Post by T J Gordon on Jun 30, 2011 11:10:53 GMT -5
thefraternityblog.blogspot.com/2011/01/why-college-students-need-fraternities.html
Why College Students Need Fraternities Today More Than Ever
Posted by Joseph Thompson on Thursday, January 20, 2011
Today as I grabbed my lunch in one of Rutgers' many dining halls, I roamed the seating area in search for a good seat. Typically, I look for an empty table or a table hosting some of my peers, but today I saw no one and had no preference as to where I sat. I consequently sat at a table where two students were already sitting--something I have done many times in the past. At first the two students looked at me funny, as if it was weird to sit in a public place next to a stranger; but then they continued with their conversation.
As I ate my lunch, I watched across the room to see many college students wander aimlessly in search for an empty table. When I say "many", I mean A LOT. It was so amusing in fact, I watched in hilarity as no student would sit at a table with already occupied strangers. I guess they are eating standing up, I thought.
As one student wandered by me in his quest for the perfect lunch table, I said "hey, you can sit here if you want". He proceeded to look at me funny and said "no thanks" before he continued on his journey. I watched for a few minutes to see if he would find a table, but after a few moments I lost interest.
As I finished my lunch, I sat there pondering why college students today are so afraid to be in the presence of strangers, to think it is weird to sit next to one, and God forbid, actually meet a new person. Are students today more socially awkward than ever before? Or have they always been this way? Either way, I began to think of one thing: social excellence--Something these students clearly do not have.
How do we teach today's young adults to more socially excellent?
My response of course--fraternities.
One of the reasons fraternities exist, whether they actually represent this or not, has always been the teaching of social excellent. Fraternities in theory are supposed to teach an individual to be outgoing, to be a true member of the community, to practice civility and hospitality. These are all qualities that were lacking in the lunch room actors I was viewing.
If there was one argument I would give as to why fraternities are relevant today it is that they will teach a college student to be more socially excellent, to practice those attributes of humanity that have been lacking in our generation.
On the contrary, are our fraternal members really being socially excellent? I am disappointed to say to say I saw a man today wearing letters at a table with several empty seats. Unlike me, he did not ask for anyone else to sit with him at lunch. In fact, he was listening to his iPod. I can't think of anything more socially (un)excellent.
I have three conclusions from today's observations:
1. Today's generation of students need an education and support system to help them become more socially excellent.
2. Fraternities and sororities should be that system...
3. ...But fraternities and sororities need to step up and make that change as well.
Why College Students Need Fraternities Today More Than Ever
Posted by Joseph Thompson on Thursday, January 20, 2011
Today as I grabbed my lunch in one of Rutgers' many dining halls, I roamed the seating area in search for a good seat. Typically, I look for an empty table or a table hosting some of my peers, but today I saw no one and had no preference as to where I sat. I consequently sat at a table where two students were already sitting--something I have done many times in the past. At first the two students looked at me funny, as if it was weird to sit in a public place next to a stranger; but then they continued with their conversation.
As I ate my lunch, I watched across the room to see many college students wander aimlessly in search for an empty table. When I say "many", I mean A LOT. It was so amusing in fact, I watched in hilarity as no student would sit at a table with already occupied strangers. I guess they are eating standing up, I thought.
As one student wandered by me in his quest for the perfect lunch table, I said "hey, you can sit here if you want". He proceeded to look at me funny and said "no thanks" before he continued on his journey. I watched for a few minutes to see if he would find a table, but after a few moments I lost interest.
As I finished my lunch, I sat there pondering why college students today are so afraid to be in the presence of strangers, to think it is weird to sit next to one, and God forbid, actually meet a new person. Are students today more socially awkward than ever before? Or have they always been this way? Either way, I began to think of one thing: social excellence--Something these students clearly do not have.
How do we teach today's young adults to more socially excellent?
My response of course--fraternities.
One of the reasons fraternities exist, whether they actually represent this or not, has always been the teaching of social excellent. Fraternities in theory are supposed to teach an individual to be outgoing, to be a true member of the community, to practice civility and hospitality. These are all qualities that were lacking in the lunch room actors I was viewing.
If there was one argument I would give as to why fraternities are relevant today it is that they will teach a college student to be more socially excellent, to practice those attributes of humanity that have been lacking in our generation.
On the contrary, are our fraternal members really being socially excellent? I am disappointed to say to say I saw a man today wearing letters at a table with several empty seats. Unlike me, he did not ask for anyone else to sit with him at lunch. In fact, he was listening to his iPod. I can't think of anything more socially (un)excellent.
I have three conclusions from today's observations:
1. Today's generation of students need an education and support system to help them become more socially excellent.
2. Fraternities and sororities should be that system...
3. ...But fraternities and sororities need to step up and make that change as well.
;D
.