Dr. Thorton's lecture touched on a few things previously mentioned in other lectures. Self-actualization is a term that I hear every week in Freshman Seminar. I realize that we as freshmen are being called to action. We have been given a privilege to be here, and we have to make the most of it. We are called to self-actualize in order to, as Dr. Thorton put it, "enrich the constitutional discourse".
A citizen of the world is someone who is a member of society. A citizen must contribute to the society around them. This may either be a contribution of ideas, services, leadership, or technology. A citizen of the world is first a citizen of his or her own nation. World citizenship comes when an individual decides to reach out and enrich the rest of the world.
One person who demonstrated such characteristics was Louis C. Cramton. Cramton was a Michigan congressman who increased support for Howard University. In addition, he was also an advocate for the national park system and for fair employment practices. Cramton serviced the society around him and enriched the world through his efforts. What Cramton did for Howard should inspire all freshmen, including myself, to step out of our comfort zones and work towards changing the face of our university for the better.
Any student who comes to Howard should want to be a part of the university's "best and brightest". For me, this means to be involved in campus activities and show interest in the university's programs and organizations. Also, to be the best and brightest, you have to be a true representative of Howard. You have to be a world citizen and demonstrate self and cultural awareness. In addition to these things, you must remember to honor Howard no matter where you go after you leave, because it will always be a part of who you are.
No comments:
Post a Comment