Take risks, take action

In a world so technologically in sync that news and gossip can travel faster than lightning, student activists have become seemingly obsolete.

Chances are if you’re under 30, protesting is not something you’ve witnessed, let alone been involved in. I’m not referencing the Greenpeace, eco types who bombard you with photos of animal cruelty. Instead I’m talking about the 20-something year old college students who are actively involved in disputing issues concerning their schools, civil liberties, and whatever else they feel is worthy of their attention. These are groups of people large enough and loud enough to garner media attention and try to force change.

It seems to me that college students today are more concerned with partying or procrastination- an all too often lethal combination.

How have students, who were once one of the most influential voices in America, become so apathetic? As the recession continues, and politicians continue to drive our educational system deeper down the drain, students should be speaking out and demanding change. Instead, people update their blog, gripe about it with their friends, or ignore it altogether. The days of physically gathering, whether it is in opposition or support of an issue, seem to be left to the legacy of our counterparts of the 1960’s.

If our country has any chance bringing down unemployment rates, fighting increased educational costs, and ending corrupt political practices, we must take action.

I’m not suggesting that college students from across the nation incite a riot. Physical action is synonymous to violence. But sitting around thinking about making a difference, and passively signing petitions or letters, does not seem to be getting us anywhere.

In March, college students will have the opportunity to join together and rally at the state capital, in the hopes of voicing our opposition to fee hikes and our support for our campuses. This is not simply an event for community college students, or for people from Sacramento, but a chance for students from state schools across California, to fight for our right to receive quality higher education.  

As the California government continues to cut the budget and raise tuition, we continue to pay more money for less education.

Regardless of whether or not public education is your issue of choice, find a cause that ignites your passion. There are very few people who could honestly say that there is nothing about our state or our country that they would not want to change.

Don’t waste your time. There is only one opportunity for us to be young, energetic, and potentially idealistic college students. So take a risk, take action, and find the potential to make a lasting difference.