Politics

Spring Semester is finally here. And, although I only wish to take Art History and French courses, I must get through the necessary courses such as College Algebra and American Government in order to actually receive my degree. I have taken most all of these core requirements years ago. However, due to the fact that it was three decades ago, and the college I attended is “questionable” in their academic standards, I’m forced to take them again.

So, today was the first day of my Political Science class. As usual, I am the token “old lady” or as I refer to myself “Shirley” from the show Community. I read the syllabus and am excited that a big part of our grade is an essay on a political policy of our choosing. I think of the possibilities..all of my bleeding-heart liberal ideals that I cling to. Then, as the professor introduces himself to the class, there is a big hitch in my “giddy-up.” He is very upfront about how conservative his political views are. That’s okay….everyone is entitled to their own views. The thing that bothers me is – I know he is not going to like me. I have no real basis for this statement other than a very strong intuition based on a lifetime of experience of not being liked by this demographic. So, I decide a very low profile is a good idea if I want to get an “A”.

Later, a staff member stops in the class to ask if anyone would be interested in being a “note taker” for a disabled student for the semester. Having decided on my new low profile, I resisted and waited for someone else to volunteer. No one did, and so I raised my hand. I met the young man that I am to scribe for, and it gives me great satisfaction to be able to help……and, I need to be needed.

So, I’m thinking the whole low profile idea was just silliness on my part. We are who we are. If people don’t like us just because of our views, then they are missing out. And, perhaps I should give this professor a chance. Perhaps it is me that is the closed minded one.