ASU Alumni: Dave Hargis
Some years back during a holiday break, my friend was telling me about how he used to argue with his English professor about required English courses he was “wasting his time” on. He was, after all, an Engineering major looking at a career in the construction industry. English was just wasting his time and dragging down his GPA. Later that same day, he was complaining about how hard it was to write letters of recommendation for his staff, which was something that English class could have likely helped with. The Irony!
What I’m saying here is that, especially in the classroom, the Why you’re learning something is often more important than What you think you’re learning. Had he argued less, he likely would have learned more about how to use language, become more comfortable with writing and word usage, expanded his vocabulary as well as his understanding of other viewpoints, in addition to gaining meaningful practice in research, essay structure, and writing in general.
Every assignment has layers of learning, and they can include obvious and subtle pieces needed to not only provide knowledge, but also establish neurological frameworks that enable us to effectively use the mechanisms of learning that will be essential throughout our lives. Learning doesn’t just teach us stuff; it also makes us stronger learners. Even assignments and tasks we don’t like will teach us to adapt and hone our ability to focus past our own resistances and get the job done, a skill that is essential for success in the professional world.
Some of the most important decisions we make about college life are Whats: what degree should I pursue, what classes should I take, what clubs should I join, etc. It’s easy to just pick and go, but when we miss figuring out the Whys: why this degree fits my goals, why this class matters to my career, etc., we undermine the value of our college educations and our investment in our own futures.
Every academic What is an amazing opportunity to learn and grow, if we realize the essential Why behind those needs. Think it through. Do the research. Engage. Ask critical questions of yourself and others. Reach out for any help you may need! There are people who want you to succeed, but they’ll never know you need help until you ask.
Are your academic choices aligning with your personal, academic, and professional goals? Not sure? That’s okay! Uncertainty now can help you avoid problems down the line, if you TALK to people and get the help you need to sort it all out. Your parents, friends, professors, counselors, advisors, even people in the professions you have questions about (most of them like talking about their jobs!) can help. Once you’ve done the research and asked the detailed questions, you are in a much better position to answer the Why question and create your future success. Not sure what all this means? Ask!
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