What I Learned at NKU | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

What I Learned at NKU

My Classmates Taught Me the Most

21
What I Learned at NKU
The Fire

After three weeks of summer classes at Northern Kentucky University I've learned a couple of things. I've re-absorbed everything there is to know about mitochondria (for a Bio 100 course), how punnett squares can tell the future and a few anthropologist's names who wrote creatively, analytically and, if it was before 1960, usually with a little bit of racism. The subject material has been interesting, but what I really can't resist learning about are the people who attend the classes. The openness with which the summer students at NKU live is staggering and life-altering. Every person I have talked to, with one simple opening question, is willing to speak about their lives and the lessons they've learned. It's not that they want somebody to just listen, but they want that person to learn and take away something with them. At 19, the youngest one in either of my classes, I can do nothing but listen to my classmates because they are much wiser than I could ever be.

In an Anthropology 100 and Biology 100 class, one would think that mostly 18 to 19 year olds would be learning with me, but instead, the average age is between 23 and 25. Nearly all of these students are parents, soldiers, students attempting to raise their GPA or who are also working full time jobs. At first I judged the people who had received a poor grade in the class the first time they took it, but I have never been more wrong. The students who retake a class are truly the most admirable. They have returned, optionally, to sit through the same lessons, the same tests and the same videos to pay another one thousand dollars and really learn the material.

I had one soldier look at me with disappointed eyes and admit that he hated taking online courses even though it was easier to get an A. However, he was also a single dad with children who he had to stay home with. He would have loved to attend a class every single morning and absorb the material, but he had to go to work to support his small family.

Another soldier looked at me and informed me that, in 2009, when I was in 7th grade, his entire world was flipped upside down. He got in trouble for drinking too much in the military. He freely admitted this with remorse in his eyes. He wanted to try to give advice to me, a girl he had just met. He cared about the decisions I made and wanted me to make safe ones.

There are countless other NKU students who I admire and see every day now. After this summer I don't know if I will see them again, but I will always remember the selflessness with which they shared their downfalls and most importantly, their peaks.

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.

180375
 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

7402
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...

452582
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.

23335
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