Idea of a University

What is my idea of a university? I used to think it was an extension of high school; accept there would be more specialization in the subject matter, more freedom, and more responsibility. I guess I was partly right, but really missed the point when thinking of the purpose of a university education. I just thought that a formal college education would help me land that first big job. I was so focused on the end that I never took the time to realize why I was really here, to become a well rounded person.

John Henry Newman says, “If then a practical end must be assigned to a University course, I say it is that of training good members of society.” (170). This idea of a university echoes UTs purpose of “transforming lives for the benefit of society”. I wish I would have subscribed to this train of thought my first time around. I came into college wanting to become a psychologist. That lasted almost one semester before I wanted to change my major. However, for the life of me, I just couldn’t come up with anything else I wanted to study. Some area of business seemed to make the most sense (my father was a salesman, and always thought I had what it took to be successful in that area), but my chances of transferring into the business school were about the same as hitting the lotto. I quickly grew frustrated and partied my way right out of college. I never bothered to think about remaking myself through a higher institution of learning.

The style of learning at a university is referred to as experiential. This style goes beyond what one is accustomed to at the high school level (taking information from a teacher and then being tested). It actively engages the student, and, “it can force you to confront your current ideas about the subject, many of which may be misconceptions, and reconcile them with what you now observe to be the case .” (184). This statement connects well with John Henry Newman’s thoughts on the subject.

A lot of young people come to college aren’t themselves. A great deal of their thoughts and perceptions of the world stem from the environment created by their parents. They still don’t have their own ideas about what to do for a career, politics, marriage, religion, and a great many other things that are essential in becoming a true individual. This is why experiential learning is so important. It gives you a foundation from which you can reconstruct yourself into a happy and productive member of society.