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Latwell Nyangu-Youth Interactive Writer

If you don’t want to take responsibility, you can’t have freedom either.  If you shun responsibility, you have to accept slavery in some way or other.

And college is an exciting time for students, offering them the freedom to make their own decisions. Students are going to create memories that they will either regret or treasure throughout this strange and lovely period.

College students are so immersed in the experience that they have evolved into a unique species.

Although college students are undoubtedly different, it may often be difficult to understand why they do some of the things that they do.

A common perception of college is that it’s a place where students experiment, meet new people, and relish their independence as adults.

But with great freedom also comes great responsibility. 

Being responsible and having freedom are two ideas that go hand in hand.

Fellow students, real freedom requires a sense of responsibility.

The responsibility to weigh the pros and drawbacks of one’s decisions and accept responsibility for them, comes along with the freedom to choose and act.

I present the tale of student responsibility versus freedom this week.

I write what I observe, as always.

When I write, I usually don’t finish; instead, I leave everything up for future conversations.

Since everything in this world is arbitrary and subjective, we should assess everything we encounter and do.

All of us have freedom, but that freedom comes with responsibility.

As we relish our time in Zimbabwe at 44, let us remember to always act responsibly as students.

I mentioned a few months back that we can sometimes be the ones who create our problems. 

Our parents leave us to go anywhere, in their mind knowing or expecting  that we are responsible. Parents play their role and they nurture us in the manner that is the best of their abilities.

And at times they end somewhere and God starts from where they end.

But the bottom line is: with all such freedom, responsibility is the price. Without responsibility, freedom can lead to chaos, harm, and infringement on your rights.

Today you hear some students saying, their rights have been infringed and they are not allowed to do whatever they want.

Several students complain that they are not allowed to go and party with others, some say they are given time to be home by.

All these complaints are based on failure to be responsible.

Parents or college authorities expect students to be responsible and they have trust in you.

When individuals exercise their freedom without a sense of responsibility, they risk causing harm to themselves and those around them.

As a result, the rights are taken.

Responsibility acts as a guiding principle that ensures that one’s actions are in line with ethical standards, societal norms, and personal integrity.

It is through responsible behavior that students can fully enjoy the benefits of their freedom without losing dignity and integrity.

In essence, the price of freedom is shouldering the burden of responsibility.

Many students, fail to make thoughtful decisions, consider the impact of their actions, and be accountable for the outcomes.

Without this sense of responsibility, freedom loses its value and can lead to negative consequences for both individuals and families as a whole.

Ultimately, embracing responsibility alongside freedom is essential for creating a harmonious and just society where students can exercise their rights while upholding moral principles and respecting the rights of others.

Great students understand the degree of responsibility that comes with their freedom.

Freedom exists only within a framework of rules and it is simply an opportunity to find a definition for yourself, a true, authentic individuality, and a joy in making the world around you a little better, a little more beautiful.

Freedom exists only within a framework of rules.

Freedom is simply an opportunity to find a definition for yourself, a true, authentic individuality, and a joy in making the world around you a little better, a little more beautiful.

Like so many things in life, freedom is not free. Students must balance personal freedom with personal responsibility.

We cannot justifiably have one without the other. 

The more comprehensive and diversified the social order, the greater the responsibility and the freedom of the student. 

Most students want to be free but don’t want to take responsibility.

But freedom is inseparable from responsibility and if you have the freedom to think, it is your responsibility to think positively.

Our concept of freedom grows and changes with us as we take on the academic journey.

Over the years, my vision of freedom has developed from wanting to be free from our parents to freedom from restrictions.

Most students end up regretting their freedom due to failure to be responsible.

Nothing can satisfy a student’s need and greed. Extreme freedom however  can be catastrophic  and responsibility is what  prevents such an outcome. 

True freedom is the freedom to follow one’s conscience and maintain one’s integrity. The joy of freedom is not only in  the ability to choose, but the ability to choose well — to choose the right and the good — and to be responsible for the outcome rather than blaming others.

Students like freedom because it gives them a sense of mastery over things and people.

They dislike responsibility because it constrains them from satisfying their desires.

Everyone wants to be free, but there are times when we are terrified by the responsibility freedom brings.

We are answerable not just for the things we do but also for the kind of people we become.

Every thought, word, and deed in our lives shapes our character. Fellow students, we create our character through the decisions we make.

Until we meet for a toast, be responsible.

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