Bowdoin provides incredible opportunities to its students regardless of their race, religion or economic stratum. With the recent decision to abolish loans and move completely to a grants program, the opportunities that Bowdoin College provides to those unable to handle its financial burdens have increased monumentally.
But while our official policy is one that represents a desire to integrate recipients of financial aid into the student body without any marked differences, the culture at Bowdoin does not accomplish this same task quite as seamlessly.
Everywhere you look there are signs that mark those with more wealth from those with less. It doesn't take a label savvy observer to note the material things that define Bowdoin culture. For females there are the iconic Longchamp bags or the more New England-specific Vineyard Vines. Tory Birch flats, J. Crew wellies and Ugg boots also serve as Bowdoin fashion staples. For the men, it's things like L.L. Bean slippers, North Face Jackets, Lacoste polo shirts and Sperry Topsiders.
And even beyond this day-to-day exhibition, there are other blatant signs of wealth. Many Bowdoin students regularly have the chance to travel to exotic locales without ever really questioning the opportunities they are presented with. For some, the distance journeyed is smaller: There are those who can afford to journey home while for others, going home for shorter breaks, or even longer holidays, is impossible.
While for many at our school, material objects, fancy vacations and an affluent zip code are unquestionable, there are also many here who are unable to finance the luxuries many Bowdoin students take for granted. It is not simply unfortunate that not everyone is afforded the same opportunities and expenses on campus; it is an issue of integration and acceptance.
We are not a community that values exclusivity. We value diversity and the unique qualities that each individual brings to the table. But, unknowingly, what we practice is far different than what we preach. To be a mainstream, run of the mill, Bowdoin student, our social mores insist that you must have certain material objects or opportunities. While we may speak out against the injustices of inequality, we create "hidden" costs that those already under financial stress are unable to accommodate.
So what are we supposed to do? Eliminate all fashion trends because they might be perceived as exclusive? Clearly that is an unrealistic solution to a subtle problem. I think the answer is much simpler than that. It is a matter of awareness. It means not assuming that everyone comes from the same socioeconomic background and removing the emphasis from those material objects.
Not everyone enjoys the same privileges and luxuries. No matter your background, be you from a wealthy private school or an inner city public school, do not assume you understand the experiences of your peers. College is a time for self-awareness. Recognize your privileges as well as your disadvantages but certainly do not take for granted or assume the same of your peers. We are more than just the sum of our parents' bank accounts, our area codes, our skin colors and our religious beliefs. As individuals we have more to offer than our material worth. We are all valuable thinking, reasoning, learning and logical contributors to our community. Let us place emphasis not on what we have or where we're from but who we are and where we're going.
Sarah Pritzker is a member of the class of 2011.