As students, we made changes within our school and communities because none of us tried to fit into any of the post high-school version of the in-crowd. Everyone acted individually as themselves, natural and uncomplicated. Our focus back then centered around the idea of enrolling at an institution of higher learning to expand our intellectual potential and develop our character and skill capabilities.

That was then, and this is now.

I’ve been an SIUC student for almost two years, and I’ve had the unfortunate opportunity to behold some of the most elitist, trivial, egocentric, pretentious and unimaginative people I’ve ever laid eyes upon. I understand that SIUC is a so-called party school, but what do we have that’s worth celebrating?

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Have we come here to be trained to think and act in programmed ways or are we here to learn to think for ourselves through the auspices of education and individual intuitiveness? If we looked at the meaning of the word education, we would find that it comes form the Latin word educere, meaning to draw out from within. In other words, it means one must take the initiative to know thy self and then bring the fruits of one’s thoughts, words or plans into action. If we have no plans, it could be argued that we have no thoughts or feelings. Are we on the verge of becoming creators of nothingness?

Nothingness is equated to the Latin word nihil an existentialist term created by German philosopher Frederich Nietszche meaning nothing, and a doctrine stating that all values are worthless and that nothing is knowable.

As neo-nihilists, we wear our insecurities and false hopes upon our backs and chests, not realizing that these status symbols are deceiving us like bags of fools’ gold. We carelessly flaunt our designer name-brand clothing and brotherly/sisterly affiliated organizations upon our chests and heads vital sites that need reform while contributing nothing to the advancement of higher learning. The education of heads and hearts can make us into leaders who could become servants of the masses in due time and with proper training.

Until we come into the realization that we must learn about ourselves and others to develop our characters and mind, we shall continue to have designer apparel and group-affiliated symbols speak for and define our existence within and without this institution.

True symbols are personified with the wise words, ways and actions of people who have come to school to learn how to act instead of react. If we are true to our affiliated groups, everyone will take notice of the light that emanates from our honorable traits and deeds, rather than our mere social or group associations.

It’s time to turn off the meaningless programmed images of television and take charge of creating new ways and better days for the students of tomorrow. Today’s students are far from learning the rewards that come from the fullness of learning that this school is capable of imparting upon our personalities.

Engaging in intellectual masturbation using unintelligible words or shallow posturing makes no sense, nor does it bring forth any progressive actions. This form of undisciplined behavior makes us look like that foolish character of Hans Christian Andersen’s fable, The Emperor’s New Clothing. Are we to walk around blind to our own ignorance like the king in the story?

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The solution lies within self-discipline and the acquisition of the knowledge of our true nature. This is the best defense against the vices of frivolous and unenlightened lifestyles. In the words of Professor Vivaldo Da Costa Lima, The more one knows, the more possibilities there are to gain power. Power comes through knowledge, authority comes through power. Peace (Productive Education And Constant Elevation).