This semester accompanies the launch of Panache – ECNA’s spanking new newsletter. When our team revisited how Panache can better serve its audience, it got me thinking about my experiences as a student and how it has shaped my understanding.
To kick-start the year, these are my definitions of the modern university student.
Definition 1: University students are young and free
With little career obligations, no mortgage to pay or dependents to support most of us escape long-term commitment. If we want to do something (and put our mind to it) we can go ahead or give it a good shot. Our limited commitment allows us to have a variety of experiences and open our minds to different cultures and perspectives. We love adventures either close to home, out with friends or by travelling overseas because it enriches our lives. Simultaneously we are unintentionally gaining invaluable experience.
Time is on our side. We can afford to take a day off, spend time by ourselves or share it with others. It is important to recognise that our myriad of opportunities is our greatest resource. It is one that is most commonly underappreciated, especially when we assume it will last forever.
Definition 2: University students are proud
Most students are not arrogant pricks, far from it. However, deep down, I think all of us have a sense of pride and some arrogance. There may be many reasons for this, but we all take pride in the fact that we are learning, growing and changing for the better.
The world is yet to cut us down to size. We know we are not superhuman; sometimes it’s easier to turn a blind eye. The older generations advise us to pace ourselves and have balanced lives. We listen, we take it in and promptly forget.
This dash of arrogance is the force behind our youth, energy and enthusiasm. We don’t know what we’re incapable of. All we know is that we’re learning and growing and the only direction is up.
Definition 3: University students are ambitious
As students we dare to dream big dreams, because sometimes the world’s problems seem simple (and sometimes they really are). We are not right all the time, but we are optimistic, energetic and deliver fresh perspectives to old problems.
The world accuses us of being inexperienced. Just because we haven’t “been there and done that” doesn’t mean our thoughts are insignificant. We still have something to bring to the table.
ECNA fosters a network of students because we understand not everyone can identify with all three definitions but there’s a part of everyone that fits somewhere within the three. In order to grow individually, we have to learn from each other.
