Be Good. Be Orange.

What does it mean to Be Orange? Every student at Oregon State probably has a different definition of what it means to “Be Orange”. There is no straight-line answer or even just a few simple values that can sum it up. To Be Orange is to be a part of Oregon State University and to grow and learn as a student and person, along with everyone else that is a part of this university. Being Orange to me means you hold true the values of professionalism, ambition and most importantly respect and compassion for others and yourself.

As college students, of course we are attending Oregon State to learn and prepare ourselves for our upcoming career or next chapter in our life. A big part of being a component of the professional world is professionalism. As a beaver, when I leave this university and take my resume to my future employers, I want them to know that by being an Oregon State graduate, I am a professional and reliable candidate.

Ambition is another trait of importance, not only in the professional world, but also in everyday life. An ambitious person is someone who goes out and gets what they want. To me this is an important trait to learn in life. Everything worth doing takes hard work and dedication.

To me, Being Orange really comes down to having respect and compassion for others. Oregon State is a pretty diverse community and you are often put in situations where you are around cultures and people you aren’t familiar with. Learning to respect other people, no matter who they are or what their beliefs are, is a very important trait to posses not only as a person but also as a part of a community.

Being part of the OSU community is something that isn’t short lived. Whether you are currently a student, staff members, alumni or simply a graduate you are still a beaver. The values that you learn and withhold from your time here are instilled in you and will go with you for the rest of your life. To Be Orange isn’t just a phase, it’s a way of life. What does Being Orange mean to you?