Spring Break
Learn outside the classroom
Joseph Haynie
Issue date: 5/9/08 Section: Opinion
If you're not one of the many students who skip this page and go right to the comics and crossword puzzle then you've probably noticed that the opinion section this past week has been different.
With a number of staff columnists getting ready to graduate, opinions and diatribes have been replaced with declarations of faith, expressions of gratitude and words of advice.
Throughout my time with the Collegian I've principally written about things I've learned in the classroom. I've discussed in length why Barack Obama is not qualified to be president. I've written about Mitt Romney to the point of being accused of having a man-crush on the former Governor. I even opined about Iraq a few times.
But today I want to detour from the usual and follow in my colleagues' footsteps, and tell you of a few things I've learned outside of the classroom that I feel are important.
First, charity is never a burden.
I once read of an encounter a man had with a billionaire. They met for lunch and discussed a variety of topics. When the man asked the billionaire how he ascended to his position of vast wealth, the billionaire's answer was not as complex and profound as one would have thought. He simply told the man to give.
As we assist those in need, we are ultimately helping ourselves.
Giving does not always mean giving money. We can give our time to a shelter or a food bank. We can offer a friend a steady shoulder to cry on. We can give our voice to a cause. The return on giving is guaranteed. It may not be immediate, but it will eventually catch up. Karma is a real thing.
There is nothing more important than family, absolutely nothing. However you define it is up to you, but make sure you make time for those people.
I'm of the belief that we should trust people over the age of 50. Previous generations have been through so much, and have even more to offer.
For example, by the time he was my age, my grandfather, had fought in a world war, was married, had a child and graduated college, complete with a master's degree in accounting.
With a number of staff columnists getting ready to graduate, opinions and diatribes have been replaced with declarations of faith, expressions of gratitude and words of advice.
Throughout my time with the Collegian I've principally written about things I've learned in the classroom. I've discussed in length why Barack Obama is not qualified to be president. I've written about Mitt Romney to the point of being accused of having a man-crush on the former Governor. I even opined about Iraq a few times.
But today I want to detour from the usual and follow in my colleagues' footsteps, and tell you of a few things I've learned outside of the classroom that I feel are important.
First, charity is never a burden.
I once read of an encounter a man had with a billionaire. They met for lunch and discussed a variety of topics. When the man asked the billionaire how he ascended to his position of vast wealth, the billionaire's answer was not as complex and profound as one would have thought. He simply told the man to give.
As we assist those in need, we are ultimately helping ourselves.
Giving does not always mean giving money. We can give our time to a shelter or a food bank. We can offer a friend a steady shoulder to cry on. We can give our voice to a cause. The return on giving is guaranteed. It may not be immediate, but it will eventually catch up. Karma is a real thing.
There is nothing more important than family, absolutely nothing. However you define it is up to you, but make sure you make time for those people.
I'm of the belief that we should trust people over the age of 50. Previous generations have been through so much, and have even more to offer.
For example, by the time he was my age, my grandfather, had fought in a world war, was married, had a child and graduated college, complete with a master's degree in accounting.
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 3
Roy Mongelli
posted 5/09/08 @ 7:53 AM MST
While I don't share your "crush" on Romney and would argue a bit about Obama's rediness, I agree, in spades, with everything else you say. One should help, give, engage and live, then all the "success" they could dream about will come their way. (Continued…)
Craig Hawley
posted 5/11/08 @ 6:47 AM MST
nice article and sentiments Mr. Haynie.
Craig Hawley needs a blog
posted 5/12/08 @ 12:26 PM MST
Are you a friend or foe of Craig Hawley?
Tell us by going to:
http://www.collegian.com/home/index.cfm?event=displayArticleComments&ustory_id=18243091-5dea-4ba8-9367-e70c2cbfea44#e256995d-7dae-4059-9bf1-8e95eabe3e75
Tell him there whether or not he should have his own blog elsewhere. (Continued…)
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