Opinion
www.SanTanSun.com
September 6 – 19, 2014
Community Commentary
Letters to the editor
Incoming GCU class looking to take action, inspire change BY BRIAN MUELLER
The start of school signals of a time of anticipation for students and their families. It’s a time of countless firsts, including new classes, new faces and new experiences. Brian Mueller. Just as Submitted photo students are eager for the first day of school, Grand Canyon University also looks forward to the new year. It’s because GCU will welcome the largest incoming class and a record number of students to our Phoenix campus. We’ll also throw open the doors of new facilities, including an expanded 7,000-seat multi-purpose arena, three new residence halls and a classroom building. Perhaps most important, the fall semester will mark the beginning of new programs of study to prepare students for careers that are in demand in greater Phoenix, in Arizona and throughout the nation. One such program will create workplace-ready graduates in science, engineering and technology. It’s no secret that a career founded in passion leads to success. Yet sadly, some graduates find it challenging to enter the workforce or are dissatisfied by their jobs after graduation. While students have passion, they seek direction. Transforming these passions into lucrative careers is the guiding light of the College of Science, Engineering and Technology. CSET programs are aimed at
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meeting the immediate needs of the workforce while giving students the real-world, hands-on skills to hit the ground running on their first day on the job. Take for example the exhilarating world of digital gaming. While there may be a limited number of jobs in game simulation, there is limitless opportunity in education and health care where teaching complex concepts through interactive apps is in high demand. Graduates will be able to use their talents to teach students how to navigate high-risk situations or medical professionals how to help a cancer patient and their family through trying times. We’re also seeing a growing number of students interested in pursuing careers in helping professions like worship arts, nursing and counseling. This is no surprise given that today’s students are driven by harnessing their personal passion. This movement is changing the way people think about higher education. Today, college is not just about earning a degree or spending a moment in an experience. It’s about finding your purpose and inspiring change in everything we do. At GCU, we encourage students to chase their dreams—however lofty— but to chase them knowing it’s about doing God’s work and helping the common good. These inspiring acts are the impetus that fuels success at school, at home and in the workplace. Brian Mueller is president and CEO at Grand Canyon University. For more information about Grand Canyon University, visit www.gcu.edu.
SEE COMMUNITY COMMENTARY PAGE 48
Technology should help with wrong-way drivers We should install sensors on every wrong-way sign. Every vehicle must have a mandatory device permanently installed that would immediately disengage the engine upon entering that area. This could be on the checklist with the emission testing for all vehicles. With our technology, we should be able to make this work. We know that wrong-way driving will surely happen again. Larry Spruck Sun Lakes
Asian-Pacific Americans need to vote
Farhana Ahmed. Submitted photo
In this modern world, diversity is looked at as beauty and a key element of bridging the gaps to create unity. Asian-Pacific Americans are still counted as “model minority” in USA. But the Asian-Pacific Americans are very diverse with
their language, culture, heritage and general needs. Traditional thinking is Asian-Pacific Americans are reluctant to report their concerns and ashamed to seek help when needed. Thus, the overall ideas about AsianPacific Americans are they are doing well in their own areas or they do not want to voice their ideas. Janelle Wong, a political scientist and director of Asian-American Studies at the University of Maryland, opposes this view. Her findings are: “They understand what power lies with government in terms of people’s everyday lives.” She also mentioned, “They’re not afraid of the social safety net.” As a person, everyone possesses the right to express his or her own opinion. Casting a vote is a way to make a statement. AsianPacific Americans need to come forward to practice the civic-engagement process of get out and vote. Voting is not about choosing a political leader only but helps to shape up the policies on employment, education, immigration/citizenship and civic participation to better each community. Asian-Pacific Americans need to empower themselves by practicing the right to vote to bring a change for them and for their future generations. Each individual is a change agent. An improved future can be directed only with combined voices. Knowing and understanding individual strengths will contribute to the combined effort. To make a path of continuous growth of young leadership and place them to lead the community, nation and the world, we all need to make an effort to bring AsianPacific Americans on the front lines. Many social organizations are dedicating their efforts to highlight this issue and bring awareness. OCA–Greater Phoenix Chapter initiated a series of events to promote and ensure voter registration awareness. One of their upcoming events is a free movie screening on Sept. 21 at the Arizona Historical Society Museum in Tempe. SEE LETTERS TO THE EDITOR PAGE 48
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Opinion
September 6 – 19, 2014
www.SanTanSun.com
Community Commentary COMMUNITY COMMENTARY FROM PAGE 47
Autumn full of opportunities for neighbors to gather, dialogue BY MAYOR JAY TIBSHRAENY
Chandler’s neighborhoods are, and have always been, very important to me. Since coming back to the mayor’s office in 2011, I have initiated a number of programs to help strengthen and maintain the great community spaces we have created here in our city. That is why I like to get out into our neighborhoods numerous times each year, Mayor Jay Tibshraeny. whether in formal meetings Submitted photo or visiting homeowner associations and other community groups. Meeting with residents to hear their thoughts, ideas and issues is critical in helping me to better lead this city. With that, we have a busy fall planned, with plenty of events for you, your family and your neighbors. On Tuesday, Sept. 9, the Mayor’s Listening Tour comes to Arizona College Prep–Erie Campus, located at 1150 W. Erie St. The meeting begins at 7 p.m. If
Letters to the editor
you have yet to attend, these meetings allow for an exchange of ideas and open dialogue on any issues you may be encountering in your neighborhoods. You will also have the opportunity to hear about the latest crime trends in the area and talk with members of the Chandler Police Department. On Saturday, Oct. 25, the Mayor’s Day of Play, presented by Shape UpUs.org, returns to Tumbleweed Park. The free event goes from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and features dozens of recreational activities, vendors and more. It is a great example of how we continue to promote wellness in the community as outlined in my Health Connect initiative (www. chandleraz.gov/connect), and one more reason we have been named an eight-time designee as a Playful City USA by Kaboom! And on Nov. 12, the popular Do-It-Yourself Connect returns—this year at the Chandler Center for the Arts, 350 N. Arizona Ave. Do-It-Yourself Connect gives Chandler homeowners a chance to talk with City staff about resources, building permits, rebates and other vital information to be aware of when doing a new home project. The Wednesday event begins at 7 p.m. in the Bogle Theater, but come a little early as we will have some displays set up in the Center’s foyer beginning at 6:30 p.m. Nominations for our second annual Neighborhood Excellence Awards will begin Sept. 9 and are due no later than Nov. 21. Please start thinking about your own neighborhoods and what you can include in your application this year! We continue to keep a strong focus on our neighborhoods, and I look forward to getting out this fall to meet with you and your neighbors through these many events. Remember to follow me on Twitter (@jaytibshraeny) and visit the City’s award-winning website (www.chandleraz.gov) for more news on our community.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR FROM PAGE 47
“Freedom Summer” will be screened followed by a questionand-answer session. “Freedom Summer” takes place in the hot and deadly summer of 1964 when the nation could not turn away from Mississippi. During the weeks known as Freedom Summer, more than 700 student volunteers joined with organizers and local African-Americans in a historic effort to shatter the foundations of white supremacy in one of the nation’s most segregated states. Working together, they canvassed for voter registration, created Freedom Schools and established the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party with the goal of challenging the segregationist state Democratic Party at the national convention in Atlantic City. Freedom Summer was marked by sustained and deadly violence, including the notorious murders of three civil rights workers, countless beatings, the burning of 35 churches and the bombing of 70 homes and community centers. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Stanley Nelson (“Freedom Riders,” “The Murder of Emmett Till”), “Freedom Summer” highlights an overlooked but essential element of the civil rights movement: the patient and long-term efforts by outside activists and local citizens in Mississippi to organize communities and register black voters—even in the face of intimidation, physical violence and death. OCA is a national membership-driven organization dedicated to advancing the social, political and economic well-being of Asian-Pacific Americans, touching tens of thousands of individuals each year through its extensive network of more than 100 chapters, affiliates and partners from around the country. In addition, the organization strives to foster development, leadership, and engagement through its various programs. Come forward to and practice your civic right to vote. Empower yourself and ensure a better USA for future generations. Farhana Shifa Ahmed
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