Students make time to unite and have a “Real Talk”
Aleksandra Ward

Thursday November 18^th marked the first meeting of students interested in having open informal discussions at an annual session called “Real Talk” hosted by UMass Lowell students William Obrys and Bobby Tugbiyele. Meeting in front of the large screen TV at the McGauverrn Student Union at 5:00pm, the group, which included students and faculty, began by making ground rules to promote friendly yet spirited discussions on student chosen topics that include higher education, politics, racism, sexism, movies and current events.

An idea the two friends have had since last year, “Real Talk” is an open forum scheduled weekly that provides students a “safety net, a chance for everyone to talk. . .a chance to share and spread knowledge” as described by Obrys, co moderator. “Real Talk”, will help develop a progressive “buzz” on an otherwise seemingly apathetic campus, and professor of History and American Studies Dr. Hillary Holladay can’t help but agree that it is a good idea. “It is easy for students to get comfortable in a classroom and have discussions with substance, but that seems to end in the classroom…it’s a good idea for students to have this opportunity to continue discussions.”.

The majority of the first meeting was spent sharing contact information, developing a structure and rules such as being open and honest, so that that everyone could feel safe and encouraged to share thoughts and perspectives. Occurring before the holiday break, naturally the discussion gravitated towards the holiday of Thanksgiving, the true history of it and what it means to students today. Participant Elizabeth Manuel mentioned that Thanksgiving was her favorite holiday, because it was the “least commercialized of the holiday season . . .it is important to take time to see family face to face.”. History major Rich Ferrell talked about the first Thanksgiving, and how our current view of it misrepresents historical facts, and how preparations for it cause massive slaughter of turkeys.

Concluding with participants making a circle and joining in a round of applause to show appreciation for each other and each other’s ideas, Obrys closed by encouraging everyone to “Take the information from today home and share it with your friends and families. The idea of having ideas is a progressive in itself. This is what democracy is about. You may not be able to talk to your congressman, but you can talk to us”.

Real talk will be meeting again this and every Thursday, in front of the big screen television in the McGauvern Student Union, located on South Campus at 5PM. For more information about meetings, and ideas for topics Will Obrys and Bobby Tugbiyele can be reached in regards to “Real Talk” at realtalk@gmail.com.