As a political enthusiast, the past few months leading up to the presidential nomination have been entrancing to say the least. I have remarked every so often that I am most passionate about Americans’ individual right to vote. Being in college during such a historic election, especially at Christopher Newport University, I have only been encouraged to partake in this political process. While our nation as a whole is divided on this new presidency, here are some tips I found that help bring hope and humanity back to friends, colleagues and peers.
- VOTE. Become a registered voter either in Newport News, or your home town via absentee. Christopher Newport encourages its students to lead lives of great community involvement, one way in doing so is to vote in presidential, congressional, gubernatorial and mayoral elections. The voice of one community is best heard when individuals come together in unity for change.
- Discuss/Ask Questions. Whether this be to your best friend, roommates, professor or teammate, there is value in discussing opposing views. In my philosophy and communication class this semester we have highlighted the idea of engaging in another person’s views so that we may have a better overall understanding. Because politics can be a tense subject, asking questions of clarifications can be a way to better understand the political process and to become a better informed citizen.
- Friends First. LISTEN. This seems all to obvious to say, but all the more important, we must maintain an engaging attitude toward friends, loved ones, peers and professors. I have been able to treasure the intellectual perspectives of my peers and professors as a result of wanting to be better informed. It is also important to note that at the beginning of every semester at Christopher Newport, my professors have made it clear that if someone disagrees with what is being said we will all be respectful in response. If the respect in a classroom is compromised my professors, especially in the Communication Department, have made it clear that type of behavior will not be tolerated.
- Have a Viewing Party. If the expectation of mutual respect is implemented prior to the results, this can be an educational experience as well as a laid back, fun environment for all. My roommates and I hosted a small viewing party with (our idea of) fancy cheese as well as cherry and blueberry pie to help settle qualms and just enjoy the company of friends on a Tuesday night.
