What I learned from college could change your life

(Pictured: Dr. Richard Bohr, my history and Asian studies professor)

Attending Saint John’s University (Minnesota) in the mid-to-late 1990s, I admit I wasn’t fully prepared to take on what college should be first and foremost about: learning, exploration, being exposed to new ideas, and developing a life-long love for education. 

Like most of my high school peers, I was very sociable, played sports, and tried my darndest to get high grades, which amounted to being a B average student.

I wasn’t particularly gifted in any one area and took classes on subjects as they were offered, going through the motions, just like everyone else.

These were the very same ideals and attitude I took with me as I entered college fall, 1994.

However, it was around junior year of college, after taking several different courses from an array of disciplines, did it dawn on me that learning and being challenged in new and different subject matter are what the heart of education should be. 

Too many students, like myself at the time, are too concerned with the brand name of a school and are too focused on getting the highest GPA at the expense of learning; most decide to take a course based on how difficult or easy it may be.

They associate high grades with getting solid job offers.

Moreover, I believe too many college programs are too focused on career training and development, whereas I think college should be about studying subjects which hone in on the fundamentals of reading, writing, communicating and research skills. 

As I reflect on my career, there wasn’t a time that I am aware where someone hired me because of my GPA, major or what college I attended.

Most hiring managers made their decision based on how I would fit within my immediate peer group, the company as a whole, if I had some related work experience to the position, my overall character (likability, honesty, trustworthiness) and if they thought I could perform the tasks the position required.  

Going to school should not necessarily be about getting the highest grades or racking up courses just to satisfy a department requirement. 

My advice for those in their college years: take as many courses across disciplines, choose classes no matter how challenging or difficult you think the subject may be, and focus on learning as much as possible while not paying too much attention to test scores and overall GPA.  

Years removed from your college experience, I’m sure you will thank me for helping you realize what truly is important and what really matters post-graduation and life in general: continuing education, love for learning, and learning how to learn.