Post Classifieds
Education must transcend classroom for success
By Britney Nowak
On April 17, 2013
We all remember the process. Filling out applications and typing up essays, hoping to
gain acceptance into the schools you applied to. You know that you are not the only one
applying, and there will always be someone with potentially more distinctive qualities
than you yourself may possess.
Maybe you've accomplished a lot in high school, maybe you were captain of a sports
team or the valedictorian, and maybe you got decent grades but did not participate
in much else. Either way, you managed to make your way into Buffalo State.
Congratulations.
I recently read an article in The Buffalo News written by Donn Esmonde on the subject
of applying to college, and Esmonde discussed how colleges want, "kids who can toot
a flute in the college band, play goalie for the soccer team, channel their inner Brando
in the college production of 'Streetcar' or otherwise separate themselves from the sold-
citizen, high-achiever pack."
It's not enough to get good grades anymore. If you are not involved in some sort of sport
or extra-curricular activities, the odds are stacked against you. But why should you care
about this? You have already been there and done that. Right?
Wrong. You should care because employers are looking for the same things in an
employee. It doesn't matter if you got a 4.0 grade point average, if that is all you
accomplished during your time in your college or university, chances are those job
positions are going to be filled up by more "ambitious" people. So in order to compete
with the thousands of others in the same position you are, you have to maybe join a
sports team, or try out for a role in a play or film production, even participate in a club or
activity.
Opportunities are abundant in a campus setting - just look around.
If you are not athletic, sign up for a role in a play. Not theatrical? Join a club. If you are
not sure which club to join, go to some activities first.
It's all part of the college experience and this is the point in your life where you might
know exactly who you are, but you might not, and if you don't clubs are a great way to
discover what that may be, and to get involved in things you are passionate about.
Sometimes you can find that the path you thought you wanted to take is completely
wrong for you. You might even find your passion in something you never would have
thought of before.
One might say that "it is difficult to get involved" when they have so much going on in
their lives, sometimes having a job along with going classes is too much as it is.
Perhaps they want to be involved in a club or organization, but their sports schedule gets
in the way, these arguments are common, and understandable, however, it is all a part of
the balancing act that is life. How will you know if it will work out if you do not try?
Students, do not let the opportunities presented to you pass you by. It is not enough to get
the good grades, although that helps, you now have to show employers who you are, what
you are capable of, and what you are passionate about, beyond your studies.
nowak.record@live.com.
Get Top Stories Delivered Weekly
Recent The Record News Articles
We've Moved to www.buffstaterecord.com!
Please visit www.buffstaterecord.com for all your latest campus news and updates from our staff of student journalists.
Obama divulges new higher education initiative during visit to UB
President Barack Obama delivered his new plan for making a college education more affordable to a packed auditorium at the University at...
Ailing Podolefsky steps down as president
Aaron Podolefsky has announced he will step down as president of SUNY Buffalo State, effective July 31, to concentrate on his...
Discuss This Article
GET TOP STORIES DELIVERED WEEKLY
FOLLOW OUR NEWSPAPER
LATEST THE RECORD NEWS
- We've Moved to www.buffstaterecord.com!
- Obama divulges new higher education initiative during visit to UB
- Ailing Podolefsky steps down as president
- SUNY appoints Cohen interim president
- President Podolefsky announces leave to fight cancer
- Rappers put Pepsi in a bind
- Congrats to grads: take next step with gratitude
RECENT THE RECORD CLASSIFIEDS
OUTSIDE THE LINES
- Moving Resources For Military Families
- Historic Agreement Signed By Red Cross and Armed Forces
- Salonpas® Brand Stands the Test of Time
- Tips to “Yard Your Way” This Spring
- Upgraded Upstate Power Grid Will Deliver a Smarter,...
- A Story To Sing About
- The Gap in Gum Care: Why Caring For Your Teeth’s F...
- Top Tips for Signature Scents and Better-Smelling Laundry
- A Dog Trainer’s Top Tips to Support Pets Through Life S...
- Clear the Air of Indoor Pollutants This Spring
FROM AROUND THE WEB
- Moms Kick Back with Mamaritas
- Youth Apprenticeship Week Spotlights Opportunities
- New Expo Showcases AI Innovation
- Self-Care and Mental Health Tips for Caregivers
- Adventure Awaits: Discover the Playset that Brings...
- Need Auto Glass Repair? Don’t Despair
- Pioneering Fast and Affordable Broadband for the Underserved
- 7 Reasons Renting an RV Should Be On Every Family’s S...
- Don’t Let Diabetes Shortchange Your Golden Years
- No Child is Forgotten By Marine Toys for Tots
COLLEGE PRESS RELEASES
- Guidenar Launches New Career Test for Gen Z
- GotIt! Education Offers MathGPT Free to All State & Community Colleges
- Shoff Promotions Comic Book & Sports Card Show
- Semiconductor Research Corp unveils 2024 Research Call, $13.8M Funding
- Charles River Associates Opens Second Scholarship Cycle, Expands to the UK
