This article was written in May of 1990 by Blackburn alumnus Timothy Hummer, who received his bachelor’s degree in political science. It was the last article he wrote for a column in The ‘Burnian titled “The Polis.”
If you like it or not, this is my last article here at Blackburn. I’m not going to say, “During my time here I learned a great many things…” Blackburn, like any college, only teaches you one thing, insight. It may seem insignificant but it isn’t. When I arrived here on campus I was the same person I am today. However, I was quite ignorant of my potential and others. Blackburn has helped me overcome quite a bit of that.
Quite a few upperclassmen would stand on their pulpit and give a parting shot at the college. Personally, I cannot blame them, I understand but I do not totally agree with them. Their institution has its faults but we as students have to accept a certain measure of responsibility. The biggest problem on this campus is not the administration, work program, nor the social policies, it’s apathy by the students.
It’s a problem that has always puzzled me because of this school’s small size. Most people looking in from the outside would assume that, because of all the activities that students do together, that they would be more active when something goes wrong. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. We have the bitch sessions but where are all the student activists? Being a conservative at least I know I’m a poor excuse for one.
For those of you who are staying here I wish you all the luck, skill, and tenacity you need to become successful. For those of you who graduate or transfer I hope you find and achieve everything you are looking for. The largest fallacy when one graduates is to say, “I did it, it’s over!” I really can’t say that I have accomplished anything here all by myself. I would like to thank Shelly R. Holt, Steve Harders, and Dr. Sam Meredith, just a few of those people who have helped me out during the past four years.
Enough about bitching or reminiscing about the past. It’s now the time to deal with the present and future. Next year the seniors will be gone, new freshmen will be here, and “hopefully” everyone else will be bumped up a notch. How are you going to use your new insight that you have learned? It’s been a Blackburn tradition for upperclassmen to downgrade the new students. The main thing I remember about being a freshman is that I didn’t like being one. Try a little patience when dealing with these new people, some of them will reward you.
I’m not kidding myself. I’m sure that many of you will “line your birdcages with this paper.” If one person, however, listens and takes a little bit of advice, I’ve won. Writing the Polis has been a pleasure and I hope someone picks it up next year and does a better job of it. It won’t be difficult. It’s worth it just to have that person come up to you and say, “Hey, good article, I really enjoyed it!”
Blackburn is a place to get involved, not to lay in the shadows. Everything from theatre to BOSA to Student Government to sports is available. Take advantage of the situation. It may be the last time you can for awhile. With that said, God bless and goodbye.