2008 Woodie Awards
Is College still a 4 year institution?
Corey Artis
Section: Opinion
Upon researching the subject of this article, I had to take a look at myself as a student. I started college with an emphasis of entrepreneurship as a business major. After three and a half years, I came to the decision that I had chosen a degree path that I was not pleased with. I wanted to be an entrepreneur because I had always viewed myself as a leader and someone who had fresh ideas. On the flipside of that, I had no desire to wear a suit and tie everyday and mathematics would be the cause of my grade point average's demise.
So I came to the decision to change my major, with opposition by parents and academic advisors alike, but stood by my decision. I realized upon making this decision I would be extending my stay at Norfolk State University past the traditional four years. Is it wrong to follow your desires? College is the most important transition step into adulthood and, with this in mind, I chose to follow my heart and do what I need to do now so I can do what I want to do in the future. I am not alone, so "not alone" that there are actually names for us.
The Super Senior: the term for an undergraduate that spends four years without attaining their degree, is common at this and almost every college in the world. There are many reasons that a student may be forced to extend their time in school.
The Redshirt athlete: the term for an athlete who walks on the team after their freshman year, leaving them with 4 years of NCAA eligibility. This extra year of eligibility may cause the senior to stay and increase their chances of taking it to a professional level.
The Major Changers: the most common of all reasons. Students are often unsure what they want to do when coming to college and chose their majors without being sure. Once the major specific work starts to become unappealing to them, a major change (along with school extension) are soon to follow.
Multiple Majors: students on 5 year programs, such as nursing, must follow a course outline that is a standard 5 years due to clinical training and attaining their associate degree first. The driven student that is courageous enough to attempt two degrees at once must get 145 credits instead of the regular 120 credits, which is almost impossible in a 4 year stretch.
Additionally, unexpected family emergencies and pregnancies may also curve the education path.
In my opinion, these seniors should no longer be looked upon as the "Van Wilder" party animal or as less than their peers, but rather as someone who is following their plan at their pace. After all, the degree is the only thing that matters at the end of the road and education is more than a piece of paper.
So I came to the decision to change my major, with opposition by parents and academic advisors alike, but stood by my decision. I realized upon making this decision I would be extending my stay at Norfolk State University past the traditional four years. Is it wrong to follow your desires? College is the most important transition step into adulthood and, with this in mind, I chose to follow my heart and do what I need to do now so I can do what I want to do in the future. I am not alone, so "not alone" that there are actually names for us.
The Super Senior: the term for an undergraduate that spends four years without attaining their degree, is common at this and almost every college in the world. There are many reasons that a student may be forced to extend their time in school.
The Redshirt athlete: the term for an athlete who walks on the team after their freshman year, leaving them with 4 years of NCAA eligibility. This extra year of eligibility may cause the senior to stay and increase their chances of taking it to a professional level.
The Major Changers: the most common of all reasons. Students are often unsure what they want to do when coming to college and chose their majors without being sure. Once the major specific work starts to become unappealing to them, a major change (along with school extension) are soon to follow.
Multiple Majors: students on 5 year programs, such as nursing, must follow a course outline that is a standard 5 years due to clinical training and attaining their associate degree first. The driven student that is courageous enough to attempt two degrees at once must get 145 credits instead of the regular 120 credits, which is almost impossible in a 4 year stretch.
Additionally, unexpected family emergencies and pregnancies may also curve the education path.
In my opinion, these seniors should no longer be looked upon as the "Van Wilder" party animal or as less than their peers, but rather as someone who is following their plan at their pace. After all, the degree is the only thing that matters at the end of the road and education is more than a piece of paper.
Current
Be the first to comment on this story