Focusing on Higher Ed in the US, visiting a variety of stakeholders gave new perspectives on the political and social contexts of Higher Education in the US. Policymakers, lobbyists, financing/ funding partners etc. From a political, financial and moral point of view a range of topics were discussed. Visiting various different Universities we got the chance to talk to the proud students, faculty and leaders of great Universities.
Among those, Howard University, an historically black university, which played an important role in the American history and the Civil Rights Movement. Howard is now the most comprehensive HBCU in the United States and produces the most black doctorate recipients of any University.
This University gave deep insights into the important role educational institutions play in the lives of people that very often have to face a very complex social context. Faculty passionately committed to empowering their students to believe in themselves. Guiding in a safe and family-like environment, unleashing their potential. An opportunity to participate and contribute to the community.
And then the United States Naval Academy. A coeducational federal service academy. “Midshipmen” combining their development in military leadership preparing for their work as ensigns in the Navy or second lieutenants in the Marine Corps, with a Bachelor of Science degree.
These future officers are educated and trained and have to “meet certain physical, mental en educational requirements” during 4 long years to graduate. So that is a completely different culture an atmosphere.
What was striking though, talking to students, faculty, administrators and leaders: Whether it was Howard or Naval, they did seem to have something very valuable in common: a heartfelt sense of pride and respect. The historical context, committed staff and faculty fuelling the persistence and pride of students.
It might have been that it was the week of Memorial Day that put emphasis on these big words and values. But they kept popping up describing the passion felt at the different locations, whether it be staff, students, alumni...
And the differences in opportunities remain in the US. Social differences and contexts shape lives. Opening up opportunities for education therefore will never be enough. As a University you commit to the battle against the negative influences that a complex social context has for so many talented people. Your background counts heavily in the chances given.
But even in this context, pride and respect are the driving forces so important to the individual. Pride and respect reflected form the faces of students and faculty in both Universities.
And then there is Donald Trump…….
What at first seemed to be a bad joke, a short running comedy urges to become an increasingly scary nightmare. Horrified by the acts and words of Trump it is frightening to see that this man doesn't only leave so many Americans startled, but he actually has a lot of supporters.
We didn’t visit the TRUMP university. It wasn’t on our shortlist. I guess that is ok. How to find respect and pride, in a university led by a man that has missed out on too many classes on respect… It is now called the Trump Institution. After numerous lawsuits it is now called the Trump Institute as it was operating illegally, without a state license…
I can only hope that the pride and respect I felt at the we did visit is real and rigid. Respect for history, for freedom for all. Respect as a value that should be cherished and heavily guarded. We don’t always have to agree, we can look at issues from different perspectives, but freedom can only exist when there is respect. I hope the respect and pride we saw at the universities is real. That the respect I sensed there has no colour, gender, race etc. I hope the educational institutes empower their students with “the real thing”. That the respect and pride is pure, heartfelt and that it will be strong enough to make it a better world.
What I take out of it all is that in my country the emphasis on respect and pride of our heritage, the important role of empowering our students could be reinforced. Respect for our history, respect for our educational institutions and our opportunities but above all, respect for each other, faculty and students as a rigid fundament for empowerment. Respect as a core value in how we approach every student in their own journey in life. Grateful for every opportunity we have to make a difference in the lives of our students.
Making it a better world.
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