Students should show some support
When flipping through the pages of our paper, it is evident that great things are taking place everyday here at the University of Guelph. There is an energy in Guelph, and students seems to be genuinely concerned about the well-being of the community and for its future. We have variety at Guelph. It may be the only university that can hold greenhouses, Scottish studies, veterinary school and early childhood education under one roof (to name a few). But is it possible we have too much variety? Guelph students have been accused of apathy. Indeed, there is a lack of cohesive school spirit: the poor attendance of both athletic and academic events can attest to this. It is true that within certain colleges there appears to be a more concentrated sense of school spirit, but it is not often that students gather as a collective. University of Guelph students seem to be lacking a coherent definition of what it means to be a Gryphon. All too often we define ourselves by what we are not.
Demonstrating our love for Guelph through an anti-Western sentiment is an unproductive and unhealthy way to create unity. It is not based on love for Guelph, but a deep and often unfounded dislike of another. It is common even among students who don’t go to varsity games. A dash of school rivalry is completely acceptable, even welcome, but the lengths students go to show how much they wucking hate Festern is embarrassing. Students should focus on a more positive way to support our school.
In order to foster school spirit, students should start by simply going to school events. Attending a Gryphon varsity event shouldn’t depend on whether you’re interested in sports or not. Students should show their support for their fellow Gryphons regardless. We are all Gryphons, not just our athletes. Instead varsity teams have to make it to the playoffs before student ticket sales go up. It isn’t that U of G students are poor losers, it’s just that they’re indifferent. A point that is exemplified by the low fan turnout at football games other than Homecoming, with the exception of this year’s home opener.
It is truly unfortunate to attend a special guest lecture or go to a baseball game and find yourself in an audience of less than 10 people. It is disconcerting to attend a home game and find that Guelph students are outnumbered by the opposing team’s fans. Even when it comes to regular classes, by the middle of semester if you’re still attending seminars, you’re likely to have one-on-one time with your professor. And despite its publicity, how many students can accurately describe what the Better Planet Project is? We at The Ontarion feel that a change needs to be made. We think that being a University of Guelph student is reason enough to show your Gryph colours. It’s OK to be a little bit cocky, as long as it’s not at the expense of another school or team. Show your school spirit by attending a Zavitz Gallery art exhibit opening, a basketball game, a campus club event, the on-campus farmer’s market. There are innumerable ways to express how proud we are to be U of G students. We need more cowbell, Guelph!
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