Despite a year of repeated frustrations, sophomore Abayomi Awoyomi still has hope for the future of track and field.

Sadly, one of my favorite months of the year is coming to an end. Black History Month, a month that celebrates the legacies of prominent Black people and their efforts to pave the way for future Black generations, has amplified my own consciousness and pride in my identity.

Which gender do you suspect is more likely to hire a hit man: male or female? Most would guess that men would be more likely to do so. However, in the Orthodox Jewish communities of New York City, this is not the case. In Judaism, divorce can only be initiated by the husband, and a document called a “get” must be issued to allow the wife to remarry if she so chooses.

Last Wednesday, the New York City Council voted by overwhelming majority to increase the smoking age in the city to 21. This was done as part of an initiative to stop the smoking epidemic and to increase health among the citizens of New York. But the problem of tobacco use cannot be stopped by something as crude as a ban.

In an effort to fight obesity and improve the health of his constituency, New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg has introduced a proposal that would ban the use of food stamps to purchase soda and other unhealthy drinks. Some people say in a paternalistic attempt to control the poor, Mayor Bloomberg has introduced an intrusive measure that condescendingly curbs their freedom.

This past weekend I went home to New York City, ready to experience all of the urban pleasures that make it my favorite place on earth.