David Taintor

After a lot of thinking, I thought I would take my last column and remember the good things UW-Eau Claire has and perhaps give some advice to other Blugolds, students and staff.

When I first got here in 2005, I thought taking general education classes was a waste of time. In Bolivia, you just focus on your degree. As a communications major I wouldn’t have had to take science or math. Now I think that way of education is wrong. I believe Bolivian college students are not well-rounded as professionals. I do think that focusing on one’s career is helpful, but I also think people should have general knowledge.

As a Blugold you can’t escape general education courses. The good thing is you get to choose, but choose wisely. I would suggest things that can complement your degree or that give you cultural knowledge.

I believe every student should take a world geography class.

I also think every student should take a world’s religion class. That way students will be more tolerant and understanding of other people’s religions.

A sociology class would also help, to understand different cultures. I remember when I got here I would lean on people to kiss them – on the cheek. In Bolivia when you meet someone you say “hi” with a kiss on the cheek. It took me many awkward moments to get used to not doing that.

Think about this: the world would be more tolerant if all of us were aware of other people’s cultures. Instead of playing by the stereotypes that movies portray, we would have a better understanding of why people behave the way they do.

Students are paying for this education, and right now they are paying more, getting bigger loans and taking longer to pay for those. What I don’t understand is why some college students know they are paying so much, and they don’t even show up for class.

I don’t know why they skip classes, but I do know they are losing the money they work hard for, which is the same money they complain about paying.

Students can make a difference when they voice their opinions. I still know some Americans might say it is their right if they want to vote or not, but if you don’t voice your opinion, if you stop caring, then you can’t complain.

Students should not complain that tuition is too high if they are skipping class and not getting their money’s worth.

As a student here I was able to learn more about the American lifestyle. I broke through many of the stereotypes movies portrayed. I guess everyone should do the same, not just by taking classes, but if you have the chance of going abroad, take it.

If you can’t travel abroad, there’s always Folk Fair. Eau Claire has a great international program. Students don’t have to travel across an ocean to know a culture; they just have to go to the Davies Center with an open mind.

Take a moment to go to Folk Fair and learn about a different culture straight from the source. Learn from international students. There’s a reason why the university puts in so much effort to make arrangements to help them come here.

Finally, students as well as professors should be more responsible when they finish classes. I’m talking about turning off lights in the classrooms. I’ve seen classrooms fully lit when no one is there. It doesn’t take long to switch off the lights, and I bet the university could save a lot on energy if people were more conscious of it.

Claudia Lozano is a senior print journalism major and editorial editor of The Spectator. “Breaking Boundaries” appears every Thursday.