The Unify Challenge College Bowl: A Student Reflection

As I approach the midpoint of my final year at the University of South Florida, a five-year journey in obtaining a bachelor’s degree in business management, and a master’s in business administration, I’m still occasionally asked how my time in high school prepared me for post-secondary opportunities. Although it was some time ago, being a member of the International Baccalaureate (IB) program at my high school was a rewarding experience, especially in learning skills that have withstood the test of time, let alone many unprecedented and unforeseen events that have taken place over the last few years. Overall, the skill of critical thinking has been the most valuable in understanding how to approach something objectively, and reach a conclusion that makes sense, and hopefully aims to create positive outcomes.

Unfortunately, it’s obvious that critical thinking, especially as it relates to problem solving, is not present in many spaces today. All around us, whether virtually or in-person, it seems harder to have a meaningful discussion on issues of policy without causing anger in the process. Although this issue is complex, a contributing factor stems from the fact of not being able to comprehend another perspective that challenges one’s own viewpoint. Instead of a policy-oriented discussion that sticks to facts, oftentimes the discussion will veer off into name calling and personal insults which only create more division, and don’t get us any closer to solving some of the real challenges we face today.

Unfortunately, these experiences are ones that I’ve faced firsthand, and when speaking with friends, neighbors, and colleagues who share similar situations, it’s clear that something must be done to create togetherness, reduce the “my way or the highway” thought process, and ultimately allow for consensus building which can lead to tangible actions which make a positive impact. Like with any massive challenge, incivility will not be eliminated overnight, but rather small steps can be implemented to empower others to engage in civil practices, which will lead to significant change with time.