Who cares?

Does anyone remember when people used to care? As I walk through the halls I have noticed thousands of students and I have to wonder how many of them are actually just going through their University lives without taking advantage of anything that this school has to offer.

Then I reflect on a deeper level: if these students do not care about what directly affects them in school, what happens to them when they are out in society? Are they going to be productive voting members of the democratic society in which we live? What does this mean for the future of our World?
The last Brock University Students’ Union (BUSU) election was just shy of a 20 per cent voter turnout – this was after BUSU made it easier to vote than it is to order a pizza. All students had to do was check their e-mail, take five minutes to get informed and vote. Even catering to the laziest students, BUSU could still only get 1/5 of the student population to take a stake in their education.

I have heard all of the arguments as to why students simply do not care. There are many that believe more awareness to the election would raise voter turnout. There is also the argument that students are unaware of the power of the Students’ Union, to which we annually donate through our continuously rising tuition. Personally, I believe that it is necessary for students to become more involved in their school so they have a passionate interest in what they are fighting for.

It may be for a combination of all of the above reasons that Brock students simply refuse to take part in one of the few times we actually have a voice in our education.

So I challenge, each and every student of Brock University to do something about it; get involved with a club, participate in student services or join an intramural team. Keep your eyes open and ears peeled for opportunities that may interest you around Brock. We are only here for a short period of time so make the most of the opportunities that are open to you.

I do not write this article to judge the student population at Brock; I was also apathetic towards my University until last year. Now that I have become involved so late in my degree, I have realized how much I have missed out on.

This fall there will be another election for BUSAC, which is the governing body for the students attending Brock University. They are the group of people that will shape your university career more than any other, including professors, teaching assistants, friends and boyfriends/girlfriends. I implore you to take the time to make an informed vote in this election. Leave your legacy on the school, take a stake in your education and stand up for what you believe in. Or at least, sit down, pull up your e-mail and vote.

Nathan Cheney is the vice-president of the Brock club, Advocates Against Apathy. For info on how to get involved, email aaa@busu.net