The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.

Freedom Of Understanding

by Dessa Rodeffer
Quill Editor/Publisher

6 June 2001

Whether you agree with a person's line of thinking or not, you must agree it is a privilege to live in America where you can express yourself.

We speak and write our opinions, and read opinions of others. We may not agree, but we can debate them, hash them over, weigh them, and work at changing things we strongly feel are wrong.

The nice thing about listening to opinions that are different from ours, we show respect for others, become more compassionate, and we grow in wisdom.

If we only listen to those in our group, who think as we think, who are the same color, race, religion and politics as ourselves, how can we learn about the rest of the world and how can they learn about us.

How can wisdom be gained if we refuse to listen or refuse to let others talk.

So many times I have seen people suppressed because they are different. I remember a classmate picking on one of our other classmates in sixth grade, making fun of her old worn coat and that it had a peculiar smell.

I quickly told the guy what I thought of his making fun of another who was doing the best she could with what was given her at home.

We are all products of our environment and, how many of us picked the place we were born? We have only learned, first off, what was taught us by our parents, relatives and friends.

So, how else are we to learn except by listening to all those in this big world and by getting a grip on the big picture of life.

It is good to give our children the freedom to question us about some of the things we do, and to make us explain why we do them. We don't want them to just follow a rut we might happen to be in, but we want them to weigh every angle to see what we show and tell them is good.

Students in the La Harpe Class of 2001 have been fortunate over their growing up years, to have a head-start on much wisdom. They have not only been given wise instruction, but also, fluent communication skills. In their speeches, the Honor Graduates expressed so much appreciation for those who debated with them, taught them, prodded them on, listened to them and gave them so much support inside their school and from their community.

Yes, they gave love and tribute not only to their families, but also the community at large was close to their hearts. So much so, where ever their schooling or vocations take them, they will remember their roots. It is a place where several sides of a story can be shared and then their opinions could be formed freely in their minds.

One thing to remember is, all opinions can not be set in stone, for we continually learn new things that change our views.

That is the true blessing of America. We are encouraged to always learn and always grow, because we have the freedom to do so.

Thanks to our forefathers, and the defenders of our free country, wisdom will excel.

High school graduates have been brought closer to other students in America because of the media and incidents such as Columbine.

I agree, the media must tell the stories of all the great things youth are accomplishing. They have abilities that will shock us, that will lead us further than we've ever traveled before. With their understanding and ability to seek answers, cures will be found for many diseases.

When students combine their freedoms with a respect for others and appreciation for those who have gone before them, they will gain a better understanding of the world and its problems.

God lead them into understanding as they forge on.