Waking up every morning for class can be a hassle. However, minimizing absences is the first step in beginning a successful education and learning to be a responsible person.
The transition from high school life to college life is a weird and difficult time. Some students find it hard to make the shift from having parents forcing us to go to school to where the responsibility lies solely with the student. College students also party more and stay up later, which can increase absences. While college should be a time of fun, we should be wary of activities that can result in low grades.
Grades among students that regularly attend class are much higher than those who are often absent. According to a study performed by the Freshman Academic Success Project, the average first year GPA of Mississippi State students without attendance problems was 2.82 in 2002. The study also stated that the average GPA of students with attendance problems was 2.00.
This clearly shows the correlation between those students who make the decision to be responsible and attend class and those who do not.
In addition to low grades, missing classes also leads to trouble after graduation, if the student actually graduates. This type of behavior shows a level of irresponsibility that no successful business can afford. Employers will find it difficult to hire a person that consistently missed class in college.
Every morning I wake up to attend my classes is a struggle, but the mindset my father instilled in me before I left for college has greatly aided my struggle.
He taught me that the money being paid for me to go to college was made by his hard work. It was made because he worked hard in college and in his career so that some day I could be fortunate enough to attend college.
He taught me that if I didn’t work hard in college and force myself to go to class every day that the money could be better used to help out a person less fortunate that would take advantage of the opportunity. This is a lesson that can help many students who currently find it hard to attend class on a regular basis.
In 1997, Pathfinder, a group that addresses absenteeism was formed. The program works on many levels to educate students on the importance of going to class. During the era of the Pathfinder program, the number of students with attendance problems has dropped considerably.
There is some evidence that this is the case at MSU. My Early Western Civilizations professor said that attendance this year was higher than he has ever seen. While the number of absences is decreasing, there is still much work to do.
The decision to attend college is made by each individual. This decision should be made with the realization that college costs a lot and requires hard work but plays a major role in succeeding in life.
In order for our university and its students to be the best they can, the students have to make a concerted effort to work hard. That means sucking it up and going to class every day. That means working hard to help our fellow students realize we are here to get an education and make something of our lives.
Charlie Swanson is a freshman business administration major. He can be reached at [email protected].