The New York Times printed an article entitled “What’s the Point of College?” on Sept. 8. Author Kwamwe Anthony Appiah mentioned that he believes college is the place you can work on the “qualities of your skills and of your soul.” This led me to ponder the question and examine my own thoughts about what the point of going to college truly is.
If I were to ask anyone on the Geneseo campus, “Why are you here?” I would probably get an answer along the lines of, “To get an education.” There is so much more to college than your major, however.
In my opinion, college is more about learning to love yourself—to find all of the unique skills you possess and intertwine them with your passions and dreams. College should be a mental break—believe it or not—between the fluffed up and over-dramatic high school world and the harsh, unforgiving adult one.
College is the time where you have free reign to self-explore. It is when you are meant to look into any and cultivate any of the quirky hobbies you may have. College allows you to really think about any personal aversions or weaker areas you have grown to accept and challenge them. Now is the time to be introspective.
Whether this is your freshman or senior year, it is important to take the time to sit down with your feelings in silence and just listen to the thoughts that drift in and out of your mind. Maybe your true passion isn’t biology, but philosophy. Maybe you should try avocadoes even though you have always said you hated them because of their texture. Go for a walk and listen to all of the sounds around you—leave your phone at home for the day and write down all of the thoughts that come to you.
Amidst a busy academic and social life, it may seem hard, but it can be incredibly beneficial to take time to find quiet—to relax and concentrate on you.