A Blog on McConnell Center Life

By Bella Beilman Dear American Politicians,  Our generation is sick and tired of what you all have twisted into what is known today as politics. We are sick and tired of the politics that have been played for thousands of years.  The real definition of politics is:  “The activities associated with the governance of a country or other area, especially the debate or conflict among individuals or parties having or hoping to achieve power/the activities of governments concerning the political relations between countries.” —Oxford English Dictionary  So why is politics thought of as:  “The art of looking for trouble, finding it everywhere, diagnosing it incorrectly, and applying the wrong remedies” — Urban Dictionary  The capital of our country is a place where differences of opinion (often strongly held) are debated (often vigorously) before being resolved by a vote. Somebody wins. Somebody loses. The majority rules. The minority vows to fight another day. And ...

By Madelin Shelton Similar to most people in the United States and around the world, the coronavirus completely upended the normalcy I had grown accustomed to prior to March. Life got exponentially more difficult for most people—from disruptions in employment to feelings of isolation and from worrying about catching COVID-19 to dealing with the loss of family or friends because of it. In my own town life seemed bleak, as the news constantly obsessed over numbers of coronavirus cases numbers and deaths. Between these times of nationwide and local sorrow for those affected by COVID-19 and between moments of reflection and time spent at home as a result of coronavirus restrictions, I sought a way to destress and make good use of the ample time I now had while staying in my hometown. During this time, I decided to take up piano lessons. When most people think of someone beginning piano lessons, they typically think of a young, eager child learning for the first time. While I am an adult le...

By Kieran Waigel Like most people in the past few months, I went from playing Tetris with my calendar and piling miles on my car to moving my mouse to click on the next Teams meeting. Before this year, the thought of being able to attend classes from bed sounded like paradise. And when I signed on for my first couple of days of summer classes, it was paradise. Soon, however, the novelty wore off. Paradise was replaced with the bleak realization of having to live my daily life through a computer screen in a dark room for months or years—who really knows? Without the constant distractions that errands and a social life provided, my daily life’s lack of structure was clearly evident. For the first time in my life, I found the time to reflect on myself and my daily habits. There are countless articles and videos online by successful people talking about their daily routines. Things like going to the gym at 4 am, spending hours journaling “power thoughts,” and drinking dubious green smoothi...

By Will Randolph  “Virtue is not a word I’d apply to this situation.” This line, sung by Daveed Diggs’s Thomas Jefferson in the hit broadway show Hamilton , is memorable for a variety of reasons. Not only is the wordplay with the preceding line humorous and Diggs’s delivery captivating, but the line is also infinitely quotable. I've found myself referencing that line a lot. I quote it to my girlfriend (the reason I watched Hamilton in the first place and a downright fanatic) whenever one of us does something laughable, and it’s especially appropriate every time someone brings up Jerry Falwell, Jr. When discussing humorous or trivial matters like these, that line can be quite funny. Recently, however, I’ve been disturbed by how often I’ve been able to quote that line in regards to serious political events.  I want to make clear that I’m not claiming our politics has always been virtuous. Factional politics, self-interest, and ambition have been features of our political system...

By Alli Wade I’m a modern American woman. I grew up in the era of “girl power.” As a child, I remember proclaiming “I want to be the first female president” to anyone who would listen. I still believe in “girl power.” As I’ve grown older, I have come to understand this term in new light. As women, we were told that we should strive to own the boardroom, break the glass ceiling, become a “girl boss” (and do so all while wearing stilettos and lipstick). This is worthy ambition, and I am thankful that women now have the opportunity to pursue fulfilling careers and become successful professionals. There’s only one problem. In between bringing home the bacon and frying it up in a pan, did anyone ever stop to think— now that women have it all, what happens to the women who never wanted it to begin with? Are women who choose to be stay-at-home mothers any less empowered than those who choose to focus on pursuing a career? In fact, what if the modern idea of female empowerment actually denies ...

By Lauren Reuss Throw caution to the wind – just this once. Dared to soar but destined to plummet, for feeling alive is only the precursor to a disastrous end.      You’ve read of Icarus. Through the pages you found your kindred spirit        always fluttering a tad too close to living. The earth is closer now.   Back blistering, feathers floating dangerously further from you, and despite the inevitable pain to come, laughter is the only friend you find comfort in.        Who else has earned their place beside you in this final descent? You cry out; ignited, you burn – with joy , indescribable and unshackled joy , Intoxicated by the winds and the skies and the freedom that has always been just beyond your reach. The world grows cold at the sight: they fear the fire you have become,   the awakened hunger of your heart and the understanding in your eyes.      Icarus fell, and so do you. But you are not sorry;...

By Emily Davis If you know me, you know of my affinity for Great Britain and downright obsession with her masterful reality TV show: The Great British Bakeoff. I have seen every episode countless times—crying, smiling, laughing, and cheering just as heartily on my fifth watch as my first. There is something special about the show that just seems to reach in and touch my heart.   In this time, when our national and world is lamenting injustice, suffering through a global pandemic, and mourning loss—of lives, normalcy, and community—I think there are two lessons this show can teach us, if we could humble ourselves and receive wisdom from reality TV.   1. We are in this together. The 12 contestants in the Great British Bakeoff come from all over the British Isles for the chance to win the show and be named Britain’s best amateur baker. Only one of them can win, and one would think that this fact would breed fierce competition among the cohort. (But remember, this is the Great Bri...

By Laura Hinkle McConnell Scholar ('22) Avocados: You can use these to make avocado toast. Do this on the weekends when you would normally be at brunch with your friends. Coffee beans: You have enough time to make real coffee now. Stop using your Keurig and start using a French press.   Yoga mat: This is purely for decoration. When your friends come over, they will be impressed you’ve been working out all quarantine. Don’t correct them. A big desk chair that rolls: I hate to break it to you, but if you try to do homework in bed, you’re going to fall asleep. This is your next best option. A Game of Thrones sword: This one is optional but recommended. Its purpose is for dance battles with your roommates, but it’s also very helpful to fight off intruders. A Game of Thrones apron : This speaks for itself. I recommend pairing it with the sword for maximum serotonin boost.   Colorful wigs and cowboy hats from Party City: Put these on anytime you’re feeling sad. For a bonus, wal...