“Why should I bother?”

This question resonates deeply with most students, surfacing when they’re prompted to step beyond the basic demands of lectures, assignments and exams. It has become a quiet mantra representing a pervasive mentality that has come to define this generation of students: disengaged, devoid of collective vision, and often lacking a meaningful drive to strive for better or contribute to the greater good. This growing apathy signifies more than mere disinterest or indifference. It reveals a troubling disconnect from the transformative opportunities that active participation in student and university life can offer, not only for individual growth but also for the betterment of society as a whole.

This disconnect is not without consequence. While students retreat into a culture of apathy, the ripple effects are felt far beyond the confinements of university campus. Our collective preoccupation with the “I” and our focus on individual survival have contributed to the current stagnation and degeneration we are currently witnessing in our political, social and economic systems and the shortcomings of civic life that remain unaddressed.

Yet, the fault cannot be entirely attributed to students. This mentality has been cultivated largely by the relentless pressures of modern life. How can students be expected to volunteer their time for student organisations, advocacy or extracurricular activities when they are struggling to make ends meet? Mounting financial pressures, the astronomical cost of living and the unrealistic expectations of career readiness imposed on youth force students to prioritise paid employment over unpaid community involvement.

Even for those students who make the effort to engage themselves, they often face several barriers that further demotivate and disincentivise them. Today, students are easily dismissed and infantilised, with their contributions tokenised, undervalued and disregarded under the guise of inexperience. This lack of meaningful inclusion extends to decision-making spaces, where their presence is frequently reduced to a symbolic checkbox. These realities undermine the potential for impactful participation and erode the enthusiasm of even the most determined students.

Thus, it is clear that our society is, at the very least, complicit in the seed of apathy that has been nurtured among Malta’s students. In a world that glorifies speed and productivity and a culture that expects people to be able to do it all, students are forced to accelerate their lives to keep up. This relentless pace has robbed students of their chance to be idealists and of the freedom to debate, dream and engage in discussions to foster curiosity and collaborative thought. Now, they must submit to the unceasing grind and are conditioned to view formative experiences as frivolous endeavours that distract them from “getting ahead”. Those that find time to strike a balance and offer their contributions, are too often met with a dismissive attitude that devalues their input and further exacerbates this apathetic sensation.

The culture of undermining student voices, the diminishing of initiative and engagement from young people and an increasing disinterest in meaningful and intellectual discussion has led to tragedy on both a national and international level. In Malta, this erosion of civic participation has resulted in a visionless political system. The lack of young people and youthful idealism in governance has contributed to an uninspired system that prioritises short-term gains and self-serving agendas over long-term progress. Internationally, this disengagement has exacerbated global challenges and has weakened our ability to meet them with innovative, collaborative solutions. It is clear that without the energy and creativity of an engaged younger generation, progress stalls.

This must change.

Students have always been and must continue to be driving forces for change and promotors of progress unmarred by cynicism and complacency that so easily deters us from moving forward. History is a testament to the incredible power of student movements, where young people, filled with idealism and energy, have shaped the course of nations and catalysed revolutions in thought, policy, and action. Considering the state of our systems, it is clear that we cannot afford to leave their future solely in the hands of those who have shaped them thus far.

Apathy may not be unique to our generation, but it is our responsibility to ensure it doesn’t become its defining characteristic. We must restore the collective sense of purpose that was once synonymous with students. We must reclaim our space in the conversation and demonstrate the power of our collective voice. Our contributions are valuable, and they deserve to be valued.

To do this, we must reawaken the ideals that have always defined students: idealism, vision, passion, and energy. This begins with actively engaging in our university communities by becoming involved in student organisations and activities beyond the classroom. This requires us to be vocal about our beliefs, to challenge injustices and wrongdoings and to advocate for change that reflects our values, recognising and celebrating the differences between as opportunities to grow and develop critical thinking, empathy and a collaborative mindset. By doing so, we will gain more than just personal growth but will be given the change to influence the campus environment and, by extension, broader society, ushering in societal change and a culture of meaningful engagement.

We must not let the forces of complacency and apathy silence our voices. By falling victim to such forces, we surrender our future; by speaking up, we shape it.

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KSU

4 June 2024

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