COLUMN: Make the most of college
Instead of complaining about how much you pay for tuition, start taking advantage of what college has to offer.
We all get it–paying thousands of dollars to sit in a classroom, listen to lectures and turn in papers sucks.
But, you’re not just paying to have a desk to sit at and earn credits to graduate. All that money you’re pouring into the university that you chose to go to is doing so much more than teaching you the fundamentals of sociology or whatever B.S. elective you decided to immerse yourself in.
The amount of services on campus that can be taken advantage of to get the most of your college experience might surprise you.
I so badly want to say that they’re “free” services (and the university will sell them to you as “free”), but this is where your tuition money is going.
Don’t bother paying someone to help tutor you in a class when the university can provide someone to do that at no extra cost.
Looking for advice on your future career outlook? The university has you covered for that, as well.
I find that the Career Services center is one department on campus that no student should pass up.
I remember taking my freshman self there with my two-page resume with so much white space that it nearly blinded the adviser. He helped me figure out what was actually needed and how to get hired somewhere other than Subway.
And we know a chunk of our “tuition” money is going to sporting events.
Yeah, Central Michigan University is not known as a sports school, but go anyway. They’re “free.”
Even if you just go to win a free pizza or t-shirt at halftime, at least you can experience a college game and rehash old high school memories of cheering in the stands.
You might spend hours in your classroom with your professor and dread seeing him or her any more than you need to, but, if you’re smart, you will take advantage of getting on his or her good side.
Some of the best life advice has come from meeting with my professors. Developing a connection with them outside of the classroom and during their office hours is probably one of my favorite things about college. They have been in your shoes, and they understand how hard it can be to balance everything. Plus, they usually have connections in your field of study (bonus).
Maybe tuition is high and is most likely a lot higher than necessary, but if you’re going to pay all that money to get a piece of paper, make it worthwhile on your way.
