If you picked this up, you are either a college student, enjoying the summer, or a high school senior, equally ready for summer. However, if you are the latter, then you are on the cusp of your future. You are at orientation, and you probably have a lot on your mind. Where will I live? How tough are classes? Is the food always this good at the cafeteria?
No doubt you have asked yourself some of these questions. You have also heard a thousand people tell you that you need to keep up with your classes, do homework
 and so on and so on. I hate to add to your list of growing concerns, but I want to tell you something I think you should know to get you thinking about the fall.
To start, allow me to say college is an intellectual marketplace. From professors to students, it is a place where people of all faiths, backgrounds and walks of life converge. This is one of the most beautiful aspects of college. In fact, I’ve heard it said the word “university” means “unity in diversity.”
So it should be no surprise when you are presented with views different from your own. These views will challenge you to think, challenge you to question things and challenge you to give up views you have held since birth. Everything on campus will be locked in a battle for your mind’s attention; everything will be trying to influence you. Since this is the case, I think it would be wise for you to be aware of these influences and to be aware as to whether they harm or help you.
Professors, in particular, want to influence you. In principle, I have no problem with this. However, I do think they can influence you in negative ways. What I mean is some professors try to use their academic standing to push you around, as if your thoughts and ideas are unworthy of their thoughts and ideas. You need to be ready for this and ready to hold them accountable.
This sounds simple enough, but you would be surprised how many of your future classmates will not do it. They will blindly accept whatever dogma is taught. My question is: is this higher learning? Is it wise to accept a view without having thoughtful reasons for doing so? Are you benefiting or harming yourself by doing such a thing?
My solution for avoiding this is not difficult. Simply ask a question. Raising your hand seems to be a lost art in today’s schools.
For instance, when your professor tells you there is no objective truth in the world, challenge him or her by asking if the claim about truth is objectively true. Or when you hear the universe came into being through the Big Bang, ask your professor about abiogenesis. Ask him or her how life can propagate from non-life. In whatever subject it is, do not be afraid to raise your hand and ask questions.
Even if your professors substantiate their position, you can rest knowing you called for discussion. You can rest knowing you have enriched the education of your fellow Bulldogs.
Just do not sit back. Do not let your mind be influenced without test-driving the material. Your mind is more inquisitive now than it ever has been, so use it. Don’t settle for what people tell you. Question things and look for answers.
Now, do not misunderstand me. I only used professors as an example. For the record, I think most of Mississippi State University’s faculty members are outstanding. They provide sound thinking on nearly every matter and are readily available to listen to your concerns. I merely want to remind you that since you represent the future of this university, you deserve to be taught how to think and not what to think.
Ben Hester is a freshman majoring in political science. He can be contacted at [email protected].