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Why do we have to sit in these boring classes, listen to boring old people tell boring stories and learn about things that aren’t going to affect us on a daily basis once we’re finally out of this place?
The attitude of many seems to be that education is a burden. But why does school have to be so bad? Is it the teacher? The school? The material?
Every day in my college classes I sit next to students who often complain about how boring a class is or how horrible the teacher is to listen to. Yet these people chose these classes, these teachers and this school! Is school that bad or are students just lazy?
School = hard work
A simple Google search on “lazy students” brings up links like “how to be a lazy college student” and www.lazywaytobettergrades.com. Seriously?
Although I get the sarcasm in the text of these sites, I know there is a natural desire to take it easy. This may be tough to hear, but the truth is that education is supposed to be challenging!
Really learning well requires a willing ear and a hardworking spirit. We can make up excuses about why we don’t like a class or why we don’t want to read a textbook, but the bottom line is we can’t be lazy!
What kind of student are you?
Like nearly all recent U.S. presidents before him, President Obama spoke to an audience of students saying, “Whatever you resolve to do, I want you to commit to it. I want you to really work at it.”
Because of the advice of the president of the United States, a few students just might pursue success. But vertical thinkers may be familiar with similar inspired words from a greater leader, the wisest man of his time, King Solomon: “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might” (Ecclesiastes 9:10).
This principle of hard work is a critical value for all vertical thinkers!
Why take the easy way out by not turning in assignments on time, racing mindlessly through homework without really gaining anything from it or sitting in class like a lifeless blob staring at the clock? Why not follow the wise advice of doing everything with all of your might, effort and ability?
Tips for more powerful learning
Here are a few suggestions for the studious and mighty:
- Prepare yourself. Read the textbook and know the topic you’re learning about.
- Get involved. Active engagement in the class activities goes a long way to help information stick. Chances are the class might be a bit more interesting too…much more so than staring down the clock!
- Plan ahead. Monumental tasks don’t seem so impossible when you plan your time and break things down into easy steps. Make a list of assignments you need to complete and allow yourself plenty of time to finish them. This will relieve some stress and enable you to put more effort into each activity. (For more practical tips check out this list on ehow.com.)
Education is challenging, but with genuine hard work, your report card might read “top grades” this year.
But what about assessment on a higher level—a spiritual evaluation of personal effort? How can you strengthen your spiritual education? Read“Christian Through College” to learn more. VT
- About the Author -
Zach Smith is in his last year of study at Cleveland State University, where he is pursuing a bachelor of science degree in education.
I clung desperately to the neck of my horse as it rampaged down a steep hill! The left rein dangled freely inches beyond my outstretched hand…
The power and aggression within this beast came as a complete surprise. I never sensed it while I had the reins securely pulling on its neck. But as soon as that left rein slipped from my wrist, the horse recognized my lack of control and took complete advantage of my weakness.
The same can be true when we say good-bye to high school and approach the college or university atmosphere. The parental reins get dropped. Teenagers look forward to the typical college life: parties, late nights, freedom and new responsibilities. The choice we face at this turning point is to continue in the ways of our parents or to run wild like the horse I was riding.
Opportunities to run wild in college are easily found, especially in some of the most popular and prestigious colleges. It comes down to a true test of character to see if the upbringing that we’ve been subject to for about 18 years has had any lasting effect. As easily as we move out, we can choose to change our character and become a new “free” moral agent.
I was first able to experience independence during a two-week summer journalism workshop on a state-run college campus. I found that even though it was the summer session, the party life was ready to test the limits.
After my first year of college I decided to attend Ambassador Bible Center (ABC) this past fall. ABC provides an ideal situation to help maintain my faith. However, I’ve come to realize that the temptation to be social and forget sleep exists everywhere—regardless of where I attend school during the day. I learned that I need to exercise discipline or classes would simply pass by without my full attention.
While it might seem exciting to move out for the first time, the responsibilities often seem overwhelming if you haven’t prepared for the transition. Taking the time at home to develop solid character allows for a smoother, less drastic shift to higher education. Creating positive habits for school and setting guidelines for yourself are particularly important prior to being let loose on the world.
Positive habits can include establishing a defined spiritual life—having set times for prayer, study of the Scriptures and reflection. Although we might be physically moving out of our parents’ control, we still have a Father constantly with us who offers His guidance if we seek it.
The guidelines we set for ourselves are typically defined by our religious beliefs and moral standards. These are often engrained in us as children by our parents, but we must make the true standards our own. Nobody will be at college making sure we go to church, avoid evil or use correct judgment.
Being stable in our routines, growing in character and following the teachings of our parents before living on our own are not only beneficial for us but also pleasing to God. Building that foundation helps us to stand strong and rein ourselves in when circumstances entice us to try running wild.
Read more about how to maintain your values in college in “Christian Values Under Attack!” VT
- About the Author -
Whitney Smith is currently attending Ambassador Bible Center in Milford, Ohio.
