College is a time of diversification, adventure and self-reliance. No longer are you yoked to the lifestyle of your parents. No longer do you have to conform to ridiculous curfews, repressive rules or over-involved adults. You may go to class when you want to, if you want to. No one cares. You leave them alone and, in turn they leave you alone.
Yup, welcome to the real world.
Or at least that’s what I thought.
Well, my misconception sure was short-lived. Within the first day I was given a taste of college reality. Yes, we are now adults. Class is a voluntary thing. But no, we aren’t treated like adults.
My first class was like a bad dream. Suddenly, instead of sitting at NIC I was back in high school. There was my teacher handing out the syllabus. Ok, not so bad. I can handle this. But then we proceeded to spend the next two days, yes two days, reading the stupid thing. So much for higher education.
I thought that perhaps it was an anomaly. My other classes would be different, more precise. Again I was woefully wrong. Every class I took we spent time going over the most basic rules. Rules that any one with a basic understanding of human decency would completely understand. To write them down and then spend valuable time discussing and reading over them is ridiculous. There is a reason for mothers and fathers. They’re responsible for teaching us these moral responsibilities.
I understand that ground rules need to be set, expectations need to be clear. But for God’s sake, don’t baby us through it.
Reading a syllabus out loud, when we could just as easily read it ourselves, is a waste of time and money. Neither of which is unlimited (at least in my case).
My objective isn’t to ridicule teachers or their habits. I truly respect teachers. I believe they are performing a critical job in any healthy society. That doesn’t mean it’s a perfect system.
For me, having the syllabus read to me is disrespectful. It makes me feel like I’m back in grade school struggling through my first book. I didn’t spend 12 years in the education system for this.
Some argue that not all students are at the same level of competency. Well, it would be stupid to disagree with that. That doesn’t mean teaching down is acceptable. Teachers should recognize when a student needs extra help. Students should ask questions about the syllabus if they don’t understand.
College is about self-reliance. If education doesn’t mean anything to you then you won’t ask any questions. However, if you care at all about your education you will take the time to ask questions. Professors shouldn’t worry about whether or not we value our own money. That’s not their job.
The one or two folks who can’t figure it out shouldn’t mandate what the whole class has to sit through.
Really, this all comes down to a matter of respect. College teachers shouldn’t have to put up with disrespect from students. Students should be able to figure it out. Don’t act like a dumb ass. This is college.
The same holds true for the professors. Don’t treat us students like children. We’re all adults. Assume we care. Assume we will read the syllabus on our own time. If we don’t, who cares? It’s our money after all.
I suffered through high school knowing that I had no real choice. I also knew at some level that I would appreciate the skills that I acquired. They would serve me well in later life. So, naturally I was excited to come to college and escape all the monotonous routines and tedious busy work. Here my years and years of patience would finally pay off. Having my professors read me the syllabus was not in my vision of college.
So please, respect us, respect our intelligence. If we all respect each other life will go just fine. Let the teachers teach and let the students learn.
Opinions expressed in editorial and opinion articles are the views of individual NIC students. These views do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Sentinel, North Idaho College, or any other organizations or groups there-in. North Idaho College is not responsible for the accuracy of statements or opinions shared.
