I believe that higher education is worth the price. Still, some changes should be made by universities and colleges to ensure students will not suffer from significant debts after graduating.
After reading Sanford J. Ungar’s article and David Foster Wallace’s Commencement speech, I think a liberal education is as essential as a career-specific education because broad and versatile knowledge comes with it. Students will learn how to think critically about different issues in the world and create their own opinions. This, in the long run, will help emphasize the importance of democracy. At the moment, I am a ballet student who at the same time is studying liberal arts, and I have learned about science, politics, grammar, economics, and the world in general, which has given me a well-rounded education even though I have not graduated yet.
The Ivory Tower documentary showed free online courses that were pre-recorded by professors. Online courses can work to help a student who needs further explanation of a specific topic they are learning, but they should not replace the help that a professor can give or the lessons professors teach. The teacher on the computer cannot look at the student’s work and tell them where they are mistaken or make notes around their work to help them understand. There is less connection, which may cause the student to pay less attention and be less interested in the course. Some colleges think partnering with free online courses will solve most of their problems. Still, San Jose State University was a clear example of how these courses can affect students’ learning instead of improving it.
Another thing that surprised me in the Amazon documentary was that the government and leaders cared about young people having a higher education. There would be laws and acts that would fight for people’s right to study and attend college, even in difficult financial situations. What happened now? The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art students fought for their education. Free education might be hard to maintain, but the importance of showing this issue was the will and determination of these students to keep their education because some might not afford the new tuition costs.
Tuition costs are one of the main problems concerning colleges and universities. When the Ivory Tower documentary was released, student loans totaled $1 trillion. Now, they total $1.77 trillion. This number should not be increasing as much. Andrew Hacker and Claudia Dreifus wrote an article describing different changes universities and colleges can apply to improve their institutions and lower tuition prices. This might be hard to pursue, but also important to consider.
I worry about education costs, but my grandma told me one day, “This is the most important investment a parent can make.” By getting an education, there is no “wasting” of money; it is an investment for that person’s future, and we, students, should take that opportunity and do our best with it.
Another problem the documentary tackles is that students, especially this generation, have become lazy. They prefer easy classes with fun teachers instead of a mentor who might not give them straight A’s and will make them read different authors with contrasting points of view but will help them succeed in life. Students must be inspired and motivated but must also present determination, persistence, discipline, and motivation.
Also, universities and colleges should stop treating students like customers. They only want to add materialistic elements to the establishment instead of focusing on challenging their students’ minds and creating great professionals. They want to keep them satisfied instead of providing high-quality education.
Students may argue that the extra amenities that prestigious colleges offer are necessary to build social lives and decrease stress, but attending university also provides a social life. The students at Harvard stayed together in the library because they could support each other. Parties can happen, but it should not be the sole focus or priority of attending college. The story of the Arizona State University students compared to David Boone interested me because it was clear who was focused on their future and who was focused on their social life.
My dad, a former law professor at one of the best universities in Peru, wrote an article in a journal called “Gestión,” explaining the different kinds of teachers he has seen while teaching. The one he called the professor “Miss Congeniality” seems to be the most popular in the student evaluations. Students must put effort into ensuring their success, but the professor must also provide the information and knowledge the student needs. Easy classes are not too practical in the real world.
Both my parents are excellent professionals and very academic people. I have grown up surrounded by business calls, books, news, journals, documents, etc., conversations I would have with my dad about different issues. I do not believe everything that I am told or that I read. I like investigating further and expanding my knowledge as much as possible. This has helped me in my journey through college because I can think critically about the topics I am reading about, and it will also benefit my professional career.
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