LETTER: Keep old values to survive new freedom

---

by Douglas Strout

---

I'd like to spend a few words responding to Tony Tran's column ( Thresher, Aug. 25). Tran writes, "For the vast majority of freshmen, you're now living away from your parents. This means freedom. Freedom to abandon any or all of your previous beliefs, freedom to question any institution you once had faith in. ..."

I present a different view. I agree that we, as young adults, now must decide our own futures.

However, some of us were raised by parents who instilled strong principles in us. Some of us were raised to have faith in Jesus Christ.

Rather than abandon the beliefs and principles that have made us strong as well as free, we should cling to the values that allow us to stand firm against the temptations that accompany increased freedom.

I exhort the new freshmen to enjoy the freedom at Rice without allowing that freedom to become a licentiousness which is ultimately destructive.

Work hard, have fun and take advantage of the opportunities at Rice.

If you grew up with strong beliefs, you don't have to leave them behind. My faith is in Jesus Christ, and if yours is too, hold on to it.

Douglas Strout

Graduate Student

Department of Chemistry

This item appeared in the Opinion section of the September 1, 1995 issue.

Copyright © 1996 The Rice Thresher. All Rights Reserved.
This document may be distributed electronically, provided that it is distributed in its entirety and includes this notice. However, it cannot be reprinted without the express written permission of:
The Rice Thresher, Rice University, 6100 Main, Houston, TX 77005-1892, USA.