On the eve of the National Championship game between the Florida Gators and Oklahoma Sooners, the subject of race in college football has come up once again. It looks like it isn't going away folks unless there's a drastic change. Gators defensive coordinator Charlie Strong, a 48-year old Black man, has been working the sidelines for 25 years in college football and has NEVER been offered a head coach position. He was also passed over for a head coaching job at a Southern school he applied for. Why? Strong says it's because of his white wife."Everybody always said I didn't get that job because my wife is white," Strong said at media day Monday, according to ESPN. "If you think about it, a coach is standing up there representing the university. If you're not strong enough to look through that [interracial marriage], then you have an issue."
The face of college football was looked at this year when a study showed that there were only three Black college football head coaches at 119 major football schools. In December, four Black coaches were hired, raising the number to seven. Charles Barkley also brought up the issue when his alma mater hired a white coach with a poor coaching record over a Black coach with an impressive coaching record. According to ESPN, some say he was passed over because of his interracial marriage as well.
The College Survival Guide
A Fridge
Regardless of whether you have a wonderful sized meal plan, your fridge may come in handy with leftovers or when you feel like stocking it with bottled drinks.
Computer
The convenience of a computer is essential when sending your kids off to college. Forget the hike to the computer lab across campus students need a computer in the comfort of their room. A printer comes in handy as well. Depending on whether your child plans to carry his laptop around campus, you might opt for a desk top since they're lighter on the pockets.
Snacks
You will surely survive with off of a meal plan but it doesn't hurt to stock up on snacks when you don't feel like leaving your dorm room. Bottled water, pop corn, cereal and Ramen noodles are all low budget snacks to stock up on. Just be weary of the freshman 15.
Things from home
Some college students suffer from homesickness the first year. It's best to surround yourself with things like photos of the family, pillows or even stuffed animals. Anything that reminds your child of home.
MP3 Player
With all the stress that comes from school and exams, sometimes it's nice to block out the chaos in your life and even your roommate with music. It's nearly impossible to find students walking to class who aren't jamming to tunes.
Budget
Students who enter college often come in at the ripening age of 18. A great time for credit cards. Parents beware, your child may end up ruining their credit at a young age
Alarm Clock
When you're in college you don't have the luxury of getting awaken by your parents. It's now your responsibility to get to class on time so alarm clocks are a must. But keep your roommate in mind. You shouldn't wake him up ever morning with a blow horn alarm.
Cleaning supplies
Now you don't necessarily need to bring in the rubber gloves, mop and gas mask but it doesn't hurt to bring along Clorox all purpose wipes for spills or dust. Vacuums and brooms come in handy too depending if you have a carpeted dorm.
Bedding
What most parents aren't aware of is that most college beds are twin sized but extra long and require special sheets. When shopping keep your eye open for sheets that clearly state 'extra long' or else your child may come up short.
Shower shoes
You really don't know what some people do in the shower these days. College showers are known to be creeping with germs so spare yourself the fungus and purchase flip flops for the shower. You'll thank us later!
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By: Mad Max on 2/04/2009 1:31PM
I don't have any sympathy for this guy. As soon as our men become successful, they only want a white woman by their side. You get what you deserve, nothing!
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