What should you strive for from your Undergraduate Education?

Have you ever wondered why you should pursue an undergraduate education? Perhaps you have  and spending so much money for a piece of stock paper with some printed words. Many students go off to college because it is either expected from them or because it is a standardized requirement for a good paying job. I have heard both reasons given in my time at university. While they are both correct in why we attend university, they do not explain the reason behind why the degree is important or what it represents. If we acknowledge that this small piece of paper is a symbol of something much more, we may begin to grasp the purpose and value of an undergraduate education.
wondered what was the point of taking so many classes

The primary goal for any undergraduate while attending university is to expand their perception of the world, to explore new ideas, to strengthen philosophical positions through rigorous debate, and most importantly, to become skilled writers. Writing is the fundamental component to any educational program. In recent years, this skill has become diluted within universities with things such as multiple choice test, or fill in the blank questions. Writing allows us to sort out our thoughts, to structure our arguments, and to communicate with others. Writing is a tool, which if used correctly, can mold students into powerful individuals. Learning to write complex works in an intelligible way is a fundamental component to any future job, career, or profession. Students in university should prioritize learning this skill even if it requires additional work on their own.

          In addition to learning how to write, those pursuing higher education should engage in exploring new ideas. As students, we must endeavor into new intellectual areas of inquiry.  No longer can we say that “X” philosophy or belief is correct without holding the evidence to back up our claims. We must push past the obvious and understand where claims derive their basis, and when a claim is found to be false. We must have the courage to proclaim its falsehood. In today’s world, students must be open to new ideas, while at the same time remaining skeptical of the information being taught at university. Deciphering one’s opinion, political rhetoric, or factual evidence is a hard task to undertake. When factual evidence is presented, it is always best to dig into the research if possible. As any statistical class will tell you, one person or one view does not represent the entire body of research. Another way to think of this, is that your classes are only the beginning. View them as a starting point, a nudge in the right direction.    

          Once you have explored new ideas and constructed your augments, it is vital that you debate your positions with others. Present your positions and argue your points, all the while revising and updating your positions. Make a tweak here or there, and in some cases, you must replace your position all together. This is and has always been how we grow intellectually. Challenging what we believe to be right with op-positional views is the basis of human progress. As undergraduates and even as adults, we do not know everything. Ask questions and for clarification if points are not clearly presented. You will feel dumb asking questions, but anything worth knowing has a price. The difference between a wise person and a fool, is that the wise man recognizes how little he truly does know. 

          Students who can implement these three concepts into their undergraduate education will thrive in their studies and later in their chosen professions. Learning how to argue, to stand your ground in a debate and how to clearly present your ideas in a written form are lifelong skills which will prove to be increasingly valuable.

--By Christian D. Frazier

05.04.2017