It is hard to know when one crosses boundaries in life. On a daily basis, students are faced with decisions, and each choice provides a quick glimpse into the contents of their characters. As children, our beliefs are molded to different perspectives, ranging from politics to religion, often reflecting those of our parents.
Once in school, students, children and teenagers continue the process of learning but, as college students, these issues are presented on a more academic level. We are taught by professionals who know how to extract the best from their students.
At some point in this lifelong process of intellectual development, students are also taught to be xenophobic, or to fear what is perceived to be abnormal according to our principles. As a result, hatred, racism, indifference and intolerance can arise. Feelings that distort human existence by creating the opposition of a certain race or set of beliefs, which became evident in the 20th century from the annihilation of Jews during World War II to the civil rights movements in the 1960s, can still be found today in our daily routine.
Principles that inspire discrimination of any kind must be reversed if we are to reach the fullest intellectual capabilities we seek in higher education.
As we all reside in the United States, the icon of democracy, we need to focus on the basis on which this great country was founded. We should feel honored and obligated to share the respect we receive and are taught at Texas A&M with those around us.
Let the feeling of belongingness students have gained by joining the Aggie family – one that judges no color, race, nationality or religion – be our contribution to the world. Although we often share different values and sets of beliefs and morals, by respecting each other’s viewpoints, we can perpetuate the greatest legacy: the legacy of being Aggies until the day we die.
Having grown up in Latin America in an Italian/Lebanese family, at an early age I realized there are a lot differences in the world. More importantly, I learned that even if people come from different backgrounds and possess assorted viewpoints on political, economical and religious issues, common ground can always be found. The greatest thing we can possess is respect for one another.
As a representative of A&M’s international students, I am proud to be an Aggie. I am proud to be part of an institution that is striving for increased diversity and one that reaches beyond the borders of our daily lives.