Bailey Oratorical

As seven students spoke from the soul at the bailey oratorical, there was one speech that really stood out to me. Nitya Chagti’s speech struck right at my heartstrings, and made me evaluate my thoughts and actions in order to change and evolve in such a way that I am able to see into everyone’s values and actions, regardless of our differences.

She started talking about racism, and how it stems from fear. People nowadays hold thoughts of xenophobia, or the fear of strangers. As humans, we pick apart those different than us and use the stereotypes we have plastered in our minds as the way we describe and “understand” others. We are divided because of ignorance — but our liberal arts education can help fix it. These differences can be fixed with curiosity — we have to ask questions, educate ourselves, and be unafraid to learn. If we communicate, we can become family.

As she finished and talked of how she had done amazing things on campus with amazing turnouts, I wished that I had been more connected with other cultures on campus. By educating myself, I can destroy the stereotypes in my head, connect with others I would not normally have acquainted myself with, and become a better person — become family.