Story ideas

1. In the economic stimulus package, $200 million is dedicated to support working college students. As a working student myself, I'm very interested in seeing where this money will go. I'd specifically like to see others' thoughts on the money.

Specifically, I'd like to talk to Christine Texiera, technology manager for the Fine Arts Center, to find out what this could to towards saving the students she has working for her.

The director of Financial Aid Services at UMass, Suzanne Peters, would be a great source for this story. If she is not available, I could talk to Anne Peramba, the associate director of Employment Services. Either one would know how this could potentially impact the status of work study.

And finally, I would talk to a student who is part of the work study program. I myself am one, and know many students at work who fit the bill. If names are needed -- Connie Wang (junior), Evan Storer (senior), and Jake Tavares (sophomore) are a few. I can ask them about their concerns and hopes for the money.

2. After reading this story in the Boston Globe about a possible weak link in every strain of the flu virus. If scientists can target this area, they could make a vaccine and end the need for yearly flu shots.

I saw posters all over campus for months about getting a flu shot. Donna Yezierski, Director of Operations, Systems, and Clinic Services at UHS has statistics on the amount of flu shots given this year. I personally do not know anyone who got a flu shot (at least at UHS) so I'm very interested in seeing the actual number.

Christine Horn, a nurse practitioner at UHS, would be a great source to find out how many people have actually come in with the flu. While a real number would probably be hard to track down, I could be pleasantly surprised. She would probably know if any of these people actually had a flu shot -- as it is posible to catch a different strain than the shot protected against.

Finally, looking to the future, Alan Calhoun, Medical Director at UHS could provide insight on a school-wide level. Would the vaccine eventually be available to students at UHS? Would it become a requirement, like many other vaccines are?

3. After reading another Globe article about the risks of teens going missing and dying at parties, I can't help but think the same thing applies at college -- even if it is less prevalent.

Everyone makes bad decisions when they drink, but it only takes one really dumb one to have terrible consequences. The other night, a bunch of my friends and I were walking back to my apartment when some other guy none of us knew was staggering and following us. When we asked what he was doing, he said "going with you guys." When we told him not to, and we wouldn't let him in, he persisted until he had to go to the bathroom (in a bush) and passed out on a snowbank. He was gone 10 minutes later, so we assumed he's ok.

I'm interested in talking to the UMass police on this matter. In the Globe article, one of the people who wandered off in a party admitted to hiding from police because he didn't want to get into trouble. Almost everyone I know would have done the same thing. What does that say about students' opinions of the police? Are the police more concerned with apprehending drunks, or helping them get back home? Johnny Whitehead, interim Chief of Police for the UMPD, can answer these questions, as well as give thoughts on how these situations can be averted.

A student who drinks a lot would be another good source. I'd talk to my roommate.

No, I'm kidding -- about talking to him. He does drink a lot. But really, I know a specific person would be good, but maybe a bunch of random people I could talk to for a bit would be even better.

I could talk to any of the UHS sources I listed for the story above for this topic, as well. They know how many people have come in with alcohol-related injuries of any kind. Their opinions on not only the medical but social aspects are not often discussed. Talking to them would be an interesting angle, outside of the usual student-versus-police debate.