From afar, going to college looks like a one-track path to a career; a place where you go to learn and expand your knowledge, narrow your academic focus, and, finally, leave with a degree that enables you to pursue a professional life. Up close — especially to graduates and current college students — it’s so much more. Here are some ways going to college has transformed the lives of students and graduates that go beyond what college gets you on paper.
#1. A deeper sense of self
It’s no secret that going to college is a big transition from one’s normal routine, and as you shape your new life in college, it’s inevitable you’ll discover new things about yourself, your place in the world, and who you want to be.
“I really found myself in college! I realize that sounds very cliché, but when I left for college, I thought really thought I had it all figured out. One of the very best decisions I’ve ever made is to really dive into my experiences — as a student, friend, and even an athlete — and be comfortable enough in who I was to take chances and explore new interests. As I explored the world outside my bubble, I learned so much about who I was and became a much kinder, more empathetic, and confident person.”
— Brittany Pearce, Broadcast Journalism graduate
“My college experience helped me develop a sense of ‘self’ and where I fit in time, place and culture. It inspired me and gave me the confidence to try new things (such as activities, travel, friendships). In the years since I graduated, my experience has reinforced my identity as a lifelong learner full of curiosity and a desire to dig deeper to understand people and ideas.”
— Timalyn O’Neill, English major graduate
“I gained independence and confidence. I always felt like I was in the shadow of my brother in a small town. Going to a college where I knew no one allowed me the opportunity to be my own person and build who I was on my own terms. I got involved in so many things, I made so many friends, and I totally embraced the feeling of growing into adulthood.”
— Heather Daniels, Sociology major graduate
#2. A broader worldview
Perhaps one of the most-underrated advantages of going to college is the instant exposure to new people, new perspectives, and, often, people and cultures you have rarely encountered before. Hearing peoples’ stories and learning about their journeys can connect you deeply and emotionally to experiences you’ve never even had, and, in turn, expand the way you view the world.
“The experience of college has shown me how crucial and fulfilling it is to interact with others that are different than you. I have had the opportunity to converse with people from all walks of life and appreciate their experiences.”
— Abby Waller, Biomedical Sciences major
“I had a very limited view of the world before I started college. Even though the university I attended wasn’t incredibly diverse, it showed me a glimpse of what the world had to offer, and I knew I wanted to see and learn more.”
— Cassie Eliasson, Journalism major graduate
“I learned so much from the books and articles that good teachers found for us to read. It’s great to branch out and not live or consume information within your own echo chamber. Plus, there were some amazing film classes that exposed so much about what was going on during different socioeconomic times just by looking at the script, the location, the filming techniques, the music, etc. outside of the actual plot of the movie.”
— Briana Clark, Political Science major graduate
#3. The growth and evolution of values
It’s almost inevitable that there will be times when your current values are challenged in college — and it’s likely some of those values will change or evolve. Thinking critically about your set of beliefs and how they influence your choices and actions is never time wasted.
“Many of my philosophy classes have made me question the values that I used to hold. I’ve learned that no belief is permanent and that values change as we age.”
— Zach Young, Political Science major
“I took an ethics class that was basically an exercise in evaluating and defending deeply held beliefs and morals. It was a scary proposition to really dive into topics I had blindly believed for 20 years and be pressed to defend or refute them. It shaped so much of how I view the world now because I was challenged to think critically through much of what I took as irrefutable fact — some things I continue to believe and others … not so much!”
— Brittany Pearce, Broadcast Journalism major graduate
“The experience of going to college for me was transformative. I got to learn a lot about myself and what matters to me in building a life for myself. I was able to find my people because I was doing what I like to do and found commonalities with them. I also learned that academics wasn’t the most-difficult portion of college, it was balancing the lifestyle of a college student.”
— Jake Aglietti, Communication Studies major graduate
#4. Time management and balancing competing priorities
Oftentimes, “going to college” doesn’t mean just going to school. It also encompasses working a full- or part-time job, managing relationships, keeping up with a living space, and more. Nothing teaches time management like necessity — it’s sink or swim time with this one. The best part is that you’ll realize you’re in the same boat with everyone else, too, and you can find connection with those who experience the same demands and then share solutions and help each other.
“I grew up with a parent who did my laundry, cooked most of my meals, and kept me on track with school, athletics, and, often, my weekend job. I got thrown into the deep end when I went to college two states away and had to suddenly do everything myself. It gave me both an appreciation for my family and a realization that I wouldn’t want my kid to grow up not knowing how to do those things until they’re out in the world. I figured it out, but it was a shock just how much of a time suck the basics can be.”
— James Hartman, Business major graduate
“College showed me how to do things like build a schedule, set priorities, talk in a businesslike manner, and how to manifest ideas into actionable tasks or tools.”
— Sawyer Smallwood, Digital Marketing major graduate
#5. How to set boundaries and resolve conflicts
Adult responsibilities mean adult complications, and some of those complications can be interpersonal. Learning to assess your boundaries, communicate them properly, and set them in a healthy and respectful way is likely one of the biggest growing pains we experience, whether we go to college or not. However, you’ll likely have classes that can help you extract these skills and practice them in safer environments. Look for classes in communications, writing, speech and debate, and more.
“I took a required communications class and although I realllllly didn’t want to do it, I learned a lot of communication strategies that helped me in my personal life. I had always avoided conflict and had a really hard time setting boundaries with friends and family. This class taught me ways to encounter and manage conflict and that setting boundaries is healthy and normal.”
— Rene Allen, Sculpture major graduate
“A philosophy class really helped me open my eyes to being a better, healthier, more-mature person by practicing skills that improve mental health. Skills that drive thought and understanding.”
— Sawyer Smallwood, Digital Marketing major graduate
“My Business Communications class taught me the importance of how and when to communicate. Effective communication has been key in my career and in personal relationships.”
— Anonymous, Business Accounting major
