Attending a Cal Poly student theater production for one of this issue’s feature stories, I heard one of the actors open the show with a disclaimer that “We’re just here to have a little fun tonight … we’re not going to solve the world’s problems.”

What followed was indeed a fun, flashy, entertaining musical production that fulfilled that stated promise. But it did require a lot of hard work, passion and commitment from some very talented students — and that’s a good thing.

There’s no doubt that our world is facing a whole host of major problems that need solutions. Here at Cal Poly, many smart people are working to find them. But there’s more than one way to make the world a better place.

A useful, well-rounded education isn’t only about learning facts, spending time in a research lab, pulling all-nighters studying for tests and preparing for high-paying jobs. It should include experiences that cultivate creativity and help us discover what brings us joy and passion. It should include opportunities to work and live with others who may be similar to or different from us. It should include developing our skills at serving others, nurturing healthy relationships and building community. That’s how we prepare students for success in all areas of their lives.

That’s a facet of the Learn by Doing story that we don’t always focus on. But those holistic experiences prepare students for big challenges and small ones, imparting both the hard skills they’ll need to thrive in their careers and the soft skills that will help them build meaningful lives. It’s only by doing both that we can really change the world.

This issue is dedicated to that side — the stories of creativity, community and service that are an integral part of learning and life at Cal Poly.

Sincerely,

Larry Peña
Editor