Tragic Coincidences

In the spring of 2002, I was a Senior in high school. That was the year I was on Student Council, so I wanted to experience everything that Council was part of, even the Junior/Senior Prom. Yes, it meant breaking a Fishing Opener tradition, but Dad was ok with that...there is an Opener every year and only one Senior Prom.

Since I wasn't seeing anyone, my friend Tina set me up to go as her sister's date in a group with her and some other friends. Except for her, none of us was dating the guy or gal we accompanied so it was just a fun evening shared with friends.

That same year, my sister accompanied her then-boyfriend, who was a Senior like me. They had a wonderful, memorable evening as well.

Fast forward...

Labor Day 2003: My friend, the sister of my prom date, is killed in a motorcycle crash.

Thanksgiving Day 2006: The brother of my sister's former boyfriend and 02 prom date is killed in a motorcycle crash. The cycle had been a birthday gift just weeks ago. He was 20.

Both college sophomores, wonderful kids and so full of life. Both siblings of our prom dates. Both lives taken far too soon. An eerie, tragic coincidence.

If one needed a reason never to get on a motorcycle, this is it.

Rest in Peace, Tina and Brandon. Know that those of us who knew you will always remember the wonderful people you were.

Time to "Think Big"

I have been involved in student government a long time. In that time, I have seen the group ebb and flow...some months and years have been better than others. Nothing you do is always perfect. Just a couple of weeks ago I was writing on this blog about bumps in the road.

However, in the last couple of weeks I have also come to realize just what we are doing this year. It is not every day that students, faculty, and alumni come up to you and say things like "That bill was excellent", "I admire you", "He's a rock star" or the simple, yet powerful "Thank you for your work."

As my colleagues and I have discussed of late, it is very easy to get caught in the day to day kinds of functions we are required to fulfill, like going to such and such meeting or reviewing new policy. Much Senate business is reactive--we offer a response to an administrative proposal.

In the last month or two however, it seems like things are being taken a step further. Proposals are being reviewed, but along with that come suggestions for improvements. And folks are speaking up and asking questions. There are some things in the pipeline, that if done right will impact BSU in the long term.

It's time to "Think Big" and I'm glad I'm around to see it.

Not So Mighty?

Last night, the scroll ball on my Wireless Mighty Mouse quit working.

This morning I spent an hour on the phone with Apple.

They are sending me a new mouse.

Hopefully it will be mighty enough to last more than a couple of months.

Something From "The Lodge"

Checking out "The Lodge" today, I came across this post. Apparently, the U is considering adding language to their conduct policy that would punish students for off campus violations if they were serious enough.

Read the full article on wcco.com.

Definite food for thought for a student leader, especially as we've been discussing honor and conduct codes this past week. The big question related to this article--who decides which offenses are "serious" enough??

Election 2006

Well, yesterday was certainly an interesting one. I spent it in the office hanging out and answering election queries before heading over to the local DFL celebration with other friends.
Hanging out at a party soiree like that was a new experience It was a good time, and the energy was positive because they did very well.

Let's see:

• Moe won re-election and Olson unseated Ruud.
• Amy Klobuchar becomes MN's first woman US Senator--and I met her the other day.
  
• DFL took control of MN House and kept Senate, but Pawlenty kept the Governor's office. It will be interesting to see how things play out over the next couple of years.
• Democrats took US House and the US Senate, Of course they will have to contend with Bush and vice versa...which means a slow couple of years.
• The Event Center passed, albeit by a slim 44 votes.

The downers...

• Michelle Bachmann wins the 6th...UGH!
• Hal and Zac both lost to incumbents. They are both young and will (hopefully) try again some day.
  

It's Election Day

VOTE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A Proud BSU Student Am I

This photograph was taken last week outside Royalton on Highway 10, and sent by our illustrious student body president to the Marketing Director with subject line "The Greatest Image Ever"

Me, the king of silly pictures and out of context quotes.