More on the LCs

Since my last post on Library Campers (LCs), I have noticed more and more LCs. The other day I went back into the library and again, not remembering its finals because I am not teaching this term, I didn't expect to see them; but there they were. They multiplied like Gremlins, just not as good looking.

At UConn, the basement of library had a party atmosphere during mid-terms and especially during finals. The mood was extra-social; it was the place to see and be seen. Most parties weren't as fun as the basement of the library on those days.

Anyway, the other day, the library had the same kind of party atmosphere that the basement of the Babbidge Library used to have. Every seat was taken. Students were sitting on the tops of the computer desks. The noise level was pretty high. Lots of socializing. Lots of talking. Lots of action. And you know what else...

NO ONE WAS ACTUALLY STUDYING. Ok, a few were, but I needed effect.

As an undergrad, occasionally, I would read in bed, and then I would fall asleep. During the nap, I would dream that I was reading the book. Similarly, simply going to the library won't educate you. You actually have to study.

As a side note, it always amazed me that people could actually study while listening to music with headphones. I can understand that some light, background music would be okay, but students appear to be jamming as they are trying to read. Do they really comprehend anything? I don't think so.

So, after I left the library, I noticed that LCs had taken over the entire campus. Students are looking for any space they can to study. The floor, the bookstore, the bathroom ... ok, maybe not the floor ... but they are everywhere. This leads to me the following question: if the students were studying this furiously during the term, where were they? Why didn't I see them?

I strongly suspect that many of the students weren't studying, and that's why I didn't see them. For a long time now, I have been convinced that effort – treat college work as if it’s your full-time job – determines grades. Nothing I have seen from the LCs would lead me to think otherwise.

P.S. The Babbidge Library didn't look this good when I went to UConn. In fact, it was literally falling apart. A makeshift entrance had to be made to protect people from getting hit by bricks as they entered the building. No kidding. The building was wrapped in plastic for the five-and-a-half years I went to UConn. Why does it look so good now? Thank Jim Calhoun. No kidding.

“Did You Get Laid?”

This question – a direct quote I am afraid – came during my most recent talk of Success In College at a high school. The student who asked the question was either a junior or senior; she whined the entire lecture as she sat with her head on the desk. The talk took place in the high school’s library and about 50-75 students were there. Nearly all of the students in the library were well-behaved, but what do they say about the rotten apple?

This incident, for lack of a better word, highlights some of the problems with current high school and college students. First, outrageously, disrespectful behavior in class is on the rise and I believe it will reach crisis proportions sooner rather than later. I detail my thoughts on student behavior in class in Chapter Eleven, entitled “In-Class Etiquette: Oh Behave.” Insert Austin Powers’ accent here.

Second, the student, who proclaimed that she wanted to go to college, actually defended her question. When I responded that the question was inappropriate, the student said that I claimed that my original goals in college included meeting women … and so she naturally asked her brilliant question. No accountability here, ladies and gentlemen.

It was my fault. I shouldn’t have started with my perspective as an 18-year old, which I changed before I even arrived in college. The introduction of the book (and this particular lecture) explain how I told my gym teacher/true guidance counselor that I wanted to go to college to meet women, party, and some third thing I can't remember. His response freaked me out so much that I altered my priorities before day 1 in college (see chapter 1). The student didn't pay attention to the purpose of the story. She just wanted to use it to be smart (and I don't mean in a good way).

Third, many high school and college students consider meeting members of the opposite sex, partying, fraternity life, and other extra-curricular activities to be the purposes of college. They aren’t. Get that out of your head immediately, because your priorities are often reflected in your performance. Thankfully I realized this before I started my college career. I hope the disrespectful brat in the class learns this … and manners … and some personal accountability … and learns them soon.

PB

P.S. No, I didn’t answer her question. What’s wrong with you?