Two of the three Rs I mentioned in the last article are in the Student Code of Conduct pamphlet: Respect for yourself and Respect for others.

Respect for yourself
We all feel the need to fit in somewhere. Finding your place here at the college is quite likely important to you. Most of us have been brought up to observe values that are important to our family; your values are therefore ingrained in you. These are the things that make us who we are, and although different in many ways from others, we're also very similar in many ways. Our cultures may be very different, but for the most part we all want to be successful and live life to the fullest. Remember what's important to you and don't allow yourself to do anything that you'll regret or that will cause you embarrassment.

Respect for others
Accept that we are all different and embrace the difference. Just as you have values that are important to you, so do the others around you. The college is an extremely diverse community and is an opportunity to learn and grow from those here with you. Everyone here at Fanshawe deserves the opportunity to be successful and to feel they can be themselves. This includes being accepted and not having to worry about their personal safety or their belongings.

What about nerds?
There is a good chance you've already met someone who you consider to be a nerd. That goes with the territory at a college. Although they may be "out there," consider other nerds who — because of being "out there" — have made your lives easier and better. Here are a few: Bill Gates (Microsoft); Steve Jobs (Apple); Jimmy Wales (Wikipedia); Mark Zuckerberg (Facebook); Larry Page and Sergey Brin (Google); and Chad Hurley, Steve Chen and Jawed Karim (YouTube).

Something to think about
A quote by Bill Gates: "Be nice to nerds. Chances are, you'll end up working for one."