Op-Ed: The College Experience

I care more about the things I do outside of class than what I do in class. This may come as a surprise to some people because I am incredibly passionate about the liberal arts and the importance of a solid educational experience, but I find more enjoyment in competing in collegiate athletics, taking photos of campus events, and just embracing what it means to be a college student.

Recently, I’ve begun to reflect on my college career to this point, and I decided that completely counting my happiness with life on whether or not I get an A in a class is kind of irrational.

There is a quote from hall of fame sports writer Bill Simmons that kicked off this whole new way of thinking.

Simmons said: “I graduated from college with a 3.04 GPA, but you know what? I wouldn’t change a thing. I worked for my school newspaper, I announced games for our radio station, I wrote a weekly sports column my senior year. I spent way too much time hanging with friends, partying, procrastinating, and making memories. Could I have pushed myself for a 3.5 GPA? Eh, maybe? But I wouldn’t change a thing.”

Hearing those words from someone whom I look up to as a writer and a journalist really struck a chord. So, I decided to start working on my photography more, becoming more involved with the Courier, and perfecting my “craft,” as my dad would say.

College is not all about getting an A on every assignment, but rather, becoming who you are.

Monmouth College truly fosters an environment that encourages students to step outside of the norm and contemplate and decide who they want to be, which is how I came to this new chapter in my own life.

I know that faculty and some staff will disagree with me on this way of thinking, but at the end of the day we are all at the same place trying to figure out what it is we want to do when we grow up.

CJ Bonifer - Photography Manager