Different types of student
College learning is an investment of time, efforts, and finance to obtain knowledge and skills. However, some students go to college with an expectation that they will receive these valuable things “automatically” without much efforts. They believe that they can get a “piece of paper” stated that they have certain skills and with that, they will get jobs and have bright future. Of course, they are disappointed when these things did NOT happen.
Let us look at this situation carefully. Some students are conditioned to LET things happen TO them, instead of MAKE things happen FOR them. They are told that to graduate they must pass certain tests so they look for clues, tips, tricks, shortcuts just to pass tests. They will check to see whether professor like to focus on lectures or textbooks then look for old tests or old notes from previous year to study with the hope that they will pass tests. Basically, they try to find out what is EXPECTED of them then prepare for a response. They are focus on passing tests rather than obtaining knowledge. If they pass tests, they will move on to next class “automatically”. In this case, the one with more “right” answers is considered “the best student”. This type of PASSIVE behavior will continue as they graduate. They expect that with the degrees, they will get jobs and they would go on to work and wait for their bosses to tell them what to do. However, life is NOT that simple so if anything wrong happen during that time, they will blame on something else. Maybe they are NOT lucky or it is their fate. I have seen students disappointed, angry, frustrated in college because “something” happen to them. I also saw many could not find works then blame professors, the schools, their parents, and the society for NOT taking care of them.
There is different type of student than the above mentioned. They are the achiever type where they do more than the school required. They always do extra readings, they generate new ideas, they learn the value of knowledge and turn into skills rather than depend on passing tests. They know how to get the recognition, which in turn leads to opportunity. They are open to new situations and experiences. They understand the importance of forming teams to exchange ideas. They are interested in industry news, learn from other's experiences and anything that are important to their careers. Basically they are self-motivated in whatever they do and always show their enthusiast in learning. They volunteer in school activities to connect themselves with ideas and people. They are the team leaders in class teamworks and volunteer to assist professors whenever they can. They choose projects that they are interested in, even when they are difficult. They ask questions in classes and lead class discussions. They get involved in school activities despite heavy academic schedule. That is why they are well known in school and many employers are taking notice. Company like these self-motivated, creative, entrepreneur students and look for them when they are still in school. When they are being interviewed for a job, they do NOT just answering the questions asked but take every chance to explain what they have learned in class and outside activities. Of course, they also being humble on something they do not know but still show their enthusiasm and preparation. At work, they show their responsibilities and leadership quality. They always do more than follow directions and willing to demonstrate their initiative, drive, and motivation. They work well with people, deal with conflict and solve problems. That is why they go far in their career.
These students do NOT rely on the prestige of the school or the degrees for jobs. They know how to combine their knowledge with practical skills to distinguish themselves. They make their interests, abilities known to others. They know that life, after all, will never be a smooth progression from one place to the next. Instead, they consider it as a journey for exploration and adventure. They know how to prepare for their life by making thing happen.
Sources
- Blogs of Prof. John Vu, Carnegie Mellon University
