As a student at University of Missouri, I think it is extremely important to comment on the events that have been happening on campus. I have an incredible opportunity to write and share on this platform, so while history is being made in my home, I should say something about it.
This is my freshman year and first semester at this school. I am still getting used to calling this place my home. It is incredibly sad that other people live in a place that is supposed to be their home in fear and anger.
When the protests started, I stayed away. I felt like it wasn’t my place. That I should keep my head down, and not form an opinion on anything that was happening on campus. If it didn’t directly affect me, then why should care? I was so wrong. This is my home too. These are my classmates, friends and teachers that are being affected so all of these events taking place on campus did affect me.
There are hundreds of articles and media coverage about these events- we are a critically-acclaimed journalism school, what do you expect? So, I am not going to summarize or comment on the recent news. However, if you are interested to learn more about everything and how it came about, I highly recommend this timeline created by the student newspaper, The Maneater. This is an updated list of events starting at the beginning of this school year. It is very useful and informational.
What I want to stress is the importance of being an informed student. I was wrong in thinking that I should “stay out of it.” In order to be a well-rounded, intelligent students we have to learn, research and form opinions on what we find. There are hundreds of outlets at our fingertips, and we have to use them for our own good. A single retweet or share of an article can help spread awareness. I am not forcing an opinion on anyone, I believe it is important for people to make their own educated opinions.
History is being made at the University of Missouri, and students should be aware of it. This is a learning experience for us all. Be respectful and listen to what people have to say. This is a time that we are supposed to have emotions and feel something about what is going on around us. This has been an eventful first semester of my college experience, but I am glad I have the opportunity to learn and grow from the world around me. I can only hope that people take the time to be active students and stay aware of all the change that is to come.
