Critical Classes We Should All Be Taking Next Semester | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

Critical Classes We Should All Be Taking Next Semester

Where's that B.A. in everyday life?

8
Critical Classes We Should All Be Taking Next Semester
Wendy You

There are some moments in my life when I think to myself, This is ridiculous. Many of these moments stem from realizations that I don't know sh*t. Sh*t that I'm supposed to know as a semi-adult living in the glamorous United States of America, but apparently, I don't. And I'm allegedly "educated."

College students or not, there's certain information we should all have access to and take the advantage to gain. Here are a few classes that would certainly do society some good. Hint: not differential equations.

Laundry 101

For some, laundry has been a weekly chore since we could first carry a Tide bottle. For others, away at college dorms is where we first attempted laundry. Regardless, how many of us actually know the cutoff for a “medium” load and a “large” load? TBH, when was the last time we meticulously followed the instructions and measured the detergent/softener to the appropriate line in the cap? Can we even see the thin indents that they call lines at all? We could all use a refresher on how to properly separate colors, disinfect our intimates, fold for space efficiency and just plain make our clothes smell damn good fresh.

Fabric Care

Along the lines of clothing: since it’s mandatory for us to wear it, we may as well learn how to actually take care of it. Those tags aren’t just there to irritate the sh*t out of us; there are some helpful guidelines on there that have the best intentions of making the most out of our purchase. But what are those little symbols anyway? Where are we supposed to “lay flat to dry?” And does “hand wash only” include soap and scrubbing? Especially for those fancier wardrobe investments, some deciphering wouldn’t hurt at all. Then maybe we won’t constantly deal with shrinking, lint, mysterious rips and lackluster color.

Banks, Credit, and Mortgage

For something that comprises a substantial chunk, if not all, of our economy, we seem to know nothing. I personally have never had the opportunity to get a detailed explanation about — let alone a basic introduction to — the way banks play a role in the daily financial lives of every consumer. How are we supposed to build up credit and earn that great FICO score? What even IS a FICO score? The frustrating thing is, even if we don’t want to learn about the banking system, there’s no way we could open a credit card, rent an apartment, lease a car, or buy a house, among other things. Those things are the American Dream right there. Unless, of course, we just have our mommies figure that out for us. Or pay to hire a financial adviser. Or YOLO it and plunge into debt.

Taxes and Accounting

Alright, so we have accountants to take care of these tedious (integral) parts of adulting. But it wouldn’t kill us to know how to fill out a tax document by ourselves, or know what all those alien terms even mean. It wouldn’t kill us because maybe it would save us a couple of hundred or thousand from having to hire an accountant and/or learning which options give better returns. And before we all complain about how high the taxes are, or compromise on how much more tax we’re willing to pay, we should understand where exactly these taxes are going — straight from the source itself, our tax statements, not from biased media.

Political Voting Process

We may not all be able to vote, but it’s still helpful to know how we end up with the leaders we have. Public school U.S. history classes may have grazed over this, not giving it the attention it deserves. Maybe some of us don’t vote because we don’t know exactly how it works so we don’t understand our role in the system. Maybe it’s because some of us don’t trust the system after hearing about its corruption. But before we jump to conclusions, why don’t we examine the workings of voting in our country and then make conclusions of our own (not of someone else’s like the media)?

Constitution and Laws

We have the right to know our rights, and we should have the opportunity to focus on these rights even if we aren’t law students. Wouldn’t it be nice to know more about what’s allowed and not allowed in everyday life? We may know the general rules and regulations of this country, but there’s always the fine print that could be more than useful when you find yourself stopped, interrogated, or behind bars. We do get lawyers in court, but knowing a little beforehand could make all the difference. Ignorance on our part leads to suspicion of enforcement officers and maltreatment that could be prevented.

Contraception and Pregnancy

A couple months in health class isn’t enough to stress the consequences of our favorite pastime. We tend to rush over this topic because people feel uncomfortable discussing it. As for that excuse: if you can’t discuss it, then you probably shouldn’t do it. Sex wasn’t “invented” by some civilization years ago for our enjoyment; it has a biological purpose. But if we’re not doing it for the continuation of our species — like 99 percent of the time — we have to know how to do it right. We should openly discuss the facts, not just rely on rumors, about what works and what doesn’t. And then what happens when it doesn’t work — the whole nine months and beyond.

Now, if only a dictator would mandate us all to take these classes.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

15125
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

6557
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

4852
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

4271
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments