Acting Like An Adult
I graduated from Penn State as an adult.
When I walked off campus with my diploma, I was arguably more knowledgable and skilled. But beyond academics, college taught me how an adult should act.
We may only see it looking back, but the teachers, the institution and the tradition of a college teach us about dignity and class. There are still decisions I make that are informed by the example of the mentors I had in school.
The last few days have made me question what I learned.
I, like most other Penn State alumni, have conflicting emotions about this scandal. But I know those feelings will come into focus as we move further away from the moment.
What I think will be harder to resolve is whether this school, or any school, is capable of teaching our children to be adults. Decisions made by these men many years ago can only be described as adolescent. But even with the spotlight of an entire nation, they have not been able to act like adults in the last few days.
It’s frightening to lose this trust so swiftly. All I know is that my kids will still need to learn how to act like adults. I will have to try my hardest to be that adult, because even our heroes can’t be trusted anymore.
