Then there's always 2004

At the end of each semester, a little part of our lives comes to an end, and a new chapter opens. Cliché, I know. The end of this semester marks the final of my 55 columns for the Indiana Daily Student and yet another chapter (the final at IU) in life is set to begin. But you don't care about me or my history; what about our future?\nOver the last few years, I've used this forum to complain and advocate and suggest change on all sorts of issues. If you read it even semi-regularly, you have no doubt found I don't like President Bush and that, well, there are a lot of things I don't like.\nNegativity, it seems, often (perhaps too often) was a pervading sentiment. You might have agreed or disagreed, but regardless, I hope you too formed some sort of view or opinion.\nWhat we do with all the views and opinions we form is critical. To some, social views are unimportant, but others have a desire to affect change. If an opinion is worth believing deeply in, it's worth fighting for.\nThis brings me to 2004. If politics is your thing, 2004 is your time. Republican or Democrat, the opportunities to affect the future of your community and your nation in 2004 will be great. \nCheck out deanforamerica.com or georgewbush.com or the site of whichever candidate strikes your fancy. Call local political candidates to help out. Talk to your friends and family about issues you believe are important. The list goes on and on (personal preference dictates that I focus on politics).\nWhy should we do these things?\nBecause beliefs are worth fighting for.\nBecause when you're a 20-something, mediocrity isn't good enough.\nWhen we're grown up, we will no doubt have plenty of compromises to make, but young people are supposed to fight for what they believe. We are supposed to pursue happiness like there is no tomorrow.\nIt is people fighting for their beliefs that has allowed this country to become so great. There were risks to those who marched in the South in the 1950s and '60s for racial equality. There are risks for those who profess homosexuals deserve exactly the same rights as everyone else.\nBut these risks are worth taking. Life is worth seizing. Sometimes you've gotta go all out on an open-ended draw hoping you'll get there on the river.\nYou can seize the day in the new year that will be ushered in after this semester by getting involved in 2004. This election is going to be critical to the country's future. To me, the answer to "four more years of Bush?" seems obvious, and it might seem obvious to you as well (though the answer might be different), and now, at this young age, it is a prime time to get involved in your community and your society.\nOf course, there are any number of ways to take life by the horns. Each person should do what floats his or her respective boat, and I claim no expertise on this subject outside the area of politics.\nBut whatever you do in your next chapter, carpe diem! And if you already do so, keep on carpe diem-in'!\nLife is full of negativity. This column -- and our own opinions -- are too often full of criticism. It's time to fight for a positive solution to all the problems we so easily find. In 2004, let's fight for our beliefs, and, as a generation, proclaim that we won't be mediocre.\nIt's been 55 wonderful columns. Thanks.