Suzanne Fletcher's Blog

A day showing some hope, which was very encouraging.  I was accompanying John to the "matriculation ceremony" for Durham University held at the Cathedral.  This is the formal entry of new students to the University.  As I walked into the cathedral I could almost feel the buzz of excitement and anticipation from the students.  I was surprised to hear that there are students from 130 countries now at the University.  A whole Cathedral full of young hope for the future!

I heard the Vice Chancellor's speech 4 times, but surprisingly didn't get bored, and even felt inspired, and wished I were younger to be able to be there myself as a student.

He talked of the responsibilities of being a student but also emphasised the freedom to think for yourself;  to think critically; to challenge conventional wisdom; to have open minds; think broadly and have confidence without complacence; remember that community is bigger than yourself.  You don't have to be a student at Durham to do all of that, or the brains to get there. 

If only we were all encouraged to follow these lines.

It was when he talked of the University providing education not training that I realised how I feel a round peg in a square hole in a "modern" Council.  The emphasis is on getting us trained to think and act as those with greater power  want us to be.

It is too revolutionary to think that Councillors could be encouraged to follow the guidelines the Vice Chancellor spoke of - but just think of the results.  We might even not need a revolution