As class registration time nears, students should enroll in courses that will help them grow academically and personally. My endorsement is PAF 101: “An Introduction to the Analysis of Public Policy.”

PAF 101 is the introductory course to policy studies major, one of the most competitive majors at Syracuse University. An essential component of the class is its focus on engagement in the greater Syracuse community. This course’s notoriety drew me to it when I first came to SU. It’s taught by renowned faculty member Bill Coplin, director of the public affairs program at SU’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, who’s known for his unorthodox teaching methods.

When I walked into Maxwell Auditorium in January to learn from Coplin, I was ready to learn how to make my mark on the world. Then he walked in and shocked me. He said the students in front of him — students wanting to revolutionize the world by creating change — would mostly end up in sales. Most of us would not end up powerful, inspiring politicians, he said. Most of us would work in the private sector.

This wasn’t what we wanted to hear. Many, including myself, took this as cynicism. Here was someone stomping on our ambitions of becoming the next generation of Joe Bidens, Ruth Bader Ginsburgs, John McCains and Hillary Clintons.

Since then, I’ve learned Coplin wasn’t being cynical. He was providing a different perspective on what it means to create change in one’s community. In the following weeks, we heard from local public figures who may not have high political stature but who are important parts of their communities.

Joyce Suslovic is a teacher in the Syracuse City School District who helps refugees adjust to life in the United States. Renee Captor serves as a lawyer for individuals who can’t afford their own defense. Tori Shires is part of Syracuse Rescue Mission, where she works to provide living spaces for poor and homeless individuals.

“These are genuine do-gooders,” Coplin said. “If you want to make change and leave a mark, it can be as simple as being the coach of your kid’s little league team. Be a role model. Anytime you’re doing something to benefit the public, you’re being a do-gooder.”

These speakers are examples of how we can cultivate meaningful change in and outside the classroom. You don’t have to be a world-renowned person to make a difference in your community.

Coplin and PAF 101 have shown me the power of human interaction and local support. For everyone who wants to make the country a better place, there’s no better place to start than in your community.

Ryan Golden is a freshman policy studies and religion dual major. His column appears biweekly. He can be reached at rjgolden@syr.edu.

Published on April 4, 2018 at 9:42 pm