Everyone studying liberal arts knows the value and importance of lifelong learning and global perspectives. Through my time at Madison, I have noticed that students have lost a certain sense that is important to the Wisconsin experience, and it will surprise you.
I noticed a lacking sense of community with other students. We’re all aware of clubs, organizations, internships, and work study, but very little of starting something new that has a direct connection to developing the Madison community.
I was barely through my first semester at Madison when I noticed this and decided to assign myself the challenge of building this part of the Wisconsin experience.
Before I can tell you of my efforts, we have to define “community.” A community is not a tight circle of like-minded people, rather multiple circles of like-minded people with a goal to give back.
Much of what students attach themselves to is built as a resource that they can take from. What’s the common reason behind joining a certain club? “It looks good on the résumé.”
What’s the common reason behind building a community? “To create something outside of the classroom that others in the area can embrace, not use as a stepping stone to what they really want.”
What I have learned inside the classroom is that there are hundreds of liberal arts students with phenomenal ideas. I’ve learned that students want to work on projects, want to create something meaningful for others to use, and – surprisingly – want to work in groups.
I saw an opening to do something about it. At this point, I have to credit the liberal arts program that I am in with putting the fire in my belly and the opportunity to lead in my hands.
The summer of 2013, I put together a team of students to be part of a think tank – to share the wildest ideas they could come up with and see if we could fulfill them. Currently, fall of 2013, I have put together a team to talk about fear, failing, and how to follow through with our creative impulses. I plan to take what I’ve learned from these experiences and voice them at Wisconsin’s Festival of Ideas.
Stay Positive & Hope To See You There
– Garth E. Beyer
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