Be Good. Be Orange.

Submitted by: Marian Tannehill

Being a part of OSU  means being part of a diverse community. Beaver nation is held together through a set of virtues which reflect the character and morals of everyone affiliated with the University. There are many virtues that are identifiable in being orange.

Individuality is exemplified through the phrase, “Be Orange” as it is subjective and holds a different meaning to each person. OSU strives for innovation which is shown through the high expectations set for students as well as our advances in research through many departments in the University. Individuality being used as a tool by harnessing the capability of different perspectives is the most efficient way to accomplish tasks. OSU recognizes that through individuality, we can achieve greatness.

Open mindedness is closely associated with characteristics of individuality as well. Each individual perceives reality differently. As Fisher’s narrative paradigm suggests, we experience life as a protagonist of unique anecdotes that make up our reality. Being part of a tightly knit community that praises individuality requires having an open mind. Accepting other’s differences and realizing that each person distinguishes reality in a distinct way. This is  key to becoming a community and proudly being a part of Beaver Nation. Recently there have been several hate crimes on campus regarding race. The student body was able to stand up and represent a community that glorifies open mindedness as a virtue. Great efforts were made by raising the student body’s voice through social media and an organized march with a simple message: Everyone belongs to OSU, racism does not.

To me, orange means all of these things and more. Being orange requires many virtues in order to succeed as a student. Ambition characterizes the slogan, “be orange” most accurately to me because it encompasses the attributes of a successful student, and a responsible individual. Ambition is exemplified through  the caliber of students that are admitted into the University. The average GPA of entering freshmen is a 3.56, with all states represented. Far flung freshmen from across the nation show determination and ambition to become a part of beaver nation.

Being orange embodies the aspects of being part of OSU. No matter what “Be Orange” means to you, the underlying virtues it holds implement skills and moral values needed for the independent journey preceding our college years.