Calling all the good people of Elmhurst College

Walking around campus can be such a nice experience. The green spaces are lovely; there are some cool-looking old buildings. So much to enjoy. Unless you happen to be physically disabled; like me. I am not only talking about the accessibility of the grounds; I am also referring to the segregationist mindset here at Elmhurst College.

I have some questions. Number one on my list: no matter what someone looks like, how they dress, or what they believe in; how could you make eye contact and not say hello? How can you possibly justify looking away? Is it that hard to simply smile back at someone? I guess this all brings me back to the question I ask myself every day; how can I be so alone among so many people?

You may think well maybe that person is not paying attention or is deep in thought, but I am not just talking about passing someone on the street. I have been on elevators where something funny has happened and someone makes a comment to the person next to them, and I have laughed and made a funny retort. Normal, yet several times people have been smiling and turned around to laugh with me, see me standing with a walker and the smiles have faded, and they have just turned around and faced forward without even acknowledging me.

I would like to start a conversation; let’s talk about our experiences. If we share our feelings and circumstances, we can all learn to accept one another for who and what we are. I mean, it would be a pretty dull world if we were all the same. If nothing else, we could meet more people. And maybe we can learn that it is alright to laugh at some of the silly things that have happened to us, but also share that many things and words are hurtful and not funny.

My goal for this conversation would be acceptance and camaraderie. Maybe we could find a way to get more people together. We do not have to share our deepest darkest feelings all the time, but at least we would have someone to talk to.

So here is my suggestion; let’s start talking. Let’s share our experiences. Let’s use this column to stand up for ourselves and speak out against injustice, discrimination, unfairness and my personal favorite, stupidity. I would like this column to be our sounding board. So please write in, call the paper, just get those ideas here so we can put them out there.