I'm a good kid. You know?
I read the chapter before class and I take a couple of notes and jot down the ideas that make me stir in my chair or the opinions that have no value whatsoever in the factual world. I consider the different points of view and compare them to the ones I've been indoctrinated to accept, and rebel against them in my audacious and cross days. I look deeper into the text, do some background research, consider all the data that was not exposed, and make my ultimate decision whether to go with the wise writers of the book, or to deny their biased opinions on the world.
I think generally that's what being a college student is about, right?
It doesn't end in the classroom where you raise your hand, answer a couple of questions to get points for "group cooperation" and "participation" that everyone is so big on these days. It's not just showing up, grunting "here" when the role is called and walking out to the next class of the day. I don't think it should be the dull repetition of sit, take out paper, take out pen, nod at professor, hear rants about class, note what's on the quiz, look at watch and get things together to leave early. Then, the next day, repeat this simple schedule and glide by unnnoticed. I've always been one to put myself out into the field of physical engagement with the courses. I like to work first-hand on what we're discussing in class. Attend extra lectures, do a little mini-project on the side, even if it's not graded. I enjoy learning more than just what I'm assumed to know. So sitting on my couch after having passed out for about 3 hours (I was really tired, so I just bummed down on the first comfortable surface that I found after eating lunch) I pondered the meaning of being an Honors College student. I had to fill out a Student Profile for IDH and it was something that got the analytical ball rolling in my mind. Being a college student, you're expected to be mature and study in order to get the first degrees you need, then make your way up as far as you want to go in order to get the job you want. But being an Honors College student doesn't just end there. There's a certain level of involvement directly involved with being an HC student.
There are higher standards that must be met.
I am going to meet those standards. I will surpass them, even.
