Kristen Arms

Columnist

If 2017 could just be normal, I would be happy.

This year was wild from start to finish. For those lucky enough to have forgotten the events that transpired since Jan. 1, a quick recap: David Bowie, Alan Rickman and Christina Grimmie all died, Britain left the European Union, there was a massive shooting in Orlando, Florida, Harambe the gorilla was killed, crazy killer clowns plagued the nation for a week in October before everyone forgot about them and then the presidential election happened.

Beyond that, there is a chance for quality economic reform. A new presidency means change, and though President-elect Donald Trump has some questionable morals, his plan to revise the Affordable Care Act by privatizing the insurance system might actually work. With independent companies competing against each other across state lines, insurance agencies would be forced to up the quality of their services and lower their prices to keep up with each other, according to a Nov. 12 article by MarketWatch.

This could be a huge change in 2017 that would work for the better; the United States stacks up very poorly against other first-world nations in respect to health care because it is not accessible to everyone. Trump’s policy could change that and I’m intrigued to see how 2017 plays out with some of his ideas, for better or worse.

While we’ve gone through a lot in 2016, I predict 2017 will be just as fast-paced. I look forward to the opportunities and change the new year will bring.

Maddie Steen

Columnist

In 2017 I wish that people will begin to see the negativity happening in our society and yearn to accept those they may not entirely agree with.

With everything that has gone on within the past year, especially this past election, citizens of the United States are going to need to find common ground with others in order to stand as a unified country.

I wish people will learn respect for each other. Either way, it starts with us—we can teach ourselves new tricks or we can raise our children to be the people this country, and the world, need to survive.

There is still so much hatred in this world. I hope in 2017 people will work to end stigmas toward certain groups. It takes everyone advocating, educating, empowering and encouraging one another, along with our children.

We cannot continue as the people we are, and I hope 2017 opens others’ eyes and shows them that the true horrors are not within each other right now but the future, if a world like today continues. This past election seemed to divide people even more but now is the time to remember that passionate and demanding citizens standing together can create change.

Always remember that respect is key. We may not understand others’ beliefs, religion, cultures, or why they do the things they do but they may not understand ours either. We do not need to understand. We need to realize that one thing to them is as important as another is to us and we should not disregard or not accept who they are. Solidarity is prosperity.

Brooklynn Harper

Columnist

In the new year, I’d like to see a greater involvement in helping students adjust to college lifestyles. As a freshman, I have witnessed a few of my friends and other classmates struggling to stay on track without a parent or guardian there to help them.

The First- and Second-Year Experience group on campus hosts events and workshops to help newer or struggling students, but all of these events that I’ve attended had, at most, 15 attendees. These events should be more highly publicized and encouraged by professors teaching freshman-dominant courses.

Students should also seek opportunities on their own. The master calendar on NIU’s website lists all reported upcoming events of every type. These events are a great way to make new friends, learn new skills and have fun — all things which will help students adjust to their new environment.

Students’ emotional health declines during the first year of college, according to a 2002 study by researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles. Stress can wear students down, but education on juggling a busy college life and assistance from university staff can greatly minimize and even eliminate the toll on one’s emotional health.

Students must balance going to class, doing their homework, staying healthy and maintaining a social life, but it is a university’s responsibility to assist them in learning to do so. I hope to see NIU better emphasize the importance of events that help students transition, and students take better advantage of these opportunities, as they really do exist for their benefit.

Ian Tancun

Columnist

In 2017 I’m looking forward to seeing what is in store for our country under the leadership of President-elect Donald Trump.

While I was overcome with a feeling of dread when he was elected, I have decided to keep an open mind and wait to see what his presidency will entail. As a college student, I’m interested to see his plans in regard to education.

Trump did not address many issues during his campaign, including his plan for education. Since his win, he has changed or backtracked positions on the few policy proposals that he did make during his campaign, according to a Nov. 13 interview with 60 Minutes.

While I’ve been determined to keep an open mind, Trump’s cabinet picks have been a little concerning, including Betsy DeVos his choice for Department of Education Secretary. All students should pay close attention to these cabinet selections, specifically education.

The National Education Association criticized her nomination because she has supported things like vouchers to take funding away from public schools in order to direct those funds to private schools at the taxpayers’ expense, according to a Nov. 23 NEA press release.

It remains to be seen what Trump, and DeVos, might have in store for college students. My hope is that they consider some policies that will provide tuition relief to those of us concerned about our growing student debts. If not, there is hope Senator Bernie Sanders or Senator Elizabeth Warren will in 2020.