Though our excitement may only be a twinge of what we felt as kindergartners on our first day of school, there is still an air of anticipation and positive energy surrounding campus as classes draw near.
The first week is a chance to reunite with friends and leave the mishaps of last semester far behind. New classes are refreshing, and for the most part everyone arrives on time. It’s during the first few weeks that faculty, staff and students show a true commitment to higher education.
So far, no one has failed a test. No one has been stuck with the brunt of the work in a group project. No one has pulled an all-nighter or slept through an alarm.
As the weeks go on students start arriving to class late wearing sweatpants. Parties take precedence over homework, and students’ enthusiasm for learning drops to the bare minimum level it takes to get a C.
Being enrolled at the University of Idaho in pursuit of your chosen career is a privilege that we sometimes take for granted. Higher education is an opportunity many people will never experience simply because they can’t afford it or because college is not an option in their society.
For most Americans, higher education in general is not the question — it’s choosing from the plethora of colleges and universities. Your search led you to UI, so now that you’re here it’s time to take advantage of the resources and opportunities available to you.
It’s a given that some people are better students than others, but remember the grades you earn may not reflect the knowledge you gain. Build strong relationships with your professors because their mentoring is invaluable. And know that what you learn outside of the classroom is important too.
Don’t let the excitement of the first few weeks slip away so easily. Respect your classmates and professors and show up on time. Participate in intelligent discussions and be thoughtful in completing your classwork.
College is a pathway to achieve your dreams, not a four-year prison term your parents sentenced you to.
Treat each day like it’s the start of a new semester. After all, college is about your future, not your past.
— EE