article from AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2007
The Active Approach to College!
There are many opportunities to consider when choosing a college. Determine to make the most of this new experience!
BY RYAN L. CASWELL
You are sitting in class, staring out a window at the bright and sunny summer day outside. In the front of the room, the teacher drones on with the lessons of the day. But you cannot stop thinking about finishing the school year. At times like these, it seems as though high school will never end. But it will! And soon you are faced with attending a college or university. Then, suddenly, you must take a very active approach to your education.
Source: Sarah Boyle
Stop and consider—you belong to a generation that has more opportunities than any other. One of the most distinguished differences between today’s youth and those of the past is the education now available.
Attending college has become the norm for most Western teens and young adults, yet most seem to take this opportunity casually—treating it as something assured and failing to recognize how privileged they are to attend. Striving to achieve an education of higher learning can make a huge difference in your life. It can broaden your horizons and provide in-depth studies into any given field.
But like all other tasks in life, your success here is directly proportional to the effort you put into it. By taking an active approach toward college studies you can ensure these will be among the most enlightening and memorable years of your life.
Seeing the Big Picture
Beginning in high school, question yourself—ask, “What do I enjoy doing?” Is there a particular subject in school that interests you or a skill to which you are exposed? Perhaps there is an after-school job or a family business position in which you can see yourself in a greater capacity in the future. Considering these factors will help you to zero in on a major area of study you might want to pursue. While this may seem obvious, having this goal in place could save you from turning a four-year program into five or six years.
Next, examine a wide variety of colleges, universities and other schools to see which ones offer the best programs related to your chosen field. These schools could be across the nation or very close to your home. Use college references and online resources to investigate the curriculums offered that best relate to your interests. Remember: When choosing a school, value its curriculum above other factors, since academics should be your primary focus while in college!
Know the Surroundings
Keep in mind that location is key. Often, the academic curriculum is tailored to suit the geographic area in which the school is located. Be sure to scope out the surrounding area, as it will have an impact on your coursework. Some people may enjoy the “hustle and bustle” of a big city; others prefer a serene, country setting.
Large cities offer greater resources to students. Public libraries, museums and theatres are hallmarks of any metropolitan area, and such institutions often offer special discounts to students who attend area colleges. These can be great opportunities to gain exposure to subjects you might never have experienced!
Yet campuses in the country often offer more opportunities to be outside and enjoy the open space. Study programs such as agriculture, forestry and landscape design often incorporate sprawling botanical gardens located onsite that students care for and enjoy. A countryside location can also provide a slower pace than a crowded city.
A Whole New Life
Speaking of locations, you will also face the big decision of whether to live on campus or at home. Staying on campus means meeting new people and experiencing life by yourself, away from family. On the other hand, living at home offers stability and security, which are important as you pursue your studies.
On-campus living, or “dorming,” is an excellent chance to be out on your own, without having to accept all of life’s little responsibilities. It is likely your school will offer a meal plan, virtually covering your entire eating schedule. Or, you can exercise your will and plan a sound, healthful and enjoyable diet for yourself. Dorming presents the freedom of coming and going as you please—so you must make the most of the time you have available and get the correct amount of sleep every night!
Dorming also presents a great danger. You will be exposed to more worldly temptations and peer pressure than if you were to live at home with your parents. Be aware of this.
Living on campus may also mean living with a roommate, with the challenge of learning to share your room with a complete stranger. Take this excellent opportunity to learn from the other person while doing your best to let your light shine before others.
Enthusiasm Pays Off!
After you are enrolled, despite all of the activities occurring, do not lose sight of your major! Think about what activities you are participating in, and how they might help you further experience and understand your studies. Your college years will be a unique time in your life, so make sure you (wisely) broaden your horizons. Take every chance you can to learn!
Unlike high school educators, most college and university professors will not tolerate a disinterested attitude. If you are making the most of your time, trying to glean from them whatever lessons you can, most will see your enthusiasm and respond well to your great attitude. Participate in class and test your knowledge with your peers. You will find that you can accurately understand more material during class discussions after talking about it with fellow classmates and receiving a little help from your professor.
Also, your schedule in college will probably be much different from what you might have been accustomed to in high school. Instead of having all your classes in the morning and afternoon, your schedule will probably be scattered throughout the day, with some classes even going late into the night. Most classes last an hour and a half, and have time gaps between each one. Determine from the beginning of your education to make the most of these gaps; do not waste them. They are valuable to use for either starting homework assignments early or studying for an upcoming exam.
Homework in college also will be a big change. You will no longer be doing assignments handed to you from almost every conceivable subject, many of which you may find uninteresting. Your college assignments will be related to your specific field. By beginning homework early, and finishing it to the best of your ability, you will be able to take in much more information and actually put into practice the skills that you learned in lectures.
Following the Crowd…
Attending an institution of higher learning also means exposure to various influences from the world, including enduring social pressures from your peers.
You may be tempted to think that peer pressure disappears once you leave high school. Think again! Moving into a different atmosphere doesn’t change the pressure you will face. Friends in college can influence you into making poor judgments, both in your words and actions. You must carefully consider the activities you participate in since these can easily become inappropriate for anyone striving to live God’s Way!
Be careful not to make excuses to attend such activities. It can be easy to justify in your mind why you should be taking part since your friends are excited to include you. Just as a bad apple rots the whole barrel, it is easy to let down your guard and flow with the crowd, wherever it might lead.
Remember Who Placed You There
By using God’s Word, the Bible, as your ultimate textbook, you will view your entire college experience in the right light, ensuring you stay on track. As you strive to achieve a higher education, remember to seek God’s guidance in every decision you make along the way—and never forget that you represent a different standard and way of life. Following God’s commands will bring incredible success and excitement in your pursuit of a college education.
Take an active approach to every beneficial opportunity in school, and you will ensure that you obtain the most from this wonderful, once-in-a-lifetime experience!