The Apathetic Student

Published in the Ontarion, October 30, 2008
Written by Abid Virani

There is only one thing more exciting than somebody deciding to change the world – a student deciding to change the world.

Every single day, students engage in and commit themselves to an array of efforts but still, many see students as unconcerned with world events and politics and merely interested in pop culture and materialism.

Voter turnout is often used as evidence to prove apathy amongst young people, but I would not attribute a disappointing turnout to this. In fact, it is possible that our desire to see a responsive and concerned government is why our turnout is so low. When there is a candidate that puts forth innovative solutions to global issues, student turnout will rise.

On this campus though, the incredible amount of political discussion and excitement has proved to me that there is an interest. Hundreds of students worked on campaigns and thousands showed their support by exercising their right to vote. Although many students may not have voted, some shared their opinion by posting signs on their residency doors, encouraging others.

As a first-year student, my eyes have been looking out for the different ways students can get involved. In the month of September alone, I have seen countless incidences of students responding to various situations around the world and have noted how they are very much concerned about what is going on in our society. Last month, donations from Skip-a-Meal went towards supporting 19 local organizations, hundreds of students volunteered in the community through Project Serve, the organic farming centre opened and students contributed immensely to the Who Gives A Buck campaign. Additionally, the driving force in the Masai campaign were the students here at the University who not only lived up to their commitment of raising $100,000, but have continued to stay involved while the campaign prepares to become a national initiative.

As students, we realize that we have the ability to make a difference and are therefore responsible for doing so. Others need to see that we are not a generation of technology addicts and are not obsessed with reality television. As Craig Kielburger has said, "We are the generation that we have been waiting for."
Each generation leaves a legacy on the world, whether it is of being hippies or of winning a war. In our generation, I see a student outcry for sustainability and less strain on the environment. I see students demanding for more accepting and inclusive societies. I see revolutionizing yet simple world-changing ideas introduced by students, like wearing red and white beaded bracelets to save a country from the AIDS virus. I see students yearning for political leaders willing to challenge the status quo. I see students making a commitment to civic consciousness. I see students wearing organic clothing, posting stickers on light switches and using recycling bins. I see student dedication to global citizenship and social responsibility. I see a legacy of bringing hope to a world that so desperately needs it.

I do not see an apathetic student.