Why Rachel needs a good dose of reality

Rachel Brackett, I’d like you to meet Fannie Stubblefield.

Fannie Stubblefield scrubbed floors so she could send her daughter Ruth to college.

Ruth Stubblefield knew her education was precious, made possible by the gnarled fingers, calloused knees, and stooped back of her mother, scrubbing floors in the homes of the well to do.

Ruth Stubblefield couldn’t and wouldn’t dishonor the sacrifice and devotion of her mother. She went to class every day. Her dedication to her studies was her way of paying tribute to that little old lady of scrub brushes.

The glorious result was the success of Ruth Stubblefield. She was named President of Smith College in 1995, the first African American woman to head a Major University.

Why do I want Rachel Brackett to meet Fannie Stubblefield?

Here’s why.

Northern Arizona University has installed a high tech class attendance system that automatically records when a student enters a classroom. Student ID’s contain a chip detected by a computer that documents your attendance.

Professors now have an accurate report of attendance each semester generated without wasting class time. Stimulus funds paid for the new system. Thank you, Mr. President.

Cue the whiny brat, Rachel Brackett. A junior at the University, she has formed an organization to oppose the automated attendance taking. Her protest has even launched its own Facebook page.

Rachel Brakett insists students have the right to skip class. Here’s a quote from Rachel: “One of the biggest issues for me is that it should be our choice to go to class. Maybe we still have some growing to do, but that’s how you grow up.”

Grow up? Please tell me she didn’t say that.

Rachel Brackett and the other 1600 students joining her protest don’t know what growing up means.

Rachel Brackett, do you know that there are thousands who’d gladly take your seat in class (if you are attending today) but who can’t afford the tuition? Do you know that every major study shows student attendance improves student performance and success?

Rachel, I’d like you to meet Fannie Stubblefield.

When the rich white families in the suburbs scheduled Fannie to scrub their floors, Fannie showed up on time. No sleeping in.

And guess what, Rachel? Fannie didn’t have a digital monitor recording her attendance. She had something else motivating her. Courage. Dedication. Love.

So let’s can the protest and show up for class.

Hey, Rachel, did you hear me? It’s time to get up. Sometimes life doesn’t have a snooze button.

Just ask Fannie Stubblefield.