College success should not be required
This is the opinion of Aiden Langheim, SJU first-year.
The college success course is a bootless errand for first-year students attending St. John’s and St. Ben’s. I myself am currently enrolled in the class, which I attend once a week to seek a better understanding of the college lifestyle. However, a class meant to help guide and navigate my peers and I through the start of a new beginning instead poses itself as futile.
Obtaining college success, to your own definition, does require some adaptation. To many outsiders, the perfect idea to jump-start this narrative would be to have a first-year course. I would have to agree. For that reason, many universities throughout the United States have a mandatory first-year experience course to benefit their students. Although, it was on my first day as a student when I realized how inaccurate this idea was.
My classmates and I have been assigned to watch videos and complete homework to help us better understand how to manage our time. The video contains tips such as prioritizing homework, avoiding distractions and valuing sleep. With a soon-to-be busy schedule for most, this class will present itself as a negative way to spend ones time.
Learning about ways to succeed in college arguably is not the most enjoyable topic either. Instead of taking a preferred elective, we are forced to attend a course adding minimal value and proving a lack of interest. Curiosity is important for a college student to succeed, and there is a lack of it this particular course. Although I am a first-year student, I have talked with others who have completed the course. Their thoughts have been very similar to my own.
They also add that the course is very redundant, especially in the later chunk of the semester. After all, how many ways are there to be successful in college if you have not yet figured it out? The college success course should not be a requirement for first-year students. If anything, the class should be optional for those who believe they need extra help figuring out the college lifestyle. Many Bennies and Johnnies would rather be spending their time in ways that aren’t as wasteful or uninteresting.