100 - GRAND FAÇADE

GRAND FAÇADE

10 ¾ x 7 ¼ inches

(Front of the Phi Psi fraternity)

This fraternity house still stands regally on the UNL campus. As a freshman, I avoided walking past this house to prevent the humiliation of hearing young men yell out a number. Shy and self-conscious, I was embarrassed by the unsolicited rating. If I had extra time, I took a detour.

Now I can see humor in their antics: this was their clumsy way of flirting. After getting to know many of these young men, I learned that most of them were true gentlemen. Looking beyond the façade, one can see the real core. With wisdom we all learn that numbers can never define a person. Creating an engaging interior that complements the exterior is the challenge of developing integrity and character. Without those qualities, a façade easily collapses.

Intuition and the highest thoughts about others help one see beyond façades, where the real person resides.