Last week I provided some reasons why you should consider going to college.
The good news is that, in addition to producing successful and satisfied grads, college can be a lot of fun.
You’ve most likely heard of college friendships that can [cue trumpets] “last a lifetime.” Chances are you’ve also heard about the big events and parties that colleges throw for their students.
You may not know, however, that your courses are a real part of the fun at college. (Given the often-dreary conditions of high school academics, I wouldn’t be shocked if this is somewhat surprising.)
Additionally, you might not know that your relationships with faculty members and administrators are also a genuine part of it.
Click below for more info on college courses, faculty, and administrators (including videos of singing and dancing college presidents).
You can study cool things in college.
College academics aren’t just a continuation of high school academics. You choose a major—hopefully, something that you find really interesting—and pick the courses that you want to take.
Most colleges provide way more academic options than the average high school does. Want to learn Russian? You can. Want to know more about astronomy? No problem.
College courses also allow you to look at the things you’ve always loved in a new way. For example, how the Beatles affected business, technology, and culture or how copyright law influences hip hop:
Faculty and administrators are available and approachable.
Luckily, the stereotype that college professors are aloof and/or bland doesn’t have much currency today. But I’ve included the following info anyway:
- Faculty members often live with their families on college campuses, in the same buildings where students live. As mentors, it is typical for faculty members to advise students on a variety of issues beyond academics.
- Faculty members are often eccentric in entertaining and endearing ways. Check out this post on the “wildest faculty web pages” from the Chronicle of Higher Education’s Tweed blog.
College presidents have also become increasingly accessible and entertaining. President Toope of the University of British Columbia recently sang a duet—“Sweet Dreams” by the Eurhythmics—with the school’s student body president:
This article in the Washington Post details the efforts of George Washington University’s President Knapp to bond with students. It doesn’t hurt that he’s somewhat of a dancing sensation at GWU:
Finally, I am compelled to report that this last video has inspired this spoof.
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