We all want recognition for our good deeds; it’s how humanity thrives. It’s also great that the college provides a multitude of awards for those who take initiatives throughout the campus. But what happens when accessibility to those awards overpowers the number of students on campus? Do these awards lose their prestigious power when they’re handed out to everyone?
Generally when someone receives an award it’s because of their undeniable service and leadership throughout the campus. It’s someone recognizable to the average person (or at least in their discipline); someone whose impact can be seen by the college community. We all know of these deserving people and for most, we strive to become like them.
Although there are a lot of students at Wartburg who are actively involved in many different organizations and activities, giving an award to every individual who puts in an effort may take away from the “specialness” of the recognition and may even make it unexciting and routine.
The point isn’t to keep the same people winning the same awards, but that fewer awards are seen as a higher standard of the work students do. These awards should encourage others to want to be better and set higher goals for themselves. If the awards can be won through minimal work, then their point is mute.
At Wartburg alone there are countless awards that can be won based upon academic standing, athletic participation, leadership experience, major, race, age…and the list goes on. We’re not saying these awards are unwarranted or meaningless—these awards can be the highlight of someone’s college career—but that’s the point.
Ironically, awards should be awarded to those who earn them. You can’t work hard just to receive an award; you work hard because it betters the community and can take you places in life.
Let’s make sure we continue to honor those who truly stand out in any area and honor those who have genuinely embodied the achievement for which they are being honored.