Authentic Orange

Submitted by Benjamin Seib

What does it mean to be authentic? Dictrionary.com defines authentic as, “not false or copied; genuine; real.” This is the ability to be true to one’s individual self. The internal and external ideas, thoughts and actions support the creation of a unique, self-built independent being. What does it mean to be “Orange”? As a respectful member of Beaver Nation, I define “Orange” as person who works to grow in knowledge, shares a kind smile, is welcoming to a community and uncontrollably loud at Beaver football games. With both words defined, how does one authentically “Be Orange”? It is through three key steps, that future Beaver’s can use when developing one’s authentic, orange self.

The first step is to embrace the idea of Freedom. Fyodor Dostoevsky stated, “Man is free, man is freedom.” (Satre, Existentialism Is Humanism) We, as beings, have the ability to think, process, imagine and reflect with zero limitations. We have the ability to, “create and choose”, based on our wanting. (Lec. 5/26/15) As a Beaver, our entire University thrives off the ability to explore and discover the unknown. This is only accessed through the acceptance of freedom and following the direction in which one is called to follow, both as an individual and a community. By doing this, past Beaver’s have made great development in the Engineering, Animal Science and Scientific fields. As future Beaver’s, one needs to understand that they control their path. Each individual has the power to choose their direction. It is through the discover of self-freedom, that one will be able to create and experience the ultimate unknown, ones individual future. (Lec. 5/26/15).

The second step to being “Orange” is finding a solid balance between “Choosing-self” and “Choosing for all humans.” This is the idea, when working with freedom, the choices made can both, positively or negatively, affect one’s own self and the community. To find the balance, one must develop of image of humanity. (Lec. 5/21/15) Whether one works alone or with a large number of people, we must look to see how an action may affect today’s humanity. As students of a college town, we are looked upon to aid others. Here at Oregon State University, support and respect is expected from each student. Choosing-self is extremely important, for the self is the foundation of authenticity. But new Beaver members must critically analyse their free decisions, for they may create a destructive outcome for others, especially when involving personal success. As stated above, Beaver’s share smiles while creating a welcoming community. Though this may feel like a lot of pressure, if one is meant to be a member of Beaver Nation, developing individual success and helping others along the way comes natural. It is an “authentic” trait of the University.

The third and final step to authentically “Be Orange”, is one must bring their “true-self” to the University. Each individual here at Oregon State is unique and contains ideas, thoughts and dreams that differ for others. No one person is the same. Thus, to be an authentic “Orange”, one must be an authentic “self.” Philosopher Soren Kierkegaard touches this topic through his description of a crowd. “A crowd either renders the single individual wholly unrepentant and irresponsible, or weakens his responsibility by making it a fraction of his decision.” (Kierkegaard, The Crowd is Untruth) As young-adults, this is extremely challenging and takes great understanding of one’s-self to create. Today’s society, which contains judgement, discrimination, and bullying, makes it hard to express individuality. As an Oregon State Beaver, we must attempt to be “That single individual” that stands out from the crowd. (Lec. 5/5/15) We must challenge the norms of society and express our “freedom” to be different. Beaver Nation thrives on the diversity of students. From nationality to unique fashion, without personal idiosyncrasy, there would be no “Orange”.

Overall, what it means to be authentically “Be Orange” is to be one’s true-genuine self. Through the process of understanding freedom, one learns they are the creators of choice. When faced with the idea of “Choosing-self vs. Choosing for all humans” one discovers that these choices within the life of existentialism can affect both the internal and external world.It is up to individuals to find a balance. And finally, although present day society tries to place us in a crowd, it is individual authenticity that gives Beaver Nation the ability to nurture diversity.