Young Mr. Warmbier was not one of my students. We never met, in person. I am not even sure whether our paths ever crossed on Grounds. Yet I feel like I knew him quite well, and this is a feeling many of the University community share. Many of us find his adventurous spirit in the young students who begin their life journeys here, at the University.
As a truly international institution, we welcome students from across Virginia, from every state in the country and, indeed, from all around the world. We aspire to be more international, more open to concerns well beyond Grounds. Our enduring faith is that students will find value in the great community of ideas and opinions assembled here. Yet we must acknowledge that we cannot, amidst all our lofty goals for experiential education and diversity, ever bring the world and the entirety of its concerns here, to Grounds. Yes, we have our inspiring lectures, and our fine international professors, and our fragment of the Berlin Wall. But, in its mission to promote lifelong intellectual adventure, this University is a point of departure, not a museum.
Mr. Warmbier came to us from Ohio, from a family that expected us to support his intellectual growth. Like so many other students, he had ambitious plans, and he came here to prepare himself for a life of new experiences. His family entrusted Otto’s education to this community, and we are deeply honored by the trust they placed in us.
In our all-too-brief time with Mr. Warmbier, the University accomplished its most important objective: to kindle the curiosity of a young mind, and to encourage a student to nourish that curiosity.
Our time with our students is far too brief to say all that we need to say; there are no comprehensive course packets or tests which ensure students know “enough.” And so we use our brief time together to stress that there is always more to experience, beyond our classrooms and serpentine walls. This University succeeds best when our students feel sufficiently confident to explore on their own, taking their friendships, their preparatory lessons and their honor with them, wherever their curiosity may lead.
Amidst the tragedy of young Mr. Warmbier’s bittersweet homecoming, it is tempting to wish he had chosen a safer path. Some may wish he had not set out at all. I know many among us will question why a young person would visit such a dangerous place. I cannot say I would have the bravery or the audacity to do what Mr. Warmbier did, but I recognize well the desire to go where so few have gone. That is the explorative spirit that we all should aspire to.
I believe that Mr. Warmbier did what every young person must do, to find their future. He ventured far beyond the security of the classroom, and even beyond the security of the United States. Mr. Warmbier opened himself to unforeseen experiences, so that he could see with his own eyes, rather than relying on secondary accounts. For that, I salute Mr. Warmbier’s courage.
It is clear Mr. Warmbier learned the most important lesson this University can ever offer: students must go, and go far — wherever their curiosity may lead. They will take with them their knowledge, their core beliefs, their inquisitive nature. And they take all of us too. This is how we exceed these walls and continue to learn, together.
Keith Williams is a visiting professor in the Engineering School.
Read More
EDITORIAL: U.Va. Health lets fear trump its mission to do no harm
By Editorial Board | 6 hours agoIt is high time to resist these authoritative and dangerous actions before there are no federal avenues left for resistance.
CARTER: U.Va. Health owes clarity to transplant patients
By Nathaniel Carter | 3 days agoUnfortunately, this negative press is fully the fault of U.Va. Health — it failed to address significant stakeholder concerns when crafting its justification.
EDITORIAL: Upholding medical amnesty is a collective effort
By Editorial Board | 4 days agoUniversity leadership, Greek life organizations and students themselves must recommit to the safety provided by an effective and knowledgeable use of medical amnesty.
