Are we demanding the absolute best of ourselves

In the last two months, Southern University has made headlines. With a sagging economy and a competitive market, good news could give us an edge in public recognition, student enrollment and perhaps financial endowment. However, there is just one problem. Many of the news articles about Southern University are negative.
Some of the headlines in the last few months have read: “Teacher-prep schools at Southern University under fire,” “SU official pleads guilty in work scam,” “New standards may cut SU enrollment,” “Ex-SU student arrested in work-study case,” “Limits rile SU tailgaters” and “Unhappy about stadium at SU.” While we are not guilty of each and every account mentioned in these articles, we must use this time to reflect to take accountability of all areas where guilt is evident.
As students, are you pushing yourself to the limits to pass state certified tests? This is your education. What a student puts into studies is what he or she will get out of their studies. Are you trying to excel, or are you satisfied with just getting by? My parents used to teach me that when you play, you pay!
No one else is accountable for your educational outcome but you. Abraham Lincoln gleaned great amounts of learning through his own initiative in reading books. Are you doing all you can to make your education the best it can be? You will either pay now or pay later. The results of your education are up to you.
As students, do you notify campus authority of wrongdoing? There is a time to mind your own business and to walk away and there is a time to tell. When someone is breaking the law or performing indecent, immoral acts, it is clearly a time to tell. Be alert! This is your school. Be proud of it and make it your business. Keep your standards high and compel others to keep theirs high. We are now young adults and we must be of a studious and mature nature.
As students, watch what you say. I know you have heard the adage “If you cannot say something nice, then say nothing at all”. A criticism of Southern University’s campus can be in tomorrow’s news. Be open minded to campus change and give new ideas time to prove themselves. If after a period of time, something does not seem productive, take the time to speak with a campus official about your concerns.
There have been a lot of improvements implemented at Southern University within the last few years. Buildings have been restored, new housing has been built, a new look and new ownership has come to our bookstore, we have a new campus museum and great effort has been made to improve certain curriculums. If not all of these changes meet your satisfaction, then consider being a help to those who are working towards higher goals. Volunteer your time and expertise towards good ideas and actions.
In the future, let us strive to make the best positive image we can make to our community, our state and our nation. Let us strive to excel to the highest educational level we can possibly achieve. Let us strive to be bright, intelligent and responsible adults. Let us strive to make good headlines in the news.