What is a belief?

When I first arrived on campus, I was afraid to discuss politics. It wasn’t that I was uncertain of my beliefs, but Princeton students have a formidable reputation. Coming from the dirt roads and cornfields of the Midwest, having never dreamt of attending an Ivy League university, I knew I was entering the lists. The…

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Requiring sex education in college can change lives

A lack of sex education leaves students unprepared and at risk in their sex lives. Of all the subjects we learn in college, sex education is one of the more complex and crucial topics that we should leave college understanding. Of all the required classes that the UW has set out for us, sex education…

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Why reunions?

This Memorial Day weekend, I return to New Haven for the Class of 1989’s 30th reunion. This will be my sixth class reunion. And because my wife is a member of the Class of 1988 and I have accompanied her to several reunions, I can safely say that I have been to at least ten…

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The romance of friendship

I have spent much of my Yale career looking for love. I have dated dozens of athletes and musicians, scientists and writers, boys and girls. As my friends entered into serious relationships and my own history of failed relationships and flings piled higher and higher, I only searched more fervently. However, as graduation drew near,…

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The idea of love is great and all, but…

Since coming to Columbia, I have been in far too many romantic entanglements. But once I realized that I was actually unhappy with myself as a person, I finally gave up on love. It wasn’t just my personal experiences that led me to this conclusion, though. After seeing a friend of mine leave an abusive…

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Conquering the fear of loneliness through independence

Loneliness is an inevitable feeling. No matter how many people you may surround yourself with, you’re going to feel lonely at some point. It may sneak up on you during a quiet moment in the day walking between classes, or when you’re pulling an all-nighter and find yourself alone in a group study space. While…

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Helping My Son To Plan Ahead

My teenage son has bipolar disorder. My husband and I want him to be ready to manage his care and treatment decisions, so we’re engaging him now. I try to be well-rounded and active about mental health. I engage with my elected representatives to try to affect policy; I speak out to combat the stigma of…

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