First Lady Michelle Obama speaks out about gun control – First Lady Michelle Obama will be making a uncommon venture into politics. The First Lady will be giving a speech on gun violence, which plays a vital activist role during Presidents Obama’s second term. (more...) • Dearborn Heights Relay for Life coming up – Participants in the American Cancer Society’s 24 hour Relay for Life event are gearing up to fight against cancer at Crestwood High School’s football field, 1501 N. Beech Daly Road, on May 11. (more...) • Facebook makes changes to timeline once again – Facebook has made a change to its timeline once again. The change to the timeline was announced in March and was recently unveiled to Facebook users. Users profile page went from cluttered and hard to read, to simple and organized. (more...) • Student loan rates to increase – On July 1, the national rate on student loans is set to double from the current rate of 3.4%, to a new rate at 6.8%. (more...) • Caribou Coffee closes some Michigan locations – If you’re looking for a Caribou Coffee in Michigan after this April, you may be out of luck. (more...) • Habitat for Humanity to build 12 new homes in East Dearborn – For the first time in 26 years, Habitat for Humanity will reach outside of Detroit and into East Dearborn, where homes will be built for twelve lucky families whose dream to have a home will finally become reality. The city of Dearborn and ACCESS hav ... (more...) • Boston Marathon bombed, hundreds injured; federal officials assume terrorism – Tragedy struck the city of Boston during the Boston Marathon on Monday afternoon. (more...) • Hollywood films to be shot in Detroit bring jobs to Michigan – Detroit has big plans for the film industry coming late this spring. Just announced on Monday, April 1st from the Michigan Film Office is the film directed and written by actor, Ryan Gosling, “How to Catch a Monster” has been approved for a film ... (more...) • More News...

Fall semester sings its swan song

Published December 13, 2011

BY SAMANTHA ELLIOTT, Editor-in-Chief

For optimists, it’s the most wonderful time of the year. For pessimists, it’s the worst.

The time of finals is upon us, with another semester come and nearly gone. Gone are the days where students basked in the sunshine, sprawled across the grass while studying. Gone is the water in Chancellor’s Pond. The green grounds of the campus have been blanketed with snow several times over the past few weeks, foreshadowing the blizzards (and hopefully snow days) we’re sure to get in the coming months.

Yes, another semester has come and gone here at UM-Dearborn. The library is now packed with students filling their heads with last minute knowledge, hoping to do well enough on exams and pass their classes.

It has been quite the semester here at UM-D. One Michigan Coalition has brought many changes to campus, including the addition of a new rock and several new organizations. Wolf Pack has added several field days throughout the semester as a break from the strenuous work of classes. Student Activities Board has put on several events, offering college students their favorite things–free food and entertainment.

For some, this was just the beginning. Others are nearing the end. For December graduates, it is the end. This Saturday we’ll lose part of our campus as those students graduate and head out into the real world. As I am friends with several who will be gone in just a week, it’s really made me realize that all good things do come to and end, and far too quickly.

As I wrap up yet another semester with The Michigan Journal, I’m faced with the reality that when classes start in January, I’ll have 15 weeks left on campus. Fifteen weeks. An entire semester that, for freshmen, will probably feel like 3 years, but to me will feel like 3 weeks. There have been so many times during my career at UM-D that I’ve said, “I can’t wait to be out.” And now that it’s happening, I’m realizing how much I’ll miss it.

Don’t get me wrong, I can’t wait to start my real-world career, supported by all of the knowledge I’ve gained on this wonderful campus. But at the same time, I’ll miss the relative simplicity of college life. No more skipping class if you’re tired. No more having your friends sitting in class at the desk next to you. No more scheduling classes late in the day so you don’t have to get up early. Though, on a lighter note, no more fighting for parking spaces!

As finals approach and the campus starts to empty, The Michigan Journal will begin its winter hibernation until mid-January, when we return with more fantastic campus news. For those returning to campus in 2012–have a fantastic break and get as much relaxing in as you can. For those graduating–we at The Michigan Journal wish you nothing but the best of luck on your life’s path.

We’ll see everyone in 2012! And remember, as always, Go Blue!