Letters to the Editor

Education more than GPA

Why am I at JMU? The answer should be, "To learn how to be the best I can." Every student and teacher at JMU should read James Madison’s writings on education. James Madison envisioned a university as a place where a person could learn about oneself, the other people on the planet, the planet that gives one life and the universe the planet is in. It is clear that our planet Earth can be a lot better for everyone than it is. It also is clear that people can get a long a lot better than they do. Everyone’s dream at JMU should be to make the planet a better place to live. The best things in life are not material things.

If you receive high grades while at JMU, and you are not learning new ways to make our planet better and how to use your mind, then you should complain. The biggest mistake you can make is to graduate from JMU and not have learned to use your mind to its full potential. Challenges are something you should demand. You are paying for them. Just because you are enjoying yourself does not mean you are benefiting yourself. Wisdom and knowledge — not a high GPA — will lead you to a better life and make you a better citizen. Being educated is important, but leaving JMU with the wisdom to use your mind properly is what you should strive to do.

Jim Sochacki
math professor