Take a chance, to explore and learn from new experiences
Henry Balling IV
Issue date: 5/1/09 Section: Opinion
As spring finally blooms around campus, so do the spirits of students. At this time of year, summer plans emerge and thoughts turn away from school.
Generally, students think college education occurs between August and May. But huge learning experiences can be gained during the summer months as well. Learning isn't just for the classroom.
Every day we age in terms of numbers and maturity. This process can only be completed by putting ourselves in uncomfortable situations.
Freshmen, you came here to test yourselves and you were scared. You might have cried at first. You might have been worried. If you're still here reading this, the chance was worth taking. You must not lose that perspective. Risk-taking is the only way toward positive self-growth.
Take a road trip, go to Niagara Falls or make amends with a person you haven't spoken to in years. The summer isn't a time to forget about the "good journey." This is the time to create your own class schedule and learn your own lessons.
Create something original. There's no good way to tell others what to do, but my advice is to tell you to try everything.
Seniors: Now is the time to remember who you are. Don't take a job that sells you short. Don't compromise principles. Keep learning and growing through this new phase. Take risks and become the best person you can be. Don't let society tell you where to go and what to do. Listen to yourself.
I'm heading out to California on a three-week road trip with some friends. We don't know what we're going to do with ourselves yet, either in our lives or on the trip. It's going to be scary and fun. That's what this life experience is all about. It's time to be scared. We only have one life, so get out there and live it.
There is no finish line. Certain dates and times hold importance in the scheme of our lives, but dates don't have to be mandated or determined by society. Create your own important dates.
I'm going to take some time and go underground for a while by turning off my phone and computer and doing some soul searching.
In the words of the singer and songwriter Conor Oberst, "Paradise lost, haven't found it yet."
I'm still looking to find out what it is I'm looking for and I won't stop or settle for less than that. I want the same for everyone else.
I'm still terrified of what I might find on a trip to California but I'm more scared of what I might find if I don't take the trip. If I get lucky, I might just find some temporary paradise. If not, I tried and I'll still be learning.
So enjoy the summer. God knows students deserve it. Just don't forget the end of the semester isn't the end.
Generally, students think college education occurs between August and May. But huge learning experiences can be gained during the summer months as well. Learning isn't just for the classroom.
Every day we age in terms of numbers and maturity. This process can only be completed by putting ourselves in uncomfortable situations.
Freshmen, you came here to test yourselves and you were scared. You might have cried at first. You might have been worried. If you're still here reading this, the chance was worth taking. You must not lose that perspective. Risk-taking is the only way toward positive self-growth.
Take a road trip, go to Niagara Falls or make amends with a person you haven't spoken to in years. The summer isn't a time to forget about the "good journey." This is the time to create your own class schedule and learn your own lessons.
Create something original. There's no good way to tell others what to do, but my advice is to tell you to try everything.
Seniors: Now is the time to remember who you are. Don't take a job that sells you short. Don't compromise principles. Keep learning and growing through this new phase. Take risks and become the best person you can be. Don't let society tell you where to go and what to do. Listen to yourself.
I'm heading out to California on a three-week road trip with some friends. We don't know what we're going to do with ourselves yet, either in our lives or on the trip. It's going to be scary and fun. That's what this life experience is all about. It's time to be scared. We only have one life, so get out there and live it.
There is no finish line. Certain dates and times hold importance in the scheme of our lives, but dates don't have to be mandated or determined by society. Create your own important dates.
I'm going to take some time and go underground for a while by turning off my phone and computer and doing some soul searching.
In the words of the singer and songwriter Conor Oberst, "Paradise lost, haven't found it yet."
I'm still looking to find out what it is I'm looking for and I won't stop or settle for less than that. I want the same for everyone else.
I'm still terrified of what I might find on a trip to California but I'm more scared of what I might find if I don't take the trip. If I get lucky, I might just find some temporary paradise. If not, I tried and I'll still be learning.
So enjoy the summer. God knows students deserve it. Just don't forget the end of the semester isn't the end.
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