Saw this sign a few months ago while at Wendy’s with my amazing friend Roisin. I don’t have to say anything else, do I?
Archive for the 'Rants' Category
I read an interesting question on Stever Robbins’ blog from twitter user @stephenparker.
Is it better to be objective in our decision making, or should our relationships play a role? Is it better to be right or loyal?
Stever gave his answer to the question, but I felt compelled to give my perspective. It took me a few days to get my thoughts together on the subject, but here’s what I formed…
There’s no answer to this question that applies to everyone. The right answer is whatever lets that person sleep at night. Just like a productivity or organizational system, there’s no “one size fits all” solution. As long as the person using the system has confidence in it, it works.
Of course, that answer is a complete cop out, so I’ll try to make it personal. Those are two uncomfortable questions to ask myself, but I can’t improve unless I challenge myself. Is it better for me to be right or loyal?
In a perfect world, these two items aren’t diametrically opposed. In this fantasy land I just referenced, being loyal to one’s relationships is the right thing. We wouldn’t have to ask ourselves the tough questions or make decisions that challenge our values; regrettably, this world doesn’t exist. When found, it’s often short-lived.
I’d like to think I wouldn’t violate my moral principles for the benefit of a relationship. But, what if that relationship was more important to me than morality at that time? What if the relationship delivered more value to me than ethics would have? Suddenly, the world isn’t in black and white as emotion and reason collide.
I’ve regretted betraying my principles for relationships in the past, but I’ve also regretted sacrificing the people in my life for my values. A lot of people can’t even imagine themselves stealing from others, but if the situation was desperate enough, they might. Likewise, when the situation is dire, people may throw away their values to help another person or forfeit a relationship for the sake of their values, quite contradictory to what they thought they’d do in such a situation.
Not too long ago, I had this status message on twitter, facebook, and AIM.
People are the most important things in our lives. Put them above everything else.
At the time, I believed that. Now, with some consideration, I’m wavering. It’s not that I suddenly not value people anymore; honestly, I do. It’s just too easy to say something as absolute as “put them above everything else” without being tested. Values, personal beliefs on what is right and wrong, are just thoughts unless translated into actions. Asking a question like this is an interesting thought exercise, but as you can see from my ranting, I cannot answer it right now. It raises too many questions, too many what ifs without a specific situation to think about.
I hope to find the answer the next time I’m put to the test. When that trial happens, I’ll try to do what will let me sleep at night.
Readers, what do you think? Try answering that question for yourself and post what you come up with in the comments.
Across the board, everyone has noticed: Dover High School is out of control. There are escalating behavior problems everyday. Respecting others is a thing of the past. Clubs and other extracurricular activities are dying left and right.
I can’t pinpoint what’s causing the problem, but I know that it didn’t used to be like this. I used to feel safe in school, but now I’m not so sure. Admittedly, my brush with ear injury has forever altered my view of Dover Plains, but there’s much more to it than that.
I know that I can’t solve the school’s problems, but when directly faced with a related issue, I rise to the challenge. At least, I try.
My Problem
I’m obviously dedicated to Dover’s student body and will be until graduation. I served as my Class President for two years and now serve as the Student Council President. I’ve put in many hours to ensure successful pep rallies, homecomings, dodgeball tournaments, fundraisers, after prom parties, and miscellaneous charities while expecting nothing in return. Far more important than these, however, are the instances where my Student Council has been challenged by bureaucracy and I’ve had to “fight the man”.
It’s true. A student-run organization in a public high school can run into problems with other organizations, including adults and administrative bodies who are supposed to help the students. In the weeks and months to come, I’ll tell those stories; there’s no reason for me not to. Until then, there’s a short-term crisis.
Prior to four years ago, Dover High School had two pep rallies, one in the fall and one in the spring. Although that was “before my time”, I’ve been told they were miserable events. In response, former leaders decided to turn the spring pep rally into a “Leadership Rally” featuring a motivational speaker. The deal was that the High School Student Council would choose the speaker and the school administration would pay for it.
At least, that’s what we thought the deal was. Administration didn’t budget enough money to purchase the services of a motivational speaker this year, and it has been suggested that the High School Student Council pick up the tab. The money isn’t the problem, it’s the precedent.
Precedent is a terrifying thing in Dover High School. If an organization does something once, regardless of what anyone says, it will be expected to do it in the future. I’ve been working through a similar issue already this year, but I haven’t reached a solution. Essentially, financial burdens are being dumped onto Dover’s High School Student Council and the system isn’t sustainable. My treasurer has played with the numbers, and the Student Council can only carry on this way for about five years before running out of funds.
I cannot and will not allow this to happen. But, what can I do?
My Solution
The student body is expecting an assembly with a motivation speaker later this year, and it’s the Student Council’s perceived job to deliver. Student Council, in the past few years, has given opening remarks and let the speaker do his or her thing, despite not footing the bill.
My solution is an ultimatum. Dover High School is in shambles right now. A motivational speaker can’t solve its problems, but it certainly can’t hurt. After consulting my advisors and friends, the key people who rewrote the Student Council Constitution with me, I’ve decided to just say no.
The High School Student Council won’t pay for it. The assembly will occur, but in a crippled form. Although the student body suffers in the short term, the choice makes sense for the future. I refuse to leave this school knowing my Student Council cannot financially sustain itself.
I’ll let you know how it turns out.
Just a small break from the exciting news around here for a little rant. I just got an email with the subject “There is still time to apply!”
Really? You’re going to ask a student who has opted out of your mail and phone calls on three separate occasions to send in an application this late in the game?
I’m not that desperate, but it seems they are.
Recent Comments
RSS