Why are College Students so Ill Prepared?

How does a quarter to a third of students achieve "mostly A's" when they rarely do their homework and assignments due for class? The answer lies in the fact they can get away with this. When you do a homework assignment does your teacher ask you to turn it in or connect it to part of your overall grade? Rarely. They simply say this is for your benefit and it will hurt you if you do not do the assignment or reading. This does not encourage but does not enforce the principles students built their high school and middle school years on. Do your assignments, receive credit and boost your grade. Why would a student getting adjusted to college or enjoying the last year they have as a college student do work that does not count against them? There is no reward system in college. Whether you do your assignments or not does not count for you but does not count against you. In turn, this counters less studying and less effort the student needs to put in to get those grades that are at least satisfactory, if not A's.

So, the real question is how can not only faculty but students become inspired to work harder, study longer and do those assignments? I believe the answer lies in the teachers curriculum. If the teacher gives "rewards" or grades for those assignments or readings, the student will be more likely to come to class prepared with their assignment done. If the teacher connects those assignments to tests, quizzes or projects that count for a large part of their grade, the student will be more likely to study their material for the amount of time needed. Instead of just discussions being held; students need to be tested on the material they are supposed to have completed. Students choose their own destiny and their grades should reflect the work in which they have done.

Dead Man Walking

Dead Man Walking was a moving theatre performance that only reinforced my opinion that the death penalty was wrong. One of the most enjoyable aspects of this performance was that the play looked at all sides which referred to the emotions and aspects of the death penalty. It reached out to all of those who were directly and indirectly affected by the death penalty. It showed emotions on all side of the spectrum, from anger to hurt and confusion. This play had in depth understanding of the death penalty and the ways in which it affected people in society. In essence this play has showed me how anyone invovled with the accused and the victim of the accused is affected. It showed how the death penalty still hurt people after death; even though it was supposed to bring relief.

It is extremely important that rarely discussed but prevalent issues such as the death penalty are brought into course acitivites and assignments. It is necessary that these sensitive issues are discussed in a challanging way that cause students and even faculty to look at their previous opinions and stance on the topics. Not only will this make for a better educated youth of America but leave room for intelligent debate.

Tierney Cahill: "Living Without Fear"

Tierney Cahill's inspiring message spoke to me in several different ways. She proved to her sixth grade class the importance of democracy in United States of America. She showed everyone in the audience and her young students the importance of their voice in the government and the true meaning of democracy. She started off with the mission of just finding a simple way to teach her sixth grade students the importance of democracy is a clear, understandable way. In the end she had not only run for a congressional representing the state of Nevada ,but taught her sixth grade students the more complicated meaning of democracy. She proved one, "average American" can really impact the world. I can be an inspiration to others by doing what I really set my mind too. despite all obstacles and adversities. I am afraid to start horseback riding again after my fall several years ago. However, if I gain up the courage to start riding again and the patientce and determination to master the skills of riding again I can truly do it. No matter the daunting tasks one faces, anything is posible if you put your mind to it.

The Economy

The economy has been in a slow decline for almost a year now. Only now is it becoming more apparent to those not usually affected that the United States is in and headed for trouble. People are unwillingto invest there money into the United States stock market and into banks. What most people do not realize is that this crisis is not only affecting the United States but touching other countries globally. The economy affects everyone; although, us as college students may not feel the crunch now we soon will when we graduate and attempt to start a life on our own. As consumers the state of the economy affects us greatly. When the economy is in poor shape the price of almost all consumers goods is driven up. Banks become afraid to lend out loans and will not lend out loans to those with little to no credit coming out of college. Even our chances of employment are slimmed down because companies simply do not have the money to hire new employees. In some cases they barely have the money to maintain the employees they already have. The main changes most people realize as relating to the economy however is the soaring high price of gas. Since realizing myself the seriousness of the economy I have cut back on driving as much; in an attempt to fill up my tank less often. I started to look at the prices of food in the grocery store and second guess myself on wether I truly need that. I have been more frugal with my money and buy only what I need and not what I want. The economy is in a fraigle state and during this time almost everyone is buckling down.

Drinking and College Students

Drinking on college campuses is common but not as common as people think. While some students may partake in drinking in college, a surprising amount do not. Some students may feel the need to drink to be more social, to feel more comfortable in their new environment and make more friends. Some students drink after a long week of tests and homework to unwind; while others drink in order to feel they "fit-in". This is not assuming that all college students drink to get drunk however. Some students just drink to get a slight buzz or to relax in a social setting with new and old friends. Other students may drink to get drunk but that is not always the case. The view that college students drink so much more than they do is due largely to the media and Internet. Some students chose to post pictures of themselves and others drinking and being "drunk". This are not exactly the purest images and unfortunately are the ones that stick in peoples mind. Another reason is the media portrays more often than not the instances of a student being drunk and getting into trouble than they do the more flattering and presentable circumstances. One final reason people believe college students may drink more often than they truly do is the fact that people will always talk. People will always gossip no matter what and in gossip false statements are made and carried on for the next person's ears to hear. Drinking will always have some part on college campuses whether someone chooses to drink or not is their personal decision.

Mountain Day 2008

Lees-McRae College celebrates Mountain Day twice a year, once during Fall semester and Spring semester. Lees-McRae not only continues on this tradition to enable the returning students to take a day off from classes and get to spend time with their old and new friends ,but to allow the incoming students in all grades to get to know their teacher and peers at a closer, more intimate level. However Mountain day is not purely a social situation; Mountain Day is rich with the history and heritage of the college. Students and professors get a closer look at the college and the beautiful environment around it. They learn about the great community service opportunities and how to become involved in general. Cultures and traditions shape the core of every ones identity. People grow up around celebrating different traditions and rituals within their own unique cultures. Up until this day my family still opens one gift on Christmas Eve and the rest on Christmas Day. The large city surrounding me also affects who I am today. The upbeat and always on the go atmosphere became infused into me. Lees-McRae's unique idea of Mountain Day not only allows for the college students to get to know their surrounding area and peers better but to reflect on their own traditions and cultures they have grown up with.