With the winter we have had so far, there is little doubt the weather has made RPI a bit colder than usual. Unfortunately, there is nothing we can do about this. There is, however, something we should all take a few minutes out of our day to consider—the way we greet and treat each other. By just saying "hello" to those you pass, the whole sentiment of our campus will change, and some of that tension that seems to build up each year will subside.
With that, call the following a brief psychology experiment or just my use of this column to illustrate a point. Either way, please read on.
How to show off that you know nothing of the social graces and are insensitive:
This is the story of a boy going away to college. Although the kid is alone at school, he keeps his spirits high with aspirations of becoming a ladies’ man and getting a sweet job after graduation. Upon entering the dorms he realizes college will continually test his laziness and beliefs, with daily opportunities to throw all his hard work away. The first weeks are filled with introductions and free food at events with the frats on campus. By mid-semester, the boy recognizes the increase in girls on campus compared to high school, and on weekends he transforms into Mr. Social.
Soon he gets involved with one of the chicks in his class and begins to cut to see her more. His grades slip and he finds himself in jeopardy of failing out. When it seems like he’s hit bottom, the kid meets his girl’s little brother who uses a cane to walk. He pokes fun at the gimp, and she dumps him like a bad habit. She says it’s for an older guy who "knows how to treat a woman," but he doesn’t understand what he is missing. With broken heart in hand, he returns home for the summer and reflects on his first year in college.
How to be polite and respectful, and win the women with a soft heart:
This is the story of a young man on his way to learning the ways of the world. Although he sets out to college with none of his hometown friends, confidence in his social skills keeps his spirits high for success. Upon entering his residence hall, the man realizes college will test his responsibility level and personal integrity every minute of every day, while providing vast opportunities for leadership and personal enrichment. His first weeks are filled with the usual introductions and free food at fraternity gatherings and sporting events on campus. The fellow recognizes the drastic increase in females—namely women rather than girls—on campus compared to high school, and studies hard during the week so that weekends can be devoted to meeting new people.
He decides to get involved with a woman from his calculus class and begins to spend time with her. She provides balance in his life to counter academic stresses and social pressures, and they begin to grow and learn from each other as young adults. When meeting her handicapped brother, the man treats him as any other person, with care for his rights and feelings. The young couple lasts through the summer and on through college to marry and live happily ever after.
The moral of these stories starts with something I learned in IEA: one negative force can be overpowered by many smaller, yet cumulatively larger, positive forces. Thus it is the little stuff (like saying woman instead of girl, and residence hall instead of dorm) that gains you respect and exhibits your maturity. Let college be the years when you finally get that act your parents have been telling you about together. Learn to love your fellow man and woman enough to address them properly and remain sensitive to their needs as individuals. Doing so will spare your girlfriend’s brother from having to club you with his cane to set you straight, and will definitely come in handy throughout your life.
Now back to the music—Wednesday, February 28, the faculty and student senates will convene from 3-5 pm in a joint session (hmmm) in Sage 5711 to discuss several issues that are facing both groups’ constituencies. The agenda plans for discussion to center on academic integrity issues facing our wired campus and in the 21st century, with additional attention to be given to class hour changes, review of the light Wednesday schedule, and other relevant topics. Members of the student and faculty bodies are encouraged to send relevant input prior to the meeting, and to also attend as guests next week.
Interested students in particular should attend Monday’s Student Senate meeting at 9 pm in Union Room 3202 to expose your ideas in preparation for the joint session. Those sending input from overseas should e-mail senate-listens@rpi.edu, or send a SASE with $5 to GM Slush Fund, Rensselaer Union, 110 8th Street, Troy, NY 12180 (just kidding, please do not send cash … money orders only).
Have a great week and in the grand tradition of Mardi Gras, enjoy the Fat Tuesday festivities next week!
