College can’t transform you if you’re afraid to speak
At my college orientation this year, a speaker told roughly 200 incoming freshmen that we had a choice.
TL;DR
- College offers a choice between transactional (degree-focused) and transformational (personal growth-focused) education.
- Students are warned against expressing unpopular opinions due to fear of social backlash and self-censorship.
- This fear can lead to a 'spiral of silence,' where individuals avoid expressing beliefs they perceive as unpopular.
- Genuine education should challenge beliefs, strengthen convictions, and teach respectful disagreement.
- Patriotism involves acknowledging and working to solve America's problems, not ignoring them.
- Transformational education prepares students to engage in difficult conversations, build character, and contribute to improving the nation.