Is it fair that college institutions are able to go back indefinitely and use your educational background for better or worse? At MATC the current policy in place allows them to go back from the start of your college career no matter how long ago. Meaning no matter what, if you were a great student or one that struggled with evidence of special circumstance, it makes no difference.
We all know that almost everything has a statute of limitations, an expiration date, or that time is forgiving. I truly believe that the young woman I was at 18 was not who I was at 28. Ten years of developing my interpersonal skills, strengthened values, and reaching heights of fulfillment, all changed and continues to develop as my life experiences allow me to evolve into a better person.
I decided that the best way for me to share my opinion about the education policy currently in place at MATC is through a story. Although fictional, the circumstances in the story are common and relative. The story is about a young woman that paints a picture of reality for so many that have been in situations very similar.
I was 18 years old, an average student and graduate from Messmer High School. I was raised in a household where education was important, and my parents made many sacrifices so that I could receive the best education.
Immediately out of high school I did the right thing. I decided with pressure from my family, despite my wants for my own life, to go to college. I was finally a free adult with my ears and eyes open to the world, ready to experience the things that I had been waiting on my whole life! Instead I decided to be responsible and pursue the dreams that my father had for me to become a doctor.
I wasn’t focused, this was not what I wanted. I slacked heavily, and my performance was subpar in my pursuit to make my parents happy. I didn’t take college seriously, for crying out loud I didn’t care much about anything and I really just wanted to party. For three semesters I “tried” and my efforts amounted to a 1.75- 2.0 GPA. This was definitely not what I expected. Everyone knew that I didn’t want to go in the first place so I quit.
Years past and I realized that without a proper education, I couldn’t support myself and my two children. Yes, 10 years had passed and I had gotten married, born two children and been widowed, all in one decade. I knew the time was “Now.” I was determined, dedicated and focused. What better time for me to be a role model for my children, and do something amazing for myself? Knowing that my husband would be smiling down on me from heaven was enough for me.
I was a full-time ambitious student and wanted to make the best out of my college experience; the second time around. I decided to join student government as treasurer and after four months was anxiously awaiting a well-deserved trip to D.C. with the team. I was an excited straight- A, career-focused, goal-oriented student confident that my hard work and perseverance were finally paying off.
One week after the team was notified of the trip, the president of the organization pulled me into his office and expressed he had some disappointing news. Despite my relentless pursuit of excellence in my educational endeavors, my overall GPA prevented me from going to Washington, D.C.
It appeared that my performance in college at 18 years old affected my current overall GPA at 30 years old, and prevented me from participating in any outside recreation and travel opportunities.
All I could think is I was young, I didn’t know, it’s not my fault, if someone would have just told me. So now I’m fighting a guilty verdict with a story of reasonable circumstance.
Again that story was fictional yet expressed some valid issues among students today.
I have had the opportunity to talk to and witness some cases of older adult students dedicated and focused that are being affected negatively by their past. I am not saying that colleges need to take each individual circumstance in account to make a sound decision that will affect its university. On the opposing side there are students that enter college straight out of high school and make strides, proving to be an excellent student.
Circumstance, situation, background and finances all can play a major part in the kind of college experience one has. I don’t believe college institutions have the time to hear each viable argument from every student that may be affected by the current rules and regulations in place.
Although I do believe that the rules could use some revision and consideration regarding putting a statute of limitations, an expiration date, or reasonable time frame on using a student’s past earned credits or GPA that may affect their future educational endeavors.
I think the time is now to consider some general rules that will encourage and implement fair change for all.
If college students are kept abreast on rules and regulations, the laws have been laid, and a standard has been set, we have no choice but to take heed and do better moving forward with higher goals and self-expectation.