The Alumni Loyalty | Una Farrell

Deputy Features Editor Una Farrell writes an open letter questioning the sense of educational snobbery in this day and age.There has always existed a certain snobbery when it comes to education. In a time when fees were the norm for schools only the rich and elite were exposed to the entitlement of education. Nowadays, where we are fortunate to receive (almost) free education, there should no longer exist this snobbery and sense of pretentiousness. This is sadly not the case. While many may joke about the difference between Universities and Institutes of Technology the stigma still exists.I know here in Cork there is a running joke between UCC and CIT. While UCC are considered snobby students renowned for donning scarves and Hollister, CIT students are regarded as rougher and less intelligent than their student counterparts. Until recently I believed this was all considered a joke. However on a recent train journey I had the pleasure, or rather the displeasure, of listening to a rather primitive conversation between an elder gentleman and two UCC students. The man, in his late forties, explained how he occasionally lectures in UCC and he came across as well educated and articulate. The two students were studying Computer Science in UCC. The conversation began as a normal conversation about university life with the elder gentleman recalling his experiences and asking the students about their course. All seemed normal.This is when things took a turn for the worst. This older man began to discuss CIT and its students. He went on to call them “boy racers” “messers” and a host of other derogatory terms. He claimed that they have a “chip on their shoulder” with regard to UCC students because of a supposed inferiority complex.  Everything he said about them made it apparent that he thought much less of any CIT student than he did of a UCC student. He made it clear that he thought very little of any one who made the choice to attend CIT as opposed to UCC.What shocked me more was the response of the students. On the whole they agreed with the older man’s opinions. Not once did they try and defend their generation of student counterparts in Cork. While they did not actively criticise CIT students they did nod along in agreement with the slating of them by this man. They allowed themselves to inadvertently embody the stereotype of the UCC snob.Why is there a conscious feeling that students who attend Institutes of Technology are somehow of a lesser intelligence than those who attend a University? The degrees produced by both establishments are of equal value. The courses offered are of the same quality and standards. There should be no belief that one institution is better than another. It is the individuals’ ability and passion for their studies which is the only aspect of their education which should be judged. Not the institution from which they received their degree.Because I attend UCC this does in no way entitle me to look down on CIT students. It doesn’t entitle me to a belief of a better education. I chose to attend UCC because of the course offered. If it had been offered in CIT then that is where I would be. Why should any student, or past student and now occasional lecturer, feel they are better, more intelligent or have a higher social standing because of the origin of their education? Should the focus not be on the achievement of a third level education?In this day and age it is a pity that I would have to encounter such ignorance. To the man on the train who, in no better word, slated CIT students, I find it a shame and embarrassment that you are associated with UCC. To the two students who remained silent on the matter and who chose instead to ignorantly agree with these claims, shame on you both for not having the guts to stand up to this man. I would like to believe that, not even the majority, but all students would not share this mans sentiments on education establishments. While we may feel a loyalty to our own college we should not use this loyalty as an excuse to disregard the education sought by others elsewhere. To judge a person on where they receive an education is simply ignorant and shows a high lack of development on your own behalf.Education and its pursuit is what is important, not where you pursue it but whether you do or not. If we create a society where the belief is held that one establishment is regarded as “better” than the others then this can only be detrimental. Students from all backgrounds, from all abilities and all interests are needed to make this a better country and society. How can we aim to achieve this when we are led to believe that certain third level institutions are for the less intelligent of students? The stigma of University students looking down on students from an Institute of Technology background needs to stop. We are no better for attending UCC than those who attend CIT a few miles away from us and those who may think so maybe aren’t ready for third level education yet.