This past week, Professor Daniel Schwarz spoke about how to succeed in college and make the four years we spend here the best they can be. I went to the Rose Cafe that he spoke at last semester and enjoyed it, so I decided to attend it this semester as well. He gave some very good advice and guidance on what to do and what kinds of activities to join. I find it truly interesting how much he embraces the American education system, even when acknowledging its flaws. My favorite part about his talk was when he stated that we are not necessarily lazier than the generations before us, we are just much more involved in extracurricular activities. I think that this is important as we are often scoffed at by older generations who think we spend significantly less time studying.

As a first generation student, it is interesting to hear all of the advice that he would give to seniors in high school. I did not have anyone to guide me in this manner and I ended up here. I think that the advice is great, but not completely necessary. I do, however, believe that it is important for students to have mentors that come from similar backgrounds or socioeconomic status. Each student has a different experience, and those that can advise them best are people who have had an experience that has been similar thus far.