Going back to school means plenty of different things to every student. Whether it’s more money to be spent, more things to learn, more people to meet or avoid, more hassles or more opportunities there is simply more of everything. This isn’t all bad, folks.
Returning to college after a long awaited break is tough, but remembering that every student has their own reasons for being at KSU is key to enjoying and experiencing college to the fullest. Going into your classes with a “let me see your homework” or “do you have the quizzes from last semester” mindset may slyly get you through your courses, but it will realistically get you nowhere beyond that.
There are two types of people: ones who enjoy school, knowing what it will bring and those who go because they feel they must do so. It’s a choice either way, but it’s a good one to invest in.
Whether or not the student chooses to attend college or is simply forced to by parents who want the best for them, it is ultimately up to the student to make or break their future during their college career. Some people go back to college because their lives took a turn and they are simply catching up and living the life they want for themselves.
“I went back to school not for the freshman 15 and keg stands, but I went so that I could have a better job and a fulfilling life that my kids can look up to and strive for,” said Kim Byrd, a Spanish major alumna.
With KSU being a commuter college, many people are coming at a point in their lives where they realize KSU can enable a steady and more rewarding environment.
“For many, earning that ‘piece of paper’ can make a significant difference in their professional or personal life (the achievement of a lifelong dream),” said back2college.com, an online resource for individuals returning to the ever-changing college atmosphere.
Getting a diploma is imperative to landing that dream job or finally feeling the pride of success; sometimes it’s just hard to see the end reward when there is a dark forest full of tests, projects and unnameable obstacles.
Newcomers are often anxious and uneasy about transitioning from high school to college knowing there is the said dark forest. There are daunting hurdles to jump ranging from registration, financial aid, parking, the endless choices of student life and being thrust into an unfamiliar and large place.
“I’m really excited to be a student here, but still pretty nervous about starting classes in a new place,” an undecided freshman Priya Ramani stated.
Being in a new place is always hard, but the first couple of weeks of classes have campus crawling with helpful upperclassmen, faculty and warm-welcomers to greet and guide unsure newcomers.
Thomas Gray, a senior lecturer and intern coordinator in the Department of Communication expressed his feelings toward the new school year by saying, “Following a short break it seems most students are refreshed and energized at the beginning of the new school year.” Gray also said, for students to succeed they simply need to “keep that level of interest and enthusiasm ongoing throughout the semester.”
Professors are keen to keeping students driven and on task, so naturally they too have struggles.
College courses enlighten the previously educated, open the minds of young adults, broaden horizons for the adventurous and showcase personalities for the folks who are simply looking to find themselves. No matter what age, race, gender or ethnicity, there is a niche for students to apply themselves to as long as they are willing to suffer through the difficulties that come with college.
Of course there is always the unwelcome pang of tuition, institution, parking and numerous other fees to be dealt with, but the point of it all is that you pay so you can get paid. Think of it like a tax return you wait what seems like years to receive. You put in the hours and you are rewarded for sticking with it, paying your dues and doing what you must. You give the money to get even more when you flash your diploma and shining, updated resume in your new, and highly paying, job’s face.
Going back to school is frankly a pain for everyone, but in the end it’s singularly up to us to finish, graduate and be the best people we can be all thanks to KSU. If Billy Madison can go back to school and prove to his dad he’s not a fool, you can too. So pack up your laptops, notebooks, pens, number two pencils and smile as you walk onto campus and into your bright future.
