This past week, I tuned in to C-SPAN to watch the debates between House Republicans and Democrats over the government shutdown. This was the single most shameful and disgraceful display of petty arguing I have ever witnessed. It included hours of our country’s leaders blaming each other for the shutdown.

Knowledge is one of the most powerful tools that we can achieve in our lives. Education is the tool by which we attain this strength. Some of us have been fortunate enough to be able to continue our pursuit of knowledge despite rising costs. Others have not been so fortunate. To help with cost of education, several states offer vouchers to eligible families.

This year is a crucial one in American politics. This year brings the 2014 midterm elections. Dozens of congressional seats will be up for grabs this election cycle, and it is imperative that as college students and get involved in the political process. Maybe some of you are thinking: “Who cares?”.

The fight for same-sex rights still rages on, even today. But in the midst of all the fighting, it is easy to lose track of why people fight. In the fight for respect and equality, it appears that the same people who fight for their rights often resort to tactics that contradict their message of equality.

It has always been a great way to meet new people, build networks, and, of course, obtain a certain degree of social status that comes with wearing those coveted letters. It is a place where lifelong friendships are developed and a family is created. In fact, my brothers are so much a part of my family that my wife couldn’t imagine our wedding day without them there.

How many people think about the consequences of posting online? Protecting one’s reputation is becoming the most important digital security measure people take in today’s world. Personal pictures and other incriminating information may only be a few clicks away. With the creation of social media and other Internet posting sites, everyone has a responsibility to not only protect his or her own digital reputation, but also to consider the potential consequences of personal posts.

If you haven’t started thinking about saving money for emergencies or retirement, start now. While I was a student at Indiana University, money was never a big issue for me. I had a monthly stipend from my time in the military to pay my bills. I had good credit. I would work over the summer and save money for school.

We often don’t realize the fight for equality stretches well past issues such as gay marriage and equal pay. Yes, these are extremely important issues, and we have taken great strides to improve equality among people. On Jan. 29 2009, President Barack Obama signed the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act.

I love sports, especially football. I love watching two brutish armies waging combat, vying for a chance to play in the ultimate game- the Super Bowl. While I enjoy soccer and basketball as well, there is no sport I would rather watch over football. However, I know of someone who loves football even more than I do.

Recently, Sen. Rand Paul decided to file a class action lawsuit against the National Security Administration for its role in mass privacy invasion. Americans from all over are rushing to support the suit and have been expressing outrage about this revelation. Some people are so mad that they have taken to Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and other social media sites to tell everyone everywhere in the world how upset they are.

Hazing has been around for a long time. Often when we hear the word hazing, we immediately think of pledges or new members being forced to drink copious amounts of alcohol before being forced to perform some humiliating or dangerous task. This has led to the creation of, what I believe, is a very broad and ambiguous definition of the word hazing.

I enjoy learning as much as I can about a different variety of topics, even ones that don’t have anything to do with my major or career choice. I was checking out my bookshelf yesterday and noticed that it was full of books on a variety of topics—investing, economics, philosophy, political theory, politics and history.

Next stop for some of you is summer break, internships, summer school or just some family time. For others its graduation; the most exciting and scariest time of your lives. And if you haven’t started already, your job search is about to begin. With a still struggling economy, this may be one of the most stressful times in your lives.