Take the Challenge: Get involved

There has recently been an amazing amount of information addressing local and worldwide issues made available to students through on-campus programs and forums. My first thought upon entering these programs has been a question. What is important to WSSU students?  Many different forums and programs stressing awaremess about important issues students have ignored. It is understood that some students cannot attend because of busy schedules and evening classes, but that cannot be the reason for the student body as a whole.  Students have attended football games, homecoming activities, and social gatherings in record numbers. Though these activities are a part of college life that should be enjoyed, they should not be what students think most important.  The SGA and many other campus organizations have made encouraging a change in students’ methods of prioritizing a main focus. “The overall mission (of the SGA) is to change the mentality amongst the student body. The mentality now is not balanced. It is more focused on entertainment or the social aspect. I want to encourage being active, especially for freshmen. I want to get their minds focused in the right direction from the beginning,” said SGA president Ajeane Knibye.  SGA and other organizations have been correct in their assumptions that many students’ ways of prioritizing are backwards. We should take notice of the different programs that involve students in decision-making processes. Activities that focus on informing students of current local and worldwide issues should be packed just as the programs that entertain. My challenge to you is this; the next time you receive an e-mail or see a program flyer that encourages taking and active role in discussing local or worldwide issues,do so. The issues that are being addressed now are not going to go away and will affect you in some way. Think about it…the challenge is before you, what will you do?