Tolani Verissimo is a junior
computer science major from Lagos, Nigeria.
CHRISTA SCHRODEL / THE DEPAUW
The Posse Plus Retreat, often referred to as PPR, is an annual tradition here at DePauw and on several other campuses across the nation. The Posse Plus Retreat is a rewarding and powerful experience in which DePauw students, faculty and staff come together for a weekend at the Indiana FFA Leadership Center in Trafalgar, IN to participate in a powerful and relevant discussion about things that affect our campus community. A different theme is selected each year by the National Posse Foundation, in 2012-2013 it was Socioeconomic Status, in 2013-2014 it was Social Reform, but the theme for PPR 2014-2015 was "Crime & Punishment.”
That’s a big topic—not only because of how relevant and pervasive it has become in numerous lives, but because it is literally a huge topic with a plethora of distinct components (eg: law enforcement, courts, corrections, etc). Though attendance was lower than it has been in the past two years that I’ve been able to attend, it is always heart-warming to see a group of individuals willingly come together to discuss, learn and grow in a safe environment. However, I believe that this year’s topic was TOO big. When you start analyzing the criminal justice system as a whole, you begin to realize how much is wrong with the current system we have in place. You begin to realize that though it is portrayed as a ‘right and just’ system, it has unfairly ruined the lives of its citizens, permanently. For someone like me, this realization became a call to action, to aid those that have been and are currently feeling the unfair sting of the criminal justice system. Unfortunately it’s frustrating, and ultimately sad, to acknowledge that there’s nothing I can do to impact this system now. Perhaps this is why I felt a big disconnect from the dealings of the weekend.
This weekend I was surrounded by beautiful, amazing and motivated individuals from DePauw that can change the world. We came together and were able to discuss, challenge and grow—all while sharing a safe space of vulnerability, love, care and acceptance. We all shared some uncomfortable moments but were able to work past those uncomfortable feelings, which ultimately led to an enriching experience that I believe benefited everyone in attendance. But that frustration and sadness I felt this weekend still lingers. This is because with everything I learned and felt for my fellow students, with all the love and support we gave each other in both our personal lives and in understanding “Crime & Punishment,” I am doubtful that the conversation will continue or the conviction to “do something about!” it will remain. I am doubtful because for two days we were in a space where we were challenged to have this conversation, to overcome differences, to work past comfort level and to work together in learning how to change the world. But now we’re back on campus, and it’s once again easy for people to withdraw and fall back into their comfortable spaces, where they don’t have to feel vulnerable or feel the need to accept and work with others. I genuinely hope that the same space we created this weekend, the same spirit and fire to change the world that I saw in my fellow peers has found its way to campus; because I’ve seen what it’s like when we all come together like that, and it truly is a beautiful and powerful thing.