Staff Editorial
Editor’s guide to group projects We all dread it, and yet we all must deal with it at some point in our educational career - the dreaded group assignment. When that fateful day comes when the names are matched and the groups are assigned, some students are left wondering what to expect, and how to fit in. With deadlines, grades, and a degree on the line, being the model group member is sometimes hard, especially when surrounded by several other not-so-ideal accomplices. To prepare all you strapping, ideal group members for the inevitable, be warned that every other group member falls into one of three categories: 1. The Overbearing Dictator: this group member is the control freak. No other member is allowed to have any say in the matter. If you don’t agree, you get a shot to the face with a fist. 2. The Perpetual Procrastinator: although all this group member’s contributions will be completed, it won’t be until five minutes before the presentation, causing unnecessary frustration, and becoming a burden to every other group member. 3. The Phantom: this group member does not exist in relation to the project. They are simply a name on a page. They do not show up to meetings, do not contribute, and hand their work off to everyone else. If you do not fall into one of these categories, consider yourself a hot commodity for groups everywhere. If you do, however, here are a few steps to becoming an ideal group member. Realize you aren’t the only member of the group and get over yourself. The group won’t crumble if you don’t have complete control. Allow others to contribute and share the burden of the project. Meet your freaking deadlines. Procrastiation is becoming easier and easier, thanks to Facebook, Failblog, FML, TFLN, and God knows what else is to come. RESIST THE URGE! Keep these two simple facts in mind, and becoming an ideal group member will be within your grasp.
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The science of dreams Josh Hoggard Op-Ed Editor
Dreams are pretty crazy things, huh? I can remember, as a child, I had the most vivid and ridiculous dreams of any child I have ever met. I don’t think hallucinogenic drugs can cause these kinds of visions. The most wild and random dream, I can remember exactly as it happened. In my dream, I woke up to find a giant Daddy Long Leg spider crawling up my body. I tried to scream, but no sound came out. And then, after nearly making it to my head, it vanished. After the spider vanished, I looked over to find my room had been transformed from an average six year old’s room into an Old Town Saloon. Old timey piano, a barrel of Ale, a bar, the works. Only, rather than stereotypical cowboys occupying this space, the cowboys were all Hobbitsized with enormous handlebar moustaches. They were laughing and hollering and clanking their glasses together and having a good time. I tried to talk to them, but alas, my lack of voice somewhat hindered me from doing so. Then, my bedroom door opens, and in walks my mother. Every cowboy, every ale glass, even the piano vanished
in to thin air. My mom walks to my bedside and picks me up. I am completely aware that this woman removing me from my bed is my mother. However, she has the head of a moose. I do a double take to see what the heck is going on, and upon a second glance, she has the head of a cardinal. Then, I wake up, and have no idea what the heck is going on. I remember another random dream I had upon falling asleep in the third grade. All I can remember is dancing with a purple monster that resembled Cookie Monster. The process of dreaming actually occurs during a time in the sleep cycle called REM sleep, or rapid eye movement sleep. On average, the human brain experiences 2 hours of dreams a night, each individual dream lasting between 5 to 20 minutes in length. The human brain is a pretty interesting mechanism, isn’t it? Interesting facts about dreams; they can relay with feelings of anxiety, fear, and pain, as well as feelings of happiness and joy. Psychologist Sigmund Freud suggested bad dreams are an effective way of helping people cope with emotion felt during a traumatic experi-
The Wichitan Editorial Board
Editor-in-Chief Brittany Norman Managing Editor Chris Collins
Entertainment Editor Lauren Wood Op-Ed Editor Josh Hoggard
Sports Editor Kaitlin Morrison Photo Editor Julia Raymond
ence. The most interesting fact that I’ve found is this; Although most dreams occur only once, around 67% of people report having recurring dreams. Yet, as many dreams as we have, an average of 6-10 a night, most days, we don’t remember having a single dream. The most incredible thing about dreams is that we spend so much time doing it, yet we hardly ever remember having any. Beyond actual tangible dreams that occur during sleep, several people I know have dreams of their own. Dreams of becoming famous, or becoming the next Bill Gates, or of making all kinds of money or of being a father or mother. We’re taught from a young age to “dream big” and “reach for the stars”, yet, just like our physical dreams, we let our emotional and internal dreams fade away and become forgotten. Have you ever wondered what would happen if your dreams came true? Sure, if my wild dreams as a child came true, my room would be a midget cowboy bar, but that’s not what I’m talking about. If I had followed my dreams and goals from childhood, I’d be floating around in space
Reporters Richard Carter Photographers Loren Eggenschwiler Copy Editor Jamie Monroe
Advertising Manager Jamie Monroe Adviser Randy Pruitt
right now, and that would be cool as all get out. Yes, my dreams have changed since then, and yes, I am following them to the best of my ability, but lets face it, so many of us let these things just slip right through our fingers. There are so many people who waste their lives pursuing things that don’t ever truly satisfy their dreams and goals and aspirations. As a result, these people become hollow shells. Tragically, we see it happen all the time, but what’s all the more tragic is that we allow it. I don’t want my life to be wasted. I don’t want to let time slip by me without an accomplished goal to show for it. Start pursuing your dreams. The time to do that is now! It isn’t too late. As long as you have breath in your body, it isn’t too late! Dreams are made to be followed. Sure, they come with a price, but the benefits far exceed the costs. Dream big. It’s scary, and its risky. But, life would be boring, empty, and completely pointless without risks. And, heck, my life wouldn’t be nearly as entertaining without my weird, crazy dreams. Follow your dreams! You have them for a reason.