“To be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.” – Nelson Mandela
The quote captures the essence of South Africa’s Ubuntu culture, “I am because you are.”

As you begin to embark on your college journey of discovery, what you will become at the end of the venture is the ultimate riddle. You may ask why such lofty thoughts during the summer. What better time to discuss the quality of humanness than during the World Cup which is centered in South Africa. South Africa, as a nation, was under the rule of apartheid policies until 1994. However the ethical and spiritual teachings of Ubuntu are reflected in its continual recovery.

Your experiences at Penn State will be based on the nature of relationships you develop. Relationships are processes that must be reciprocal. To be fully human you must develop the core values of mutual respect, mutual caring, mutual sharing, harmonious living together and a shared commitment to the ongoing work of peace through justice. The notion of sharing is a key concept in the world and our ethics define how we will operate.

Dr. Maulana Karenga (2010), the founder of Kwanzaa, posits the following as key elements for building a good world we want and deserve:
 

• shared status
• shared knowledge
• shared space
• shared wealth
• shared power
• shared interests
• shared responsibility

The competencies that you acquire cannot evolve in a vacuum. This Penn State journey will expose you to an array of opportunities to start or continue making a difference in the lives of others. Hopefully you will capture the spirit of the Odu Ifa and fulfill the obligation of bringing good into the world. Build a better world!