Everybody is excited about going back to school. Sure, some are a bit anxious particularly about health issues in this time of coronavirus. But, most of us are so weary of isolation and restrictions we relish opportunities to mix and mingle again with old and new friends, in socially distanced and masked venues of course.
To point out the obvious, the virus is here to stay forever. On the other hand authorities are hopeful one or more vaccines are on the horizon, and eventually herd immunity may protect most from the current virus. Does anyone doubt new viruses and diseases will continue to appear? Then what?
In the name of Covid-19 during a presidential election year at the height - so far - of political divisiveness, leaders and authorities at every level have had to make decisions based on information that is continually changing. In that sense, we’re going back to school one way or another not really knowing what this semester may hold, but hoping for the very best.
As a lecturer teaching public speaking, I begin each semester explaining that this course is the most important course students will ever take. Of course, I realize I’m one of many faculty who say similar things to their students. But, I explain, regardless of what job or career they pursue, they will have to communicate, and the better they communicate the better they will be at their jobs.
A major part of communication is listening and thinking critically. Relatively few people know how to listen well much less think critically. In every class we work on listening and critical thinking in hope students will develop habits of listening to understand and critically evaluating what they are hearing. In our world today, we have way too many people who speak publicly without listening or thinking critically or otherwise.
Throughout the semester students learn how they are similar to and different from fellow classmates. This is good. We discuss a broad range of topics and current issues, and learn to opine civilly. There’s a real shortage of that kind of opining going on today, present company included!
Most of all, students learn we are more alike than different. That is such a key thought in a world divided into so many little identity groups. How in the world can we get along while focusing on our differences? Let’s begin by discovering our similarities and establishing some common ground.
Perhaps because my own freshman year was such a dismal failure, I enjoy getting to know each student personally especially if they are in their first or second year of college. They learn early on I’m not so different from them. I share my youthful foibles admonishing them to learn from the mistakes of others. No one can make all the mistakes himself or herself, though some try harder than others.
A quick Internet search reveals knowledge doubles anywhere from every 13 months to everyday, depending on who is using what to calculate the formula. With so much knowledge being generated, we are ever more in need of wisdom. Proverbs 1:7 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
In many ways Fall semester 2020 marks a new beginning. It’s exciting if not a bit daunting. Let’s keep our eyes on the prize before us.
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Daniel L. Gardner is a syndicated columnist who lives in Starkville, MS. You may contact him at PJandMe2@gmail.com.
