Spartan Echo

Section: Opinion

Media Credit: Norfolk State University

Norfolk State University has, without a doubt, provided me with an array of amazing opportunities. I've met people of different cultures, embraced a unique form of school spirit and encountered a motivated and dedicated faculty second to none. But when it comes to the indifference of students walking around this campus, I always turn up my nose in disapproval.

In my two years here at NSU, I just can't escape the apathetic attitude of my peers. "Why do I have to take this, I'm a Psychology major" or "All I need is a C to get out of here anyway." Since when did it become cool to set the bar so low for yourself? Maybe I just missed the memo that mediocrity became acceptable.

Each and every week, I come to class hoping and praying that just maybe someone might say or do something enlightening or insightful. Unsurprisingly, no one ever does. It's not only unsettling, its borderline pathetic. How dare you call yourselves the next generation of leaders when you're too afraid to stand for anything?

As a native of Norfolk, Va, I hail from an environment where grueling coursework was the norm and our valedictorians graduated with grade point averages that surpassed a 4.0 (due to advanced placement courses). So, needless to say, I looked forward to stepping out on my own into a world where competition and individuality was not only tolerated, but rather embraced.

And yet no one seems to want to let the high school mentality go. Cliques are all around on campus, students still heavily judge one another and the immaturity level has yet to cease. It's bothersome and humiliating that I represent an environment where that type of behavior is encouraged.

Am I pushing the envelope? Absolutely. Am I a self-righteous cynic? Maybe. Either way, college life has yet to impress me. NSU students should get a grip and take life seriously. It's the only one they have.

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