GRADUATION brings about epiphanies. I'm not sure if it's some rush to the head, as all the blood in your body goes into overdrive, in anxious anticipation of things to come, or something more ethereal. Whatever the reason, there is a common feeling as you get ready to graduate.
Epiphany: In some ways, being 21 and about to graduate from the University is terrifying. I'm not that much different from the child that first came to sultry, sweaty Charlottesville in August 1997. But also terrifying in the sense that I am so different as a person in how I see the world and how the world sees me from the time I was that child.
Epiphany: One thing I realized, as I "grew," was that I was living in a microcosm. Politicos complain about student activities fees, parking and transportation issues, which are all very real and important concerns, but they sometimes fail to remember that the microcosm of U.Va. is extremely limited. There's an entire world outside with poverty, pestilence, wars and famine. In comparison to student worries, these loom much larger.
I am not a politico. These are the words that I say to my friends when I complain with fervor the latest travesties of the University, but I attach a qualifier - that I am instead just a concerned student.
Epiphany: Recently, some people have expressed concern about so-called "mindless activism," activism that may not reflect a complete understanding of all the issues or just doesn't matter. I don't think an attack on these activists is completely fair. In their defense, I would have to say that they are concerned students and a concerned student is much better than an apathetic one.
These are the epiphanies that I've gotten in the last few months - not all are brilliant and awe-inspiring, but this last one, the need to thank friends, is, and I do so now:
Many thanks to my parents, who are first and foremost the ones that have always been there for me.
To the Asian Student Union, the first political activist group that I got involved with: The struggles to work within a difficult administration that does not always realize the needs of the student body can and will be overcome. From the Asian-American studies program to the quest to defeating minority spotlighting, the fight has only really started. Race relations, which is my minor contribution to this scheme, and more work on this needs to be continued in the future. Good luck to all.
To The Cavalier Daily, my many thanks for all that you've done and given me. The courage, the leadership skills that I took with me to all the different things that I did in my time at the University. Particularly to my great friends of my class, Dan Rubin, Nicola White and Lindsay Wise. May you all achieve your individual dreams that you have.
To my close friends at the Mosaic House: Remember the history of student activism you have instilled in you. There is a lot of history there and must not die out as you become a part of the International Residential College. Tracy D'Souza, your great friendship is something I will keep close to me forever.
A special thanks to Rachel Alberico, my dear friend both at the Mosaic House and The Cavalier Daily, who has inspired me and given me the insight I needed to keep sane during some of my crazy moments.
My Engineering Student Council friends: I know the struggles to fix stereotype problems of engineers and the like will not be fixed overnight. It may be frustrating sometimes, dealing with both students and administration that may not be receptive to what you try to do. Study breaks can only go so far, though. Something deeper along with time are the only things that will change the culture of the E-School for the better.
A special thanks goes, however, to Jason Sebranek, who stood by me during some of the harder times when I was president, giving me sound advice when needed. Continue our foil experience there, Jason.
To Paul Kim, may your dreams of being a conductor be fulfilled. Sometimes, we look into ourselves and come to some sort of deep understanding about what it is we want to do to make ourselves happy. You are lucky for realizing that.
And then there's Umakant Kori, who I've known for the last eight years of my life. Thanks for being my friend. That simple.
Sometimes the best epiphany is realizing you've got friends you can count on. That's a constant no matter where or when.
(James Tsai was a 1999-2000 Health & Science editor.)
Read More
EDITORIAL: Scapegoating students will not stop hazing
By Editorial Board | 7 hours agoInstead of retroactively responding to extreme hazing allegations, we, and especially the University, must begin asking more probing questions about the role of fraternal organizations on Grounds.
EDITORIAL: Celebrating and reflecting on The Cavalier Daily’s independence
By Editorial Board | 6 days agoOur independence grants us the ability to ask the hard questions and to say what University representatives cannot.
ARRAS: U.Va. must revise the Sexual Assault Prevention Training module
By Aoife Arras | April 17, 2024In addition to its failures in interactivity, the module lacks details specific to the University and discusses key concepts in universal terms.
