As a new academic year begins, Fairfield students have a wealth of opportunities before them. There are clubs to join, jobs to interview for, and events to attend.
In the midst of all this, we should remember that an important part of college life is to participate in university activities as a campus community.
Far too often, students voice complaints about the lack of a united campus community, citing claims such as a lack of school spirit.
And yet, in spite of the perfect weather, free food, music and giveaways, the attendance at last Saturday’s annual Stagstock outdoor concert was staggeringly low. Only a sparse scattering of students was visible on the Oak Room patio and surrounding lawn during the majority of the 10-hour event.
The university puts a tremendous amount of effort, planning and funds into events scheduled during the first week of school and throughout the year. Saturday’s lackluster turnout demonstrated without question that if we are to find fault, the fault must not lie on the shoulders of the university, FUSA, or any other organization; instead, the blame we so casually distribute for this student apathy must fall on no one but ourselves.
The issue is one which has plagued Fairfield students for years, but for all the complaining, few members of our student body are willing to step forth and be part of a positive change.
It is inevitable that such a change would be slow, and Fairfield cannot hope to remedy this problem in a single day, or even in a single year. However, if progress is to be made, then we, as students, must move forward and work to uphold old Fairfield traditions as we strive to create a new sense of belonging and “oneness” on campus.
After all, we have no right to criticize anything, whether it is a FUSA event, university lecture, or even a class, if we can’t put forth some small effort and bother to show up.
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