6/13/06
College students offer pragmatic, practical advice
by Joe Nathan
How about a different kind of advice for youngsters graduating from high school this month? Family members and commencement speakers are offering suggestions. But what do current college students, and recent college graduates wish someone had told them? Thatís what I asked this week, with some unexpected results.
Travis Ormsby a recent Grinnell graduate, starts with people, rather than academics: ìbuild a network of friends...theyÇll keep you sane. And build a network of professional contacts...theyíll help keep you employed.î
Our daughter Laura, a Carleton sophomore, also talked about friends: ìYou might lose track of some of your high school friends. It happens to everyone. Hold on to the friends you love. Sometimes it will be wonderful to talk with people that know who you are and how you think, and like you in spite of it!î Moreover, ìthe nightly din of studiers, streakers and hallway bikers will eventually become ignorable and even comforting.î
Sheena Thao, who has just graduated from Carleton believes: Although college provides students with more independence, it is important to have concrete priorities and goals that will help (you) succeed in college...îItís very helpful during your first year of college to explore what your interests are and what you want to be doing after college.î
Allison Benyas of Wellesley urged that people ìstudy what youíre interested in, no matter what kind of job you eventually want to have. You can use most degrees to get just about any job...you might be surprised at how many times you change your mind about what you want to do in life.î
Two folks strongly recommended making extracurricular activities a priority. Benyas suggests, ìget involved in clubs and organizations the second you get on campus. There are so many clubs at every school that everyone can find their niche. Youíll likely find your best friends in the activities you do....î
Burke Murphy agreed ìAs a recent recipient of both a BA and MPA (Masters in Public Administration), my advice has always been to participate in the extracurricular events... because it enriches... your overall experience.î
And what about alcohol? Laura reports ìSome of your friends will drink, and some wonít. No matter where you go to school, there will be people that drink. There will also be people who donít. Donít worry about it too much either way. You will find friends that feel the same way as you...youíll have a great time with them, with or without alcohol.î
Benyas pointed out, ìItís OK not to be totally happy with your college choice at first, but unless youíre completely miserable, give it a year. A lot can happen in a year, and you might be surprised.î
Laura concluded: ìTrust yourself...you will be able to handle anything that comes your way. Above and beyond your interpretation of Freudís views on the role of God in Religion and your analysis of Vygotskyís theory of Proximal Development, this is the most important thing that you will learn in college.î
Joe Nathan, a former public school teacher and administrator, directs the Center for School Change, Humphrey Institute, University of Minnesota jnathan@hhh.umn.edu
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