Before I met Hillsdale College President Larry Arnn and before I knew about the college, I was only scraping the surface of what it was to be a human and what it was to be an American. Perhaps it seems uncool or even silly, but I leave each classroom feeling as if I have had my eyes opened.
I had one desire: To be able to explain, in the context of human history and American history, the ideas that I knew in my heart to be true. Simply saying a thing is not enough. One must offer definitive proof of the truth, an idea that many public servants would do well to realize.
Recently people have chosen to look for fault in Hillsdale’s demographics. The attacks on Hillsdale College and Arnn push that race is an actual factor in determining which students will attend this school and which won’t.
In my experience, this is complete baloney. I attend the college on a full-tuition scholarship. Call it a Cinderella story. I walked into Arnn’s office, just a tad shy, and he gave me the spiel that he gives all potential students. He told me the values of the college and even the fact that I did not truly fit the demographic of the school — not because I was black — but because I was 35 and very few students here are my age.
Hillsdale accepted me for one reason: I wanted it bad enough to fight for it.
My experience at Hillsdale College has been overwhelmingly positive. Professors have opened their homes to me so that I could continue my education without worrying about housing. Professors have opened their offices to me to make sure I had every opportunity to succeed. Professors have challenged me on my beliefs, my gifts and even the way I live my life. And Arnn himself has given me his time, support and encouragement.
It is truly an insult that some look for racism wherever conservatives are gathered. I do hope people will look into Hillsdale College even more because there is truly no better place on earth to be if one loves truth, knowledge and learning.
Reprinted with permission from The Detroit News
