Back with updates and random things to say

So sorry I have not posted. Usually when I am in the mood to write on here I remember all the homework I have and then go get on Facebook. Since exams are around the corner and I have so much studying to do and two papers due in two days, this is the opportune time to return to the blogosphere or whatever they call it. 

There's lots of topics I want to speak on but for now I'll just give a general update on life. 

This second semester at the University of Michigan has been the best four months of my life. I didn't think I could love life in Ann Arbor more after my first semester but I was wrong. I have found the right balance of work and fun and I have made some amazing friends. I thank God for the opportunity to attend this school and come into contact with all the people I have met and learned from. I am the happiest I have ever been and am so grateful to those who have ever encouraged me in any way because there were times during the fall term when I thought I could never keep up with these UM smarty pants. Not many people from Flint have the chance to come here and I am trying my best to represent my city because even if I haven't called or texted enough, I love all my friends and family there. Although I have become extremely attached to Ann Arbor but I am so proud to be from the 810. I don't think there is an acquaintance of mine here who does not know my hometown ;)

Spring is upon us and this means I am going to have more time to express my thoughts and opinions, so those of you who read and care, here are some upcoming topics 

Anonymity on a big state school campus

UM advantages and disadvantages

Career aspirations and future plans 

Music 

Gender issues, male privilege, women's body image and self-perception

If there's any other topics you would like me to write about please don't hesitate to email me at jeller@umich.edu or comment below 

Thanks so much for reading, 

Jessica 

Hey professor, that skirt is too short for me to take you seriously

     *This post is a work in progress because my understanding of gender equality evolves and grows everyday. I would love for you to contact me with questions and comments. 

       Gender inequality in our society is something that I have paid a lot of attention to in the last couple years. This  semester I am taking a Women's Studies/ Sociology course titled "Gender and the Law." I also have a first year seminar about social identity, justice, and community. One of the main social identities we analyze and discuss is sex. 
      There really isn't any disputing the fact that sexism is alive and well. Men are praised or overlooked for their promiscuity while women are disrespected and gossiped about for theirs. What can be done about the double standards that exist for women in American (and many other) societies?
       The other day we studied an employment discrimination case that involved a woman not being promoted because she was not "feminine" enough. She would have been promoted to partner in an accounting firm. My professor said that "One of the criticism's her employer brought up was that she cursed and that 'professional women do not curse.' Fuck that." My professor's language made the whole class crack up but it caught my attention in a different way. I did not like that she cursed. I asked myself why. Cursing is such a double standard when it comes to sex. A man is just a man when he curses but a woman becomes trashy and foul-mouthed. Do I perpetuate this inequality by not swearing? 
    What about the fact that I dress modestly? It is recognized that a girl who covers up her body is usually more respected by men than those who keep their bodies on display. Is this not a double standard? Why can't I walk around in a tank top and short-shorts and be judged for what I say and do? Why do I have to hide my body to gain respect from men and women alike? Why is there a connection with clothing choices and honor only when judging a woman? Shouldn't we be judging women on their character and not what they do or don't wear? The girls that choose to cover up aren't even judged for their words and actions. They are just judged positively based on their choice to dress modestly.
Is gaining gender equality a game that needs to be played by men's standards, i.e. not cursing, covering up, etc. or is it rebelling: dressing how we want, and cursing if we please, until it is the norm? 

Life in A2

Hello general first month of college post. This is a list of things that pop into my head as I reflect on my first four weeks as a Wolverine living in the dorms of Ann Arbor. 

1. I never appreciated having my own bathroom until coming here. 
2. I didn't know how many rich people there are until I came here. 
3. There is a never-ending supply of delicious food in Ann Arbor. 
4. How you design your schedule is SO important
5. Having your roommate become your friend is an awesome rarity. 
6. There are 3 questions you ask and answer during Welcome Week: Name, origin,and major. You meet a million different people your first week here. 
7. The schools enormous size is a good thing 99.9% of the time. 
8. I really like blending in sometimes. I didn't know that until now. 
9. Focusing on only a few clubs is the best way to go. 
10. I never knew how many stereotypes and prejudices I carried. It's a process to clean yourselves of them.
11. Not that many kids here are on scholarships. That blows my mind. (see last post)
12. I am really lucky to live 40 minutes away. 
13. Dining hall food here is the bomb compared to CA lunches. 
14. Planners and weekly whiteboards are my best friend. 
15. Things the University says are "mandatory" are usually not.
16. You see the coolest, weirdest, most hilarious things everyday. 
17. Michigan is known as an arrogant school but we are very kind to each other. 
18. The preachers who visit the Diag are not so accepting. 
19. Democrats rule the land.
20. It takes about two minutes of knowing someone for a deep and intimate conversation to happen here. 

Lyrics with a Higher Purpose

Favorite lines from Christian songs. I love God and I love music. When they come together in the right way it is captivating. If you like these lyrics go listen to the songs. They're a million times better. Deeply emotional and logical simultaneously.


"You are more than the choices that you've made, 
You are more than the sum of your past mistakes 
You are more than the problems you create
You've been remade....

This is not about what you've done 
But whats been done for you. 
This is not about where you've been 
But where your brokenness brings you to
This is not about what you feel
But what He felt to forgive you
And what He felt to make you loved" -Tenth Avenue North, You are More

"Why do we think that our hate's gonna change their hearts

We're rippin' arms over wars that don't need to be fought
Cause pride wont let us lay our weapons on the ground''-Tenth Avenue North, Losing

"In the middle of my little mess, I forgot how big I'm blessed..
So break me of impatience
Conquer my frustrations
I've got a new appreciation
It's not the end of the world"-Francesca Battistelli, This is the Stuff

"Why are you trying to earn Grace?" -Tenth Avenue North, By Your Side

"You give me everything I need to walk in my dreams
You whisper words that free my soul
You're the reason I have hope
You're everything I need and more"-Dara Maclean, Free


"Why in the world did I think I could only get to know You when my life was good?"

"Be strong in the Lord and,
Never give up hope,
You're going to do great things,
I already know,
God's got His hand on you so,
Don't live life in fear,
Forgive and forget,
But don't forget why you're here,
Take your time and pray" -Sidewalk Prophets, The Words I would Say

"The One the wind and waves obey

Is strong enough to save you" -Tenth Avenue North, Strong Enough to Save

 All of these songs and more get played Christian radio. If you live around me then that's 89.7 on FM radio. Just wanted to share. Thanks for reading.