Academics should be students' top priority

academics, Issue 7, Korrine Hilgeman, school, Whittier, Opinion - By Korrine Hilgeman on Thursday, October 20, 2011 - 02:22

One appealing aspect of Whittier is in the high academic image that the College projects. However, it seems the strength of academics may be at a point to head downhill. Whittier has a history of strong academic standards and it is up to the students to ensure they remain that way.

The main cause I see behind the potential for academics to fall is in the laziness of the student body. Sure, everyone has their week or so when they fall behind, procrastinate and maybe skip a reading assignment or two. However, I see this becoming a standard practice on campus.

If a student has not prepared themselves for a class, a professor can usually spot it very soon. In my experience though, if a student is usually on top of their work and attentive, professors don’t mind giving them a break every once in a while. They understand that outside influences on our life exist and aren’t going to punish a student who is feeling a little overwhelmed.

What I cannot stand though is sitting in a class where the professor asks a question easily answerable if one has been paying attention at all and nobody responds. Students are simply not putting in the effort they should be.

If the academic standards at Whittier fall, it has an effect on every student, past, present and future. The value of a degree from Whittier College is largely based on the academic standing of the College at any given time.

If in five years you are trying to get a job and the College has a lower reputation, your degree will not be as strong as it is now. In order to protect your future employment interests, invest in your academics now. The work you put in on assignments today will help keep the academic image of Whittier in high standing. So please, follow through with your assignments, do your reading regularly and pay attention in class. The weight behind your and every other Poets’ degree rests behind your undergraduate performance now.