http://www.timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=818558&category=OPINION
College lessons, learned in grade school
By BRENDAN MCHUGH
First published in print: Friday, July 10, 2009
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When I walked into my first college class in 2006 with just a laptop, I felt foolish when everyone else took out notebooks and pens. My heart raced at the thought of awkwardly standing out, until the sophomore in front of me handed me a piece of paper and a pen, and told me she had the same misconception the year before.
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The parallels to third grade are becoming more apparent as I head into my senior year in college. Last week, I gave someone advice on how to handle himself at Manhattan College‘s freshman orientation. Next month, I’ll sit at a desk and watch wide-eyed kids walk through the door, stumbling through the classroom to find a place to sit. Inevitably, one will sit next to me, and I’ll do my best to bring him up to speed. Third-grade was much more than math, science and spelling. It was hands-on leadership training as I matured throughout the year.
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That same feeling still comes over me. I’m no longer a freshman without a clue. I’m heading into my senior year as president of an honor society and sports editor for the college newspaper. It will be a responsibility, not just an opportunity, to teach younger students the ins and outs of the school. It’s a responsibility I learned 14 years ago as part of a mixed-grade class.
Brendan McHugh is a student at Manhattan College and an intern at the Times Union.
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McHugh, Brendan [MC2010]
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