Family, Life Course, and Society Commons^™

Dear Daughter, In Face Of Tragedy Try To Keep Your Spirit Intact, Leandra Preston-Sidler

UCF Forum

“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.'” – Mister Rogers

Lessons From A Garbage Dump: How To Say 'No', Michael Preston

UCF Forum

It was a symbol of excess and waste in 1980s New York City. The massive 2,200-acre Fresh Kills Landfill in Staten Island, N.Y., was once the largest garbage dump in the world.

He Used The Internet - I Used The Encyclopedia, Rebekah Mccloud

UCF Forum

I was talking recently with one of my students who will graduate in May. He told me about his first year in college and began his reminiscence with: “Back in the day…”

Don't Let Clutter Of Extraneous Thoughts Get In Your Way, Traci Evison

UCF Forum

I have the best conversations when I am alone.

Volunteering May Teach You Something About Yourself, Traci Evison

UCF Forum

The opportunity to volunteer presented itself to me last year – and it turned out to be just as much an educational lesson to me about patience and communications.

Public Perceptions Of Birthmothers Of Adopted Children, Bethany I. Wedlund

Honors Undergraduate Theses

A woman who has experienced an unintended pregnancy and chooses to place the child for adoption is known as a birthmother. When faced with an unintended pregnancy, women typically have three courses of action. They may choose to parent the child, terminate the pregnancy, or place the child for adoption. There is limited research on birthmothers themselves or societal perceptions of them.

When it comes to societal perceptions of abortion, religiosity is a significant factor. Contrary to popular belief, many of the women who choose to abort do so in order to preserve the lives of their families. Single mothers …

The Good, The Bad And The Quintessential Christmas Music, Heather Gibson

UCF Forum

There are two types of people: those like myself, who the day after Thanksgiving turn their radio to the all-Christmas music station, and the rest of you Grinchy McGrinchersons.

A Holiday Greeting That Applies To Everyone, Terri Susan Fine

UCF Forum

The Thanksgiving holiday season brought with it interesting discussions about “the holidays” – so many holidays are celebrated by people of different cultures, religious backgrounds and nations of origin.

Generosity Creates Its Own Ripple Effect, Traci Evison

UCF Forum

Sometimes we see an inspirational snippet of film on YouTube, hear an NPR broadcast or listen to a Ted Talk that materializes into action at what seems to be a random point in the future.

You Don't Need Any Special Talent To Join Fight Against Hunger, Terri Susan Fine

UCF Forum

The United Nations itself had not yet been officially established when its own Food and Agriculture Organization was formed, even though it was by just a few days. The U.N. was established Oct. 24, 1945, just eight days following the establishment of the Food and Agriculture Organization, and it was not until 1948 that the international body ratified its Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The Best Leap Of My Life Could Be Yours, Too, Traci Evison

UCF Forum

I recently gave myself a tandem skydiving jump to celebrate my 40th birthday. Jumping out of an airplane is much less expensive than purchasing a flashy new sports car, I reasoned, while tapping the Groupon button on my phone.

We All Grieve In Different Ways On Different Days, Traci Evison

UCF Forum

Over the course of the past 2½ years I found myself in a position I never dreamed possible: Three of my immediate family members died.

'Would You Let Your Daughter Color Her Hair Blue?', Rebekah Mccloud

UCF Forum

I recently took a ride on the new SunRail. I was among the throng onboard for a free ride and to see, as Dr. Seuss would say, “Oh, the places I could go.” When I entered the overstuffed car, a young woman immediately stood up and said to me, “Here, Momma, take my seat.” And I did. I thanked her and commented about the kindness of her gesture.

Appreciating The Simple Moments More Than Onslaught Of Technology, Leandra Preston-Sidler

UCF Forum

I admit it. I’m addicted.

I Wish The Sport I Love – Soccer – Could Help Eliminate Injustice Around World, Erin O'Flaherty

UCF Forum

Every four years soccer fans around the globe focus on the FIFA World Cup, this year being held in Brazil. The national teams of countries compete to become World Cup champions in the name of patriotism and pride. I am a fan of almost all sports, but especially soccer – so I cannot contain my excitement for the upcoming matches beginning June 12.

Where Are Your Papers?, Rebekah Mccloud

UCF Forum

My friend of 30 years died recently. Her husband called one Sunday in February to say she was gone.

A Parent's Dilemma: When To Let Child Be Responsible For Own Actions, Maritza Martinez

UCF Forum

Monday morning, like most mornings, complete chaos unfolded in our house as four people – my two daughters, my husband and myself – aimed to head out the door by 8 a.m., our daughters for school and my husband and I for our offices.

Some Graduates Have A Plan – For You Others…, Mark Routhier

UCF Forum

As the school year comes to a close, the inevitable question arises for graduating students: What am I going to do?

Sometimes We Need To Press 'Reset' Button And Return To Basics, Erin O'Flaherty

UCF Forum

I’m not a germaphobe by any means, but I love cleanliness. When I clean, I really clean, and I usually won’t stop until the mixed smells of my various cleaning products permeate my house.

You Are The Momma Now, Rebekah Mccloud

UCF Forum

I am a proud member of the sandwich generation. Sociologist Dorothy A. Miller coined the term in 1981 to classify people who care for their aging parent(s) while helping to support their own children

Is Today’S Young Music Too Obscene? (Or Has My Perspective Changed?), Tom Cavanagh

UCF Forum

I know how I am going to sound. Really, I do. And I hate it. When I was younger, I always vowed that when I reached my current age (mid-40s), I would never be that guy. But I must face the fact that I am indeed turning into that guy.

Traffic Lights Turn Me Red, Mark Routhier

UCF Forum

OK, I admit it: I have road rage, just not the kind that makes me drive four feet behind someone who has made me angry, or leads me to any other kind of exacting vengeance on other drivers.

Lessons Learned From Archery: How To Focus And Hit The Bull’S-Eye In Life, Bob Porter

UCF Forum

My grandfather started teaching me how to use a bow and arrow when I was about 6 years old. He taught me using a longbow made out of yew, which is a very specific type of wood used to make these bows.

I Can't Pinpoint When The Problem Started – It Was Just There, Rebekah Mccloud

UCF Forum

As I grow older, a bad word that starts with C has crept into my vocabulary – and my environment. I’m having a hard time ridding myself of it. It niggles at my edges, and like a bad haircut it has become my constant companion.

It's Time To Convert The – In Your Life To !, Maritza Martinez

UCF Forum

The beginning of a new calendar year is always a good time to reflect on the previous 12 months and set some goals for the future.

I Love It When Linus Reminds Me What Christmas Is About, Mark Routhier

UCF Forum

As Linus said: “Sure, Charlie Brown, I can tell you what Christmas is all about. Lights, please: ‘And the angel said unto them, Fear not, for behold, I bring unto you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you this day is born in the City of Bethlehem, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord...’”

First Month With My Newborn Was Both The Fastest And The Longest Of My Life, Leandra Preston-Sidler

UCF Forum

I haven’t slept more than two hours straight in a month. Showers elude me. The house that used to be filled with wine and planned dinners is now filled with diapers and frozen pizza.

'To Change Is To Learn And To Learn Is To Change', Bob Porter

UCF Forum

“To change is to learn and to learn is to change.” That was often the advice given to me by my mentor in life, Lew Treen, a war veteran, semi-pro baseball player, high school principal and coach.

Let's Set Aside Differences – Not Just During This Season, But All Year, Erin O'Flaherty

UCF Forum

‘Tis the season, the season of giving—whether giving thanks, praises, spare change, an extra tip or bonus. You name it, and it’s officially “the season” for it.

The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year, Rebekah Mccloud

UCF Forum

When is the most wonderful time of the year? December — right? — despite the many people and things that try to blur the calendar.