Plan for spontaneity
Posted July 10, 2009 at 12:51 pm
Greetings, Class of 2013! We are excited to welcome you to our community. You have learned a lot during this past year’s college application process. I am sure that you have realized that applying to college is somewhat formulaic and that success generally hinges on following a well-established set of rules and best practices. High school was mostly a staging ground for your college application – each class and extracurricular was carefully chosen to increase your chances of getting accepted to a school like Wash. U. As you begin your freshman year, you may be tempted to approach your college experience in a similar fashion, but I advise against this. I encourage you not to view these four years as merely a means to any particular end.
I was admitted to Wash. U. intending to major in finance while pursing a career in Investment Banking. During my first semester I randomly took a class in Computer Science and really enjoyed it. Now, I am on my way to graduating with a degree in Computer Science and Philosophy. I also came to Wash. U. planning to immediately get involved with student government, but an unexpected sequence of events allowed me to gain leadership positions with Washington University television and the Office of Orientation instead.
As you can see, my time as an undergraduate has been characterized by a certain degree of spontaneity; sometimes out of necessity, but most often unintentionally. As I look back, I tend to admire the laid-back attitude that I exhibited at times. In fact, I think my spontaneity is the reason that I have a diverse array of options for post-graduate pursuit instead of a singular tract that can be jeopardized by any one decision I make.
Now, I’m not advising the Class of 2013 to be careless. Each of you should approach your college experience with the necessary thoughtfulness and prudence that has characterized your journey to Wash. U. But I do recommend that you plan for spontaneity by being curious, flexible, and open-minded.
Curiosity is a fundamental aspect of learning. Come to Wash. U. with a curiosity about St. Louis, the people around you, and the different activities on campus. This curiosity will greatly enhance what you learn outside the classroom. Use the MetroLink to travel to places beyond Forest Park and the Delmar Loop; talk to people who don’t share aspects of your background; join clubs and activities that you did not join in high school.
Be flexible as you explore. Focus not on the destination, but the journey you want to experience. Fight any urges to plan your entire four years or decree what your life will be like after college. Taking things a day at a time will give you the flexibility to take advantage of opportunities that will greatly enhance any destination you eventually reach.
Curiosity and flexibility are only beneficial with an open mind. Try not to hold on to rigid views about yourself and your future that were developed in high school. Many students come to Wash. U. intending to pursue one area of study and end up pursuing something else. If this happens to you, it is okay. In fact, it will be a good thing! There are so many opportunities, many of which you have yet to learn about. You will only be in a position to consider them if you have an open mind.
So throw all of your assumptions out the window. Come prepared to take advantage of opportunities that you probably have not even considered. Your first few weeks will be an exciting time, and I hope you get off to a good start by embracing a little bit of spontaneity!
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