The book, Becoming a Learner, has provide me with a unique perspective on the purpose of college. Before reading this book, I had expectations that while I attended college my education would be practically handed to me. However, author Mathew Sanders argues that “you need to decide to be proactive, engaged, and responsible for your learning. The education you pursue is uniquely your own; it doesn’t belong to anyone else. (38)” When I read Sander’s statement, I realized that I had been mistaken about the purpose of higher education.
Through most of High School I felt that I could succeed with only minimal effort. For most of High School I didn’t take advanced classes because I viewed them as too difficult for me. Everything changed my senior year of High School when I finally decided to take responsibility for my learning. I enrolled myself in concurrent enrollment classes to challenge myself. Even though this made my senior year more difficult, I was able to learn a lot more. Taking responsibility for my learning allowed me to start my journey to becoming a learner; a journey that will continue on into my freshman year.
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Everthing counts—both inside the classroom and out. And it’s not only what [I] do that counts; it’s also how [I] do it. (Sanders 7). As I envision college with this perspective, my college experience completely changes. Now the aspects of college that at first appeared meaningless are converted to intriguing learning opportunities. Understanding this concept helps me to realize that a successful college experience starts here—my freshman year. The habits, work ethic and discipline that I develop as a freshman will ultimately set the course for the rest of my higher