State vs. Western

There are many great colleges to choose from when making that all-important choice of where to go and get started on life away from home. Within the state of Michigan there are especially many great options to choose from but two stand out above the rest: Michigan State University and Western Michigan University.

They have many differences and similarities that make them unique from each other, as well as other colleges. State is a little harder to get into as a transfer student then Western. They require at least 28 credit hours completed to be considered a transfer student and at least a 3.0 gpa. Western requires at least 26 completed college credit hours and a 2.0 gpa. State is also a little more pricy at 428 dollars a credit hour and 4,403 dollars for food and board for a semester. While Western runs about 338 dollars a credit hour and 4471 dollars for room and food a semester. They both have beautiful campuses, located in happening towns. Western is located in young vibrant Kalamazoo and State is located in diverse East Lansing. Though State’s campus and student body size is bigger than Western’s, as well as its resident halls. State has about 49,300 students and 5 unique neighborhoods of housing. Western has about 24,294 students and 3 different resident halls. MSU also offers more clubs and events for their students then Western which is another thing to take into a count when comparing the two. All and all they are both very good choices with different challenges and opportunities. 

TED Talk

TED Talk Summary

In his TED talk “A park underneath the hustle and bustle of New York City,” Dan Barasch explains how he wants to be a positive force in the world and build an underground park. Barasch begins his story by explaining to us the history of his family and of New York. His family was there when it was a melting pot of culture and new beginnings. Where they built New York City from the ground up. He then goes on to say that all his life he wanted to do something that would benefit the world. Barasch tries on many jobs but none of them fit because he feels that they do not fit him and benefit the world so he quit.

Barasch then goes on to present the idea of the underground park in New York City. He had a friend that found an underground space that used to be used for train systems but was now empty. His first step was to get a tour of the space of which he was amazed by all the potential. Next, they drew up a plan, which was as he says, in a nutshell to draw sunlight into the space to make it green. Lastly, plans were drawn up and released to see the public reaction, which was very positive. Barasch ends by telling us that he feels that it is going to be our generation being the one to use all the unused space in the city. 

I feel that this is a wonderful idea. It really is going to help people in the city and used the space. I think Barasch found his calling.