The Optimist
You are here: Home / Opinion

Reflecting on a memorable three years

by

(Senior reflection column) My time at ACU was for different than most. In addition to being immersed in a student body embracing a worldwide pandemic, I decided to finish my undergraduate in just three years. Despite such aspirations, I was often working more than doing school. As a freshman, I was blessed with countless opportunities to grow ... [Read More…]

The COVID-19 vaccine isn’t as scary as you think

by

After a year filled with controversy regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, the debate has now seemed to shift towards whether a person should receive the COVID-19 vaccine. With all the controversy and discussion surrounding the vaccine, there are still many people receiving the vaccine. I am one of those people. I'm not going to lie; I was pretty ... [Read More…]

What I was wearing: Sexual Assault Awareness

by

People asked me what I was wearing. I was wearing an orange tank top with flowers on it and a pair of jean shorts with some fringe at the bottom. It was one of my favorite outfits before that.  People asked me if I was asking for it. I tell them no. No one ever is.  People ask if I reported it. I told them I was too scared.  I’m a sexual ... [Read More…]

Online, hybrid classes and the challenges brought upon student life

by

As we look back on a school year that will certainly go down in history, we can see the negative effects that hybrid or online learning has had on students academically and socially. With a considerable amount of classes being either online or hybrid this year and most social events being canceled or modified to fit CDC guidelines, this year ... [Read More…]

My experience back in a fully-opened church

by

Regardless of what one may think of the state of Texas opening back up, I believe a blessing that many, including myself, are thankful for is the ability for churches to full capacity within the state. While some stores still count entrants, restaurants require masks and theatres require social distancing, many churches have taken these ... [Read More…]

We need to continue normalizing mental health

by

Over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic and quarantine, mental health has been brought to a new light and emphasized more now than ever. The benefits from this are exponential, and we continue to see how attention directed towards mental health continues to help people who struggle with it every day.  Personally, I fall into the large group of ... [Read More…]

Alumni tuition discount announcement could be placed elsewhere

by

Thank you, ACU. For those who don't know, ACU just announced that if you hold a bachelor's or master's degree from them, you now qualify for a 20% discount on graduate tuition to online programs. What a nice and very generous surprise. But, if you'd asked me, I'd have suggested something different. I'd have suggested a move toward generational ... [Read More…]

The return to normal is knocking at the door

by

We've all endured in different ways over the past year throughout the trials and tribulations of the COVID-19 pandemic. There's no question that we're still feeling the impact, but continued vaccination efforts and the passage of time has revealed that we're winning the battle against this virus. As more vaccines continue to be rolled out and ... [Read More…]

You are here: Home / Opinion