Dangerous driversMost of us would never dream of killing someone. Most of us do not carry lethal weapons on our person. And yet, most people forget that a vehicle can become a lethal weapon. Last night, I was again nearly killed by a student in a black van who was not only speeding on College Drive out to the Skyline campus but he didn’t even slow down for the STOP sign that is at the corner of College and Sheryl drives. I arrived at the intersection first and was to his right so I had right-of-way but, obviously, he doesn’t know the rules of the road. He hasn’t earned the right to drive. My 83-year-old neighbor has almost been killed by speeding vehicles and vehicles running STOP signs, some driven by adults, coming in and out of Skyline as he tried to walk up to the mailbox at the intersection of Allen Drive and Ross Way. I feel that many of us never stop to think what would happen to our lives if we killed someone with our vehicle. Are we willing to have that on our conscience the rest of our lives? Have we thought of the financial responsibility? Are we willing to possibly go to jail? And many people still haven’t realized that there are deer out on the Skyline campus which, if hit, could possibly kill or maim the driver, and a passenger, or seriously damage the driver’s vehicle. If I make even one person, student or staff, stop and think today about what would happen if they killed someone with their vehicle through negligence and inconsideration, then I will have spent my time well writing to you.-Carolyn Livengood
Hours-by-arrangementRegarding the article, “Hours buy a dollar with new English rules,” I think the extra tutoring is very much needed. I am a student and have been an English tutor here at Skyline, and many students were grateful for this program once they started using it. I have taken English here and interacted with the teachers and have never felt they are trying to up revenues, but want the students to be successful. I am sure that if our teachers see a need for these hours it is probably for a good reason. My experience has shown that just having somebody read a term paper once improves the students grasp of English writing; in addition to increasing their grades. I encourage my fellow students to use these services; it is only temporary, inexpensive, and will help us to be better communicators in whatever field we enter. Thank you teachers for being our advocates.- Martina Cordoba student
In memory of AngeloIf someone had something negative to say, he would challenge you to make sure you knew what you were talking about. In my opinion, that was a good thing. You don’t really hear young black men discussing politics or whatever is going on in the world. I feel that the media portrayed his death wrongfully. I strongly feel that they should do an investigation on his death and let everybody know that he was not into gang violence. He was a well rounded person and he was a very educated young man.The thing I don’t understand is why the media portrays African-American youths as being in gangs or having something to do with gangs. Another thing difficult for me to understand is why the media put us on the news for a short time and keeps the Peterson trial on for months and months. Scott and Laci Peterson were two very ordinary people who lived regular lives like Marcel, but, I guess since they lived in a better community than Marcel, they decided to keep it going. I still don’t understand why they put the tragedy of the African-American youths on the news for a minute and keep the non African-American people on the news until the trial is over. Not all of us are gang bangers and dope slangers, nor pimps, hoes and all the things that we are called. Most of us are well-educated doctors, lawyers, professors, teachers, preachers, police officers, and other things. We have the right to freedom of speech and the right to live the way other people live.To Marcel’s mother and father: I am sorry you had to lose your only child, and I am sorry that it had to end the way it ended. Just remember to pray and ask God to give you the strength to get through this tragedy. To the rest of his family: may God give you strength as well, to get you through this hard time. He was a good person with a kind heart and he will be missed. To Marcel’s friends: I am sorry that you lost a loved one. All I can say to you is, have strength for his family. At this point, they are going to need it the most. To Marcel: You are with our heavenly father now, in a better place where you don’t have to worry about anything or anybody. You will always be remembered and you will always be loved. We miss you and we love you. REST IN PEACE YOUNG BROTHA!- Teal Bournestudent
People who knew Angelo on a personal level saw him as a nice, laid back person. He was also a good listener and very intelligent. He had a lot of valuable things to say because he was such a deep thinker.It needs to be very clear that Angelo, “Marcel” as all of his friends called him, was not included in any gang-related activities. In fact, he was an innocent by-stander.What I admired most about Angelo, was the fact that he liked to share, from candy all the way down to knowledge. He made you want to think and even challenged you on your beliefs, while he was prepared for you to do the same thing for him. I also admired the loyalty that he had for the people that he cared about. The most memorable moment that I had with him was when he sung the hook to a song from Lil’ Wayne’s latest album “Tha Carter.” To me, that was when I discovered that he could sing, and I was truly blown away. I remember him always saying “I’m a put you on” a phrase meaning let me show you something new. Skyline has suffered a great loss, because Angelo had a lot to contribute. His friends and family will miss him dearly, but will not allow his memory to fade. May he truly rest in peace.- Shardae White student