Ask Amanda

Dear Amanda,
I'm a stressed out student at EMU trying to enjoy life and still get the most out of my education. I am paying big bucks to go to school here, but often I feel that final papers don't help me learn more. They just create more work at a chaotic time of the year. I mean to start them ahead of time but honestly, I'm motivated by deadlines. By the end of the year I hardly have time to research and read in-depth for learning's sake. I merely spew out what the prof wants me to write at ungodly hours of the morning. I want to learn and the current teaching approach is not working.
-Broke, Stressed and Still Stupid

Dear BSSS,
The stress level on campus is definitely at an all time high. I think we should all take this moment to give ourselves a big hug. Right now, put down the paper and hug yourself. Don't forget to breathe.

As far as wanting to learn, I find that book learning can work, but in lieu of time crunch and high stress, students usually do the minimum based on class requirements. They are often interested in the content, but don't have the time and energy to devote to in depth research for final papers.

The solution is quite simple: experience. EMU as an institution encourages experiential learning through its Cross-Cultural Program. Departments like Education put students out in the field early in order for them to get hands-on involvement to better be prepared for the big, scary, post-graduation real world.

We learn by doing and you can, too. Currently there is a student-wide movement for ensuring that you get the most out of your education dollars. SATPOR! (Students Against Terryorism for Positive Organized Resistance) is encouraging professors to choose experiential learning methods as alternatives to lengthy term papers based on outdated readings. SATPOR! recognizes that learning is about practice and periodically reflects on its actions with group meetings and discussion, allowing every student to have a voice.

As stressed-out students, we are a divided, disorganized demographic. We must join together to speak out against nerve-racking, unfruitful busy-work and demand the education for which we are acquiring debt. Vive la Revolution!
-Amanda

Email: amanda.gross@emu.edu