I have been observant of the behaviors and interactions between myself and my classmates as they relate to the professors, faculty, and administration in the CUNY system. And I have to say, I feel they are completely missing the point. When I first re-entered the academic system, I had thought that those who were “educated,” by the standards and certifications of our society, would be among those who had a higher caliber for quality. And by character, I mean that the essence of the person rises higher to serve and assist others as opposed to fulfilling their own or otherwise base desires. Yet this was not so. I have constantly interacted with these people that considered themselves to be model, but upon close observation, would reveal faults that laid bare the disdain they had for others who did not agree to their way of thinking.

A specific example, because specificities provide particular insight, would be that of a group I was a part of last year in Kingsborough Community College. This group’s main purpose was to create a website to assist incoming students with activities, actions, and interactions that could wholly benefit them, but were not entirely evident. Things such as joining ASAP, the PTK, or being attentive to actions that would assist them like being a part of the CRSP. The group chose a student who, somehow, was the inception of this concept. Yet, they could not create a decent website even with simple, centered illustrations or designs. To me this was a clear indication of someone that needs help. The professors and staff that were a part of this group would not see this. It is not as though I am speaking of something subjectively. No, this was, objectively, uncentered and unaligned in a majority of the designs. The group actively chose to ignore the shortcomings of the project and heap praise on the student for a, at best, 15 minute project in the hands of a decent designer. This was, among many, experiences that led me to realize that what needs to be built, in order to enact a “better” society is simply unavailable at CUNY.

Character is the main thing that is needed. When you speak of people behaving in an ill and poor fashion, you are speaking of a lack of character. When neighborhoods are considered for their being “good” or “bad,” you are speaking of the quantity of character established in a particular zone. In order to make this issue more understandable, I often refer back to an example that I have repeatedly cited in the past. Japan is often regarded as a place that is safe for males and females, for the most part. People say that this is one country where they do not feel apprehensive or afraid of traveling around alone even at the odd hours of the night. Now why would this be the case? Is it because a) everyone is fabulously rich and cannot be bothered to disturb others? Or b) everyone is educated to such a high degree that they intellectually understand the reasons as to maintain the social contract? It is neither! It is all about the character of the people! When the character of people is good, it leads them to act in a good fashion. For myself, I find that this is of the utmost importance achievement in one’s life. Not for the sake of money, prestige, or status, but for character alone one should live. I had presupposed that I would find such an understanding in the academic system, but I have found none. Rather, it has led me to understand that my own actions and determinations will stem from the absence of what I see, feel, and experience in the academic system.

To put it bluntly, others need to “step up,” to help people. Because simply “educating” them, is not enough to change our society.

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