You know how La Voz is all about rabble-rousing and trying to get people to understand why they should care about all these issues going on at De Anza and in our political system? You know how we always say we suffer from student apathy? I am particularly guilty of this offense, and starting today, I’m going to make an effort to stop ragging on our students, because you guys are awesome.
Did you see the turnout at DARE’s walk-in last Wednesday? The conference rooms were (dare I say it) bustling with activity pretty much throughout the day. A fair number of people went to the individual workshops scattered throughout campus. And people even stayed beyond the time allotted to a workshop I attended, in order to continue their discussion on how to incorporate democracy into their daily lives and engage in the process of securing our education.
One thing I found particularly impressive was some of the attendee’s willingness to admit that they didn’t really know a whole lot about the budget situation. They decided that the first step they would take toward taking action would be to inform themselves, do some research. It’s incredibly tough for us to admit we don’t know something. It’s particularly difficult when we know enough about something to feel passionately about it, but come up blank when we’re asked to explain why it’s so important. I’m guilty of this too, and it’s another habit I’m resolving to kick. Even admitting that we all have a lot left to learn, and asking questions rather than making arguments, is an achievement and a contribution to our own (and indirectly, others’) education.
After the last workshops came to an end, members of DARE, some faculty members, and some students gathered in the conference rooms for a last, closing discussion. But one instructor struck a chord with me that hadn’t yet been touched upon: What we need to do next is to channel all this enthusiasm into a statement that cannot be ignored. Walk-ins have happened several times now, even the March on March 2 will be a repeat of last year’s protest. In other words, now that we have your attention, what can we do to get everyone else to support education? Bring your ideas. After last Wednesday, I know I’m not the only one willing to listen.
