There’s a wealth of information out there.
It can come from “TED Talks”, the History Channel, the news or even Buzzfeed when “legitimate” articles are posted.
And websites like reddit, imgur and Facebook help new knowledge reach the fringes of the technological world.
But there’s something to be said about encountering information in a real, personal way.
John Lewis, only remaining survivor of “The Big Six”, visited campus April 11 as part of Bradley’s yearlong Civil Rights theme. The theme was selected in honor of the 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
The university hosted a multitude of events throughout the year revolving around the theme, and Lewis’ lecture was the capstone of the series.
The article on A1 summarizes Lewis’ speech, but in general he was the youngest member of the very small group working with Martin Luther King during the Civil Rights movement, which culminated in the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963.
Around 400 to 500 people attended the event in the Renaissance Coliseum. That number is large, but considering the number of community members in attendance, students could have been better represented.
Every person on this campus enjoys learning to a degree. There’s no doubt about that.
So why are we moving from personal connection to the behind-the-screens style of learning?
Is it because when we browse the Internet we can pick and choose what we learn, making it easier to focus on some areas and disregard others?
Is it because lectures are too hit-or-miss and we can’t just change the channel or leave the room when the subject doesn’t suit us?
Is it because when we stay home we don’t have to put on pants?
Whatever the reason we have to have to start going out and learning.
Attending live events is an essential way of learning – it’s why we go to class. It’s a type of learning that involves the whole self as an active, willing participant.
And while we at The Scout usually ask more questions than supply answers, we actually want to suggest something this time.
The Vice President for Student Affairs (VPSA) candidates will visit campus during the next two weeks. The four finalists for the position will each hold two open forum interviews when on campus.
What better way could students participate actively in forming, or reforming, their environment? Bradley’s VPSA works with student life in areas like residential life, health services and the Smith Career Center among others.
One of these four people will bring our problems, from dorm cockroaches to antibiotics, directly to University President Joanne Glasser and serves in her cabinet.
Anyone who attends the forums has the opportunity to ask questions and/or complete an evaluation form on the candidate.
It’s so easy to say “nothing ever gets changed around here” and “no one realizes what’s wrong,” but when we actually get the chance to help pick the person who can fix those problems and we refuse to take it, do we retain that right to complain?
When we are given the chance to learn and grow, especially as a Bradley community, are we going to take it?
Information is easy to find nowadays – but it’s what we do with it that matters.
Interview dates and times are posted on Bradley’s “VPSA Search” webpage, along with the candidates’ résumés.
