Jane, your piece is moving and inspiring. Experience is the best educator. Never fear to ask questions and think critically. I'd also like to commend those who left comments. Most are thoughtful and productive.
Very thoughtful essay. Although I couldn't decide at one point if I was reading an interesting, personal anecdote or a pitch for an episode of "The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt": "One day, the question was 'How is your semester going?' A few people answered directly, and then one girl said 'I’m having a great semester, but I totally acknowledge that some students, especially BIPOC students, face a lot of challenges on campus.'"
I teach at a large public university in Alabama. The worst covid measures that have been instituted are masks (though rule suspended briefly in late 2020) and for a month or so, vaccine requirement for all employees because the university takes federal grant money. The vaccine requirement was, not surprisingly, stopped when court cases started challenging the legality. No matter the requirement, it is my understanding that medical and religious exemption requests were liberally approved. Our students have been enjoying campus life and can attend a full arena of basketball fans who do not wear masks and who cheer on the #1 ranked team in the country. Life is good here!! What I cannot understand is why students at so many universities have accepted all the nonsensical rules imposed on them. Why no protests? Why haven't more students transferred? Jane's story is the only one I have seen.
I grew up in Michigan and Hillsdale was always held in high regard. It's not an easy ticket, so getting in is an accomplishment to be proud of. I think Jane discovered what a lot of us have .... that "alt right" which has such a negative slant to it, is actually a pretty nice place to be. I can't stand far Left or Right minded people .... I like them right down the middle full of ideas and open mindedness. That's genuinely what I've found with conservatives. They live how they want to live, you want to join .... great. If not, that's ok too.
We live near Bryn Mawr and my wife attended in 1976.
She doesn’t recognize any of this at all.
It was highly competitive, very very challenging.
But here’s the reality — “ Someone on Twitter cited my migration to Hillsdale as an example of following an ideology to my own peril. I think just the opposite happened; I rejected an ideology and it set me free. When I stopped being scared to say what I really thought and surrounded myself with people who put their principles into practice, I was able to begin really thinking for myself.”
Turns out tolerance isn’t a feature at Bryn Mawr today. It is at a small Baptist school.
So I think the author’s conclusion is just a notch off-target; attend university, but be very certain that you won’t be silenced by intimidation.
Jane, glad you could join those of us who try to have as Bari's blog is titled, Common Sense. I see things haven't changed. I am a child of the 60s and 70s, and the most anti-American, Viet Cong supporting, hippie kids in high school and college, were the children of the rich.
After I left college, I studied drums with a private teacher in New York City for two years. He finally said, "You are now ready for the finishing school. Get yourself into one of the military bands for a few years, make your contacts, save two years salary, and then move to New York." Well, I never made it to New York, but I did end up having a wonderful 26 year music career with the US Air Force Band in Washington, DC.
Sometimes a change of plans works out for the best. It sounds like that's what happened with you. Now that you've seen both sides of the equation, follow your heart...
Wow, Bari. I just read some pretty significant stuff that was not discussed in this essay or on the Zoom meeting you held with Jane, AJ, and Alex Gutentag. AJ reveals on her own Twitter account that the proximate cause of her daughter leaving Bryn Mawr was the Covid vaccine requirement. I agree and cheer on most of what you and your guests advocate but I certainly don't agree with that. The problem is that it was not disclosed. Did you know any of this ahead of your highlighting this family? I love your stuff and am a paying subscriber but I really think you need to address this.
Late to the game on this one, but what a powerful story. Thank you for sharing it so eloquently, Jane! You opened my eyes about Hillsdale, as well! I assumed it would be a close-minded bastion of religious fundamentalism (because it used to advertise on Rush Limbaugh, I think.) I regularly need my faith in humanity restored, and you provided that today. Thank you — and keep on writing. You’re really, really good at it.
It is important to note that Hillsdale doesn't receive any funds from the federal government and therefore needn't worry about following so-called "directives", including those regarding Title IX, race and gender that Democratic administrations are so fond of issuing.
You’ve come a long way and should be proud of yourself and hold your head high. You will go much farther with the strength and intellect, and wisdom you’ve demonstrated thus far. Bravo.
Jane, your piece is moving and inspiring. Experience is the best educator. Never fear to ask questions and think critically. I'd also like to commend those who left comments. Most are thoughtful and productive.
Jane: Welcome to small-town Michigan!
It seems to me that CoVid turned out to be a blessing for you.
LOVE this article.
This is so good! Really appreciate your voice and your writing style.
"In that respect, I’m glad this all happened. I know what I really believe. And I’m not afraid anymore."
I feel the same way ... although I'm 50! Growth never stops.
Very thoughtful essay. Although I couldn't decide at one point if I was reading an interesting, personal anecdote or a pitch for an episode of "The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt": "One day, the question was 'How is your semester going?' A few people answered directly, and then one girl said 'I’m having a great semester, but I totally acknowledge that some students, especially BIPOC students, face a lot of challenges on campus.'"
Freedom involves respect.
Great story of what freedom looks like and you found it at Hillsdale!!!
I teach at a large public university in Alabama. The worst covid measures that have been instituted are masks (though rule suspended briefly in late 2020) and for a month or so, vaccine requirement for all employees because the university takes federal grant money. The vaccine requirement was, not surprisingly, stopped when court cases started challenging the legality. No matter the requirement, it is my understanding that medical and religious exemption requests were liberally approved. Our students have been enjoying campus life and can attend a full arena of basketball fans who do not wear masks and who cheer on the #1 ranked team in the country. Life is good here!! What I cannot understand is why students at so many universities have accepted all the nonsensical rules imposed on them. Why no protests? Why haven't more students transferred? Jane's story is the only one I have seen.
I grew up in Michigan and Hillsdale was always held in high regard. It's not an easy ticket, so getting in is an accomplishment to be proud of. I think Jane discovered what a lot of us have .... that "alt right" which has such a negative slant to it, is actually a pretty nice place to be. I can't stand far Left or Right minded people .... I like them right down the middle full of ideas and open mindedness. That's genuinely what I've found with conservatives. They live how they want to live, you want to join .... great. If not, that's ok too.
We live near Bryn Mawr and my wife attended in 1976.
She doesn’t recognize any of this at all.
It was highly competitive, very very challenging.
But here’s the reality — “ Someone on Twitter cited my migration to Hillsdale as an example of following an ideology to my own peril. I think just the opposite happened; I rejected an ideology and it set me free. When I stopped being scared to say what I really thought and surrounded myself with people who put their principles into practice, I was able to begin really thinking for myself.”
Turns out tolerance isn’t a feature at Bryn Mawr today. It is at a small Baptist school.
So I think the author’s conclusion is just a notch off-target; attend university, but be very certain that you won’t be silenced by intimidation.
Jane, glad you could join those of us who try to have as Bari's blog is titled, Common Sense. I see things haven't changed. I am a child of the 60s and 70s, and the most anti-American, Viet Cong supporting, hippie kids in high school and college, were the children of the rich.
After I left college, I studied drums with a private teacher in New York City for two years. He finally said, "You are now ready for the finishing school. Get yourself into one of the military bands for a few years, make your contacts, save two years salary, and then move to New York." Well, I never made it to New York, but I did end up having a wonderful 26 year music career with the US Air Force Band in Washington, DC.
Sometimes a change of plans works out for the best. It sounds like that's what happened with you. Now that you've seen both sides of the equation, follow your heart...
Wow, Bari. I just read some pretty significant stuff that was not discussed in this essay or on the Zoom meeting you held with Jane, AJ, and Alex Gutentag. AJ reveals on her own Twitter account that the proximate cause of her daughter leaving Bryn Mawr was the Covid vaccine requirement. I agree and cheer on most of what you and your guests advocate but I certainly don't agree with that. The problem is that it was not disclosed. Did you know any of this ahead of your highlighting this family? I love your stuff and am a paying subscriber but I really think you need to address this.
Late to the game on this one, but what a powerful story. Thank you for sharing it so eloquently, Jane! You opened my eyes about Hillsdale, as well! I assumed it would be a close-minded bastion of religious fundamentalism (because it used to advertise on Rush Limbaugh, I think.) I regularly need my faith in humanity restored, and you provided that today. Thank you — and keep on writing. You’re really, really good at it.
It is important to note that Hillsdale doesn't receive any funds from the federal government and therefore needn't worry about following so-called "directives", including those regarding Title IX, race and gender that Democratic administrations are so fond of issuing.
You’ve come a long way and should be proud of yourself and hold your head high. You will go much farther with the strength and intellect, and wisdom you’ve demonstrated thus far. Bravo.