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To what extent does the "college experience" (drinking, partying, fraternities, etc.) distract from the true purpose of college--education?
To what extent does the "college experience" (drinking, partying, fraternities, etc.) distract from the true purpose of college--education?
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Alexandra’s Answer
It really depends on who you are and what you value from your experience. I'm someone who is generally introverted and quiet, but loud and confident when I'm around people I trust. Upon moving into the dorm for ONE SEMESTER, I completely let loose and let my grades slip. It's interesting because I didn't and still don't necessarily have the traditional college experience you see in movies or TV, but there are so many joys of college that can easily sway you if you aren't focused enough on your studies. My sorority, (more the responsibilities than parties, haha), school events, dorm life, freedom from my parents.. all that completely swayed me away and made me experience life from a completely different lens. Unfortunately, if you allow college life to do that to you, you have to be up for the consequences, because this semester I'm living at home and paying for the loss of financial aid. Though I had a great semester, I was caught up and am still getting back to what my academic purpose is, if I really am enjoying what I'm studying, and how happy I am in my situation. I'd say take a moment to self-reflect - I did a LOT of things I would not do if I were living with my parents, so really think about what you want to do, what you might do, and how to ensure that you can do it and not get too far off track from what's really important. I hope that helps.
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Megan’s Answer
I think part of the college experience is learning how to balance your time between having fun and studying. Write down your goals and priorities and keep them someplace you can see them often so you stay focused on your reason for being at college. You should absolutely enjoy your college experience, but part of your learning is to keep your grades up so you can stay in school and accomplish your goals!
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Michael’s Answer
I guess it depends on how much money you have to waste. College is your one chance to make sure you might have a better job, so take it on like a real job. Look at what you might take advantage of in terms of setting up yourself up for after college. If you want to party, set some time each day or weekend for that, but if that is all you do then it is not much different that high school minus parents, and you will just end up with big bills for all that fun and you will probably pay them off for most of your adult life. Your parents might even to like to have a life without supporting you forever.
Universities and colleges should be fun (to keep you alive and bright eyed), but the real goal is to go, figure out what you want to spend 40 hours a week doing, and be better than most everyone else in class. The time will go by quickly, the work will be hard most of the time, you will feel like your brain gets fried, but...remember there is an end to school and a beginning of the rest of your life. And really, who wants to go live with mom and dad and have a dead end job. Your choice.
Universities and colleges should be fun (to keep you alive and bright eyed), but the real goal is to go, figure out what you want to spend 40 hours a week doing, and be better than most everyone else in class. The time will go by quickly, the work will be hard most of the time, you will feel like your brain gets fried, but...remember there is an end to school and a beginning of the rest of your life. And really, who wants to go live with mom and dad and have a dead end job. Your choice.
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Tessa’s Answer
I really like the honesty of previous answers here!
I think the "college experience" is different for everyone, and you are very much in control of how this impacts your education. It can be intimidating entering a college that is known for a "party" scene - but just know that there are other students who will be there who value their education just as much as you. If you find a good community of students who are balanced with their work and play, the "college experience" will very likely be a nice mix of fun times and hard work. Good luck and have fun!
I think the "college experience" is different for everyone, and you are very much in control of how this impacts your education. It can be intimidating entering a college that is known for a "party" scene - but just know that there are other students who will be there who value their education just as much as you. If you find a good community of students who are balanced with their work and play, the "college experience" will very likely be a nice mix of fun times and hard work. Good luck and have fun!