Breaking through Towers of Silence

I do not fit comfortably into the ivory towers of academia. As I was dreaming about ways to ensure that university students would feel the practical implications of their educational experiences in the classroom, I realized that the best way to do so was to get outside of the classroom. To meet the world. To question its existence. To understand its strengths and challenges. To look for ways to create change.

This change cannot happen with silence, however, which provides a perfect opportunity for students of language and creators of the word. Paulo Freire writes of a “culture of silence” that has taken hold as a result of banking models of education. We, because of our educational systems, are conditioned to be passive receptacles of information while silencing our voices. Yet, like Freire, bell hooks reminds her audience that having a voice is crucial for liberation of ourselves and others. Language is power.

“To speak a true word is to transform the world,” notes Freire. Through these blogs, we, as smart students of the world, will speak out in hopes of creating positive change. This semester will present us opportunities to be critical thinkers, readers, and writers. We will understand the practical implications of research, argument, and expression, principally writing. We will also recognize that speaking out takes courage and involves risk but hopefully yields great rewards.

In the words of Steven Covey, “The crucial challenge of our world today is this: to find our voice and inspire others to find theirs.” It is my expectation that these blogs will be just one avenue for University of Memphis students—dreamers, thinkers, and doers—to positively inspire and be inspired by their community and dedicate themselves to its improvement while holding true to their personal gifts.

Let us know that your voice matters by commenting on this blog with a brief biographical statement including your most rewarding experience of raising your voice. Then, create your own blog that will be linked to this page.