As people grow wiser with age, priorities change, and we slowly grow to appreciate those intangibles that mold who we will become. Some, I fear, may be obscured by the sense that nothing outside of where we live has importance in our lives. It is this narrow-mindedness which should be a major cause for concern.

Granted, some may not have the luxury of traveling far and wide, but the internet and the technical advances of the twenty-first century allow us to broaden ourselves wherever we may be. I suppose the point I am trying to make is that we as a population have grown lazy in trying to educate ourselves to the utmost degree, whether that originates from denial or mere lack of emphasis. There is international literature that offers a gateway to uncovered knowledge. Wisdom, is that not the ultimate goal? Wisdom is the greatest weapon to combat global warming, terrorism, economic crisis, or something as simple as developing a budget and preparing for college.

In my life, I have been exposed to many cultural events such as plays, concerts, different types of literature, and other human interests shared by people in a global sense.  And many of these have been right in our own community. I have seen high quality productions at the Academy Theatre and Meadville Community theatre, and I have also been to Broadway-sized productions. In addition, I have attended Jazz at Chautauqua and many other social functions. There is something out there for everyone. I am not imposing drama or jazz upon anyone, but those are some great examples.

The fact that the majority of my colleagues refuse to recognize the significance of such functions is beyond me. In my life, I have found a galaxy of fascinating new experiences and information. It’s not a pastime like baseball; it’s meeting new people, learning new things, and exposing yourself to experiences that are going to help yourself and those around you lead a better life. For example, the glorification of athletics in high schools bears little resemblance to the real world, where for many it is merely “fun time” or entertainment. Personally, I have a profound love of sports, especially at the local level, and they can teach some valuable lessons. But they can also present a portal to distraction.

Few schools put enough emphasis on the importance of culture for their students, but some are reaching out. Meadville and McDowell both offer opportunities for their kids to experience events outside of their communities, such as taking groups of students to theatrical productions, or having their students put on performances for the entire student body. Mary Lynne Peters, music teacher at Meadville High School, recognizes that many students today are lacking even the most basic exposure to cultural events. “How are they supposed to behave if they are not exposed to it?” she said. Mrs. Susan Duncan, Saegertown High’s theater and choral teacher said, “It is the finer things in life that give us emotion, an appreciation of greater things in the world. It makes you a more rounded person.”

The world is full of opportunity. Become a renaissance man or woman. Strive to broaden your horizons. Become a well-rounded person. See a play. Attend a concert. Listen to some jazz music. Exposure to cultural events is invaluable. It will open up new doors in your life, and those doors will flood with new experiences and ultimately, a happier life.