Reflecting on my 17 years of tertiary education and 19 years of teaching and learning, university life has been a rollercoaster ride of experiences. From the excitement and anticipation of starting a new chapter in my academic journey to the challenges and obstacles that I faced along the way, it has been a journey that has shaped me into the person I am today.
As a student, I remember walking into the university campus for the first time, filled with a sense of wonder and awe. The sprawling campus, the buzz of students and the promise of endless opportunities – it all seemed too good to be true. And yet, as I immersed myself in the world of higher education, I realized that it was indeed an experience like no other.
Throughout my years as a student, I was fortunate enough to have a supportive network of professors, mentors and peers who guided and encouraged me. They challenged me to think critically, to question the world around me and to never be satisfied with the status quo. This nurturing environment not only helped me excel academically, but it also instilled in me a love for learning that I carry with me to this day.
But as I look back on my university years, I cannot ignore the fact that there were also moments of disillusionment and disappointment. The pressure to excel, the constant need to prove oneself and the fear of failure – these were all challenges that I, like many others, faced during my time as a student. And yet, these are also the challenges that pushed me to work harder, to be resilient and to never give up.
Now, as a teacher, I see these same challenges in my students. They come to university with high hopes and big dreams, but they are also burdened with the weight of expectations and the fear of the unknown. And unfortunately, the current state of higher education has not made it any easier for them.
The education system has become a place of competition, where students are pitted against each other in a race to achieve the highest grades. The pressure to succeed has become so intense that it often takes away from the joy of learning and exploration. This has led to a culture of rote learning and a lack of critical thinking skills, which are essential for personal and professional growth.
Moreover, the rising cost of education has also added to the stress and anxiety of students. With the burden of student loans and the fear of not finding a job after graduation, many students feel that the investment in higher education is not worth it. This has resulted in a decline in enrollment rates and a growing apathy towards pursuing a university degree.
But I firmly believe that it is not too late to turn things around. As educators, it is our responsibility to create a learning environment that is conducive to growth and development. We must encourage our students to think critically, to question the world around them and to engage in meaningful discussions. We must also strive to make higher education more affordable and accessible to all, regardless of their background.
In addition, it is also important for students to take an active role in their own learning. Instead of focusing solely on grades, they should focus on gaining knowledge and skills that will help them in their personal and professional lives. They should also take advantage of the various opportunities and resources that universities offer, such as internships, research projects, and extracurricular activities.
We must also address the issue of mental health on university campuses. The stress and pressure of academic life can take a toll on students’ mental well-being, and it is crucial that we provide them with support and resources to cope with these challenges. Universities should have counseling services, support groups and other mental health initiatives to help students maintain a healthy balance between academics and personal life.
As we move towards a more globalized and interconnected world, the role of higher education becomes even more important. We need individuals who are not only well-versed in their chosen fields but also have the skills to think critically, communicate effectively and adapt to changing environments. And it is up to us, as educators, to equip our students with these skills.
In conclusion, reflecting on my 17 years of tertiary education and 19 years of teaching and learning, university life has been a mix of support and challenges. But I firmly believe that by working together, we can stop the rot, fight the malaise and reclaim the void that has been created in the world of higher education. Let us create a positive and nurturing environment for our students,
