a lot for a spring rain.
Due to the rain, visibility is poor and the roads are very slippery.
You need to prepare well to avoid damage.
The wind is also blowing stronger than usual.
A high wind warning has also been issued for the Jeollanam-do coast.
In coastal areas, strong winds will blow at a speed of around 25 meters per second and waves will rise up to 3-5 metres.
With the rain the temperature drops significantly compared to yesterday.
Today’s daytime temperature will be 19 degrees in Seoul and 20 degrees in Daegu and Busan.
The bad weather will continue until tomorrow.
Those planning a Children’s Day outing should carefully check information on flight and ferry operations.
So far we have reported the weather from Insa-dong.
[영상취재기자 최승열]
(Yang Yun-jin, meteorologist)
#Children’s Day #Holiday #Insa-dong #Strong wind #Rain
Yonhap News TV story questions and reports: KakaoTalk/Line jebo23
(END)
#Yonhap #News
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Children’s Day Heavy Rain Warning: Severe Weather Across the Country
Cuban truckers face beatings and stabbings in Miami
A violent fight between Cuban truckers in Miami, specifically in the city of Medley, has left one man hospitalized and another facing charges of attempted murder. The altercation, which took place on April 16 at a truck yard in Medley, Florida, escalated to a terrifying level, resulting in beatings, stabbings, shootings, and arrests.
According to reports from local media outlet América Teve, 35-year-old Rafael Guevara was arrested for attempted murder after a physical altercation with Yoan Pino Cruz turned violent. The confrontation between the two Cuban truckers led to Pino Cruz stabbing Guevara, who then retaliated by shooting him in the face with a gun he retrieved from his truck.
As a result, Pino Cruz was rushed to a local hospital in Miami for treatment, while Guevara was taken into police custody and now faces charges for attempted murder. Surveillance footage from the truck yard captured the entire incident, showing the intense fight between the two men and the moment Guevara resorted to violence.
The Miami police are currently investigating the incident, and images from the surveillance cameras have been released to the public. This recent crime involving Cuban truckers highlights a concerning trend of violence in the Miami area, sparking concerns among local residents and authorities.
The chaotic scene at the truck yard in Medley serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining peace and order in the community. As the investigation unfolds, authorities are working to ensure that justice is served and that incidents like these are prevented in the future.
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