It seems that every week there is at least one column in The BG News which argues the cliché topic of “getting the most of out your college experience.”
Based upon recent developments, and upcoming events, I find myself to be that person.
When I first went to college, I quickly adopted the philosophy that there is far more to learn than anything you can find in a book or hear in a classroom.
Since then, I have attended four different universities and been privy to some of the greatest experiences I could hope for.
I first attended the University of Findlay, where I was heavily involved in university activities as a student-athlete. When I uprooted and moved to Orlando, Fla., I found myself at a university that was devoid of opportunity. There were no guest speakers, no significant student organizations; we didn’t even have a travelling evangelist to inform us all of our impending demise.
Needless to say, I again transferred. I attended the University of Sheffield in England and this was where I was able to fully develop. Sheffield is not unlike the University. Each department offered guest speakers on a monthly, if not weekly, basis. I had the opportunity to meet and ask questions to some of the most refined intellectuals in Great Britain as they toured through my university.
Again, this opportunity is not unlike something we have at this University. Take for instance, this week when Robert Garland from Colgate University will be presenting on Julius Caesar’s life and legacy. For those who may be interested, this will be taking place on Thursday at 8 p.m. in the Math Science Building room 210.
Events like this are very significant occurrences at this University. Garland is not only a leader in his field but he also has a very diversified education which began in Great Britain but has taken him through Canada, Greece and the U.S.
The idea of obtaining a diversified education may seem abstract to many but I can attest from first-hand experiences the benefits it presents. The most significant step in my education came on such an experience. While hitchhiking the Loch Ness area of Scotland, I was listening to the tirade of an angry Scotsman as he explained the sociological reasoning for differencing opinions through academia in regards to the “Fall of Rome.”
This lesson is certainly specific to my field but the idea is transferable across genres. The point being to open yourself to new ideas or opportunities and the result could be your own personal renaissance. Fortunately, as previously mentioned, this University is particularly strong for offering these opportunities. Organizations like CRU, Net Impact or the History Society offer strong opportunities for students to challenge themselves and gain new experiences.
Similarly, take it from someone who has attended four universities, we are very fortunate to have such a rich and thriving student life. I have never personally taken part in the BG Undead experience but it is easy to recognize the benefits of a student body which is so regularly active— or at least it is easily recognized by those who have seen what it is like to not have these things.
If college were a book, only going to classes would be like just reading the first page. Life is an adventure none of us can hope to come out of alive so we must make the most of the present.
Go join a student organization, come listen to Garland speak, pretend to be a zombie; whatever you choose, just remember to offer yourself the opportunity to experience new things. Keep in mind, there is far more to learn than anything you can read in a book or hear in a classroom.
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