SOL: Stanzas of Life

College. The dream of 17 and 18 year-olds. Well, it was at least my dream as a 17 year-old. In the wake of the largest ongoing college admission scandal, it is vital to understand the importance of higher education and its role in developing holistic employees for our changing marketplace.

As a second-year (Sophomore) Neuroscience Major, with a minor in Public Health, I am eager to expand my knowledge within the scientific and medical fields. I chose to major in Neuroscience due to the intersecting triangle of Psychology, Biology, and Chemistry. The blend of curriculum and relatively new field of research provided the opportunity to incorporate my passion for discovery with the complexity of the human brain. Furthermore, a minor in Public Health has increased my cultural competency and awareness as a future medical student.

College is not defined by one’s major or minor. It is about one’s experience.

In the “utopian university”, one may find a vibrant campus filled with eager students and interactive faculty/staff collaboratively improving the institution’s resources and student career paths. One’s utopian university allows all students, no matter one’s background, to pursue an accredited degree based on their interests and generates a communal decision-making process via student, faculty, and administration viewpoints. This “university” may appear unrealistic to the rationale eye, yet its core values should be established within all colleges and universities alike.

As the number of accredited institutions exponentially rise, competition within higher education is prevalent. Universities are forced to improve facilities, recruit top-tier faculty and students, and design well-rounded curriculum for the evolving marketplace. Institutions are faced with various stressors; the popularization of online learning, differentiation from other competitors, rankings, resources, funding, quality of faculty, and research opportunities.

Yet, the largest obstacle universities/colleges face is enrollment and retention.

As Seniors begin the quest of choosing their new “home” for at least the next four years after high school, universities pitch their core values and persuade students into applying. The window of opportunity to “hook” students is short, increasing pressure on the admission staff. As May 1st rapidly approaches, admission counselors frantically rush to recruit the next class of students.

There may never be a “utopian university”, yet our generation and societal values can help shape the new era of higher education.