The Bubble

    {Learning Experience #1}

     It’s what people like to call the “TCU bubble:” the narrow-scope that students seem to have throughout their college years.  Some say this has to do with the small overall school population; others blame it on the lack of diversity and the tight-knit, homey town of Fort Worth, TX.  However, whatever it comes down to, TCU suffers from the “bubble” mentality.  So, what does that actually mean?

     Yesterday, I attended a service and career exploration seminar that helped me achieve a leadership credit for the Leadership Scholars Program.  To be honest, I was not looking forward to the lengthy six-hour long day, starting at 9 am (which if you are a college student running on lack of sleep and copious amounts of caffeine, you empathize with my pain).  However, I set my alarm for five different time intervals and by some miracle, I got up in time to get my morning coffee at the recently refurbished Bluu 2.  Long story short, I made it to the classroom and let me tell you, I was a little bit surprised.
     Recently, in class, we talked about the “superiority theory.”  The superiority theory explains that we feel superior to others when we make fun of them or put them down in some way, which can also be seen as negative humor.  It is a way to gain control and feel like you have power.  But how does this have to do with your seminar, you may ask…
     When I walked into the classroom, I saw no one I knew.  I mean legitimately no one, and to be honest, that was very weird.  There were people from all different ethnicities, races, and cultures.  Some were adults, as others were undergraduates.  I was the only one wearing a sorority shirt and Nike shoes.  I was the only one wearing the Kendra Scott necklace every girl on TCU’s campus seems to wear like a self-imposed uniform.  Yet, for some odd reason I felt like I had the upper hand.  I felt like I was better because I was the typical TCU student and they were not, which was a completely superficial and selfish thought on my part.  Honestly, I was ignorant.  Within one hour, no joke, I realized the extent of my pride.  I realized that I was so blinded by the “TCU bubble” that I did not notice the different people all around me, who make TCU special.  These TCU students may not be the majority, but they contribute so much in making TCU the campus and university it is.
     Yes, this seminar helped me learn a lot about service and career exploration, but more importantly, it boldly and callously shoved me out of my limited mindset.  I was forced to participate in a different environment, where there were no matching leggings and frockets.  Yet, by the end of the day, I realized how refreshing being out of the “TCU Bubble” was and what a different perspective I gained because of this experience.
     So, I challenge you.  Next time you are walking around campus in your tiny bubble, pop the liquefied inside to see what is on the oxygenated outside.  You just might be surprised at what you see.