Probe Te Dignum, Evermore

When we began the discussion of how college campuses tip-toe around the feelings of every race, religion, and political stance, a light bulb went off in my head. I attended a private institution, Wichita Collegiate, for thirteen years of my life. I grew up with the same friends, the same campus, and the same Headmaster for all those years. Never once had I realized that my school was “politically correct” until our discussion from the other day. Although the majority of the high schoolers were white, there were still many students who were darker skinned. Many of these students were offended when people would make announcements about “YoungLife” or anything regarding the Christian faith. After a couple of these announcements, parents started calling into complain, like all of the Collegiate parents did. From that point forward, I, as a member of YoungLife, could not openly talk about my faith to other classmates who were not considered my friends. Although that was never made an “official” rule, it was understood all the same.  Another example that fully shows my school was extremely politically correct was the morning of Honors Day. Honors Day was also known as the “celebration of learning.” Awards were given to those who made a 93% or above in any or all of their classes, and other individual honors were given as well. There were always students that felt ostracized by this celebration, so some had not gone since they were fifth graders. Once I got into ninth grade, the high school administration decided to change up the morning of Honors Day, instead of just having an all-school breakfast gathering. The administration started giving out “Blue and Gold Awards.” As I put in my high school resume, “A Blue and Gold Award is given to students who seem to have a ‘Commitment to Collegiate.’ A ‘commitment’ can be displayed through academics, sports and sporting events, and established or non-established leadership roles in various school activities.” I am not ashamed to say that I received one of these awards my senior year. I will admit, I would get upset when I wasn’t given a distinct award at Honors Day because I felt like I had earned those recognitions. When I was in eighth grade, I was diagnosed with a chronic illness called Autonomic Dysfunction or POTS. I only went to school two hours a day and I also had to be tutored in math and science. Although I ended up with straight A’s at the end of my eighth grade year, I was not recognized for any of my hard work during my last middle school Honors Day. When I went into ninth and tenth grade, I still missed a ton of school. I worked with my teachers every day during tutorials, catching up and learning the new material. Upon graduating, I had a 4.0 GPA and Summa Cum Laude honors, along with a fairly hefty resume. When I received a Blue and Gold Award, I felt as though I was finally given credit where credit was due. At that moment, I was proud to be coddled by my high school. Everyone, including me, loved this part of Honors Day because there was no awkwardness in the air; everyone was a winner. After reflecting on my high school glory days, I can think of so many other instances where my school stood its ground on political correctness. I guess Collegiate really did prepare me for college; it taught me to always be aware of others feelings! Thank you, Collegiate, for all the memories, the preparatory work, and the hand-holding. As their motto says, “Probe Te Dignum,” or prove yourself worthy. I will forever be a Collegiate Spartan proving themselves worthy to the world!