Two semesters came and went faster than I had anticipated.

Whenever my mother drinks, I try to avoid her. (For the record, she doesn’t drink often, which probably explains why a single margarita is enough to get her buzzed.)

At some point in his life, I think every gay man has wished he lived in Canada, Europe and Massachusetts—anywhere more gay-friendly than, let’s say, Alabama.

The reason it’s so hard to tell whether a boy is gay or not is that there isn’t a single stereotype that fits all.

My friends have called me cynical. They’ve called me heartless, mean and insensitive. In short, a jerk—and that’s a nice way of putting it. I argue I’m realistic, honest and predictable.

Nevada state Sen. Randolph Townsend, R-Washoe, said Tuesday he has requested $50 million for the Nevada university system and Desert Research Institute for energy and environmental research.Townsend spoke to an energy policy class at the University of Nevada, Reno about current energy legislation that could push Nevada to the forefront of innovative energy policy.

Townsend recently asked Sen. Harry Reid to help secure the $50 million request in federal money for the state’s university system. If secured, the money woud fund research and education in energy and environmental research.

When I talked to my boyfriend about an annoying situation a few weeks ago, I was careful not to use the word “gay” pejoratively. My boyfriend once argued that the pejorative use of the word is the reason young gay boys are afraid to come out. Furthermore, its use implies that being gay is bad.

Quite frankly, he has a point. Our generation has been misusing “gay” as a general term of disparagement. While political correctness seems cumbersome at times, it’s necessary.

As a general rule, I believe gay people should be able to do the same things straight people can. For example, they should be able to adopt children, get married, not face discrimination in the workplace and not be harassed if they show affection in public. While I believe public displays of affection should be kept at a minimum, gay couples should be able to hold hands, kiss goodbye at the airport or sit close to one another at a restaurant booth— without getting jeered at or, worse yet, gay bashed.

Some people will argue gay couples shouldn’t publicly show affection in front of children because it’ll influence their sexual orientation. Sure it does, just like seeing heterosexual couples show affection all my life influenced mine. These same people will take it upon themselves to ask gay couples to stop holding hands in public because they don’t want their children to see that.

Growing up gay has its challenges. For one, shopping for clothes takes much longer – typically involving a pack mule and plenty of energy-boosting granola bars – especially on Black Friday. And two, I always blow my budget, tenfold. Trivial retail matters aside, though, I’ve encountered other less-than-comfortable situations. Being out of the closet involves many questions. And when my mother has had one glass of wine too many, those questions involve awkward answers. Since coming out, I’ve fielded numerous personal questions from family, friends and strangers. The most common one, however, remains this: When did you first know you were gay?

Months ago, when I decided to attend the University of Nevada, Reno, I was apprehensive about moving to Reno. I wasn’t apprehensive for the same reasons as other students. Some of my friends worried about leaving home for the first time, others worried about the rigor of college courses and some worried about sharing a dorm room with a bad roommate. I, on the other hand, was more concerned about Reno’s tolerance for diversity. Not because I’m Hispanic, but because I am gay.

Like some other college students, Richard Hansen plans to pay off his student loans, travel and get involved in charity work. And to get started on that list, the 18-year-old University of Nevada, Reno student will use his $25,000 winnings from “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire.”

With school, work and a social life, staying sane can be draining. Between papers, projects, presentations, study sessions and social events, one might find it hard to sleep well, eat right and exercise daily. Here are a few suggestions on how to make the most of your day.