In the college center, there is a huge bulletin board on wheels located by the north doors. I have watched it throughout the semester, as the amount of paper pinned securely to the brown speckled surface ebbs and flows— completely covered to a lonely leaflet clutching the corner. Usually, it is filled with advertisements for computers and other appealing secondhand goods like mountain bikes or houses renting for ridiculously cheap. There is also the occasionally colorful poster for a community event, and various other advertisements for musicians playing in restaurants.
Amongst all these advertisements, there is, pinned to the cork, publicity for school-sponsored events: student forums pertaining to school policy, free comedy performances, and epic dance parties. I would venture to say that these are the most important, yet least considered pieces of paper on the whole board.
The flyers represent awesome events that are completely free to students, as well as opportunities for students to offer up their opinions and get their voices heard. Most students, however, seem to be apathetic toward these luxuries that are offered almost on a weekly basis.
I went to a dance party the other week that a student organization held in the college center. The decorations were phenomenal and they probably paid a ton of money to get a renowned DJ there to spin the latest dance hits. Despite publicity, including a poster on the very same board I mentioned earlier, attendance was not as high as it should have been. There were a good amount of people there, but I would expect hundreds of people to attend an event that was as well thought out and attractive as this one. The DJ they hired works with Usher! What does it take to get students excited about campus events?
It is not only activities that students seem to be unenthusiastic about; most students are not participating in forums or voting that can have a huge impact on their own college careers as well as those of future students. Since I have been a student here, there have been countless forums held about various school policies. Student leaders do this in order to seek out the voice of the student body. When only a minimal amount of students show up at such an event, student leaders are hearing only a small portion of what students have to say. How can they help the students get what they desire, when the students will not take the opportunity to voice what they think?
I know students at Mesa State have strong opinions. I also know that students at Mesa State are enthusiastic, fun, and driven. It is time that we stop hiding these traits and start being active in our college community. Apathy is not productive. If the events held do not appeal to you, say something. Tell student leaders what you would like to do; who you would like to bring to campus; what entertains you.
Take advantage of the endless possibilities student organizations present to you. Use your voice when it comes to policy changes. The power is with you, and you can move to make a change. Do you want more recycling bins on campus, a bigger climbing wall, or Mesa State to be titled as a university? You have the power. You just have to take hold of the opportunities given to you and use your voice.
If students remain apathetic, they will be missing out on all the luxuries they are provided with by simply being a part of a college community. What other time in our lives will we be able to dance to famous DJ’s for free, or easily have our voices heard by people who impact community policy?
Forget the apathy Mesa State students. It is time for you to get involved, take advantage of fun opportunities, and be heard. You have impact. Now you just have to use it.

-Liz Dearstyne, Student