An education outside the classroom
This summer I had an experience not many college students will ever get. Unless they attend Hillsdale College, it’s safe to assume that the average college student rarely finds themselves in the midst of 400 politically active, conservative students. It’s also safe to assume that as a college student you certainly don’t find yourself waking up to listen to Newt Ginrinch, Walter Williams, David Brooks, Michelle Malkin, Star Parker or dining with John Stossel. Rarely do you find yourself in a room full of 18, 19, 20, 21 and 22-year-olds, who are discussing such issues as illegal immigration, the role of feminism in today’s society, racism, the War on Terror, or the privatization of social security.
In fact, upon a visit to the politically active groups on a typical college campus, such as the College Democrats or College Republicans, you would be extremely lucky to find even 50 passionate, politically-active members, who take time to make a difference on their campus and in their community.
Despite the odds, I found myself in this exact situation. I found myself in Washington D.C. in August: Due to the generosity of the Phillips Foundation, I was able to take a trip to this beautiful city—one of the most historically rich cities within this great nation.
Of course, it was the hottest week of the year – that’s just my luck. Even the heat didn’t keep me and many of the other young college students from going to listen to the speakers we were to hear each day. I had a wonderful roommate during my stay; Angie and I headed off each morning eager to meet the speakers and hear what we are not offered in the classroom – an education in how to think and evaluate all sides of the political spectrum, as well as take a stand on the social, economic and moral issues of today.
I was undergoing a week of exposure to a wide range of conservative and some libertarian viewpoints. I recall a good handful of our speakers, introducing themselves as individuals who came from liberal environments, liberally-minded colleges, schools, families, and several who had been very active in liberal associations, yet are now conservatives.
We were there to listen, question, engage in discussion, and to make up our own minds on where we stand.
I was at the 2006 National Conservative Student Conference held by the Young America’s Foundation. The Young America’s Foundation is “the principal outreach organization of the Conservative Movement.” According to its mission, it “is committed to ensuring that increasing numbers of young Americans understand and are inspired by the ideas of individual freedom, a strong national defense, free enterprise, and traditional values.”
What I enjoyed most about the YAF speakers was how candidly they spoke to us. The passion and boldness with which they presented their stories, ideas, and solutions to problems seen within today’s world was truly inspirational. I did not agree with everything said, yet when they presented their views, the speakers made it clear that we were to analyze them for ourselves – not passively absorb everything we heard. In short, we were taught how to think. The YAF speakers were educated, thoughtful, experienced individuals who have well-shaped world views. I was moved by many of their talks, stories, and lectures.
I must confess I did take a good amount of notes. Still, there were some things that had a bigger impact on me than others; I had no need to write them down. It was a heart wrenching experience to hear the intimate account of 9/11 and its aftermath for Deena Burnett whose husband, Tom Burnett, was on United Airlines Flight 93. The courage, patriotism, and humble demeanor with which she spoke moved the audience to complete silence. It was an experience you cannot get from a CNN news report or reading a magazine, newspaper, or book. It was as if, we could, for those few moments she shared her story, partake in her pain and struggle and see her rise above the crisis she faced to be an example to all mothers, all Americans, and to her three young daughters.
All in all, it was a week I will never forget. Sometimes we find ourselves in a rather numb state to the issues and events of importance in today’s society. We become overwhelmed by the seeming abundance of hardships, problems, and controversies we hear on the news. How can we, as individuals, make a difference in a world so big, so full of misery?
The impact these speakers had upon me, and the passion they instilled in my peers, convinced me there is a way to make a difference. It may be by simply sharing ideas with friends or by openly expressing an opinion in class. It may be by getting active in a political association that resonates with what you believe in. It may be by writing into this paper to agree or disagree with a stance taken. We never know how our actions may affect others or change the future. We can only hope for the best and strive to make this world a better place by learning what it is we believe is good and striving to create a world that reflects that good.
Comments
Post new comment