What College Actually Teaches You | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

What College Actually Teaches You

Because not everything comes from a textbook.

12
What College Actually Teaches You

As a senior looking back on the past three and a half years, I’ve had plenty of time to think about how college has actually benefitted me. About a year ago, I came to the conclusion that I am definitely one of the people that aren't really meant for college, but that went anyways because it’s what is expected of people in our generation. All of my time in college, I’ve cared way more about the work outside of school than the busy work that professors throw in my direction.

College gave me opportunities that I never would've gotten outside of attending my university. In fact, the best thing professionally to come out of college was the ability to write and edit for Odyssey. I’ve also had jobs through the university as well as internships. However, what I learned in those positions is double what I ever learned in a classroom.

Biology, astronomy and algebra were not classes I learned from. If anything, those classes taught me how to memorize information just long enough to get through the exam. I learn from hands-on experience, and like many people, my college classes are just a part of the day that I have to attend, but it isn’t where I learn.

As a public relations major, I learned how to do almost everything required of my major through an internship. I didn’t get that internship because of academic merit; I got it because of my Odyssey articles doing well on campus. Through that internship, I had press releases published online, I managed the social media accounts and did a lot of editing. By the time I was in a class that was supposed to teach me how to do those things, I already knew how.

I will admit that there were a few classes where I learned important things, like how to use a computer program I was unfamiliar with, like InDesign. Some majors absolutely require the class time and the studying. I just think that in my case, and for a lot of college students, college classes aren’t the main reason we are here. We’re working for a piece of paper so that we have a gateway into the industry we want to be in, but that doesn’t mean that our classes are where we are learning how to do what we want to do.

I have loved my college experience. I have made friends and great memories. I’ve become a die-hard supporter of our football team. I’ve learned how to (kind of) manage money. I’ve learned how to be pretty independent, because at this point my dad has learned to say no when I call and say, “Daddy, did you know I love you? I really need blank.” I’ve learned about relationships and I’ve learned about heartbreak. I’ve learned that you can’t put a price tag on friends who will be there for you at 3 a.m. when you’re crying and need a hug. I think college holds a very big function in our society.

I’m grateful for what I’ve learned during my time, but if you asked me what I learned from college, you wouldn’t see anything related to something I learned in a classroom until about number 50 on the list.

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

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

191178
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

15412
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

458246
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

26821
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments