Kelly: No, not the President of the US. Just of the college. Which is pretty cool anyway. On Monday, we were asked if some of our choir members would sing for the college's Trustees meeting. Since they only come on campus four times a year, I figured it would be a good opportunity to get to know some of the "powers that be" of the school.
Walking into Boone Tavern (that's where we ate. It's a fancy hotel and restaurant), I really didn't know what to expect. I am ashamed to say that I was expecting a bunch of rich people who talked about money and their multi-million dollar homes. I was way off base. I think we were all way off base. At my table, it started out with me and a fellow choir member who happens to be a good friend of mine. The Trustees were gathering around other tables and it was just the two of us for a while. A few minutes later, the Student Government President and Vice President kindly joined our table. We began chatting about being busy students when all of a sudden we were joined by none other than the President and his wife.
I had never met the President in my four years/eight semesters here at Berea, until tonight. I had always wanted to but was never given the opportunity. Until tonight. And we all enjoyed a lovely dinner with good conversations with a Trustee member who later joined us. The menu was a nice salad with feta cheese and "peanut brittle" as the Trustee called it, spoon bread (just look it up), salmon with a bed of grits, spinach and mushrooms underneath, and a "chocolate bomb" for desert. Yes...a chocolate bomb. It was delicious. ALL of it was delicious! Beats food circus any day or time of the week!
Our conversations were nothing about money, million-dollar homes, or ANYTHING of the sort. We talked and talked about travels, family, our walks of life and...a Baconator funnel cake that you can get at the Charlotte motor speedway (in North Carolina). It is a funnel cake topped with bacon, chocolate syrup and strawberry syrup. 1300 CALORIES. I remember what the President said: "That's hilarious!" I said..."101 ways to make a nursing student cringe." All in all a very good evening. 10 times better than I expected and then some. And of course we sang wonderfully; one of the Trustees did not want us to leave. :]
Holly: Sis, I don't think ANY of the Trustees wanted us to leave!
Before I share my side of the story, I'll start with a brief story: I had been feeling pretty icky for most of the day (caught the respiratory cold junk going around, go figure), and just got out of a particularly difficult test. I went in to work to complete a silly task for my boss (making paper footballs for a lab he's running next week...I'm not making this up), who is away at a conference in New Orleans. About half in, my biochemistry professor's (from last semester) ADORABLE seven-year-old daughter comes in and instantly takes a liking to me. Turns out she's a great paper football maker and way too cute and fun for her own good! As she's leaving, she says "Bye, Holly, I hope that I'll see you again soon." OH. MY. GOSH!
I almost died of the cuteness and the sweet. Children never cease to make me smile! :)
Anyway, on to tonight. I'll be frank and admit that I was expecting the Trustees to be snobby rich people who had no interest in Berea College students. Holy moley, I could not have been more wrong! I met some of the genuinely nicest people I have ever met!!! They asked us so many questions, told the best stories (one of the gentlemen at our table turned out to be the nephew of the writer of the Scooby-Doo theme song. Again, not making this up!), and were genuinely interested in us and our views about Berea. Tonight was easily one of the most memorable and enjoyable nights of my college career. I realize I say that about a lot of things, but I'm serious about this one. I mean, we talked about EVERYTHING: basketball, soft shell crab, $30,000 houses, The Wizard of Oz...the list goes on and on!
Just one of the kajillion reasons I'm grateful (and blessed) to have found such a place as Berea. I wish, from the bottom of my heart, that more students had half the opportunities I've had.
Friday, February 24, 2012
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Why We Don't Need Chocolate or Flowers to Feel Loved!
Holly: Let me make a quick disclaimer: I am a straight-up die-hard chocoholic. I also prefer carnations over roses. :) I am in no way shape, size, or form condemning flowers and chocolate. HOWEVER, I feel that on Valentine's Day, it's too commercialized and stereotypical. Here's why:
Why do all Americans take one day out of the year to go out of their ways, break their bank accounts, all for letting their significant other know how they feel? Shouldn't we be doing that every day? I think yes. I might be a bit naive because I've spent virtually every Valentine's Day alone, and I can't speak for everyone, but knowing me, I would be perfectly happy on the red-and-pink-overkill holiday just knowing that I had someone who loved me exactly for me and thought the world of me (Actually, I do have someone like that, his name is Jesus...I'd be happy to introduce Him)...but ya get my point! Why do we feel its necessary to shower our significant others with stuff that, to be frank, will be gone in a short amount of time? Love lasts so much longer than things!!!
Here's what I did today: I went to work! And my boss, my other fellow student worker, and I laughed and talked about cell phones and the awesomeness of college and beaning your brother with a squishy pillow just to see him break out because he's allergic to the DYE (all while my boss was sick, bless his heart). It was one of the most enjoyable afternoons of work I've ever had; because it doesn't feel like work...it feels like being with family, doing what I love doing: science, and being around people! That's it.
So not-single people, please, PLEASE, find a way, EVERY DAY, to tell your significant other you love them and appreciate them. Flowers and chocolate optional. ;)
Kelly: Took the words right out of my mouth! As I've been saying all night; it is what it is. I hope one day that I find someone that I love and cherish. And I don't want him to get me things because I want them or because I ABSOLUTELY NEED THEM or because everyone else has a new car (just using an example. please don't buy me a new car); not just on V-day but on ANY DAY. I want my future significant other to love me for me and I will vow to do the same thing. On that note; ladies (or gents), if you have a significant other, tell him/her you love them for who they are and remember why you both fell in love with each other in the first place. Single people, love God, Allah or whoever/whatever you choose to worship. Treat yourself, because you deserve it!
Why do all Americans take one day out of the year to go out of their ways, break their bank accounts, all for letting their significant other know how they feel? Shouldn't we be doing that every day? I think yes. I might be a bit naive because I've spent virtually every Valentine's Day alone, and I can't speak for everyone, but knowing me, I would be perfectly happy on the red-and-pink-overkill holiday just knowing that I had someone who loved me exactly for me and thought the world of me (Actually, I do have someone like that, his name is Jesus...I'd be happy to introduce Him)...but ya get my point! Why do we feel its necessary to shower our significant others with stuff that, to be frank, will be gone in a short amount of time? Love lasts so much longer than things!!!
Here's what I did today: I went to work! And my boss, my other fellow student worker, and I laughed and talked about cell phones and the awesomeness of college and beaning your brother with a squishy pillow just to see him break out because he's allergic to the DYE (all while my boss was sick, bless his heart). It was one of the most enjoyable afternoons of work I've ever had; because it doesn't feel like work...it feels like being with family, doing what I love doing: science, and being around people! That's it.
So not-single people, please, PLEASE, find a way, EVERY DAY, to tell your significant other you love them and appreciate them. Flowers and chocolate optional. ;)
Kelly: Took the words right out of my mouth! As I've been saying all night; it is what it is. I hope one day that I find someone that I love and cherish. And I don't want him to get me things because I want them or because I ABSOLUTELY NEED THEM or because everyone else has a new car (just using an example. please don't buy me a new car); not just on V-day but on ANY DAY. I want my future significant other to love me for me and I will vow to do the same thing. On that note; ladies (or gents), if you have a significant other, tell him/her you love them for who they are and remember why you both fell in love with each other in the first place. Single people, love God, Allah or whoever/whatever you choose to worship. Treat yourself, because you deserve it!
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Dreams really do come true
Holly: Last night was pretty spectacular. The night before I prayed for an attitude change. Well, I got it. In a HUGELY unexpected way!!!!
My freshman year the American Spiritual Ensemble (if you don't know who they are, I pity you. Look them up!!) came to Berea and put on an amazing show. Their processional was the concert spiritual "Walk Together Children". As they were coming in and chills were all over me, all I could think was, holy crap I want to sing that song sooooo bad! Last night, I did just that.
To add the icing to an already-large piece of cake, the artist behind the music, Dr. Raymond Wise, was with us and able to lead us through it. So, picture 100+ students and this short but powerful man of God leading all of us in a pretty awesome spiritual. Unbe-freaking-lievable.
Definitely one of the highlights of my Berea College career. I will never forget it. And I hope everyone there doesn't either.
Kelly: I remember seeing the written score for the song. I almost fainted. Back in 2009, the American Spiritual Ensemble came to Berea and performed the same song, and led by the same director who led us yesterday! And I was like...whoa. That's awesome. That's power. THAT'S a spiritual!!!
Meeting Dr. Wise was also a highlight of the evening. Turned out we both are familiar with Ohio (and he knew where Athens was!!!!!!!!!!!!!). I don't really know what else to add; Holly pretty much captured my same thoughts and feelings. Walking in yesterday morning, I really didn't know what to expect. I didn't really want to even be there; just kept thinking about all that I had to get done. By the end of the day, my mounds of homework were a distant thought. It's funny how a whole day can change your perspective; it's completely awesome when God brings forth a wonderful individual to change your perspective.
Dream come true
My freshman year the American Spiritual Ensemble (if you don't know who they are, I pity you. Look them up!!) came to Berea and put on an amazing show. Their processional was the concert spiritual "Walk Together Children". As they were coming in and chills were all over me, all I could think was, holy crap I want to sing that song sooooo bad! Last night, I did just that.
To add the icing to an already-large piece of cake, the artist behind the music, Dr. Raymond Wise, was with us and able to lead us through it. So, picture 100+ students and this short but powerful man of God leading all of us in a pretty awesome spiritual. Unbe-freaking-lievable.
Definitely one of the highlights of my Berea College career. I will never forget it. And I hope everyone there doesn't either.
Kelly: I remember seeing the written score for the song. I almost fainted. Back in 2009, the American Spiritual Ensemble came to Berea and performed the same song, and led by the same director who led us yesterday! And I was like...whoa. That's awesome. That's power. THAT'S a spiritual!!!
Meeting Dr. Wise was also a highlight of the evening. Turned out we both are familiar with Ohio (and he knew where Athens was!!!!!!!!!!!!!). I don't really know what else to add; Holly pretty much captured my same thoughts and feelings. Walking in yesterday morning, I really didn't know what to expect. I didn't really want to even be there; just kept thinking about all that I had to get done. By the end of the day, my mounds of homework were a distant thought. It's funny how a whole day can change your perspective; it's completely awesome when God brings forth a wonderful individual to change your perspective.
Dream come true
Friday, February 10, 2012
Teens these days...
Kelly: I found this video circulating around Facebook. You can read the description yourselves, but I just want to make something clear first; this dang girl has it MADE. I didn't even HAVE a cell phone, iPod OR laptop when I was that age. Point #1. Growing up, I had chores, on top of doing homework. I didn't even get my DRIVER'S LICENSE until I was 19. Got my first actual cell phone when I was also 19, first iPod at 16 and my first laptop till COLLEGE. But I EARNED every single one of those things! My brother had to get a job when he got his license.
Yeah, this girl does have it easy. Really. I never rebelled against my parents, because I knew I had to obey my parents. If I had said anything remotely close to what she wrote in that post, I'd been grounded till I was 60! RESPECT. It goes a long way! When we were kids, we were never spanked. WHY? Because we knew not to hit each other!!! RESPECT...not only for parents but for siblings too. My mom often talks about the 5th graders she teaches; they're so whiny and expect everything to be handed to them. They don't have respect for ANYONE, especially themselves! It's sad. When I watch this, I'm proud that I was raised the way I was. I have no regrets!
Holly: As I have posted in several Facebook comments, I DO NOT condone the shooting of the laptop. However, the video does raise several completely valid points. The fact that a 15-year-old even had the nerve to post something like she did was completely uncalled for, not to mention immature and way disrespectful!! I mean, what was she trying to accomplish here? Whatever it was, it was not very well thought through. Of ALL the places to post a rant of any sort, DO NOT do it on Facebook! One way or another it will come back around!
I do have to agree with Kelly and say that she did have it easy as well. Yeah, when I was a teenager, I had chores, and yes, I moaned and groaned all the time about doing them, but I did them. But now that I'm in my 20's and about to live on my own, I realize that those few little things my parents asked me to do don't even compare to EVERYTHING that my parents have done for me! To be honest, I think some contributions without being asked here and there are at the very least what we should be doing! At least that's my mindset when I go home for breaks. Because like I said earlier, my parents have done EVERYTHING for me! I hope that that girl realizes this someday. It's sad that she doesn't right now.
I can hear some of you saying "yeah, well, every teenager goes through a rebellious phase." Well...I didn't. Not even close. I'm not trying to brag. That's just how I was brought up. Respect is a two-way street: you have to give it to get it. I may not have always seen eye-to-eye with my parents, but I sure as hell respected them; I think I respect them more-so now.
Teens: listen to your freaking parents. Yeah, they'll drive you nuts, you'll argue with them, but when you get to be my age, you'll appreciate them and miss them more and more. Trust me on this one.
Here's the Video.
Yeah, this girl does have it easy. Really. I never rebelled against my parents, because I knew I had to obey my parents. If I had said anything remotely close to what she wrote in that post, I'd been grounded till I was 60! RESPECT. It goes a long way! When we were kids, we were never spanked. WHY? Because we knew not to hit each other!!! RESPECT...not only for parents but for siblings too. My mom often talks about the 5th graders she teaches; they're so whiny and expect everything to be handed to them. They don't have respect for ANYONE, especially themselves! It's sad. When I watch this, I'm proud that I was raised the way I was. I have no regrets!
Holly: As I have posted in several Facebook comments, I DO NOT condone the shooting of the laptop. However, the video does raise several completely valid points. The fact that a 15-year-old even had the nerve to post something like she did was completely uncalled for, not to mention immature and way disrespectful!! I mean, what was she trying to accomplish here? Whatever it was, it was not very well thought through. Of ALL the places to post a rant of any sort, DO NOT do it on Facebook! One way or another it will come back around!
I do have to agree with Kelly and say that she did have it easy as well. Yeah, when I was a teenager, I had chores, and yes, I moaned and groaned all the time about doing them, but I did them. But now that I'm in my 20's and about to live on my own, I realize that those few little things my parents asked me to do don't even compare to EVERYTHING that my parents have done for me! To be honest, I think some contributions without being asked here and there are at the very least what we should be doing! At least that's my mindset when I go home for breaks. Because like I said earlier, my parents have done EVERYTHING for me! I hope that that girl realizes this someday. It's sad that she doesn't right now.
I can hear some of you saying "yeah, well, every teenager goes through a rebellious phase." Well...I didn't. Not even close. I'm not trying to brag. That's just how I was brought up. Respect is a two-way street: you have to give it to get it. I may not have always seen eye-to-eye with my parents, but I sure as hell respected them; I think I respect them more-so now.
Teens: listen to your freaking parents. Yeah, they'll drive you nuts, you'll argue with them, but when you get to be my age, you'll appreciate them and miss them more and more. Trust me on this one.
Here's the Video.
Friday, February 3, 2012
Potpurri Post #2
Kelly: Currently killing time while I await for my dear mom to call me back. :D I must say today has been an interesting day. Had my follow-up from a root canal retreat I had back in the beginning of January. (Still trying to forget it...). Anyway, that was today and it went very well. However, for the duration of those few weeks I developed some HORRIBLE pain on my left side of my jaw. Hurts to open my mouth, pops during the day and just HURTS!!!! I mentioned this to my endodontist this morning, and he said almost instantly: TMJ.
TMJ, or temporomandibular joint disorder, is in dumbed down terms arthritis in your jaw. This is possibly related to the retreat...or not. My mom has it, but as to whether or not it is genetic I am not sure. (according to Wikipedia, tricyclic antidepressants help???? Yeah ok, but consider the source). Anyway, so I am currently prescribed Solu-Medrol...a steroid. URGH!!!! I have given steroids countless times in the hospitals where I do clinicals; prednisone, solu-medrol (in IV form), what have you. Never have I been the one receiving them. The kicker is I know all of the side effects...including increased appetite. Good lord I ate a wonderful dinner and I now my insides are SCREAMING to eat something else. Luckily, in about a week the evil drugs will be gone and I will be rid of this disorder....once I go home to my regular dentist and get night guards. The madness really never does stop, does it not? But, I will be ok. I will get through this, and I have a pretty positive attitude about it. I'm not bitter. Just really hungry.
I think my mom has forgotten about me....oh well. Just keep waiting I suppose. :]
Holly: The song "Electric Avenue" makes for some good paper-writing music. I'm writing a paper about a bunch of old dead guys who talked about evolution before Darwin came along and said something to the degree of "NO, YOU'RE ALL WRONG!" This weekend I get to dissect the Gospel of Matthew and ponder what defines a species. Yay?
Kelly, come eat the last of my Craisins...seriously!
My boss is really, really funny. Here's a couple of conversations we've had in the past two days:
Boss: "This is a steaming pile of poo!" (referring to a textbook software)
I laugh. Me: "I can just see you a few years from now, sending out angry emails to all these book publishers saying 'NO, YOU'RE WRONG!'"
*Boss walks in on me yelling at my computer*
"You know they have medication for that."
*Boss trying out some action potential software, somewhat resembles a game. I'm making a study guide for the class I TA for. I keep hearing this.*
"Die sodium die!"
Boss: "What is this Humanity Enrichment Award thing? I don't want this! Why do I have this?!"
Me: "Because...you....enlighten....humanity...?"
A pre-Genetics conversation that has nothing to do with my boss:
"There are three universal things to fix everything: 1. Hit it. 2. Duck tape. 3. WD-40."
I love my job. :)
TMJ, or temporomandibular joint disorder, is in dumbed down terms arthritis in your jaw. This is possibly related to the retreat...or not. My mom has it, but as to whether or not it is genetic I am not sure. (according to Wikipedia, tricyclic antidepressants help???? Yeah ok, but consider the source). Anyway, so I am currently prescribed Solu-Medrol...a steroid. URGH!!!! I have given steroids countless times in the hospitals where I do clinicals; prednisone, solu-medrol (in IV form), what have you. Never have I been the one receiving them. The kicker is I know all of the side effects...including increased appetite. Good lord I ate a wonderful dinner and I now my insides are SCREAMING to eat something else. Luckily, in about a week the evil drugs will be gone and I will be rid of this disorder....once I go home to my regular dentist and get night guards. The madness really never does stop, does it not? But, I will be ok. I will get through this, and I have a pretty positive attitude about it. I'm not bitter. Just really hungry.
I think my mom has forgotten about me....oh well. Just keep waiting I suppose. :]
Holly: The song "Electric Avenue" makes for some good paper-writing music. I'm writing a paper about a bunch of old dead guys who talked about evolution before Darwin came along and said something to the degree of "NO, YOU'RE ALL WRONG!" This weekend I get to dissect the Gospel of Matthew and ponder what defines a species. Yay?
Kelly, come eat the last of my Craisins...seriously!
My boss is really, really funny. Here's a couple of conversations we've had in the past two days:
Boss: "This is a steaming pile of poo!" (referring to a textbook software)
I laugh. Me: "I can just see you a few years from now, sending out angry emails to all these book publishers saying 'NO, YOU'RE WRONG!'"
*Boss walks in on me yelling at my computer*
"You know they have medication for that."
*Boss trying out some action potential software, somewhat resembles a game. I'm making a study guide for the class I TA for. I keep hearing this.*
"Die sodium die!"
Boss: "What is this Humanity Enrichment Award thing? I don't want this! Why do I have this?!"
Me: "Because...you....enlighten....humanity...?"
A pre-Genetics conversation that has nothing to do with my boss:
"There are three universal things to fix everything: 1. Hit it. 2. Duck tape. 3. WD-40."
I love my job. :)
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Greatness
Holly: I wish I could fully describe what I saw today. But, I am bound to space, as well as words. So I'll just recount as best as I can:
This afternoon was our BME retreat: full of singing, laughing, growing together, and getting to know each other. But this one was different than all the others. Very, very different. Our assistant director/piano player extraordinaire (and I'll just be frank...he KNOWS what he's talking about!!) began speaking about when there is freedom from all the junk in your life, then there's purpose. We sang a song. The song simply said "I just want to thank You, Lord." About 10 minutes later there wasn't a dry eye left in the church. People were praying for each other, hugging one another, crying, sharing their stories...God literally exploded in the church today. Never have I seen so much unity, love, bravery, and faith expressed in one place than I did today.
I'll be frank again: I have met people during my time at Berea that have gone through things that an 18, 19, or 20-year-old should NOT go through. I have met professors during my time at Berea that have gone through things a professor should NOT go through. Compared to the majority of the population at Berea, I have it made: I come from a very loving and supporting home with BOTH my parents in it. I never needed to worry if I was going to have enough to eat for the day. Yeah, I didn't get everything I wanted, but I didn't have to worry about the essentials. The majority of my family is still very much alive and well. And today I saw students who come from horrendous situations, yet were willing to take a stand and say "Yes, I still have hope. I still have faith."
God blew my mind today. He is so good!
"Lend me your ears," thus says the Lord
"And know that My word will not return void.
"Your time I sustained, there's no need to fear: I'm restoring the years you've sown in tears.
Restoring the years you've sown in tears."
In other news, I'm about to watch "Boss" and yesterday's almost made me cry (and believe me, I don't do that very often), so............
Kelly: As a chaplain in this ensemble, I must say that there is a lot of need in the small community that I am humbled to serve in. Like Holly said, there are just some things that some of these people have gone through that nobody should EVER have to go through in their lifetime. Yet they walk so tall with their heads up high, and that kind of attitude only comes from God. It has to. Seriously, there's no other way.
Something else that was mentioned that is on my mind is having an "attitude of gratitude." I mean, just thinking about the small things that every day we take for granted. Somebody didn't see the sun shine this morning. Somebody didn't have any breakfast this morning. Somebody didn't put both feet on the floor when they woke up. But I did. I woke up this morning with the sun shining and a smile on my face...followed by a "oh crap, I guess I better get out of bed." But at least God woke me up this morning. :D
I will close with these words that I am listening to as I type this:
Grace and Peace
Grace and Peace to you from God our Father
And the Lord Jesus Christ
This afternoon was our BME retreat: full of singing, laughing, growing together, and getting to know each other. But this one was different than all the others. Very, very different. Our assistant director/piano player extraordinaire (and I'll just be frank...he KNOWS what he's talking about!!) began speaking about when there is freedom from all the junk in your life, then there's purpose. We sang a song. The song simply said "I just want to thank You, Lord." About 10 minutes later there wasn't a dry eye left in the church. People were praying for each other, hugging one another, crying, sharing their stories...God literally exploded in the church today. Never have I seen so much unity, love, bravery, and faith expressed in one place than I did today.
I'll be frank again: I have met people during my time at Berea that have gone through things that an 18, 19, or 20-year-old should NOT go through. I have met professors during my time at Berea that have gone through things a professor should NOT go through. Compared to the majority of the population at Berea, I have it made: I come from a very loving and supporting home with BOTH my parents in it. I never needed to worry if I was going to have enough to eat for the day. Yeah, I didn't get everything I wanted, but I didn't have to worry about the essentials. The majority of my family is still very much alive and well. And today I saw students who come from horrendous situations, yet were willing to take a stand and say "Yes, I still have hope. I still have faith."
God blew my mind today. He is so good!
"Lend me your ears," thus says the Lord
"And know that My word will not return void.
"Your time I sustained, there's no need to fear: I'm restoring the years you've sown in tears.
Restoring the years you've sown in tears."
In other news, I'm about to watch "Boss" and yesterday's almost made me cry (and believe me, I don't do that very often), so............
Kelly: As a chaplain in this ensemble, I must say that there is a lot of need in the small community that I am humbled to serve in. Like Holly said, there are just some things that some of these people have gone through that nobody should EVER have to go through in their lifetime. Yet they walk so tall with their heads up high, and that kind of attitude only comes from God. It has to. Seriously, there's no other way.
Something else that was mentioned that is on my mind is having an "attitude of gratitude." I mean, just thinking about the small things that every day we take for granted. Somebody didn't see the sun shine this morning. Somebody didn't have any breakfast this morning. Somebody didn't put both feet on the floor when they woke up. But I did. I woke up this morning with the sun shining and a smile on my face...followed by a "oh crap, I guess I better get out of bed." But at least God woke me up this morning. :D
I will close with these words that I am listening to as I type this:
Grace and Peace
Grace and Peace to you from God our Father
And the Lord Jesus Christ
Thursday, January 26, 2012
The flaw of today's healthcare in the eyes of a US citizen
Kelly: I will begin by offering this disclaimer; these are merely my observations and opinions. I am not putting myself on a pedestal and deeming myself an "expert." But, I feel that what I have seen and heard cannot be unnoticed. I just saw and heard some very heavy duty stuff, and this is my opportunity to process it all. I borrowed a video from one of my professors titled Sicko. I wasn't really sure what to expect. The first half hour (this is a documentary) discussed several US commonfolk who faced current health problems but because of lack of health insurance or flawed insurance were denied medical coverage. The first two examples were no health insurance, and a guy literally HAD TO CHOOSE which of his fingers to reattach. One would cost over 50k, the other just a little over 10k. Which do you think he chose?
There was more to the video, but two parts of this movie disgusted me the most. The first scenario took place in LA, and there was a guy who worked at some sort of free clinic. He was talking about how one day he was watching the cameras and a staff member escorted a confused and disorientated woman inside...while she was still in her hospital garb. Turns out, the staff of the hospital she came from found out she couldn't pay her bills, so they put her in a cab and drove her to the free clinic.
I'm sorry, but....WHAT?!
Oh no, it gets worse. Turns out when the hospital gets wind that patients can't pay their bills, they dump them. Yes, as in put them in a taxi and drop them off.
I'm sorry, but....WHAT?!
Another scenario focused on several 9/11 volunteers who helped victims get found amongst the rubble. I will say this again, these were volunteers...as in...NOT employees. However, because they were not properly protected because they were just you know, trying to do the right thing, they developed some health complications. But because their care was "too expensive" according to their insurance, they could not get the full care that they needed. Cut to....Guantanamo Bay in Cuba. This is where some of the 9/11 terrorists ended up as prisoners. They receive...and I quote straight from the film "top of the line healthcare." Yes, along with France and England and other European countries covered by the NHS (National Health Service), and Canada, they receive FREE HEALTH CARE.
Now I know what you're thinking: You mean to say that TERRORISTS who were responsible for 2,000+ lives over 10 years ago receive BETTER healthcare than average US Citizens?
Yes.
So later, the movie director gets a BOAT, takes these volunteers and boats them from Miami to Guantanamo Bay so they can get some good healthcare. But...according to the media, Cuba is one of our enemies. Or so you thought...the 9/11 volunteers are not only NOT turned away, but they also receive the diagnostic tests, cheaper prescriptions and procedures that some of them needed.
At this point in the movie I was crying. I really was. Not only because the volunteers got the healthcare that they truly deserved, but that they had to go to a "enemy" country to receive it. And they got exactly what they deserved, by golly! It's just appalling that this flawed healthcare is what our country, my country I live in, has come to. Refusing to pay for care, dumping helpless patients, denying people health insurance is just...sick. I can't come up with any other word.
What upsets me the most are two things: number 1, I will be working in this. I can't escape it, unless give up everything I love and have worked hard to build and move to another country. I'd make a heck of a living, but the trade off is higher tax dollars. Hmm...yeah, I'd pay higher tax dollars for free health care. Sign me up. Second, I too am fighting tooth and nail with insurance. Apparently, the rest of my physical therapy that I completed almost a year ago won't be covered until I go to the Billing Department and fill out this form that NOBODY bothered to tell me about. My mom had to call my insurance company.
I apologize that this post is so long, but I feel that we need to read this. And even if you're not a health care professional, PLEASE see this movie in some point during your life. It will change your life, maybe for the better, maybe for the worse. But if nothing, your eyes will be opened wide, as mine are. All I have to close with is this; we can do better.
To close, I would like to give the credit to the movie Sicko and all of the directors, participants and producers. Thank you for opening my eyes. Our country as a whole may not be "the best," but as a future healthcare provider I will do MY best to be THE best.
There was more to the video, but two parts of this movie disgusted me the most. The first scenario took place in LA, and there was a guy who worked at some sort of free clinic. He was talking about how one day he was watching the cameras and a staff member escorted a confused and disorientated woman inside...while she was still in her hospital garb. Turns out, the staff of the hospital she came from found out she couldn't pay her bills, so they put her in a cab and drove her to the free clinic.
I'm sorry, but....WHAT?!
Oh no, it gets worse. Turns out when the hospital gets wind that patients can't pay their bills, they dump them. Yes, as in put them in a taxi and drop them off.
I'm sorry, but....WHAT?!
Another scenario focused on several 9/11 volunteers who helped victims get found amongst the rubble. I will say this again, these were volunteers...as in...NOT employees. However, because they were not properly protected because they were just you know, trying to do the right thing, they developed some health complications. But because their care was "too expensive" according to their insurance, they could not get the full care that they needed. Cut to....Guantanamo Bay in Cuba. This is where some of the 9/11 terrorists ended up as prisoners. They receive...and I quote straight from the film "top of the line healthcare." Yes, along with France and England and other European countries covered by the NHS (National Health Service), and Canada, they receive FREE HEALTH CARE.
Now I know what you're thinking: You mean to say that TERRORISTS who were responsible for 2,000+ lives over 10 years ago receive BETTER healthcare than average US Citizens?
Yes.
So later, the movie director gets a BOAT, takes these volunteers and boats them from Miami to Guantanamo Bay so they can get some good healthcare. But...according to the media, Cuba is one of our enemies. Or so you thought...the 9/11 volunteers are not only NOT turned away, but they also receive the diagnostic tests, cheaper prescriptions and procedures that some of them needed.
At this point in the movie I was crying. I really was. Not only because the volunteers got the healthcare that they truly deserved, but that they had to go to a "enemy" country to receive it. And they got exactly what they deserved, by golly! It's just appalling that this flawed healthcare is what our country, my country I live in, has come to. Refusing to pay for care, dumping helpless patients, denying people health insurance is just...sick. I can't come up with any other word.
What upsets me the most are two things: number 1, I will be working in this. I can't escape it, unless give up everything I love and have worked hard to build and move to another country. I'd make a heck of a living, but the trade off is higher tax dollars. Hmm...yeah, I'd pay higher tax dollars for free health care. Sign me up. Second, I too am fighting tooth and nail with insurance. Apparently, the rest of my physical therapy that I completed almost a year ago won't be covered until I go to the Billing Department and fill out this form that NOBODY bothered to tell me about. My mom had to call my insurance company.
I apologize that this post is so long, but I feel that we need to read this. And even if you're not a health care professional, PLEASE see this movie in some point during your life. It will change your life, maybe for the better, maybe for the worse. But if nothing, your eyes will be opened wide, as mine are. All I have to close with is this; we can do better.
To close, I would like to give the credit to the movie Sicko and all of the directors, participants and producers. Thank you for opening my eyes. Our country as a whole may not be "the best," but as a future healthcare provider I will do MY best to be THE best.
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