Following the events of April 10 and “Springfest” at JMU, our award-winning newspaper has been chock-full of great content. Guest editorials are rampant – one such editorial comes from a WRTC professor, Dr. Kenneth Wright. Read the full editorial by clicking here.
Dr. Wright makes several blanket claims that frankly, are disappointing. While I understand his perspective, his bold statements come across as somewhat immature. As one classmate said, it’s as though he’s a parent that pulled the “ungrateful card” on their child. Following round-two of some intensely intelligent discussion in one of my classes, I felt compelled to email Dr. Wright with my perspective on his perspective. Enjoy.
Dr. Wright,
In discussing the Monday edition of The Breeze in class this afternoon, your guest editorial regarding Springfest was brought to the foreground. I feel compelled to write, not to ask for forgiveness or approval of what took place on April 10. Rather, I am writing because the tone and implication of some of what you wrote saddens me.
Your claim that “JMU is not your university; it does not belong to you” is one that was discussed in great detail today. The tone of that paragraph, as well as those that follow, is worrisome. The implication is that the student body is made up of guests, transient, ungrateful beings who do nothing more than attend classes, pay tuition, and earn degrees before progressing into the “real world.”
While I agree that James Madison University is no more mine than it is yours, it is also very much my university. A vast majority of students at this University are leaders, both on campus and in the greater Harrisonburg community. I am a leader of a club on campus, and in my short three years, have managed to not only change and expand my life, but the lives of others.
In “doing the right thing,” I have contributed to the happiness, spirit, and well-being of James Madison University and the city of Harrisonburg. While I have taken – the education, knowledge, and oft-thankless work of countless faculty and staff – I have also given back. Thus, I am proud to say that JMU is my university. I am not a guest in the city of Harrisonburg – rather, I am a proud resident and student of the community.
My time at JMU thus far has been nothing short of incredible. I have earned a world-class education, met amazing professors and lifelong friends, been active in numerous clubs and organizations, and yes, attended the occasional party. As a “right-thing-doer” in the JMU community, I have promoted the University to potential students and their parents, to businesses, to colleagues. James Madison University has a great reputation for academics, both in the caliber of the graduates and the professors who support and educate said grads
Your implication that college must be a strict four years of nothing but education worries me. College is about priorities, and I agree that education must come first. You are correct in claiming that we (students, parents, and lenders) are not technically paying for anything but the education.
However, the “college experience” that results from each student’s four years (give or take) in Harrisonburg is not strictly educational. It is a four-year period of growth, change, balance, and opportunity. The “real world” is not solely focused on work – rather, the focus is the drive to find balance between work and pleasure.
I believe I have found that balance, and that the majority of the James Madison student body has as well. I am not writing to explicitly invalidate your opinion. I am writing to ask that you consider and recognize the innumerable students who appreciate the value of their JMU experience and are grateful for their time in this city and at this University.
Respectfully,
Jake Thiewes
JMU Class of 2011
Tags: Harrisonburg, JMU, Springfest
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