Professor Schwarz discussed his new book, How to Succeed in College and Beyond: The Art of Learning, last Wednesday. It was an interesting talk, because he discussed the chapters of his book through chronological order and the chapters happened to be congruous to the stages of life. Dr. Schwarz, began by discussing the last years of high school, and the turmoil and trials of applying to college. He then advanced to the challenges we face through each of our four years of college, and then discussed the challenges that follow college.
It was interesting to hear about the college application process in such a professional manner after having participated, and survived, through the process. What seems like the most important decision of a lifetime precollege, seems quite petty after the fact. Dream schools and reach schools and safety schools sound very unimportant once you’ve tried to get employed, earn money, pay rent, network with real people in industry.
Professor Schwarz talk made me realize the importance of perspective and embracing the fact that we as humans need to change and grow. Because our brains are able to constantly rewire, we are able to grow at an exponential rate and understand new circumstances, and places ourselves in increasingly complicated ones. Dr. Schwarz mentioned the most important traits a successful person embodies; The three Rs: resourcefulness, resolve, and resilience. These three r’s allow us to maintain a dynamic life and constantly grow to fit different circumstances and stages of life. Essentially, as long as we embody the three Rs, we are capable of anything.
I completely agree with you about the interesting aspect of looking at the mentality one has during college from a greater perspective. Momentarily, it may feel like the most essential part of our life but in reality, there is so much waiting for us that we hardly realize it yet. Hopefully, we can remember the bigger picture when we feel overcome by all the emotions that come with being a college student.