Life is an ever-changing wonder. We change for many reasons with or without the helping (meddling) hand of the outside world. I have changed a lot since my arrival to the Gateway City.
It is important to know this before you read the rest of my opinion article:
“I am in no way like a pie in the sky and perfect. I have my share of flaws and I certainly make my great share of mistakes,” says me.
My experience at this university has been one of many shades of color; we can even label it as a rainbow of experiences. I do have to admit that most of my experiences at this university (with faculty and students) have been pleasant and will remain as smiling memories of my time here.
I have become an active member of my student body and have made many friends along the way. Friends are very important for they are our pillars of strength and that sobering voice that can tell us, “You are not thinking right…snap out of it!” For that I thank and love all of you.
Not all has been good though.
I have had my share of bad experiences (haven’t we all?). An example: I was beaten to the point where I couldn’t recognize my own face for over a month right here on campus, just because the way God made me was not good enough for someone.
I have been able to get over things like that; I moved on. It doesn’t serve anyone any good to hold such grudges for more than the necessary time…as Tina Turner sings, “I don’t care who’s right or wrong…I don’t really want to fight anymore…it is time for letting go.”
My passive-aggressive way of dealing with things has been my biggest flaw; I don’t necessarily stand up for what I believe in all the time. Instead I have remained quiet at times when I knew I should have said something. Why is that? Why would anyone bite his or her tongue and not say what was on their minds?
Here is my opinion as to why:
Dissent from the local university way of thinking is also a factor in changing the perspectives and views of students. One wrong step in any other direction than the one that has been “planned” out may be cause for alienation. Dissent may even cost a student (or any member) to be viewed and labeled as a troubled and problematic member of the community; such to the point that instead of trying to understand the views of the student, a simple brush off is much more appealing and convenient.
I wish I could tie you up in my shoes so that you could see just how one can formulate these views.
“Oh yes, the way you see it…that is right,” is what they would much rather hear. Cuz after all, we all know that the reason for high-paying jobs at the university is so that the students can be there for them and not them for students.
A perfect example of this is my “email-gate” moment dealing with the Increase Tuition Referendums, held early in the semester; Emails never reached students to inform them about the forums and no official acceptance of this point that I brought up was ever mentioned. I did do the research however, I questioned many, many students and proved my theory correct…I was not alone in my research and we proved “email-gate” to be true.
I know that some of you may disagree with my views and I respect that. I also know that many of you agree with me…and that encourages the writing of this opinion article.
Students that are passive and accepting of the norm of what is said to be “the way” are rewarded and paraded; just look at some of the faces of those that grace the “I know what I want out of life” commercials. (Important note: I don’t mean everybody on the commercials.)
Another strong proof is the lack of student pride in our university. Where is it? Is it waiting to pop up out of no where once the university officially enters the NCAA Division II?
I’ll tell you where it is: it is washed down the drain every time a student has to deal with the inconsistent way of things here.
Those of us that have strong school spirit have to constantly convince ourselves that there is enough reason to have it. That reason for me is the experience I have had with the friends that I have made here and the great professors that I have had the opportunity to learn from.
(I hold many great memories of my time here and do not regret my decision to attend this university.)
When students are treated as if though their voice and presence is important is when they will actually start having a sense of identity with the university. Students are people too…and future donors (be nice to us).
When those that are meant to support and encourage individual growth despite contrary view points do that is when we can actually have a vibrant community; a community that actually comes to be a part of the university…not just to have class and leave.
Think that what I say is a bunch of bull? Ask around…see what you hear and then tell me if I am wrong.
I welcome anyone to reply to this opinion article of mine and hope that I do have some replies. I want to know just how others feel about their growth, intellectually and more importantly as human beings based on your experiences here.