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JILL SCHMELZER Amherst Reporter

+ MY OWN NAIVET - On Aug. 16, The Bee kicked off its six-week series about the Dalai Lama's visit to the University at Buffalo. I have had the privilege of being one of the reporters chosen to cover this once-in-a-lifetime event. For the past two Thursdays, I have attended practicing Buddhist Frank Howard's lecture series, which educates members of the community about the Tibetan spiritual leader. I have realized a lot, sitting there learning about Buddhism and Tibet. First, I wish I had paid more attention in history class. I also regretted not reading "Tears of Blood, a Cry for Tibet" during my World Views course in college. The life Tibetans have led since 1959 when China invaded the territory and exiled the Dalai Lama is fascinating and heart-wrenching. Also, I am a Roman Catholic. I attended Catholic grammar school, high school and college. As I learn more about the Eastern World I realize how naive and uneducated I have been toward other religions. The other day my mother and I discussed Buddhism versus Catholicism. I found many similarities in the two. Yes, there are profound differences, but in the end everyone wants the same thing - to be happy. No one knows for sure what happens after death. I can understand why Buddhists believe in reincarnation. In a way, it makes a lot of sense. I believe there is a heaven; where it is I don't know, but in the end that is where my faith lies. Can I say I am right - no. So, I cannot judge nor tell people that their belief is wrong. If there is one thing I have taken from this experience, it is to be tolerant and open to others' beliefs.

by JESSICA FINCH Associate Editor

 SCARY MOMENT - Saturday morning around 1 a.m. marked my scariest moment to date. Having attended an all-day picnic on Grand Island for my kung fu studio, I was exhausted and went to bed early. My roommate, who was leaving for vacation Sunday afternoon, also turned in early. But in a matter of hours we were awakened by a fire alarm and our neighbors banging on both our front and back doors. I heard a man outside yelling to "Call 911, the house is on fire." Not thinking it was my house may have helped, but with houses as close as they are in Buffalo, I knew I needed to get out. Grabbing a sweatshirt and a leash for the dog, I raced out the door with one of the dogs. My roommate was not far behind. The second floor landing was heavy with smoke - it was indeed our house. But that didn't stop the dog from pulling me almost off my feet in a race for the front door. The first floor, the origin of the flames, was even heavier with smoke. Once out on the street, the dog and I both paused to breathe, and I made sure everyone else was outside. We six renters of the home were speechless while we awaited the fire trucks. Luckily, the damage was not that bad. Later we were told we could go back in the building, but the next morning we awoke to sore throats, smoke-scented clothing and a film of soot in the apartment. The fire had been caused by a candle left unattended and luckily, it only damaged one wall. We were lucky, but had the tenants been out, or the man yelling for 911 not seen the flame, it could have been worse. Use my story as an example to be careful when using candles. A small flame can get out of control without notice.