Writing my last commentary for The University News has been no easy task. After all, what should be my parting words to the Saint Louis University?

For those sick of my “liberal” and “diverse” views, this should be a happy day. But, before you rejoice too much, I have still have this last commentary to say what I want. Feel free to avert your eyes.

We need more activism on campus. Thankfully, things seem to be changing a bit.

Before the war on Iraq, SLU appeared politically dead. Sure, there were groups on the right and the left holding events and vigils, but the same old crowd would attend each event.

Once the SLU Instead of War Coalition formed, however, there was a distinct change. Suddenly, hundreds of SLU students were attending talks, rallies and vigils on the war. There were counter-protests, counter-events and some semblance of political debate.

Now, with the war essentially over, our stirrings of political activism shouldn’t end. There are still pressing issues to discuss and debate–AIDS in Africa, health care and poverty in America. Media saturation of an issue and imminent danger should not be the only catalysts to interest and activism. As SLU students, we need to keep this atmosphere of debate going. Don’t just wait around for someone else or some other group to organize something: Get out and do it yourself.

We need more open minds on campus. We all talk the talk of being open to other people and cultures; after all, in our politically correct culture it is taboo to state otherwise. But bigotry still exists at SLU to a much greater extent than many students can imagine.

Whether it is in the form of a “funny” racial joke or in unstated racist attitudes, it is here.

It is time we stopped talking the talk of open-mindedness and actually practice it. Attend an event put on by a group completely different than your’s–whether it is Una, the Black Student Alliance or the Indian Asian Students Association/Sangam. Feel like a minority for a change and be the only non-Muslim at a Muslim Students Association Ramadan event.

It is time for the majority of SLU students to step outside of their comfort zone. The minority groups on campus experience difference on a daily basis, so it won’t hurt everyone else to try out that feeling for just an evening.

Most importantly, don’t just sit there and throw your money away–engage yourself with your SLU experience. Signing up for “easy” classes is always a mistake. You inevitably get bored and end up skipping class. Take classes that interest you, even if they are a challenge. Sit in on classes that sound cool.

Take a day off from class and spend it exploring the city. Go to the Symphony. Spend a night listening to Jazz at the Bistro. Gawk at the weird art at the Pulitzer Museum. People-watch in the Central West End. Volunteer somewhere. Don’t spend all your time on your schoolwork, experience real life as well. Don’t spend all your time partying, learn something, too.

Don’t spend too much time fretting about the future or past, or your SLU experience will just pass you by. As Eddie Vedder from Pearl Jam, the world’s best rock band, sings, “Are you getting something out of this all encompassing trip … it makes much more sense to live in the present tense.” Your time at SLU is a trip–so try to make the most of it.

Lubna Alam is a senior studying history.