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Opinion section New Gator On Campus
What defines a person?
Is it the things they like, who they know, what they have done?

I suppose it is open to interpretation. I choose to look at it as a personal interpretation of how a person views themselves. I, for example, am the sum of my goals, my obsessions, my loves, and my fears.
Delving into such personal and private information is I feel, the best path for discovering more about oneself. People already know what they like and do not like but most people do not know exactly why they feel or think a certain way. Exploring where a love of nature first sprouted or what started the life long hatred for country music, can teach more about a person than the opinions themselves ever could. So much of what we believe and feel comes from our society and upbringing. Often people feel without thinking or "know" without first questioning. Looking at the roots of the opinion and really evaluating it is the key to self-discovery. So next time you find yourself with a strong conviction you might just want to look a little deeper.

 Megan Kathleen McGarrell (freshmen) was born and raised in a suburb of Tampa know as Brandon. Being involved has always been an important aspect of her life. "What exactly I am involved in really does not matter: plays, student government, peer counseling, as long as I am out there doing something worthwhile" she says. Recently her interests have changed from more social forms of involvement to a slightly more academic pursuit. "I have discovered a passion for writing. There is nothing quite like the freedom of writing your true thoughts and feeling, seeing them in print, read and interpreted by anyone that cares enough to read them. Yes I am journalism major." She explains. As a child Megan struggled in school but was "lucky enough to have family and teachers to encourage and support" her. As she grew so did her love of reading and writing. She read two or three books a week and wrote stories just as often. Her love of the written word was fully established by High School. "At that point I saw reading and writing as a hobby, I never had any interesting teaching and that is about all you can do with an English major". Soon though fate stepped in and introduced Megan to an English teacher at Brandon High School, Mrs. Hughey. Hughey was the teacher behind the Emblem, The schools newspaper, and quickly everything fell into place. Now Megan is continuing her love of Journalism here in the Gator Nation. Many opportunities and pit falls lie at her feet, as they do for all freshmen. Only time will tell how Megan and the Class of 2012 will fare.