Tag: DSU Opinion

When in doubt, TikTok it out. This seems to be the case for people these days as they try to find entertainment to keep them occupied.

TikTok was initially invented in China. It kept growing more and more in the United States. The question is, why? I think it all began when we were stuck in quarantine due to the rise in COVID-19 cases. We had nothing to do and nowhere to go. TikTok seemed to be all it was hyped up to be. I, for one, do not think it is overrated. It brings joy and laughter and there are perks that come with it. 

For all young adults (and even some older ones) TikTok has been something to do on your free time while also enjoying it completely. It is, in fact, not overrated and if others (who didn’t use it) gave it a shot, they would be completely surprised as to what they will find.

Although we have similar platforms to TikTok, Instagram Reels are not as popular. Could this be a coincidence or just appealing to popularity? Despite Instagram being around for years, TikTok is still the most popular when it comes to watching videos. TikTok has a more sleek and innovative design, meaning it is pleasing to the eye when you open it and easy to navigate. It does not seem overwhelming like Instagram can feel when you open it and see multiple stories that you have not seen and probably won’t ever see . It has more discussions and chatting available in the comments to include yourself.

On TikTok, you can come across a lot more than just renegades. It can be informative as well as eye opening.

The Gabby Petito case gained millions of views and trending hashtags on TikTok. It was all everyone was talking about for weeks. As well as more sensitive topics like anxiety and stress being talked about and helping others with not feeling alone. This is important because it can bring light to topics that should be discussed. It also helps people get through tough times and feel like they belong to a community or group.

Long attention spans are hard to come by in this generation. I cannot keep as good of attention on 15 minute YouTube videos as the 60 second to three minute videos on TikTok. This has been one of the few downsides to TikTok that I have run into because I have gotten used to the shorter videos.

Posting videos on TikTok is not for everyone. Luckily you don’t have to. You can be a viewer, creator or both. Both can be equally as fun, exciting and entertaining. Personally, I have been a part of the creating and viewing side of TikTok. They are equally as enjoyable and worth it when you have a one hit wonder video that gets a couple thousand views and likes. Although I have heard there are some neat tips and tricks to follow if you do want to become an active creator.

TikTok has grown tremendously over the past few years, and it keeps growing day by day. There is such a variety of topics on the platform that there is something for everyone.

For everyone, TikTok is something to do on your free time while providing you with unlimited entertainment. It is, in fact, not overrated and if others (who didn’t use it) gave it a shot, they would be completely surprised as to what they will find.

Overall, TikTok is easy to use, self-sufficient and completely worth the time spent.

The credits you rush to “get out of the way” actually bring you innumerable benefits.

The questions I’ve asked myself include but aren’t limited to: Why am I taking courses like English, sociology and humanities when I am a pre-medical radiography major? Wasn’t high school enough general education? How does my Intro to Dance course benefit my career aspirations?

Haven’t you thought the same thing? I came into this opinion piece fully ready to tear down the general education system but instead found meaning in it.

Straight from the Dixie State University website it states, “Ideally, general education empowers individuals, liberates the mind from ignorance, and cultivates social responsibility.”

The fancy words can make this information seem more like a marketing ploy which, with a certain mindset, that is exactly what it will be. My first semester at DSU was rough because I viewed general education as a repeat of high school.

The mindset component is crucial, or else the benefits will be hidden behind the closed doors of your mind. It is one way to view the general education requirements as a waste of time but it is the mindset of a lifelong learner to view them as a crucial tool.

Even if you are set on your decided major, keeping an open mind while completing general education may shine a light on pursuing a different path, or it may prove to you that you are headed in the right direction. Either way, it is better to be sure before committing to the degree that costs time and money.

Dr. Matthew Sanders spoke regarding general education at Utah State University. Sanders related general education to weight-lifting, stretching and running in order to succeed in athletics. After asking student athletes why they do conditioning that doesn’t directly translate into their sport, students said it prepares them to be ready for the unexpected. The students recognize that conditioning can be hard and usually isn’t as fun as the sport itself but they knew why it related to specific in-game abilities and skills.

Sanders then related general education to conditioning. It isn’t as fun or, interesting as the major you choose, and it will feel harder but it will prepare you to be ready for the unexpected. It will also turn you into a lifelong learner, which is important in our world which advances in techniques and technology so quickly.

This increased strength will bring you confidence academically. Knowing that you are a well-rounded person who has spent time learning about the worlds diversity through your general education will bring you confidence.

I have personally found this confidence in my past few semesters here at DSU. I have been able to help roommates who are taking similar classes as well as grow my own abilities academically. I feel more confident in my test taking abilities, writing papers and interviewing skills.

So, why am I taking courses like English, sociology and humanities when I am a pre-medical radiography major? Taking these courses strengthen my foundation, so when I apply to the medical radiography program, I can be a confident student, ready to build on that foundation with the specific knowledge of my field.

Wasn’t high school enough general education? This is where I humble myself and realize that while high school taught me so much, there is benefit to learning this information from a university with greater diversity.

In an article by Imed Bouchrika he says, “As corporations seek graduates who can lead, communicate, analyze problems, and propose solutions, students need to be immersed in fields that would widen and deepen their perspectives; and such is what is general education for.”

As I am ending my sophomore year as well as my general education I am so grateful for the general education courses that I have taken. Taking these courses have helped me know where to start and where to go. I have also been able to be a part of hands-on learning and scholarship opportunities such as being a writer for the Sun News as I have explored classes that I wouldn’t have taken at first.