by Ben Linzey
This past week, many of us voted for the first time. I am now extremely proud to be a Mav. The day following the election, I didn’t see any protests, I didn’t hear of any classes being canceled, and I most definitely didn’t hear of any pizza parties being thrown instead of tests to console “losers” on our campus.
As President Ronald Reagan once said, “There is no such thing as a left or right. There is only an up or down”. I believe as a campus during this election, we chose up, together. Regardless of what the results were, together as a campus, we displayed maturity and most importantly respect towards all those around us during the entire process.
I believe this is something we all need to be proud of. In a time where simple words cause so much hurt, where individuals often choose to be offended rather than try and understand where other individuals are coming from, being respectful is a great accomplishment as a campus and as a society within a society.
A fellow Mav recently said on social media, “We all have a tremendous power on social media. Don’t spread hate. Spread love and respect towards each other, regardless of anything else in the world.”
Not only do we have power on social media, but we have the power of being together. I encourage us to harness this togetherness so that we can rise together, and achieve all that we wish to achieve.
Many of us have felt like “winners” and “losers” these past few days. Remember that regardless of who “won” or “lost” this election, we have all won together by growing together and experiencing these new adventures, together, as Mavericks. I believe that if we continue to learn together, live together, and be together, we can create incredible things and create an incredible experience for all those around us.
I want to echo what President Foster said in his all student email, let us continue to be an example for the rest of the nation. I encourage us to continue to practice the maturity that we have expressed thus far. Let us be excited to be here, as Mavericks. Be willing to learn from those around you, we can all make each other better, and continue to listen and attempt to be heard.
We are almost through the semester and I encourage us to finish strong and to remember to thank those around us for being them, because, without them, you cannot be the best you.
As always,
Thank you for being Mavericks.
Ben Linzey
Student Body Vice President
