January 20th marked a new page in American politics, as well as the equally-celebrated turning of an old one. President Obama is inheriting obstacles whose solutions well surpass the power of any one individual. If we expect a new president, new cabinet or new government to fix all of our problems and mend all of our wounds, we are simply naïve.

Over the past eight years, many Americans feel they have been misguided or misled by their government. It is a fair question to ask whether many of our current predicaments — including a deflated economy, a ceaseless war and a deficient auto industry — could have been avoided had our government chosen different courses of action. Would increased oversight, tighter regulation or even further inquisition have afforded us a better scenario than we currently face? The simple answer is maybe. But the reality is that the answer is somewhat irrelevant. Our government can only bear so much responsibility. If, as a nation, we wish to see again “the rising tides of prosperity,” we must also ask: what blame and responsibility do we inherit as individuals?

Though our actions might pale in comparison to those of Steve Fossett, Bernie Madoff or John Thain, we ordinary citizens have also acted questionably. The spending and borrowing habits of many Americans have contributed to the housing and mortgage crises. Choosing riskier investments and wealthier living over saving and moderation has tightened the belt on many families. The words of President Obama have echoed that the government is willing to address and — more importantly — able to alleviate some of these larger issues. Nevertheless, we too must seek to reform our own actions and proactively aim to improve our own situations.

During a speech given to commemorate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Obama reiterated and detailed his goal of having every American participate in 50-100 hours of community service annually. While I see many difficulties and barriers to such an extensive plan, the principle is commendable. In light of the president’s vision, I wonder what actions Cornell could take as a group of administrators, a body of students and as a university to bring about our own change and improvement.

To borrow a term from our new government, the Cornell administration would greatly benefit from increased “transparency.” Specifically, transparency in how the university allocates funds, conducts financial aid estimates and manages its endowment would provide students and parents due knowledge as to how their money is utilized. With the recent budget cuts, hiring freeze and construction halts, I would welcome more insight into how and why such actions were decided.

In terms of academics, many have discussed the blatant need for the adoption of personal finance/wealth management classes within the University curriculum. Classes that teach skills such as basic investing and understanding the obligations and terms of borrowing agreements would serve as extremely beneficial requirements in any of the seven schools at Cornell.

As students, many of our country’s issues and difficulties will have an immediate impact on our futures. We Cornellians ought not to strive for exemption in a university-wide or nation-wide call for change. Failing to utilize available resources is as much of a problem as lacking those resources altogether. It is foolish to seek entrance into the job market without knowing how a pension plan or 401K plan operates. We allow ourselves to be manipulated by disregarding the small print in our loans or the details in our credit card statements. I cannot speak for all, but I doubt I am alone in failing to fully educate myself. There is no shame in being unsure, but there is no excuse for being apathetic.

If you are not inspired by the requests of our newest president, I cannot expect my words to accomplish much. There will always be difficult times. There will not, however, always be someone else to blame. It is time to take control of our own future.