I don't mind college, but...

[EitherOr]

It's really not bad. I enjoy learning, and I enjoy having a reason to read some of the texts I might not read otherwise, i.e. Beowulf. When I do that, I appreciate them and I read in a different way, a closer way I might not utilize when reading for pleasure.

That's just English class, though.

When it came to Astronomy, I loved the class. The universe is infinitely interesting--the planets, laws of physics, etc. Granted, math's not much my thing, so I ruled physics out, but I did greatly enjoy the course. Same can be said for history, psychology, sociology, etc.

The one thing I strong dislike about college is the social factor. The colleges I've been to try to force you to socialize by requiring you to go to a certain number of events, or the teachers force you to talk to classmates in group work. I understand they're trying to build a community and what not, but it seems terribly immature.

I go to class and classmates feign enthusiasm or flat-out sleep. The second the professor leaves for a 10 minute break in a three-hour lesson, they piss and moan about what a bitch she is, how much they can't stand the readings and don't do them, and then proceed to talk about whatever absolutely ground-breaking events occurred last weekend. During this time, I'll sit there and keep working, taking notes, writing, etc. I answer a lot of questions in class, so I'm sure they're sick of me in that regard.

I honestly wish I could just drop out. I've thought about it. I realize that sounds immature, but allow me to explain. I feel like I could do more on my own. I've done semester-long online courses in just 3 or 4 weeks. I work more efficiently and quicker. I retain a lot of information. I feel like college in general is a fraud and a waste of time and money. Plenty of kids bribe professors, cheat, etc. It makes actually working hard seem like a fool's occupation. The problem, of course, is finding a job without a degree.

Ah, life...

 

[Kat]

I don’t think it necessarily shows on the transcript whether you have done studies online or not but it is something you could look into. I think whilst your studying socializing may not be the biggest priority that’s not to say you shouldn’t expose yourself a little but I think college can help with confidence.

I am taking online classes and they told me it would be looked at as though I went to an actual campus.

 

[gustavofring]

I go to class and classmates feign enthusiasm or flat-out sleep. The second the professor leaves for a 10 minute break in a three-hour lesson, they piss and moan about what a bitch she is, how much they can't stand the readings and don't do them, and then proceed to talk about whatever absolutely ground-breaking events occurred last weekend. During this time, I'll sit there and keep working, taking notes, writing, etc. I answer a lot of questions in class, so I'm sure they're sick of me in that regard.

That's terrible. I am reminded of some of my own experiences in college. The dis-interested people, who only really do it to get grades, but have a horrible attitude for the rest of the time. The cynical complaining and malcontent, which becomes an infectious group activity. The forced get-togethers with unenthusiastic people. I can understand you do not thrive in such an environment for sure. The education material itself gets buried by all these aspects of being in a college.

On the other hand, I do feel like college is a good way to socialise (if you have some good people in there) and it atleast gives you some sense of routine and like you have to show up somewhere daily. If you do school at home you must have iron discipline and not go mad of loneliness.

 

[musics_advocate]

I don't like the fact that socialization feels forced with classmates. But it really is important to invest yourself in the class because it will help you build your pool of contacts more. Ignore the students all you want, but paying attention and getting to know your professors can really benefit you, especially if you're looking to get a job in your field of study. Those professors have been there, (at least hopefully they have, or they shouldn't be teaching you.)

It sucks, I hate it. I'd rather just go to class, do my work, and leave. But I understand why it's essential to get yourself known so that you can have better references when applying for a higher program or a job.

 

[EitherOr]

I don’t think it necessarily shows on the transcript whether you have done studies online or not but it is something you could look into. I think whilst your studying socializing may not be the biggest priority that’s not to say you shouldn’t expose yourself a little but I think college can help with confidence.

I am taking online classes and they told me it would be looked at as though I went to an actual campus.

It doesn't show on the transcript. I've done two courses online. The problem is that my current college really doesn't offer any courses online, aside from ones for no credit.

I'd have no problem socializing with people, but when it comes to their conversations about so and so being a slut, or so and so throwing up on someone's bed after a party, I have absolutely nothing to contribute.

That's terrible. I am reminded of some of my own experiences in college. The dis-interested people, who only really do it to get grades, but have a horrible attitude for the rest of the time. The cynical complaining and malcontent, which becomes an infectious group activity. The forced get-togethers with unenthusiastic people. I can understand you do not thrive in such an environment for sure. The education material itself gets buried by all these aspects of being in a college.

On the other hand, I do feel like college is a good way to socialise (if you have some good people in there) and it atleast gives you some sense of routine and like you have to show up somewhere daily. If you do school at home you must have iron discipline and not go mad of loneliness.

Yeah, well, since I'm transferring in as a junior, there's some pre-reqs I have to do. For example, I took Intro to Lit and Poetry in high school through a college...I essentially skipped English 12. Then I went to my community college, and they made me take Intro to Lit again, ignoring my credits. Now, at this school, they ignored both Intro to Lit courses and the Poetry course, applying them as just random English electives. Part of the reason, also, is that the Poetry and Lit courses are pre-requisites for every other English course. By holding me up, I'm forced to stay another semester, thus paying them an extra $2500 or so. Sucks...

Back to my point--since they are just basic pre-reqs, I'm in class with some freshman who...well, we all know what they're like. I haven't met anyone I have a thing in common with yet. I'm not opposed to speaking, I just have nothing to say to the crowd I've encountered so far--egotistical athletes, etc.

I don't like the fact that socialization feels forced with classmates. But it really is important to invest yourself in the class because it will help you build your pool of contacts more. Ignore the students all you want, but paying attention and getting to know your professors can really benefit you, especially if you're looking to get a job in your field of study. Those professors have been there, (at least hopefully they have, or they shouldn't be teaching you.)

It sucks, I hate it. I'd rather just go to class, do my work, and leave. But I understand why it's essential to get yourself known so that you can have better references when applying for a higher program or a job.

I've always made a good impression with teachers. I work my ass off, and it shows to them. There was only one teacher in all of my college years so far that I haven't liked. He was a literary critic who was a bit up his own bum.

I have letters of recommendation from adjuncts and also from professors with Ph.D's. One said I was one of the best students he's ever had in his forty years of teaching. I was proud of that one. Another nominated me for an award for writing, which I ended up winning with his lobbying, and I talked to him about music quite often as well. Really nice guy, really helped me further my writing. I have no problem talking with and getting to know my professors. I'd have no problem with recommendations. This topic is more about the disdain for my classmates.

I realize this topic makes me sound incredibly judgmental. I'm not. I just really have nothing in common with these folks, at least not with the images they present, and I feel isolated because of it.

 

[k8steroonis]

I know what you mean. I too am in college (junior) and although in high school I tried to see what the "party scene" is all about, in college I have come to terms with the fact that it is completely void of meaning and mainly people just go to them to boost their egos. I haven't really ran into too many problems with it. When I lived on campus last year it was actually pretty surprising how many other people were like-minded. You just have to really seek them out. I think I know the type of people you're referring to, that just seem to want to say cliche things and hang out with people that look like them and pass their idea of "cool" because they're too cowardly to be themselves. They're impossible to talk to if you just want to share information and be yourself. But on the same note I think it's also pretty evident which people you are able to talk to. If there are any older people in your classes, they're generally pretty nice to talk to. And there are certain people you can tell will be good conversationalists. Just hang in there and don't give up on the human race altogether! There have to be a few good eggs at your entire college.

 

[EitherOr]

I know what you mean. I too am in college (junior) and although in high school I tried to see what the "party scene" is all about, in college I have come to terms with the fact that it is completely void of meaning and mainly people just go to them to boost their egos. I haven't really ran into too many problems with it. When I lived on campus last year it was actually pretty surprising how many other people were like-minded. You just have to really seek them out. I think I know the type of people you're referring to, that just seem to want to say cliche things and hang out with people that look like them and pass their idea of "cool" because they're too cowardly to be themselves. They're impossible to talk to if you just want to share information and be yourself. But on the same note I think it's also pretty evident which people you are able to talk to. If there are any older people in your classes, they're generally pretty nice to talk to. And there are certain people you can tell will be good conversationalists. Just hang in there and don't give up on the human race altogether! There have to be a few good eggs at your entire college.

I'm a junior myself, though I had taken a year off before starting, thus I should be a senior. Ah well, I don't regret it, and the year off definitely helped me to get centered and helped me to improve my health.

As I mentioned in my first post, I've just transferred to a larger school, so it's an adjustment. A lot of folks are already settled in their little cliques.

You're pretty much dead-on with what you said, at least in regards to how I view it, and I think you said it in a more direct manner than I did.

I definitely agree that those folks aren't representative of the entire college, but the like-minded can be difficult to pick out, as they're used to keeping their mouths shut, like I am.

I just feel that I'm paying for my classes. I want to go to actually learn. I don't want to waste my time with that nonsense, and though, sure, college can be a pain sometimes, but I'm there to learn and come out the better for it.

 

[Solitudes_Grace]

In my experience, most college students act like they are still in high school (no offense to mature high schoolers). They have an opportunity to learn so much in college, yet so many students just don't give a crap.

 

[musics_advocate]

I realize this topic makes me sound incredibly judgmental. I'm not. I just really have nothing in common with these folks, at least not with the images they present, and I feel isolated because of it.

I can understand that completely, and I don't think you sound judgmental at all. You either get along with certain people, or you don't. I think trying to force it can almost be worse than ignoring it completely, you know?

I know what you mean. I too am in college (junior) and although in high school I tried to see what the "party scene" is all about, in college I have come to terms with the fact that it is completely void of meaning and mainly people just go to them to boost their egos.

I feel the exact same way. My cousin is in a sorority group at the same college as me and she's constantly trying to get me to join a fraternity and go to the same parties as her but no matter how many times I try to explain to her that it's just not for me, she doesn't understand. It's difficult because I love her, she's family, but I can't really talk about why I think the "party scene" is such nonsense without insulting her directly.

 

[TheFlamesWithin]

You must be in a private/four year?

I've been attending community for years, 3 different ones actually (been moving a lot, financial issues and such) and thank God that kind of crap does go on for me... well ok, the barrage of uptight, straight-from-high-school, whiny teenyboppers who whine about everything? Yeah that does happen. BUT the forcing social events thing? What a load of crap!!! You can't tell a person to go do something and enjoy it. Hell, its impossible to control what a person thinks about anything or anyone... so why bother? School's have their priorities mixed up.

Anyway... sorry you are going through that. I love school, so much more now that I am in college. I still suck eggs at math though lol 26 and just entering Algebra....

Keep your chin up, and F the rest of those bucketheads!!!