A Spark Igniting...

It was an ordinary day with ordinary tasks. Students were busy working away, trying to survive the craziness of finals week. We were discussing the latest SGA meeting and talking about their upcoming events like Sister Weekend and Dad’s Night. Conversation shifted to next semester, and then it happened – like a spark that just caught flame.

She told us about the email that students received, about the impending state budget cuts that threatened tuition grants, that threatened the money used to pay her tuition and that of many other students. But what can she do? She asks. The question hung in the air… What can she do? What can one student upset about a state decision do?

Then another student joined in, “I can’t come back next semester without the grant money.” Then another student chimed, “I’ll owe over a thousand dollars.” As student after student joined in the conversation, something magical happened. The conversation turned again to what can one do? But then it shifted to “What can we do?” They started to realize the power of many, the power of their voice. A petition began almost immediately and talks of organizing a march on the state capital followed suit. The spark ignited and as students dispersed, they took their anger and turned it into power, the power to affect change.

We talk about leadership not as the position you hold, but rather the difference you make. This week, I have seen some students get excited about making a difference, working for change for themselves, for their classmates, for fellow college students across the state.

So many times, I hear people talk about apathy in young people. Sometimes we label it apathy because they don’t come to our events or do things that we think they should. We think it’s apathy because they aren’t motivated by the same things that motivated us, or connect to others in the same ways we connected.

But I don’t see apathy. I see students who care very deeply, who want to make their mark on the world, and to leave the world a bit better. I see students who have a spark inside of them waiting to catch flame, waiting to be inspired, waiting for that catalyst to unleash their potential, waiting for a reason to get off the sidelines and get into the action.

For some of these students, the waiting is over; the call to action is now. And it is so exciting to see that passion in them, to see them realize that they do have a voice and can use that voice for good. It’s the voice of generations of students before them and the voice of generations to follow. It’s the voice of hope and the cry for a better future.

I am proud to be a part of that, to be a supportive voice cheering them on. I support their cause, and hope they win. Even if they don’t, though, finding that voice in themselves and in each other is a far more important and long-lasting victory.