OOohhs and Ahhhhs
When ever I go back home to visit, people are always interested in how my studies are going. They ask the questions that we as college students always get, “What’s your major?”, “What do you want to do with that?”, “How are your grades?”; which is fine its just that people don’t ask the right questions. College isn’t just about grades and what we’re studying all the time. It’s also about the experiences we have and the skills we develop.
Earlier in the year we had a guest speaker come to our LLC class and she was telling us about her experience and how she came to working here. Towards the end of her talk she mentioned that grades and degrees don’t really matter we’re done with school. When we start looking for jobs that actually relate to our field of study they won’t be asking us about what grade we received in our introductory chemistry class (thankfully); what they will be looking for is a well rounded student: good grades – of course, but most importantly for someone who is adaptable to their environment, who can speak their mind and can get the job done efficiently, quickly and envolve all team members.
I don’t know if you noticed, but these are all qualities that make a good leader. Leaders are those who stand out and after spending two semesters together we’ve learned that each of us have the capability and skills to be a good leader. All that’s missing is our will to do what we think should be done, and to actually see it through.
April 22nd, 2013 at 6:37 pm
As much as a socialite I’m going to sound like for saying this, I believe another important aspect to getting a leg up is the relationships you build while here at college. If you know someone who know’s someone, sometimes that’s all that is required to get what you need. My family really stresses this and is constantly reminding me to network, to meet others in fields I have some interest in, and to get to know my professors because they can really light the way towards rewarding internships and other various opportunities. So I heartily agree with the fact that grades aren’t all that matters. Sure, that’s great if you’ve got straight A’s, but I’d rather get to know the social side of things- the people and relationships that will get me further.
April 22nd, 2013 at 11:29 pm
Hahah Liz I agree thankkfully our grade in intro chem is not a focus haha. I agree with you Margot, I believe that networking is a part of succeeding in the field of your choice. I remember someone tellling me that you only need to worry about your GPA when you graduate and are looking for your first job. after this…it doesn’t matter anymore. So I definitly agree that the skills outside of acadmics is very necessary for any career one hopes to have.
April 24th, 2013 at 12:11 am
I agree with what you are saying about grades and GPA not being as important as they may seem at first, but I would like to focus on your closing statement a little more. I do think that we all demonstrate a quality or two of great leadership and now it is our job to put those qualities to the test. Just think about all of the people out there who have great leadership abilities, but no one has ever told them that they can use them to do amazing things or they haven’t had the oppurtunity to strenghten their natural talents even more. This is why I believe that we should never forget how lucky we are to be here and have this oppurtunity, and because of that I think that it is our responsibility to use our talents and education to strengthen others.
April 24th, 2013 at 11:23 am
I agree. Some people have passion and will, but lack conviction. We won’t move. We won’t act. That is just as bad as not doing anything. “In the End, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.” -Martin Luther King, Jr.