Apologies, I know I said I would post weekly. It's not that I didn't have anything ready to go but I wanted to put something up from the book I am writing but I just haven't found a spare couple of hours to make some edits to it. I will post it sometime tomorrow, with an introduction to the book to follow the week after.
The article below appeared in the last issue of Woroni. It is a little condescending I admit.
As a new year dawns at ANU it might pay to reflect briefly on just why it is that we come to university. Too often people can drift aimlessly. They suffer no harm but certainly don’t get the most out of the experience either. Assessing and articulating your priorities while being aware of everything your time at university can be is invaluable.
The most obvious reason to come to university is to get a degree. When you’re dropping $30–100K you want to get something for it. A solid transcript gives a lot of opportunities and imparts a quiet confidence.
Reason #2 would be partying, making friends and forging an identity. There’s no better place than university to discover yourself and the world. You’re surrounded by hundreds of intelligent, interesting people. Everyone is open to new experiences and new friends. Youth makes us bold and keen for adventure.
In bronze position is the quest for knowledge. It’s not common, but I’m sure some out there have been drawn to university by the promise of answers, or at least intellectual stimulation. If you give them a chance the academic corridors of this university can provide a great deal of wonder.
As something of an old hand, I’d like to impart one piece of advice. No matter which of the items above you prioritise, don’t forget about the other two. A little bit of time management and sensible advice from latter year students can easily give you the tools to juggle socialising, studying and seeking.
If you neglect any area chances are you’ll look back on university as something of a lost opportunity. If you didn’t socialise enough you won’t feel like you’ve made enough friends for the future or given yourself the tools and knowledge to meet a great partner. If you haven’t studied you’ll be surprised at how many doors are shut to you. And if you don’t seek you’ll be liable to wander for many more years until you get to grips with what you want from life.
These years aren’t necessarily the best in your life but they are the ones that you can live with the most intensity. Youth gives vigour. Everything is possible. Live with intensity and confidence. Don’t let a single chance go begging for want of effort. You only get one shot at life, live with no regrets.
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