Newsflash: I am better than you. That's right. Apparently, I'm better than you because I am an honors student.
The $2,000 scholarship I receive every year is not enough of a reward for my superior intelligence; I deserve more. I deserve to register for classes before those with the same amount of credits as me. In fact, I deserve to register on the very first day of registration.
This is what I learned in Honors 101 this past week. The majority of students in my class believe that being in the honors program entitles them to early registration. One student's reasoning was that, as honors students, we are required to take 21 credits for a minor and registering early would help make that possible. Another student's justification was, "We are better than everyone else."
I vehemently disagree. First of all, I am receiving a fairly large scholarship, one of the largest Geneseo offers, and to me that is the only perk I need. Second, I am, in no way, shape or form, better than anyone else simply because I am in the honors program.
For those who don't know, to get into the honors program a student must first be sent an invitation, based on SAT scores or first semester grade point average, and then write an essay on a given topic. Acceptance into the program is based on a single essay, a mere snapshot of a student's ability.
Does one essay have the ability to truly determine the smartest students at Geneseo? Being given an arbitrary label does not mean I have superior intelligence, and it certainly does not mean I should be allowed to undermine the registration process.
Back in my honors class, amid the elitist vocalizations of others, I expressed that I believe registering on the first day would be completely unfair to those who have more credits than me. One student responded that the world is unfair and, after having many unfair events happen to him throughout his life, it was nice to finally be on the other side of things.
Once again, I vehemently disagree. I, too, have received a fair share of unjust occurrences. Being on the other side, however, does not solve the problem: it only continues it. If I ever expect to be treated fairly I know that I must first treat others fairly. This means being honest and upholding personal responsibility.
If everyone made a conscious effort to "do the right thing," there would be a smaller occurrence of unfairness. I refuse to propagate a cycle of injustice simply because it has happened to me before. Therefore, regardless of when the rest of the honors program will be registering, I will be registering on the date I was originally assigned.
Sarah Cantatore is a sophomore psychology major who thinks honors candidates should have do more than write an essay. This would possibly involve feats of strength against an enraged grizzly bear.