Archive for November, 2009
Rant: What is the “Real World?!”
It has dawned on me that the purpose of college has become so convoluted that it’s hard to see the purpose.
Middle school: “We’re getting you ready for high school.”
High school: “We’re getting you ready for college.”
College: “We’re getting you ready for the real world.”
I’ve become frustrated with what school has become, it’s about getting you ready for something. What? The “real world,” says my Art History professor almost daily, but really? What is this “real world?” The “real world” is bullshit.
Take a second to watch the news, or spend some time on the internet. No one is living in this “real world,” people are living in their own world. Ignorance is bliss. I’m tired of being told, “just wait until you get into the read world, things will change.” Shut up. Your advice was in no way helpful.
Why is it that this “real world” philosophy is only given to college students. I know plenty of people that went work right after high school, is that not the “real world?” Is their “real world” different from my “real world?” I just don’t get it.
Another one of my favorite lines is, “Life’s tough,” well duh, but that doesn’t mean it has to be. If you don’t like something, then CHANGE IT, don’t drink the sugar-free Koolaid past generations are feeding you. Change how the world works, add as much sugar as you want, you’re in the “real world” now.
I want to dedicate this to every teacher I have ever had. I appreciate your advice about the “real world.”
I want to argue with someone on this, leave a comment, start a conflict.
I guarantee every student during their time spent at school will be lucky enough to get, what I like to call, a Professor from Hell. Now, how would I characterize a Professor from Hell? I can’t! They come in all shapes and sizes (and smells).
Professor Denim
My first Professor from Hell was my math teacher freshman year. He was an elderly man, quite large, smelled of cigarettes and gasoline. He wore all denim, all the time, party time? He was out of breath even when sitting. But what he looked like had nothing to do with it…well maybe. His problem was that he was boring, on top of that, ignorant towards anything the class put forward. If you didn’t understand something, Professor Denim wasn’t the one to ask. I knew he wouldn’t be any good, just by his striking resemblance to Jeff Bridge’s character in Iron Man, Obadiah Stane (only 100lbs heavier).
Professor Young ‘n French
Next, because you can’t have just one, was a young, quite attractive professor from France. She never wore the same thing once. She was always on time. And was extremely strict when it came to teaching. Her problem wasn’t so much the way she taught, but what she taught [n-o-t-h-i-n-g]. The class was one of the many generic classes the university requires you to take during your stay, this class happened to be about exclusively about PLAY. Now, how much is there really to learn about Play? There is a good solid week of information that could be taught about PLAY. Somehow, Professor Young ‘n French spread this week of material into a YEAR LONG CLASS. And boy was it a fun year. Even more surprising, the university is no longer offering that class…I wonder why. Did I mention she helped create the class and curriculum?
How to survive Hell
It’s a fact, you will get an EVIL PROFESSOR FROM HELL. I’ve compiled a list of tips for when you get so lucky:
- Sit in the middle of the classroom: The professor won’t hate you for sitting in the back, but won’t talk to you for sitting up front.
- Do the minimum: I don’t like to tell people that, but when it comes to those fluff-filled wonder piles called University Required Classes, just do what you have to do, no more.
- Leave feedback: Most universities have some sort of feedback system students can fill out about their classes. Make sure to be honest about the classes and include what was wrong with the professor. You may have just saved a future student from having the joy of getting a Professor from Hell.
Your Experience
I want to know about your experiences with terrible teachers. Leave a little note in the comments. I thank you kindly.
