On the first day back from Winter break, we celebrated Martin Luther King Jr. Though we had the day off from school and classes, the saying the whole day was “A day on, not off”. CMU hosted a day of service to honor all of his selfless accomplishments. I first attended a presentation and then continued with making valentines cards for veterans and decorating brown paper bags that would eventually be given to children when they got their food.
Martin Luther King Jr. day is such an important day in our nation, as it serves as a reminder of the amazing legacy he left behind. This was the first year that I actually celebrated it and realized just how special it really is. During high school, we never got the day off. Although we would touch on it in school, it was never to the degree that it deserved. At CMU, however, we spent a whole week honoring the countless sacrifices he made for the good of the whole. The University chose to perform a day of service because that’s exactly what he would’ve done. Everything he ever did was with the idea of service and justice in mind.
It is definitely important that we recognize and celebrate every single accomplishment, and even attempt, that Martin Luther King Jr. performed. Going forward, I want to make it a point to really participate in every event that the University puts on every day. It is important that we carry on and honor his legacy, and we can’t do so if we choose not to take action. I have realized that the saying “A day on, not off” couldn’t be more true. I want to be a part of the change, and I believe this would be a great place to start.
Samantha McDonald 