2008 Woodie Awards
Staff Editorial
The Other Side of College Life
Issue date: 9/15/05 Section: Opinion
- Page 1 of 1
As classes begin and house communities form the inevitable "say your name, your graduation year, your major and an interesting fact" (or some variation of this) is a part of daily life. Upon listening to fellow classmates divulge their dark secrets, it becomes apparent that every student on campus is either double majoring, writing a thesis, applying for a fellowship, or running the biggest orgs on campus. Are Smithies just too over-achieving?
In reality, no. Even though the college admission's process is baffling, there must be some quality about a Smith College candidate who just loves to take 8:30 classes, or go abroad for an entire year, or push for that extraordinary thesis proposal. But after four years of college at this prestigious institution, with what else will students graduate besides a diploma? The hallowed halls of this college and the endless list of alumnae who have bettered this world by their work are a huge shadow in which current students must walk.
As the academic year begins, students get tunnel vision. Convocation announces the previous year's award winners. Students set their goals high, as how to beat out the competition or improve a personal best GPA. These are all very admirable, but should never be the culmination of one's time in Northampton.
There is another side to college life, a side in which it would seem we have forgotten at times. Every waking breath is not essential towards your bachelor's of arts (or science, for the engineers) degree from Smith. These years are yours. They are four years to distinguish yourself not only academically but personally. Granted, a frat party or drinking spree will not fully define you and make you well-rounded individual. But enjoying what else this community offers, including seeking a quality social life, will only cement these years as the foundation of your final accomplishments.
Smith students do push themselves hard. The awards and honors they receive show this. When talking with alumnae, one never hears, "Oh, I worked some long hours on that presentation," but the time they went sledding on dinner trays or snuck out after curfew. So absorb the knowledge your 22 credits a semester offers, but remember that when the class is dismissed, a whole other life begins.
In reality, no. Even though the college admission's process is baffling, there must be some quality about a Smith College candidate who just loves to take 8:30 classes, or go abroad for an entire year, or push for that extraordinary thesis proposal. But after four years of college at this prestigious institution, with what else will students graduate besides a diploma? The hallowed halls of this college and the endless list of alumnae who have bettered this world by their work are a huge shadow in which current students must walk.
As the academic year begins, students get tunnel vision. Convocation announces the previous year's award winners. Students set their goals high, as how to beat out the competition or improve a personal best GPA. These are all very admirable, but should never be the culmination of one's time in Northampton.
There is another side to college life, a side in which it would seem we have forgotten at times. Every waking breath is not essential towards your bachelor's of arts (or science, for the engineers) degree from Smith. These years are yours. They are four years to distinguish yourself not only academically but personally. Granted, a frat party or drinking spree will not fully define you and make you well-rounded individual. But enjoying what else this community offers, including seeking a quality social life, will only cement these years as the foundation of your final accomplishments.
Smith students do push themselves hard. The awards and honors they receive show this. When talking with alumnae, one never hears, "Oh, I worked some long hours on that presentation," but the time they went sledding on dinner trays or snuck out after curfew. So absorb the knowledge your 22 credits a semester offers, but remember that when the class is dismissed, a whole other life begins.