Thoughts from a Philosophy Major

Jonathan Gordon

By now the winners of the student council elections have been chosen and another blissful year in this esteemed college of ours is set to begin. I'd like to offer my observations, perhaps as an outsider on the inside of YU. If I've learned one thing in my two years here, it is that those who can complain often do. Yes there are many things wrong with this school, but it is my belief that if we truly treated this as an institution of learning, then it would become one. We can blame the administration and faculty until we're blue in the face, but all that shows is each person's inability to look within themselves for answers. What I hope to show is that perception is warped by judgment, but true introspection is steadfast.

Your actions influence how this institution acts. Each time you register for classes based on the easiest teacher, you are telling the school that you value incompetence. Every time you go into our library only to use AOL or to check the latest stock quotes- you are telling this institution of learning that furthering your mind beyond schoolwork is not important to you. What would happen if people didn't register for those easiest classes each semester, or if we actually read the secular books for leisure?

The school treats us like we treat it. The administration knows that there are those of us who only care about getting the degree as soon as is humanly possible. So what do they do? They institute rules that keep those students who don't care about the school anyway, here a little longer. I don't think their main intention is to get extra money out of us; what I do believe is that they want those students to feel like they actually were in college those few years. I believe YU wants the students to have fond memories when looking back. Granted, alumni benefactors are always important, but I can't imagine that the administration is trying to punish us for this reason. They are merely trying to keep us from rushing out of here too fast, and then regretting it later on. Do you think YU makes money on keeping us a fifth year here for free? If you do, I'd like to hear how.

I pose a test for all of you while you go on toward improving your resumes this summer. Try and think about what really motivates you in life. Does knowledge just for the sake of attaining it mean anything to you? Granted the all mighty dollar drives every one of us, admittedly even us lowly philosophy majors. But the fact of the matter is that ambition is no excuse for apathy. I challenge every one of you to start taking responsibility for yourselves a little. Try to further your mind where possible, read for enjoyment. Nothing is going to change in the administration unless the attitudes and perceptions of the students change first. The burden of the school, and future of YU is in your hands….do with it what you may. Remember this school will only become an institution of learning if you treat it as such.