Originally posted by prestonposthuma
First off, I'll say that I'm speaking from personal experience, and from what I've seen after my personal college experience has begun. With that
said, here it goes.
I'll begin with the preparation process. For anybody else who has gone through college in any way, it's an understatement to say I wasn't sure what
to expect. I was expecting to experience what many people describe as "the best years of your life". This is what college truly consists of:
1. Redundant. Everyone who tells you college is so much different from high school is wrong. Still the same amount of busy work that really doesn't
teach you much. So far, every class I've been in has bored me to the point of sleep. It's almost as if all they want is for you to recite what
you're told, jump through the hoops and you're good.
2. Professional Level Snobbery. Everyone envisions a professor who provides insight into important topics. This isn't true. Every professor I've had
puts out a snob attitude. The whole "I'm better than you" mindset plagues them. Making class even less enjoyable. The fact that nearly everything
involving school seems impersonal is a huge downfall.
3. Sheep. People that tell you college is a wonderland of diversity, for the most part, are lying to you. Everyone (mostly everyone, there are a few
exceptions) cares about partying or studying nonstop. Like I said exceptions yes, but few and far between mind you.
4. Sports. I attend a larger University and one thing is definitely certain here, sports are the most important thing on campus. Me being a sports
fan, but not a huge one, is almost like a strike against me in a way. At the new student convocation, we were told to study and support the sports
teams. Somebody isn't trying to make money now are they?
5. Material. I currently have a history class and all the material I'm taught is the history that is published in textbooks. Why are we not taught
the history that really happened? Not the history of the few who have the power to write it.
6. Relevance. Statistics show that half of what you learn in your first year is outdated information by your third year. What true use is that?
Another HUGE point is why take the range of classes that are required? If you are majoring in computer engineering, you're required to take an
english composition course. What true use is that?
So, if anyone here is wishing they had gone to college, or if anyone is thinking about it, take this into consideration. Is it worth the time? Is my
heart in it? Do I truly want to do it? While yes, I am learning about a broad range of topics, will these do me any good in the real world?
I cannot agree with almost anything you just said. I just graduated less than a year ago and everything you said is not only discouraging to anyone
who reads it, but mostly untrue. In response:
1. I'm going to assume you're in your first 2 years of "gen ed" classes where EVERYONE on campus takes the same classes to get a very broad base
of learning. This also can help many students find their niche and what they're interested in. I went in as an MIS major and came out an HR one
BECAUSE of some of the gen ed's I took. If it's past your 2nd year, then you're simply studying the wrong thing as the second 2 years should be
interesting, thought provoking and engaging.
2. I find it hard to believe that every professor you have had is a snob. If so, then the institution you're learning at isn't for you. I had some
amazing professors in college, to the point where not only would they be helpful in and outside of the classroom, but we became friends. My one
professor mentored me into the job I have today and we still keep in touch frequently via email or lunch. Another professor actually attended a happy
hour with the class once the semester is over so we could "level" with him about what he did all semester and what we liked, didn't like, etc. but
in a harmless setting.
3. Everyone cares about partying or studying? Do you not have campus activities? Don't you have a student gov't? I KNOW there are diversity related
groups and programs within your school. Hell, even every community college I've heard of has them. Just because you don't actively look for
diversity doesn't mean it doesn't exist.
4. Ummm sporting events are fun. Of course the school is going to try to make money, but treat it as a privilege instead of a burden. Not everyone
gets the privilege of watching what you can watch all the time, up close and personal. My school was a D3, but we LOVED saturday football games,
tailgating, meeting new people, etc. I'm not sure how you see this as a detriment either.
5. Again, maybe this is your institutions fault, or your professors. We were ENCOURAGED to think outside of the box, formulate questions, question
the norm and try to get out of the general mindset of "everyday thinking". It really just sounds like the college you chose is not right for
you.
6. MANY things are outdated in several years. Take Moore's Law for example (technology doubles every 6 mo.). What can we do about this though?
The world isn't going to slow down and I feel it's your own personal responsibility to keep up with the times and emerging knowledge.
For anyone considering college, I URGE you to go. I can honestly say, it WAS the best 4 years of my life. I made amazing friends, got a great
degree, learned a ton, had experiences that will never be duplicated (good and bad) and got involved in networking that, to this day, is invaluable.
I understand college is not for everyone, and to those who are up in the air, I encourage you to think long and hard before committing. I remember
the 3rd day of school during our "dorm floor meeting" a girl cried and cried and cried until she left school 3 days in. Again, it's not for
everyone, but for people who really want a life experience, you can shape those 4, 5 or 6 years into the best of your life if you try hard enough.
