Each time I reflect, I’m constantly and consistently amazed by the value of the post-secondary environment. Maybe that’s part of why I’m still in it, (for a few more months) however hear me out. I grew up never considering university, thinking it was for people of more affluence and intelligence.
I “got lucky” because a path to PSE was illuminated through sports. That’s why I’m public about my gratefulness, successes and failures along the way. I’m excited to leave university however I’m grateful I didn’t rush out. There will likely never again be a time in your life where you are so consistently surrounded by thousands of people with similar ambitions, passions and values on learning. This is where many will develop the foundation for their personal/professional network, this is where stepping out of your comfort zone is encouraged and this can be where you discover who you want to be. Every university student should make some attempt an entrepreneurial project while in university or college because it is possibly the last time in a persons life that they will have access so as many resources paired with such little risk.
With all of that being said there are two values to the environment that I think supersede all others. The first is the “find your passion” principle. Most people who say “follow your passion” give an uninformed account for how they got to where they are. Exposure to different areas of interest and dedication to developing skills that resonate with said interest is where passion comes from more often than not. University and College can provide with in spades, if the student in question is willing to proactively pursue them. The second and probably biggest value of PSE is that there is the potential for individuals to be introduced to high performance individuals. Excellence is inspirational, being around successful people is powerful because it can evoke a desire for an individual to be passionate themselves. To compare themselves not to their peer group but to the BEST in a specific field. And that mindset can carry you to places you never thought you would get to for the rest of your life.
