Another form of an education - Observations

When it comes down to it, college isn't just about textbooks and teachers. Do you remember your college admissions days when every school bragged and congratulated themselves on being diverse and socially active? Even during the information sessions at Hopkins, I remember being told about the involvement of the student body in every type of club and how the student body comes from all over the world.

Colleges emphasize this because education is about learning from your peers, not just professors with PhDs. All too often, people at JHU forget that we all come from different backgrounds and have something unique to add to the Hopkins ambiance.

Currently the "Open-Hands, Open-Hearts," religious awareness days are occurring. I'd like to laud this program, ranging from having community service events to speakers to a Buddhist service. These events, designed to teach and inform students about different religions, are an exemplary way to learn about people. Being informed and understanding different aspects helps people to understand personalities and occurrences in daily life. I'd be disappointed if I didn't walk away from college feeling as if I didn't have a deeper appreciation for people unlike myself.

The same goes for events dedicated to any culture, religion and social group. Events are happening continuously - February was Black History Month, it is currently Women's History Month and DSAGA's awareness days are upcoming. I should hope that people would drag themselves away from the Hut, MSEL and their computers to engage in learning outside the classroom setting. As important as an extra-hour of study may be, being more educated in a social atmosphere will prove to be more worthwhile (and worthy) beyond college. Furthermore, learning about other cultures is not just an addition to a Hopkins education; it is a supplement.

So when does someone become an educated person instead of a person with an education? There is no clear line to be drawn. At a prestigious institution like Johns Hopkins, one would hope students are making an effort to take every opportunity available to them. Posters cover the walls advertising different activities created by students to enlighten their peers. Take advantage of these offerings! Education is a mutual pursuit, enriched by diversity and complimented by interaction. We are among students of intriguing and various backgrounds - you'll never learn a thing about them with your face buried in a book.

Education is a starting-point to tolerance and tolerance leads to accord. Many would argue that Hopkins is already in a state of social harmony - in truth, we are more apathetic than accepting. Only a small percentage of the school takes the time to learn about each other - events are unattended even though the library is always packed. Apathy may be easy, but it is injurious. Shame on us if we leave college close-minded and ignorant.

College is about growing up and expanding your horizons. College students tend to be the most liberal and active people in a community. That simply isn't true here - we spend too much time worrying about our GPA's and classes and not enough going out and doing things. This is from where indifference stems. No, we don't need to be sitting on the upper-quad protesting some social inequality everyday, but we do need to start somewhere and that somewhere is with each other.

Education is only a starting point. Become an educated person. It'll turn into a passion and then develop into action. The first step is to learn and involve yourself with your peers. They will teach you more valuable lessons than any professor ever will.