Explore or Graduate
The cursor on the bright screen blinked. The application was due today, and I had to select a major. I never knew one checked box could change my life. I thought selecting a major on a college application was just for fun, an indicator of what I might be interested in. By checking that box, I set my career path without even knowing it.
Marquette sent my acceptance letter, and before I knew it I was registering for my first semester at college. Preview terrified me. I sat through sessions on planning schedules and what the College of Communication had to offer. Everyone at preview told me not to worry because I could always go to my advisor.
When it came time to register, I sat down with the college bible – the undergraduate bulletin. This massive book lists every course at Marquette, major requirements, electives and a four-year plan. But what if I wanted to switch? I never thought I would have to stay in journalism, but changing my major would mean falling behind in courses. At home in Chicago, I sat down by myself and registered for classes that seemed to fill my basic requirements.
After arriving campus that fall, I was determined to find my path. I set up a meeting with the freshman advisor, Dr. Diana Ford*, the assistant dean and advisor to all freshmen. I told her I was interested in switching majors, but I needed help in deciding what to pick. She said she understood but then handed me a folder full of pamphlets and information I already had. I was more confused than ever. I spent that day reading through all the information I had on any major I was even remotely interested in, but that only frustrated me more.
When actual advising week came, I was greeted by a classroom of nearly 40 students. Freshmen were split into group advising by major. I woke up early and walked in the rain to sit through a power point presentation on registering for classes. I knew the technical aspects of registration – how to use Checkmarq, how to plan classes – but I couldn’t answer the big questions. What did I want to do wit my life? How can I use my talents for good? What is my vocation? These were the discussions I searched for. I wanted someone to listen.
At 18, how was I supposed to decide my future? I was a high school senior when I clicked that major. One click of a mouse put me into this mess. It wasn’t that I hated journalism, I just craved more. I wanted to know my options and receive individualized advice. College was supposed to be a time to explore my options and reflect on what I wanted to do.
Instead I was forced make decisions on my own. Since advising proved to be no help, I took matters into my own hands. I went on a search for a path of reflection. I joined Ignatian Collegians, a group on discernment run through Campus Ministry. We met weekly and read The Call to Discernment in Troubled Times written by Dean Brackley, S.J., a Jesuit I had studied about in high school and deeply admired. We discussed decision making and spiritual meditation. I spent time deeply considering my options and trying to find the path I was meant to take.
It didn’t work.
By the time I reached my second semester in college, I knew something was missing. Campus Ministry gave me a place to discuss and be listened too, but I needed an academic piece to this decision. I needed someone to sit down with me and tell me whatthe classes were really like. What subjects did certain majors entail? Would I enjoy the courses? What is the actual job like after graduation?
I scheduled by advising with Beth Smith*, the director of student records and academic advising. I had heard that she was the most knowledgable advisor in the College of Communication. I came in with a list of questions about the possibility of changing my major. I did not know what I wanted to do, but I was almost sure I wanted to leave the College of Communication. I told Beth I had an interest in law, education or speech pathology, but I did not know what to chose or how to register my classes.
My meeting lasted five minutes.
She handed me a form to leave the college, and contact information for someone in speech pathology. She said she couldn’t help me any more, so I should just register to finish my core courses. All of the technical advice was great, but I still hadn’t found anyone willing to have an academic discussion with me.
I was back where I started – confused and looking for guidance.
I gave up.
I registered as a journalism major for my sophomore year and stopped looking. I eventually picked up a writing-intensive English major but only because it fit well with journalism. I knew I liked writing, and I appreciated the work journalism does to keep the public informed, but I still question if it’s for me. I now have decided that, in some capacity, I want to work in education. If I switched to the College of Education now I would be at least a year behind in courses. Instead, I am looking into alternative teaching certification options such as Teach for America.
Even now as I look for internships, I’m confused. What type of internship should I get? One in education? At a nonprofit? In social media? In publishing? Or should I try journalism ... again? What if I am not qualified for an internship in education because it is not my major?
I feel forgotten by Marquette. What happened to the Jesuit ideals of discernment and care for the whole person? The Marquette admissions website banner reads, “ Explore Marquette.” Underneath it says, “Cura personalis. Magis. At Marquette we provide the environment, the services and the attention you need to succeed.” Where was this attention? I was expecting this caring environment from Marquette when I chose my college, but I have not found it as a student. When I was applying to college, these messages were the only thing I knew about Marquette. Was this false advertising?
Because the advising system and let me done and created stress in my life, I felt that Marquette as a whole did not care about me. I sought help anywhere I could, and I received nothing. My advisors dismissed and deserted me. I was a freshman drowning in a sea of possibilities. I felt like a number, not a student. I thought Marquette would provide me with a support system. I had envisioned myself at college studying what I liked and choosing a major later. When I got to campus it seemed everyone was pushing me to know what I wanted now and build a resume for a job.
I thought learning was more than a job hunt. I want to be challenged. I want to question what I believe and study what interests me, but I am forced to look to the future. I understand the importance of being well-prepared for my career, but I also want to learn other things. I came to Marquette for a holistic education, and so far the university has failed me.
The university made it too hard for me to explore my options. All of the resources are there, but as a scared freshmen, I did not have enough guidance. If there was more of an outreach to draw freshmen into advising, lI might not have found myself in this predicament. Advising sessions as they stand do not help me. They only confused me and diminished my confidence.
I fear for younger students put in the same position I was. High school seniors don’t know what they want to do for the rest of their lives. That’s why tI went to college – to figure it out. Colleges are supposed to provide students with a safe place to land. Somewhere to try new things, to make mistakes and learn from them. What does my experience say about the philosophy of modern universities? What is their purpose – to better students with knowledge, or to create efficient workers?
When it comes to choosing a major, Marquette seems to funnel it’s students into whatever major is easiest for them to graduate. I have been told by peers not to change my major because switching colleges is challenging and a long process. Rather than listening to me to help me succeed in something I love, Marquette’s advising left me to figure it out alone.
If I want to graduate on time, Marquette taught me to ask no questions. Go with the flow. Do what you’re told. My advisors left all the work up to me and expected me to make sure I was taking all of the courses I was supposed to, even when I was a freshman. I had never set a foot in a classroom, yet I was supposed to know everything I needed to about registering for classes without falling behind. I can not tell you how many pages I have read in the undergraduate bulletin, and some of that information is already outdated.
The goal of my undergraduate education at Marquette seems to be job training, not the diverse liberal arts education I was expecting when I applied. Am I just a figure to Marquette? Another number used to improve the university’s appearance? Is my success only measured by my ability to get a job after graduation?
I saw a great divide and disconnect between what Marquette preaches as a Jesuit university and what advising does. My experiences with admissions, mass and Campus Ministry encouraged me to take risks and find what I was meant to do. Advising showed me that I needed to know my major now in order to graduate.
I’m more concerned with my success in life. I want to be happy, and I want to serve others the best way I can. The Jesuits advocate working for the common good, and finding your place in the world. I can’t find my way to help because I do not know my talents. I want counseling and clear advice on what path I should take in college.
Marquette sent my acceptance letter, and before I knew it I was registering for my first semester at college. Preview terrified me. I sat through sessions on planning schedules and what the College of Communication had to offer. Everyone at preview told me not to worry because I could always go to my advisor.
When it came time to register, I sat down with the college bible – the undergraduate bulletin. This massive book lists every course at Marquette, major requirements, electives and a four-year plan. But what if I wanted to switch? I never thought I would have to stay in journalism, but changing my major would mean falling behind in courses. At home in Chicago, I sat down by myself and registered for classes that seemed to fill my basic requirements.
After arriving campus that fall, I was determined to find my path. I set up a meeting with the freshman advisor, Dr. Diana Ford*, the assistant dean and advisor to all freshmen. I told her I was interested in switching majors, but I needed help in deciding what to pick. She said she understood but then handed me a folder full of pamphlets and information I already had. I was more confused than ever. I spent that day reading through all the information I had on any major I was even remotely interested in, but that only frustrated me more.
When actual advising week came, I was greeted by a classroom of nearly 40 students. Freshmen were split into group advising by major. I woke up early and walked in the rain to sit through a power point presentation on registering for classes. I knew the technical aspects of registration – how to use Checkmarq, how to plan classes – but I couldn’t answer the big questions. What did I want to do wit my life? How can I use my talents for good? What is my vocation? These were the discussions I searched for. I wanted someone to listen.
At 18, how was I supposed to decide my future? I was a high school senior when I clicked that major. One click of a mouse put me into this mess. It wasn’t that I hated journalism, I just craved more. I wanted to know my options and receive individualized advice. College was supposed to be a time to explore my options and reflect on what I wanted to do.
Instead I was forced make decisions on my own. Since advising proved to be no help, I took matters into my own hands. I went on a search for a path of reflection. I joined Ignatian Collegians, a group on discernment run through Campus Ministry. We met weekly and read The Call to Discernment in Troubled Times written by Dean Brackley, S.J., a Jesuit I had studied about in high school and deeply admired. We discussed decision making and spiritual meditation. I spent time deeply considering my options and trying to find the path I was meant to take.
It didn’t work.
By the time I reached my second semester in college, I knew something was missing. Campus Ministry gave me a place to discuss and be listened too, but I needed an academic piece to this decision. I needed someone to sit down with me and tell me whatthe classes were really like. What subjects did certain majors entail? Would I enjoy the courses? What is the actual job like after graduation?
I scheduled by advising with Beth Smith*, the director of student records and academic advising. I had heard that she was the most knowledgable advisor in the College of Communication. I came in with a list of questions about the possibility of changing my major. I did not know what I wanted to do, but I was almost sure I wanted to leave the College of Communication. I told Beth I had an interest in law, education or speech pathology, but I did not know what to chose or how to register my classes.
My meeting lasted five minutes.
She handed me a form to leave the college, and contact information for someone in speech pathology. She said she couldn’t help me any more, so I should just register to finish my core courses. All of the technical advice was great, but I still hadn’t found anyone willing to have an academic discussion with me.
I was back where I started – confused and looking for guidance.
I gave up.
I registered as a journalism major for my sophomore year and stopped looking. I eventually picked up a writing-intensive English major but only because it fit well with journalism. I knew I liked writing, and I appreciated the work journalism does to keep the public informed, but I still question if it’s for me. I now have decided that, in some capacity, I want to work in education. If I switched to the College of Education now I would be at least a year behind in courses. Instead, I am looking into alternative teaching certification options such as Teach for America.
Even now as I look for internships, I’m confused. What type of internship should I get? One in education? At a nonprofit? In social media? In publishing? Or should I try journalism ... again? What if I am not qualified for an internship in education because it is not my major?
I feel forgotten by Marquette. What happened to the Jesuit ideals of discernment and care for the whole person? The Marquette admissions website banner reads, “ Explore Marquette.” Underneath it says, “Cura personalis. Magis. At Marquette we provide the environment, the services and the attention you need to succeed.” Where was this attention? I was expecting this caring environment from Marquette when I chose my college, but I have not found it as a student. When I was applying to college, these messages were the only thing I knew about Marquette. Was this false advertising?
Because the advising system and let me done and created stress in my life, I felt that Marquette as a whole did not care about me. I sought help anywhere I could, and I received nothing. My advisors dismissed and deserted me. I was a freshman drowning in a sea of possibilities. I felt like a number, not a student. I thought Marquette would provide me with a support system. I had envisioned myself at college studying what I liked and choosing a major later. When I got to campus it seemed everyone was pushing me to know what I wanted now and build a resume for a job.
I thought learning was more than a job hunt. I want to be challenged. I want to question what I believe and study what interests me, but I am forced to look to the future. I understand the importance of being well-prepared for my career, but I also want to learn other things. I came to Marquette for a holistic education, and so far the university has failed me.
The university made it too hard for me to explore my options. All of the resources are there, but as a scared freshmen, I did not have enough guidance. If there was more of an outreach to draw freshmen into advising, lI might not have found myself in this predicament. Advising sessions as they stand do not help me. They only confused me and diminished my confidence.
I fear for younger students put in the same position I was. High school seniors don’t know what they want to do for the rest of their lives. That’s why tI went to college – to figure it out. Colleges are supposed to provide students with a safe place to land. Somewhere to try new things, to make mistakes and learn from them. What does my experience say about the philosophy of modern universities? What is their purpose – to better students with knowledge, or to create efficient workers?
When it comes to choosing a major, Marquette seems to funnel it’s students into whatever major is easiest for them to graduate. I have been told by peers not to change my major because switching colleges is challenging and a long process. Rather than listening to me to help me succeed in something I love, Marquette’s advising left me to figure it out alone.
If I want to graduate on time, Marquette taught me to ask no questions. Go with the flow. Do what you’re told. My advisors left all the work up to me and expected me to make sure I was taking all of the courses I was supposed to, even when I was a freshman. I had never set a foot in a classroom, yet I was supposed to know everything I needed to about registering for classes without falling behind. I can not tell you how many pages I have read in the undergraduate bulletin, and some of that information is already outdated.
The goal of my undergraduate education at Marquette seems to be job training, not the diverse liberal arts education I was expecting when I applied. Am I just a figure to Marquette? Another number used to improve the university’s appearance? Is my success only measured by my ability to get a job after graduation?
I saw a great divide and disconnect between what Marquette preaches as a Jesuit university and what advising does. My experiences with admissions, mass and Campus Ministry encouraged me to take risks and find what I was meant to do. Advising showed me that I needed to know my major now in order to graduate.
I’m more concerned with my success in life. I want to be happy, and I want to serve others the best way I can. The Jesuits advocate working for the common good, and finding your place in the world. I can’t find my way to help because I do not know my talents. I want counseling and clear advice on what path I should take in college.