Student Activism

I am a graduate of PUP, an institution known for activism and massive student actions. I remember being asked if I was a student activist during college in almost all of my job interviews right after I graduated. I was never active in doing protests. To start with, I was never a student activist. I never grew interest to take the part. It’s not because I find the idea lousy or insignificant, but maybe I am not that brave and bold to siege the streets and roam the university to voice out opinions of opposition to our university policies.

I remember one professor say that the state of our university reflects the state of the nation. I would say partly true, except for the truth that no high class, well powered people are dwelling within our grounds. We are a state university which holds real “masa” students who are aware of the things happening around them. The “mass” segment that doesn’t fear people in ranks and position. We see what’s wrong. Some of us (including myself) will stay mum about it while most will go out and fight for what’s right.

I would always look up to those student activists. I commend them for their courage and stamina to fight for their beliefs and convictions. On a nutshell, I believe that activism is within us all. We may not be roaming the streets to shout and be bombarded by policemen, but we take participation in our own little ways. Getting involved doesn’t mean getting into the streets all the time. There are so many other avenues to fight. What’s substantial is that we know what’s wrong from right, and consult our conscience to decide which party to side with.