Letters to the editor
Issue date: 1/21/09 Section: Opinion
A worthwhile program
I want to thank The Traveler for its coverage of the Miss UA pageant and your openness to realizing the benefits of that program. Cody Kees's article in which he requested that the university reward the winner of the pageant with a scholarship was a thoughtful and honest assessment of a program that has positively impacted many college women, myself included. I also appreciated your follow-up article in which you mentioned your support for the pageant.
There is one point I would like to address from that article. You mentioned that, in light of the cost of pageant competition (designer gowns, talent lessons, and other expenses), perhaps scholarship money from the university should instead be distributed to more financially needy students.
While the university should do everything it can to provide for those students, it's important to note that not every scholarship should be need-based. It is likely that some athletes can afford a college education without the help of an athletic scholarship, but we still reward them for their talents by contributing to the costs of their education-and I believe that is Mr. Kees's point in suggesting that we do the same for Miss UA herself.
As you pointed out, not every pageant winner spends exorbitantly in order to win. I competed at the Miss Arkansas pageant in a $30 swimsuit from Victoria's Secret, and no one was the wiser (though I suppose the secret is out now).
A wise contestant can use the system to her advantage, not to her financial detriment. My entire law degree will be paid for by scholarships garnered through the Miss Arkansas system, and many other women are able to accomplish similar educational goals. Providing Miss UA with a scholarship from the university is the best way to further that goal.
A scholarship from the university could be deposited directly into Miss UA's student account, thus avoiding the possibility that she might spend her winnings on a pair of Louboutin heels or a year's supply of Chanel lip gloss (as many college women, admittedly including myself, would perhaps be at least tempted to do before thinking better of it). You do raise a helpful point that perhaps we could pay Miss U of A a moderate salary similar to that paid to other student ambassadors, such as ASG officers. Both suggestions are a good way to reward Miss UA for her time and talents.
You are absolutely correct in stating that "the work really is its own reward." Any enhanced communication skills I may possess as well as increased confidence and meaningful friendships can certainly be attributed at least in part to my preparation for pageants as well as my year as Miss UA. Thank you again for your coverage and support of such a wonderful program.
Allison Waldrip
Second Year Law Student
Miss UA 2007
The transfer of power
Dear liberals and Obama voters alike, You Won! You got both houses of congress, the White House, and likely two or three Supreme Court appointments.
You got CHANGE. And you got rid of President Bush. Instead of shaking hands and moving on in life, many of you continue to disparage and disrespect President Bush. You don't have to appreciate that he kept us safe for seven years, lowered the top marginal tax rate by 4 percent, or that he oversaw the creation of 8 million new jobs. You don't have to like Bush or the Republican party, but please, have some respect.
Stop sulking and trashing a now weary Bush for making decisions that you disagreed with. Please allow him to retire in peace.
While I did not vote for or support President Obama, he is still MY President too. I will maintain my appreciation for the office and those who carry out its responsibilities as well as my dignity. I would hope for you to follow my lead.
Charles Guerriero
Freshman
Macro-economics
I want to thank The Traveler for its coverage of the Miss UA pageant and your openness to realizing the benefits of that program. Cody Kees's article in which he requested that the university reward the winner of the pageant with a scholarship was a thoughtful and honest assessment of a program that has positively impacted many college women, myself included. I also appreciated your follow-up article in which you mentioned your support for the pageant.
There is one point I would like to address from that article. You mentioned that, in light of the cost of pageant competition (designer gowns, talent lessons, and other expenses), perhaps scholarship money from the university should instead be distributed to more financially needy students.
While the university should do everything it can to provide for those students, it's important to note that not every scholarship should be need-based. It is likely that some athletes can afford a college education without the help of an athletic scholarship, but we still reward them for their talents by contributing to the costs of their education-and I believe that is Mr. Kees's point in suggesting that we do the same for Miss UA herself.
As you pointed out, not every pageant winner spends exorbitantly in order to win. I competed at the Miss Arkansas pageant in a $30 swimsuit from Victoria's Secret, and no one was the wiser (though I suppose the secret is out now).
A wise contestant can use the system to her advantage, not to her financial detriment. My entire law degree will be paid for by scholarships garnered through the Miss Arkansas system, and many other women are able to accomplish similar educational goals. Providing Miss UA with a scholarship from the university is the best way to further that goal.
A scholarship from the university could be deposited directly into Miss UA's student account, thus avoiding the possibility that she might spend her winnings on a pair of Louboutin heels or a year's supply of Chanel lip gloss (as many college women, admittedly including myself, would perhaps be at least tempted to do before thinking better of it). You do raise a helpful point that perhaps we could pay Miss U of A a moderate salary similar to that paid to other student ambassadors, such as ASG officers. Both suggestions are a good way to reward Miss UA for her time and talents.
You are absolutely correct in stating that "the work really is its own reward." Any enhanced communication skills I may possess as well as increased confidence and meaningful friendships can certainly be attributed at least in part to my preparation for pageants as well as my year as Miss UA. Thank you again for your coverage and support of such a wonderful program.
Allison Waldrip
Second Year Law Student
Miss UA 2007
The transfer of power
Dear liberals and Obama voters alike, You Won! You got both houses of congress, the White House, and likely two or three Supreme Court appointments.
You got CHANGE. And you got rid of President Bush. Instead of shaking hands and moving on in life, many of you continue to disparage and disrespect President Bush. You don't have to appreciate that he kept us safe for seven years, lowered the top marginal tax rate by 4 percent, or that he oversaw the creation of 8 million new jobs. You don't have to like Bush or the Republican party, but please, have some respect.
Stop sulking and trashing a now weary Bush for making decisions that you disagreed with. Please allow him to retire in peace.
While I did not vote for or support President Obama, he is still MY President too. I will maintain my appreciation for the office and those who carry out its responsibilities as well as my dignity. I would hope for you to follow my lead.
Charles Guerriero
Freshman
Macro-economics
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 3
Chuck
posted 1/21/09 @ 11:14 AM CST
Sometimes I wonder about what college students are taught? I thought the politician who was the President of the US could only serve for eight years? Its not like Bush was running or could run for a third term. (Continued…)
Dominic
posted 1/22/09 @ 7:09 PM CST
Great letter Charles. Former President Bush acted in the best way that he saw fit. No President would attempt in any way shape or form to harm his/her country intentionally. (Continued…)
DominicBox
Dominic
posted 1/22/09 @ 7:13 PM CST
Great letter Charles. Former President Bush acted in the best way that he saw fit. No President would attempt in any way shape or form to harm his/her country intentionally. (Continued…)
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