Who Really Gets the Degree in the End?

We all know the story. You’re trained from the beginning of time to know that you’re going to college. If you don’t, you won’t receive the opportunities you deserve (so they say, and of course these beliefs are very debatable). However, what no one seems to bring up is the question that hasn’t been brought to the table probably ever, and that is: who really gets the degree in the end? You do all this work, spend all this time and money dedicating yourself to your studies, but who’s really coming out on top? Let’s talk about it. 

The American Dream...Somewhat 

Now, you might be pushed toward getting the degree because that’s the American dream. Society has trained us that you’re supposed to graduate high school, go straight into college, and get your degree so you can jump-start your career and live the white-picket-fence lifestyle. It’s just that easy, right? Wrong. Because what they don’t tell you is you have to already be in a certain position to achieve those dreams. Now, don’t get me wrong. People work hard and get the outcome they want, but we never take into consideration the circumstances over certain groups that keep us from moving forward. So, let’s open the floor to throw out some scenarios.

Let’s start with economic backgrounds. Now, as I’ve mentioned in previous blogs, not everyone is born into money. Therefore, certain families are forced to take out loans and at certain times these students can’t afford to pay tuition, so what do they do? They have to put their degree on pause and start working a few jobs to save your money, but along the way you get distracted from your goals and start to stray away from your dreams, so guess what? These people are less likely to return to school, and therefore don’t get the degree. But do we mention this when we push the idea of college on every child? No. That’s why I’m telling you now. 

Don’t Get Discouraged: Beat The Odds! 

There are inequalities with everything you do in this world, but even with the odds against you, don’t let that deter you from what you want to accomplish in life. You can and you will get your college degree if you are currently enrolled in a college or university. If you’re thinking about furthering your education, then don’t just leave this as a thought. Go for it! Just because there is an inequality in who graduates and who doesn’t, you can still be that shining star you were made to be. You can do this, so let’s beat the odds! 

Faith Smith, Valparaiso University ‘22

Summer Romances: The College Commitment

Doesn’t the idea of finding the love of your life during your college years sound nice? Don’t sit there and act like that thought wasn’t sitting in the back of your mind going into your freshman year. We’ve all been there and done that, mostly because TV sells it to us good. We all remember the to-die-for love story between Quincy and Monica from Love and Basketball. Or how about the lasting romance between Dwayne and Whitley from A Different World? Oh, and you just can’t forget the lovely duo of Moesha and Q on Moesha. It looks great when it’s put together, sounds even better, but in reality, those summer romances that you force into college commitment isn’t as sweet as it seems. 

Thinking about getting into a relationship coming into college? Don’t 

College is meant to explore not only what the world out there has to offer you, but you’re also on a journey of developing yourself with your skills, personality, and experience. I’m not saying relationships are bad for our health, because everyone deserves happiness in our own way,  but I am saying don’t try to jump into anything serious right away. Trust me, I know all too well. I tried working something out with this guy my freshman year, and I thought everything would be great because we knew of each other since high school so there was already a connection is. The only problem was he was all the way in Arkansas and I’m here at Valparaiso University doing my thing, and around that time I barely had a handle on my class schedule, work, and writing for The Torch, but guess what my main focus was? Him. Of course, that’s my fault, but unless you’re really sure you can handle the balance of being in a relationship and your classes, trust me you should avoid the distraction. 

You’re Not Looking To Run To The Altar….Are You? 

Let’s just be honest--no one’s looking to get married in college, and if you do actually find that special someone at this time, I applaud you and ask you to please put me on to whatever worked for you. However, when it comes to dating in college, we should enjoy ourselves. I’m not saying just get a herd of girls or guys and just do whatever you please, but I am saying take your time and keep your options open. You only get this time once, so make sure you make it count. 

Faith Smith, Valparaiso University ‘22

The College Life: Minority Edition

It’s that time again, students! You’ve graduated high school, and you’ve committed to that college that you’ve always dreamed of going. UCLA? Howard? Harvard? Spelman, maybe? You step foot on that fresh green grass, let the sun soak into your already vibrant skin, and you do it...You exhale. In (deep breath) and out (release). However, you open your eyes, and you start to look around. You start to feel excluded and singled out, and that makes you feel smaller. You’re a minority on a college campus, and being a minority somehow makes you feel distant. However, never fear, because here’s how college campuses are doing their best to include diversity and welcome minority students: 

Organizations 

Don’t be alarmed! You can find your place on any college campus through the organizations that have been put in place for all students across the board. From the Black Student Organization (BSO) to the Office of Multicultural Programs (OMP), you can be involved on your campus and be comfortable. I know, it’s scary coming into a larger environment and feeling as though you don’t fit in. We’ve all been there, but you won’t have to look too far to find that comfort. 

Originality 

As if the organizations aren’t welcoming enough, college campuses also give you room to be original. Therefore, if you feel as though nothing on campus appeals to you as a minority, colleges give you leg room to create your own atmosphere for yourself and other minorities. You’re not confined to being apart of just the things that are offered on campus. So let’s get to it! 

Do All College Campuses Offer Minorities A Welcoming Environment? 

Unfortunately, the answer to this question is no. A lot of colleges and universities are missing the diversity factor on their campuses, making minority students that do choose to go there feel as though they’re outsiders instead of apart of a community. They’re missing the cultural aspects of the minority lifestyle, and some colleges and universities aren’t open to other cultures. This is obviously one of the issues that needs to be fixed, and we’ve got work to do!

Faith Smith, Valparaiso University ‘22