Rhodes is a beautiful school. No one can deny that the
architectural ingenuity is spectacular. I am amazed when I walk from class to
class and am reminded of the stunning world around me. Rhodes is physically
beautiful but is internally ugly. My mom always told me that it is what is on
the inside that matters and I have found that to be true at Rhodes. I will
always be attracted to the beauty of the school but I am more concerned with
how it is run internally. Rhodes is internally flawed and we need to fix it. Several
times over my time here, I have questioned whether or not Rhodes is the right
place for me. I am still not sure but I do know that it is too late for me to
transfer. If I am going to be stuck here, then I need to make the best of it.
I am very pleased with the decision to get rid of the
Physical Education requirement and to replace it with a requirement to take
part in a first year seminar. The First Year Seminar is an opportunity for
Rhodes to start having important conversations with students that make up the
Rhodes community. Throughout my two years at Rhodes, there have been several
times where I wish the community as a whole could have important conversations.
Obviously, we need to talk about race relations and how minority students feel
uncomfortable by white students. We need to talk about how sexual assault is a
real issue. We need to talk about the disconnect between students and
administration. We need to talk about the fact that students do not feel
comfortable on Rhodes’ campus.
In the fall, I will be a mentor for the first year seminar.
I am incredibly excited about the potential that this initiative has. There are
many important conversations that one needs to have as they come to college. We
need to start having important conversations about race, sexuality, gender,
sexual assault and many other things. This could be the first chance that some
of the first years are choosing what they believe about these things. We need
to give them this chance to determine their own beliefs. The First Year Seminar
provides an avenue for these conversations to happen in a safe space. If it is
laid out in the correct way, it will be obvious that student life at Rhodes is
beginning to change.
I can totally relate to this as I have been unsure whether Rhodes is the right school for me for a while now, but this year I finally accepted the fact that I am here for a reason and need to enjoy the time I have left with the lifelong friends I have made. With that said, the decision for Rhodes to implement a first year seminar is a wonderful idea and I think it is something that will change the campus climate for the better. Rhodes IS a safe space for this and conversation needs to take place in order for all students on this campus, whether incoming or leaving, to fully understand how they feel and how to express how they feel about certain complex issues such as racism, sexual assault, etc. or even simple issues such as deciding on what classes to take as a freshman based on a mentor such as your self's experiences. Change is among us and it is headed in the right direction.
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