When pondering the question of how Loras' Catholic identity helps students to cultivate justice and charity in today's world, one thing that immediately came to mind is the student involvement in these areas on campus through organizations. And not just merely the fact that these organizations exist, as I am sure there is some semblance of them at most every college, but the prevalence of them specifically at Loras. A couple that come to mind is Invisible Children, DuBuddies, Breaking the Silence, Dance Marathon, Hope 4 Africa; the list continues. The reason there are so many student organizations on campus that cultivate and promote justice and charity in today's world is without a doubt in my mind Loras' Catholic identity-an identity which promotes helping those who are in need and that of justice and charity. It also gives the abilitiy, being a Catholic college, for religious organizations such as Campus Ministry to be so big on campus, with its own office and paid job positions. This only serves to further cultivate the Catholic identity on campus, an identity that, as I previously stated, promotes such values as justice and charity.
One way I could think of the Catholic identity hindering student development has to do with close-mindedness. I obviously understand that there are other instances of this on campus--for example, hardcore Democrats on campus may be thus--but due to Loras' Catholic identity, this may prevent some from being open-minded to certain issues, as they stand by whatever the church says to stay true to aforementioned Catholic identity. In this way, student development may be hindered as they are more close-minded to such issues as gay marriage, and are not willing to hear the other side out.
Some tools that Loras has given me that I think will be helpful as I serve my community in my service project is a proficient sense of problem-solving, and due to my liberal arts education, the ability to see all sides of an issue and fully consider it to overcome any obstacles I experience in my service. Furthermore, a main part of many classes I have taken in oral presentations- in majority of my classes, they have been required. In this way, I feel I will have be well prepared to present myself at the service site as well as when I meet people with doing pet therapy.
Laura, I think your point about why there are so many organizations on campus that promote the needs and bring forward the ways we can help others both in far away and nearby places is really important. I agree that some of the desire to start and continue these groups stems from our identity as a Catholic college. Days like today, when we have Campus Fest and all of the organizations come out to share their goals and ideals, emphasize the amount of people who truly care for others’ wellbeing and want to be of service to these people. I also agree with you on how sometimes students seem to be close-minded when it comes to certain issues. We are bound to have different values and priorities than others in some areas; however, I think it’s unfortunate when these values involve putting down people. It may be idealistic, but I hope someday people will learn to appreciate and at least listen to the other side of a point. Sometimes it is hard to be open to opinions that don’t seem to be in accord with one’s personal values, but I don’t think it can ever hurt people to listen (I mean REALLY listen!) to the other side.
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree that the Catholic Identity of Loras can be bad simply because it does lend itself easily toward one side of an issue and can (when used incorrectly) hinder a student. When applied well, such as through the examples of student organizations Laura listed, it does also allow for the possibility of education and expanding one's point of view.
ReplyDeleteLaura, your problem-solving skills are wonderful and you will definitely succeed in our service because of the open-mindedness Loras has encouraged in you!
Molly's point is correct: when we truly listen to someone we will always grow more and develop a better understanding of the world around us and thus, ourselves and our roles within the world.