Student Responsibility

The Student's Responsibility

Obviously I've probably been the most irresponsible student in the history of the Interior Design Program at the U of A.  That fact is something most of my professors would not argue with AT ALL.  Living on my own since I was fifteen, I didn't have a support system or a figure head to teach me the life lessons of responsibility and the importance of being a responsible student and person in general.  I had to learn these lessons on my own and it hasn't been the easiest journey for me.  I've made many mistakes along the way and have been given several exceptions and at times even enabled to continue my negative behaviors and habits in regard to my college education.  Although I am thankful to the professors and advisors that helped me along the way, I wish I had been held more accountable earlier on for my actions so these behaviors could have been changed sooner than the last semester of my senior year.  Had I had a better foundation than I did growing up, I know I would have been more successful in my studies and therefore a happier person in general.  With that being said, since I never really had this foundation I found a list of guidelines online for the student's responsibility to themselves and the educators that are trying to help them on their way to a better future for themselves.

 Number One: Be your own advocate. Stake a claim in the classroom by making sure the teacher knows who you are...in a good way.

Number Two: Ask lots of questions....and show confusion appropriately.

Number Three: Communicate your struggles to your teachers. What is going on that affects your work?

Number Four: Think of school as your office in training. Are you a good co-worker?

Number Five: Dress for success, but don't panic, you don't have to wear a suit to be taken seriously.

Number Six: At least do the minimum so you aren't creating gaps that are harder to bridge later. Better yet, do more.

Number Seven: Sweat a little. School is your brain gym. You have to work out your muscles, make them a little sore, if you're going to lift a heavier load later on.

Number Eight: Find ways to relate to your reading and writing. What original thoughts and experiences can you bring to the lesson to make it come alive for yourself?

Number Nine: Be in class. Don't jeopardize your own training.

Number Ten: Surround yourself with other students who can help you. You don't have to be best friends with everyone you seek advice from, but find friends or acquaintances that are rooting for you, the best of you.

It's important that you trust adults when we say that your future is important, and that what you do now affects it. It's also important that you know that while many people may contribute to your struggles, you're the only one who will suffer if you fail. Rise above them. Be stronger than the hurdles that life throws at you.  Live up to your potential. Do your job. Look ahead. Keep up your end of the bargain in your own equation of success.