Students, Take Control Of Your Lives!

Often I imagine what the ancient Greeks might say about our current system of education. In those days, teachers were respected, had hands-on experience, and inspired pupils to control their own fates.

Then I snap back and find myself among students who care only about passing the next test and a professor concerned only with teaching specific material before the class is over.

The Greeks would consider us stupid, apathetic slaves.
When did it become okay to stop asking important questions, to accept being spoon-fed?

My favorite teacher called me a “passive nothing” and said “the breeze in this room has more to say than you.” Instead of writing a letter to the dean, I held him responsible. I challenged him and was surprised to get truthful answers. When he wasn’t sure of something, he admitted it.

It clicked: “This is education!”

Finally I had found someone respectable enough to state his opinions and back up his beliefs! Am I greedy to want all my teachers to act like this?

Fellow students, it’s time to start participating. Don’t just answer trivial questions teachers ask for class-participation points. Ask, “How do you know this?” or “Why are we learning this author?”

When we’re forking out five grand per semester, I want proof that this professor deserves to teach me. How about a little open conversation in the classroom?

Plato said, “The foundation of every state is its education.” Maybe it’s this education system that’s making us all zombies. Students forget we have power; we just need to quit being so fearful. It’s time to speak up.

—Brent Foster