Cara Bargiacchi is a political science
major from Memphis, Tennessee.
I love being at DePauw and the opportunities that it affords me. DePauw brings us so many wonderful speakers and opportunities that lead to many important conversations and dialogues. In my years here, I have heard countless speakers on an eclectic variety of subjects.
Some of the best conversations I have had in my classes have been about speakers or current events, not about the reading or the syllabus. Not only these more regular talks, but also each semester the Ubben Lecture series never ceases to amaze me. David Brooks was the most recent lecturer and is famed for his political commentary that can be found in the New York Times. Next semester we can all look forward to Piper Kerman, author of Orange is the New Black. These lecturers open up dialogues about politics, prison reform and women’s rights that are all important, interesting and necessary.
However, I would argue that some of the most important dialogues that take place at DePauw are between students and facilitated by students. As is evidenced by The Movement that began last spring, ideas and views from the student body can make a difference. One student-led opportunity that helps to facilitate these interactions in a safe and interesting way is Peace Camp. Sponsored by the Compton Center for Peace and Justice, Peace Camp is an annual occurrence. It is hard to miss - just look for the cluster of tents in the academic quad. While I have never been brave or outdoorsy enough to camp out on the quad, I applaud those who do. Be sure to stop by the tables and pick up a Compton Center button or sticker – these interns work extremely hard and do great work for our community.
Peace Camp has a wonderful roster this year with a wide array of topics such as feminism, race, social justice, religion, human rights, sex, international relations, environmental justice, education, non-violent resistance, public health, bystander intervention, LGBT rights, and a community art project. I encourage every student to challenge him or herself by attending at least one event. I suggest a talk that intimidates you a little bit so you can broaden your horizons and understand the perspectives of your fellow students.
With the recent and ongoing discussions about campus climate, this is a way to get involved and create a positive change within the University. Although it is cheesy, in this case knowledge really is power. It is the knowledge of understanding where your peers are coming from and what others have experienced. It is the knowledge of another point of view, even if it's something with which you don’t agree. If we don’t keep our minds open to learn outside the classroom, then our campus climate will remain unchanged.