Le Chaim! American College vs. Israeli Army Service

A classy co-ed in college vs. a classy co-ed in the army
“American College vs. Israeli Army Service”
The distinguishing question youth must figure out for themselves.

By Carly Bassen
carlybassen@yahoo.com

Many believe that the youth shapes the future of a country’s well being.

As I recollect my experience up to this point as an American, I must ask myself one question-

How have I been an attribute to my country?

This is not an easy answer for anyone. At first I felt proud. Like many, I have been the best student I could be. Using the please’s and thank you’s have made life smooth. Learning a foreign language and reaching for A’s in school have been goals I continue to uphold. Thanks to the simplicity of smiling, it has been great making friends and getting along with others. Then secondary schooling is finished and the duty is to succeed. Fortunately, I was able to graduate from high school and proceed on to studying at a University. Whether or not the opportunity of college is available, every 17-18 year old American asks themself the same question at this stage-

What can I do now to succeed and better my interest?

Just recently, I traveled to Israel on an organized and spectacular Birthright trip. The group I traveled with was made up of about 40 Americans aged 18-24. It was exciting when eight Israeli’s our age joined us. Although we are at the same faze of life, we are from different countries and therefore have very different priorities. While we as American youth seek individual opportunity, Israeli youth seek to best please their country. Their question is-

What can I do to best help my country?

The Israeli youth become soldiers in the Israel Defense Forces. Both young women and men join the army where they choose a unit that best suits their skills.

The IDF said, “Going through the demands and rigors of army life on a totally egalitarian basis forges a common identity that totally transcends social and economic groupings.”

Girls are obligated to serve for just less than two years while boys must serve three years. They choose a military program that sometimes helps build a profession later on.

Throughout my journeys in Israel I talked to many soldiers that had positions such as, public relations, social work, engineering, combat, teaching, and cooking.

Each soldier must follow these four guidelines:

• Set a good example. By wearing a uniform, one is a representative of their country and must have good values that are followed through with good behavior.
• Comradeship. A soldier is expected to risk their life for a fellow soldier by not deserting one wounded on the battlefield.
• Avoid politicization. A soldier must be modest and not accept gifts or favors from anyone.
• Be professional. Each soldier must grow in their particular course so that they acquire the skills needed for a meaningful task.

My good friend Hemda Ben Zvi, who was a soldier on my Birthright trip told me, “There is a treasured peace among us that we developed being each other’s wingmen and mates during challenges.”
While they bond over life threatening and serious moments, we Americans bond over parties and social groups like a sorority.

As I contemplated the difference between our duties as American youth and the duties of Israeli youth, I had to wonder about fundamentals.
I must also add that despite Israel’s more intense and unified responsibility, they are just like us. The first question they asked upon joining our group was, “When can we take our uniforms off?”
They still want to enjoy life, make friends, and be goofy. After the first initial meeting of the soldiers who joined our group, we forgot that they were any different as we became one big family.

A savvy co-ed must realize that although cultures around the world may be drastically different, the bottom line is that people are people. We all have needs, wants, and passions. In Israel, I was lucky to hike mountains, ride a camel, float in the Dead Sea, shop in busy flea markets, and raft down the Jordan River. An American college student and an Israeli solider participating in these activities still laughs and sweats the same. Lifestyles aside, we all want to make the best of a situation and enjoy each experience together.

I could most relate to Kate Dopazo’s article, “The Savvy Co-ed’s Guide to Texas- New York Edition.” Both of us were enlightened by new cultures while traveling. Like Kate, I had to put my best foot forward and charm my way through a foreign territory. I admire Kate’s approach and agree with her charismatic attitude when traveling. Any classy co-ed can learn from her advice after experiencing a new lifestyle.
http://collegelifestyles.org/2010/06/texas-new-york-edition/

Carly is a College Lifestyles intern who attends Indiana University. Each month she becomes involved with a different and fun sport or activity. While last month she was addicted to taking Zumba classes, this month she is roller blading.

Don’t Miss Out! – L.I.V.E. It Up When You Travel Abroad!

Traveling abroad anytime soon, or considering it as a possibility in the future?   While making plans for your trip, keep in mind College Lifestyles’™ advice to help you make the most out of your travels.  I have had the opportunity to travel to seven different countries in the last four years.  Recently I returned from an 18 day study abroad trip to Europe.  It was a wonderful trip, and was almost unreal, thanks to lots of planning and having an open mind.  There are four specific things that I did before, and during, my trip to help me experience the countries I visited for all that they are worth.  The “L.I.V.E. It Up” method allowed me to come away from my trip with wonderful and positive memories that will last a lifetime.

Rick Steves' "London" (2010)

L-Learn About the Country. Before you set off on your excursion, dedicate some time to learning about your host country.  Two of my most useful Christmas gifts this year were Rick Steves’ London (2010) and Just Enough French by D.L. Ellis and F. Clark.  When reading these types of books, make sure to keep a set of sticky notes nearby.  This will be handy when you read about an interesting attraction that you want to visit, or when you come across a useful tip.  By reading up on your host country, you will learn a lot, both about the people, and the places.  It will help you be better prepared for your visit, as well as make the most out of your trip.

I-Invest Before You Go. From the time I confirmed my trip abroad, my financial focus was geared towards my “Europe Savings.”  I took any opportunity that I was given to earn money, and all of my decisions having to do with spending were accompanied by the question, “should I buy this, or save this money for Europe?”  Although practicing this form of self-control was not always the easiest, it was quickly dubbed well worth it once I was in Europe.  Make sure to take every opportunity you can to earn and save money.  Take advantage of babysitting jobs, sell old clothes to a consignment store, and try your luck selling various items you don’t use anymore on craigslist.com.  As for saving, try to cut back on eating out and other high-spending activities, and limit shopping trips.  No worries, there are still plenty of fun possibilities of things to do while pinching your pennies.

Standing on top of Cerro Negro, an active volcano in Nicaragua

V-Venture Out. As amazing as your trip will be, it is no secret that you will quickly become tired from all of your sightseeing.  My advice?  Do not let this stop you!  Take in all that you can while abroad, because in most cases, who knows when you will have the opportunity to return?  Make the most of your time and challenge yourself to do things you have never done before.  During my trip to Nicaragua last summer I zip-lined over a volcanic lagoon, and also hiked an active volcano.  It was fun to experience something new, and I made unforgettable memories.

E-Experience the Culture. Simply put, the best point saved for last.  Experience your host country’s culture as much as possible.  Try the food, adapt to the culture, and do your best to overcome any language barriers.  While in Nicaragua, I made the decision not to let the language difference stop me from communicating with the people.  Of course my Spanish was nowhere near perfect, but I was surprised at how willing the people were to attempt to communicate with me.  Through joint efforts I had plenty of meaningful conversations with wonderful people that I met.  One of my most enjoyable parts of visiting London was the conversations I had with the teachers at our host school (I spent several days observing in a local school).  It was easy to relate to the women that I spoke with, and was incredibly neat to hear their stories.  I realized how similar we were, and made several new friends.

Do not come away from your trip abroad wishing you had done more.  Experience your host country for all of its worth, and make sure to “L.I.V.E. It Up.”

Abby Bryant is an intern with College Lifestyles™.  She is a senior marketing major at Georgia College & State University® and is the president of her sorority, Sigma Alpha Omega®.  She loves to travel and hopes to make the most of every opportunity that comes her way, especially when abroad.

“5 Penny-Pinching Ps” – A Savvy Co-ed’s Guide to an Adventure Filled, Yet Affordable Summer

Summer is a fabulous chance to spend time with friends.  It is the perfect opportunity to strengthen existing friendships, as well as create new ones.  Be creative with the way you chose to spend your time together; hanging out doesn’t have to empty your wallet.  When looking for fun, affordable ideas, be sure to remember the “5 Penny-Pinching Ps.”

1-Photos. Go find pretty spots on your University or go to a local park, and snap away.  Not only will this serve as a fun way to occupy your time, but it will also supply you with memories that will last forever (who doesn’t love pictures?).

2-Picnic. Let’s face it, hanging out with friends rarely occurs without involving some type of food consumption.  Meeting for lunch or mid-afternoon ice cream serves as an easy solution for finding something to do.  Although this is nice on occasion, it can really make a dent in your wallet.  Try being creative with your meal options; plan a picnic.  Ask each friend to bring something to contribute to your meal and voila!  Not only have you saved money, but you have also found something exciting and out of the ordinary to do.

3-Pool. What better way to spend a hot day than beside the pool with your favorite pals?  Fill your pool bag with magazines, water, sunscreen, and don’t forget your radio!  A pool day will be a great way to spend a chill day with your friends, and you’ll even have a suntan to show for it!

4-Park. So it has already been suggested as a location for a photo shoot, but now make the park itself your main point of interest.  Parks can offer a variety of entertainment.  In my hometown we have parks with hiking trails, walking paths, ponds, gardens and even one with shoals and a small waterfall.  Going to the park is one of my favorite ways to spend a summer day with friends.  It offers exercise, quality bonding, and is always a guaranteed adventure!

5-Party. Throw a party!  You don’t need an excuse.  Turn something out of the ordinary into an excuse for a party.  No, this doesn’t have to be anything extravagant.  Have a themed movie night or reminisce from your younger days and throw a cliché slumber party.  For all of you FIFA World Cup™ fans, ask all of your friends to come watch the game dressed in their team of choice’s colors.  Just as suggested with the picnic, ask everyone to bring something!  For my friend Sarah’s 21st birthday, we celebrated with a “21″ themed party.  We asked everyone who came to bring their favorite party food in a quantity of 21 (i.e.: 21 cupcakes, 21 mini-sandwiches, etc).  Who doesn’t like “get-togethers,” especially when they are with a big group of friends?

As college co-eds, we are all looking for ways to have fun while saving our money.  Next time you and your friends are ready for a fun adventure, remember “The 5 Penny-Pinching Ps” for a guaranteed good time.

Abby Bryant is an intern with College Lifestyles™.  She is a senior marketing major at Georgia College & State University and the president of her sorority Sigma Alpha Omega®.  She loves finding new ways to have fun with her friends, especially during the summer.

2010 – Summer of L.O.V.E. for the Classy Co-Ed

We talk about it all year.  We make countdowns for it, constantly refer to it, and practically live for summer.  For many it is a time when schedules slow down and we have a chance to breathe.  Summer has high potential  to make us want to be lazy.  While a few down days are needed here and there, summer shouldn’t be a time where we accomplish absolutely nothing.  In fact, it is a perfect time to make yourself productive.  Make this year your opportunity to embrace the opportunity to get the most out of these 3 months; make it a summer of L.O.V.E.!

L –Learn. Take the time to learn something new this summer.  Take on a new hobby or learn a new language.  Ever tried yoga, or perhaps a Zumba® class? Or maybe you want to try a hand at bringing out your crafty side.  Try cooking something that interests you.  In her “Summer Series – Dinner #5” post, Liz gives all the tips you need to make Sushi.  For Christmas, my friend Sarah gave me a cookbook entitled “America’s Most Wanted Recipes” written by Ron Douglas.  We love trying to recreate our favorite restaurants’ recipes.  Whatever you choose, when you return to your regular routine in the fall, you’ll be sure to impress all of your friends.  Utilizing your new skill will be both fun, and will more than likely benefit you years down the road.

O – Organize. Play a game of “catch-up” with yourself and get your life back in order.  As students, it is easy to get behind on organization during the academic year.  “I’ll do it later” is something we often tell ourselves.   It could be organizing your room, your closet, that stack of papers you’ve had lying around for months, a box of pictures… the sky’s the limit.  Make “later” now; you’ll feel refreshed and rejuvenated.

V – Volunteer. Yes, the lazy hazy crazy days of summer are nice, but take the time to do something for others.  Spend a day at your local nursing home doing arts and crafts with the residents or get a group of friends together and pick up trash off of the highway.  Chances are, you’ll find that as you are blessing others with your time, you too will be blessed.  In addition to this reward, it will also look great on your  résumé.

E – Encourage. Everyone loves a little sunshine in their life.  Let this summer be your opportunity to be that ray!  Show someone that you appreciate them, just because!  Treat a friend to lunch, write an encouraging letter to a role model, or bake cookies for someone who has influenced you in a positive way.  I enjoy sending cards to friends, and sometimes adding in a creative poem that will be sure to make them laugh.  Who doesn’t like to be surprised with a little “pick-me-up” throughout their day?  I sometimes like surprising friends with a bouquet of flowers to add a little bit of happiness to their day.  Even if it is a quick phone call to a parent or a wall post to that long lost friend, make someone’s day brighter by being YOU!

Make Summer 2010 one of L.O.V.E. … it will be unforgettable, and something that you can truly say you loved.

Abby Bryant is an intern with College Lifestyles™.  She is a senior marketing major at Georgia College & State University and the president of her sorority, Sigma Alpha Omega ®.  She is excited for all of the opportunities that this summer has to offer.

SNOW DAY ACTIVITIES

So if you were hit like the Pittsburgh area was this week, you probably had at least one snow day (I’ve had 3 so far!). But instead of wasting your time indoors take the opportunity to have some real fun!

Adventure Day

This is what my friends and I have done in the last two days. We went out to explore the snow and area. We got to discover little shops we didn’t know were there before and have some really tasty local grub, like the Franktuary.

I even made a video of our travels!

Nail Painting Party

Okay, my girls and me did this too! After our snowy adventure we curled up in one of our rooms and dumped out our collections. We’re HUGE OPI fans (check out Deidre’s OPI article.) I got my summer on with hot pink, neon orange and OPI’s “It” Color (yellow).

Movie Marathon

On my first snow day a friend and me did this and so did my roomies. I got to watch Post Grad with Alexis Bledel in it. It’s sooooo good! And then I also watched The Never Ending Story 2!

Liz is an intern with College Lifestyles (TM). She is a junior, print journalism major at Point Park University and a proud sister of Alpha Sigma Tau. She honestly loves the 3 days off from classes and hopes she get’s the whole week too! Is that selfish?