Over the years, I have borne witness to the transformation of college student behaviors. I feel like I can even pinpoint my exact ‘aha’ moment in 2008 when things were changing. It was when a student enrolled in my College Success Strategies wrote, in pencil, on a test as an answer to a question these three letters: “idk”.
Confused in my haze of innocence, I asked the student to explain what “idk” meant. And then I was hit with the staggering answer of “I don’t know”. While this three-letter abbreviation has evolved in the thirteen years since to be common present-day vernacular for some, there I was, dumbfounded by this first-semester student rocking a side-ponytail and cutoff shorts. What was happening in that moment was only the beginning of the student (r)evolution in higher education.
This fresh out of high school student was simply just unaware that this type of answer, in its abbreviated form, nonetheless, was probably not something that she wanted to have as an answer…even taking the time to write out “I don’t know” may have been easier for me to stomach….maybe.
So where are students learning these nuances of transitioning from high school to college? Hopefully, they are assigned to instructors who take the time to explain and educate these so-called ‘soft skills’ as students progress through the high school curriculum. As parents, we know that it is difficult for our children to hear as, as well-intentioned as we may be, when it comes to addressing inappropriate behaviors and teaching social norms. I have a hard enough time getting my dear offspring to dress weather appropriate. Parents are sandwiched with responsibilities and when an opportunity does arise for “teachable moments” we are often lacking the energy and bandwidth to have such conversations/engagements/discussions with our kids.
Now enter The Collegescape staff. Who is going to make sure your student is college-ready? And how will that happen? High school guidance has evolved into a major mental health and crisis resource, which leaves little time for the pro-active lesson planning and college transition supports that our students need (and deserve). We don’t want to wait until the end of the first semester of college to “see how it goes”. We all know that for many, college is the next step of the plan. So don’t wait to acclimate to this new climate.
