Nicholas Kristof and I

I started reading more of Kristof's columns and started reading the Times' opinion section more often. Likewise, I read more of The Daily Princetonian's columns. I eventually thought, despite my background as a mechanical engineer and despite being a disgrace in my writing seminar, it'd be fun to join in on the page. Last year, the ‘Prince's infamous Jian Li article created a firestorm of protest across the country. I decided this is where I would try my hand at a column. I put together my guest column "Where's the beef," which criticized the stance of the protests.

I got a lot of feedback. A lot of negative feedback. People accused me of being ignorant and naive. I received many response e-mails that were lengthier than my column. Even some of my friendships were tested. Despite the negativity, I still received a few positive, supportive comments, and a lecturer at another college even used the column in her class on political correctness. The weeks after my column was published left me with mixed feelings about writing another after the swirl of attention and drama. At that point, I didn't want to be judged for my opinions.

Junior year started for me, and the ‘Prince' was looking for columnists. I decided to try it out. I could have started nice and easy with an opinion everyone could agree with. But I have an affinity for divisive topics and debate. I suppose it's in keeping with the first Kristof column I read that I wrote my first official column about the lax science requirements for Princeton students and how upon graduation some of us would leave Princeton scientifically illiterate.

To simplify the campus reaction, the engineers loved it (craving retribution after suffering through liberal arts requirements), and the A.B. majors thought I was ridiculous (because who wants to have to take orgo?). This time around, the criticism was more constructive, and overall the reaction was quite encouraging. And from then on, I believed that seriously writing about these divisive issues was perhaps the best thing a columnist could do.

I've found that the thing we like about opinion is that it's the most human part of a newspaper. People want to hear a voice, like to debate and want to hear an argument made. We're bound to say something that will be disagreed with and ridiculed. But it takes a little confidence, and even a little to a lot of ego, to come out every two weeks and write what you want to write. With a good column, a columnist can help students talk about what matters to them.

I feel this is where the ‘Prince' has to shine. I opine because I hope to bring about some sort of change on campus - whether in our science requirements, our green policies, or the academic calendar. Of course, I can't singlehandedly make change, but maybe someone who has opinions in line with mine will be inspired to petition the USG or the University to do something about it. My friends have labeled me an idealist, even an Obama; my solution to every campus problem involves throwing money and rhetoric at it. But Princeton is rich, and you'd be surprised how much some people of this ambitious and success-driven community may care.

It helps other people know that someone else cares about an issue if there are many people putting their opinion about it out in print. If you feel a lot of things at Princeton could be changed, this is perhaps the job for you. As Stephen Colbert might put it, I am opinion, and so can you.

You might be in the dining hall eating breakfast like I was reading Kristof's columns. And you might have a campus issue in mind. If you've had a desire to opine, you should consider applying in the fall. I'm not saying I'm anything close to Kristof - just that I was inspired by another columnist to become one. Remember, I'm an engineer and a disgrace in writing seminar, and I'm still writing. Regardless, I hope you continue to read this section and participate in the debate and the dialogue.

Ben Chen is a mechanical and aerospace engineer from Los Altos, Calif., and was a disgrace in his writing seminar. He can be reached at bc@princeton.edu.