<p>peter_parker: All of your posts in this thread in this thread thus far have been bitter, childish, and based on assumptions. It seems to me that youre resorting to using scathing language because you can't form a constructive argument.</p>
<p>How am I whining by making this thread? I've never spoken to anyone about this, yet since you know me and my tendencies, you happily assume that I love to complain. Secondly, I mentioned dropping out as a hypothetical (hence the 'if i COULD') -- solely in the context of expectations within our societal structure. So, if I question the college educational system on a--GASP--college life website, I'm automatically whining? I guess I shouldn't criticize anything, then.</p>
<p>All I gave was my experience with school, which in some sense, saps away the enjoyable part of the educational experience. I critiqued it based on what education means to me, versus how school is sometimes structured. </p>
<p>But I guess, according to your infallible logic, criticizing anything based on personal experience = whining. Does that even apply on the internet? It's that mindset that robs your posts of insight. If anything, you need to chill out. I really have nothing more to say.</p>
<p>Have you considered changing majors? I became very frustrated with the Poli Sci and Econ departments at my school because I felt that all I was doing was memorizing and regurgitating. I switched to a history major, and absolutely love the program. My studies are now about research, synthesis and integration rather than rote memorization -- it's great! I know some classes and professors can be very frustrating, but you need to try to find those who actually want to teach you HOW to learn and HOW to think, not what to think. I've actually found my school incredibly intellectually stimulating -- it's probably there, it's just difficult to find.</p>
<p>Lecaf Oz is probably going through an existential crisis, and thinks that we're all trapped in The Matrix and living a pointless, nihilistic existence, etc etc. Look, if you see your life as nothing but a Nietzschean rat race, that's what it's going to be. But don't fault others for their happiness -- if you're really telling me that you haven't met people who are genuinely happy, then you're either living in a different world from mine, or you're projecting your own feelings onto others. </p>
<p>I've got news -- it's not "going out and getting what you want" or "doing all the right things" that will make you happy -- it's the relationships you develop with other people. College is another step in forming yourself as an individual and a member of a community. Make of it what you will.</p>
<p>Yeah I've definitely never met someone who's genuinely happy. Thanks for dragging on this topic longer than it needed to go mochamaven. More rhetoric - I've definitely "learned my lesson now." Whatever that **** means. <em>Slaps wrist with a ruler</em></p>
<p>New Definition of Life:</p>
<p>
[quote]
I've got news -- it's not "going out and getting what you want" or "doing all the right things" that will make you happy -- it's the relationships you develop with other people. College is another step in forming yourself as an individual and a member of a community. Make of it what you will.
<p>
[quote]
I switched to a history major, and absolutely love the program. My studies are now about research, synthesis and integration rather than rote memorization
[/quote]
so glad you said that - too many people think history is merely memorizing everything that happened a long time ago 'til now and being able to regurgitate and recite the facts. i think memorization is needed in every major, but what i love about math/econ is i feel like i'm learning concepts and applying them rather than memorizing like in foreign language. makes the tests damn easier too. maybe the op should take different classes? I don't know. too much learning is not the way to go. I need a drink.</p>
<p>College isn't necessary to improve mental abilities, think independently, or learn more about the world and subjects that interest them. The positive is that college is more structured (which most of you are complaining about) but not essential to build upon skills. Those factors are completely up to the individuals experience whether it be in real life or in college. Many students learn time management and personal responsibility while in college (and in the work force) that helps them succeed in life. Memorization and pointless tasks may be grueling but they do teach many students skills that can be applied to real world situations.</p>
<p>Not all college degrees are simply for the certification, no, but many are. I don't have a business degree yet I own a small business. I know many individuals that received degrees in a certain major and ended up doing work in an entirely unrelated field. Many majors can be learned threw independent study that is less time consuming than four years at an expensive institution. I'm sure anyone would agree that having a college certification grants you better jobs than having a high school diploma. This quality alone proves my statement that part of going through college is for the certification to obtain higher positions.</p>
<p>Once again I stated that college is what you make of it.</p>
<p>OP shouldn't have started this thread. This forum is filled with kids who think college will be the only highlight of their lives, their personalities will change overnight and for the most part, see academia as the only true key to success.</p>
<p>You have to do what makes you happy, OP.</p>
<p>I enjoyed college, did well, made great friends, but ask me how many classes I remember? LOL. It's what you make of it and my experience...well, I value how I improved as a person and the relationships I made. College isn't for everyone but I hope you find that outlet that'll make you excited to wake up in the morning.</p>
<p>
[quote]
The positive is that college is more structured (which most of you are complaining about) but not essential to build upon skills.
[/quote]
I think college is less structured than high school. I have more free time and probably less responsibility than in previous years. I understand for some college may be tough. But for most I think it's easier, freer, and more fun. Even if there are new responsibilities dealing with life issues like doing your own laundry, going to the grocery store, or whatever, those things are not that tough or stress inducing. Even living and working on your own, which granted I've only had about 8 months of doing (but on pretty damn low pay when you take the average), is not that hard. It's only when you have bad habits, bad luck, high expectations, or other people to support that it can get stressful.</p>
<p>It's more structured in comparison to independent learning is what I'm getting at. It is way "easier" than high school in the sense that you have more options, more flexibility, and have more responsibility. </p>
<p>Living on your own and going to school full time isn't a walk in the park. I suppose it simply depends on your expenses and your pay level. Having to shell out a few grand on an apartment, car, groceries, insurance, and bills all alone while having to study for a test tomorrow isn't exactly the easiest, even if you are making good money.</p>
<p>i believe that st john’s in annapolis does not have traditional tests. as I understand the vibe there, students are very self motivated. maybe one that OP s/ (have?) considered.</p>