WHAT IT TRULY MEANS TO LEARN BY JULIA LETT

I will admit it, I used to play school, and sometimes I still do. 

In high school, I was taught that the key to graduating is to always please the teacher. Even though this may be true to the extent of getting the best grades and having a good reputation in the class, it no longer applies to how one should learn in college. This mindset discourages growth, and instead encourages doing the bare minimum. 

I have gained an understanding of what it truly means to learn, and even though I have not fully transitioned out of playing school, I am doing the best I can to make the most out of my time in college, and as long as I am trying my best, I am succeeding. 

I describe myself as curious, determined, passionate, and, overall, eager to learn. I am eager to learn new things, whether it’s in school, at home, with friends, or alone in my thoughts. I have learned that learning is about pushing yourself to ask questions, to seek creativity and novelty, to collaborate, make connections, set goals and values, and, most importantly, carrying these mindsets with you everywhere you go. 

The true meaning of learning is to always try new things, especially the things out of your comfort zone, and experiment, ask many questions, and remain eager and passionate. Once you transition out of playing school, that’s when the real learning begins.