Basmah (far right) with two fellow ROTC peers.

Modern Day “Rosie the Riveter”

At first glance Basmah Yassin’s relatively petite frame and friendly demeanor could easily fool you into thinking she would never think of joining the Army. However, growing up Basmah dreamed of being a military officer, even if it meant having to rebel against her traditional family.

As the daughter of Middle Eastern and Colombian parents, Basmah views her family as very strict and traditional. So traditional that Basmah said, that they so strongly felt that ROTC and the army were not for females, that they stopped talking to her.

Although they are supportive now, the path to her goal has not been an easy one and continues to be a challenging one, said Basmah. Whether is be being belittled because she is a female, being called a ‘baby killer’ by those against war, or even the prospect of war itself, however Basmah is ready for any challenges.

As a sophomore at the University of San Francisco 19 year Basmah is currently working toward fulfilling her dream of being a military officer. As a ROTC student, on scholarship, she has fully committed herself to the rigorous expectations of ROTC classes, as well as eight full years of service to the Army upon graduation.

Anyone of these years could be a year of service in a war zone, while Basmah said that she hopes for the best and hopes the war in Iraq will be over by the time she graduates, she is ready to serve if needed. War is a something that will happen, and in some instances necessary. However, the current War in Iraq is a pointless war, said Basmah.

This war has no real purpose, but regardless of the state of the war people should be supportive of the troops and try to get the home, said Basmah. Even though she is Middle Eastern, her ethnic background does not affect her stand. She believes that people should support the troops because in the end they’re risking their lives so regular civilians won’t have to.

Basmah is fully aware of the possibility being sent to war and having to serve, and she is fully prepared for that, because “it’s part of the job” Basmah said. The prospect of going t war did cross her mind as she decided to commit to ROTC, but then like now Basmah is hopeful that she will not have to go to war.

Basmah and some of her ROTC peers have considered the possibility of having to kill someone if they are sent to war. Interestingly, this is one fact Basmah admits to not considering when deciding to accept her ROTC scholarship. However, now she says that if she had to kill someone she would, because “it’s part of the job” but she also said she wouldn’t be able to shoot a child.

On the very liberal USF campus, Basmah has encountered some opposition to her career choice; “one day I was running with my ROTC shirt and someone called me a baby killer’”. While Basmah respects those against war, she does not feel it is correct for students to speak negatively of her choice especially when “they don’t know everything about it”, said Basmah.

As one of the few girls in the ROTC program Basmah did say that there were some instances where she has been underestimated because she is girl. While it is bothersome, it doesn’t seem like it will change, said Basmah. At the same time sexist comments do not stop, at this point it seems like no challenge is too much for Basmah Yassin.

Sydey White

So, I went to go watch Sydney White a few weeks for the Foghorn, however I never saw the review in The Forghorn. Therefore to make myself believe I did not write this review in vain I am posting it here. enjoy!

In Universal’s Sydney White, Sydney Amanda Bynes begins her college career at Southern Atlantic University in hope of pledging her mother’s sorority. She finds out however, that college life is no fairytale and soon begins her quest to change the status quo at SAU.

Sydney White, directed by Joe Nussbaum, is loosely based on the story of Snow White- but Nussbaum’s film has a very modern twist. It has the same framework: there is a witch character, Rachel Witchburn Sara Paxton as well as a charming prince, Tyler Prince Matt Long, it even has seven dwarves- or dorks - as they are know in the film.

Nussbaum cleverly takes the Snow White fairytale and sets in college ruled by Greek life. As a result, Sydney White is more just a fairytale, but a story about discovering one’s true self and accepting it.

Sydney, thinks pledging, her mother’s sorority will let her connect more with her mother, but once she begins the process, sorority president Rachel Witchburn (Paxton), makes the pledge process an unpleasant experience for Sydney. Soon enough, Sydney realizes that the sorority is not something she wants to be a part of and leaves. As a social outcast she is forced to move into “The Vortex” with seven dorks. However, these awkward guys become her roommates and only friends.

When Sydney begins to realize how much the Greeks dominate the school. Even though there are other interest groups and organizations on campus, their presence is invisible. The Greek community stomps over them by taking away funds and ignoring their concerns. Upon realizing this Sydney decides that the current situation at SAU must change, and is determined to take power away from the Greeks. During her quest for change she shakes things up on campus, creating drama and laughs.

Fans of Amanda Bynes will be happy to know she brings her comedic skills to the film. Sydney White might look a little campy, but it delivers more humor and depth than one expects. For example, one sorority sister tries to keep Witchburn from going into her room by telling her she just farted in there. Also, in one scene the seven dorks from “The Vortex” walk by Witchburn in single file, each telling her “Hi Ho.”

Still, despite the genuinely funny moments, the Snow White references are a little cheesy. For instance when Sydney’s Mac computer gets hacked into it is referred to an a “poison apple.” Additionally, Sydney’s romantic interest, Tyler Prince, wakes her up and they share their first kiss, much like in the fairytale.

While this film falls into the typical teen comedy category, with its comedic timing, romance and college setting, it is definitely relatable and entertaining- fun allover. It brings out the dork in the whole audience.

Sydney White, directed by Joe Nussbaum and starring Amanda Bynes, opens Friday September 21st.