Statesman columnist Jared Westbroek’s last say of the year
The lyrics to my favorite song serve well for my farewell address. The chorus goes much like this, “You’ve got to stand for something or you’ll fall for anything, you’ve got to be your own man, not a puppet on a string. Never compromise what’s right and uphold your family name. You’ve got to stand for something or you’ll fall for anything.”
In my life, this has been a guiding light. I have done my best to live by the principles it teaches. Those principles essentially encompass one major idea, an idea to which I have grounded my life – avoid mediocrity. Striving for the status quo, or what is merely good enough, will lead to your destruction. It will destroy your freedom and security. Mediocrity is the greatest of all of mans flaws. It is truly what enslaves mankind. Avoid mediocrity and stand for what’s right and you will always prosper. God bless.
Jared Westbroek is a senior majoring in law and constitutional studies. Comments can be sent to jwestbroek@cc.usu.edu.