College in Boston wants ‘blank slate’
In the past year I have received upward of 500 flyers, bulletins, letters and magazines from schools that wanted me to apply, but out of all I must say the most memorable was a 3-by-7-inch slip with a pencil on it.
It was from a school in Boston, and it expressed a great desire for “blank slates.”
In short, this college was seeking students who could be indoctrinated to their university’s beliefs, easily, without resistance from previously-established convictions.
Colleges today are on the prowl for students who can make them great, kids with ambition and intellect, who will accomplish great things — but turn around and share credit with their alma mater.
If a school truly is about fostering the entrepreneur, the writer, the scientist and the humanitarian, it would evaluate the student’s strength of conviction and their willingness to pursue their passions with unwavering pride.
So to see universities reject students based on their lack of “assimilative qualities” is shocking, right? The ultimate truth is this: many universities aren’t about helping the kid accomplish his dreams, they’re about getting the student to help them accomplish their agendas.
“If you’re a drone, a less than solid philosopher, an antagonistic and confused adolescent, come here and let us teach you what to believe. Trust us. We have it all figured it out.”
The issue for seniors isn’t just about money, or identity or career; it’s about ethics and moral conviction; it’s about finding your purpose in life, valuing your soul and leaving a legacy that you are proud of.
Not your school. Not your parents. Not your peers.
Because at the end of the day, you live with yourself, not the world.
So beware of the college promising to make it all clear — and parents, “plant” your kids early, so when the world challenges them, they have roots to keep them steady and beliefs to keep them on their path.
Riley Wood, a senior at Farragut High School, shares her experiences leading up to graduation in May.
