And yet, it always does. Let's recap a little about this semester.
First, Darla Moore was unceremoniously kicked off USC's board of trustees by Gov. Nikki Haley. Our student body was upset, and it expressed its anger through Twitter, Facebook and a Statehouse rally. Moore wasn't reinstated to the board, but she did give $5 million while reaffirming her love for the university. Had you not said anything or caused an embarrassing uproar for Haley's administration, the gift would likely have never happened.
When many of you were upset about G. Bryant Wright receiving a honorary degree here next month, you caused a ruckus. There were multiple letters to the editor and a Facebook group created. Wright will still get his degree, but everyone on campus now knows more about this issue than a one-liner on a press release. And somehow, we think university officials might be a little more careful next time.
These are just two examples of how students changed Carolina this semester. There are many more.
Indications show hundreds are upset that top USC employees were given hefty raises while many others were laid off and denied raises. You see the utter hypocrisy in this.
If you're an employee, do something about it. Stage a protest. Challenge the administration. Make them explain why they're getting rich while you're struggling to get by.
As we go into this summer season of our lives, let's remember what the great Martin Luther King Jr. said: "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."
In the media, we can write about problems all we want. If we draw enough attention to them, maybe something changes. But when change really happens is when the public roars it collective voice in a deafening cry that can't be ignored.
Your voice does matter — but only if you make it.