Imagine a college where standardized testing doesn’t exist. Classes are optional and there’s no pressure to graduate in four years. You get to assign your own homework and create your own personal grading system. Instead of living in dorms where the carpet smells like pee and weed, we’d all live in tree houses.
Imagine an institute where your worth isn’t determined by your grades and you wouldn’t have to sign over your soul when you pay tuition. Think about attending a college where freethinking and communication is more important than test-taking abilities.
You can have any pets you want, even a squirrel.
Sadly, such a college does not exist in real life. It only exists in a discussion in my American Literature class. We read many great works by notable writers in this class, including Ralph Waldo Emerson and David Thoreau. Both transcendentalists are some of the most famous thinkers in American history and are taught in most, if not all, English classrooms nationwide.
If you’ve somehow never read Emerson or Thoreau, I highly recommend it. Their works are very inspirational and will leave you with the feeling of wanting to take action and live your life to the fullest.
We recently read and discussed “The American Scholar” by Emerson. It’s basically about how an individual can become an American Scholar. If you have read Emerson or Thoreau, you understand a common theme with both writers was nature. They say it’s of the utmost importance because everything stems from nature. Emerson explores the subjects such of nature, as well as books, free thinking, and hard work.
In the spirit of being a scholar, our professor had us create our own college. Here’s what we decided.
1. As a freshman you plan out your own college career. What classes you take, what teachers you have, and when you want to graduate. No one would force you to take general requirement classes; they’re all optional but heavily recommended. Also, no classes start before 11 a.m. All classes will be held outside unless it’s winter, too cold, or raining.
2. There’s limited TV time. Experiencing life is more important than a TV show.
3. Instead of standardized testing, there are two assessments every semester. It’s required that you show your teachers what you’ve learned in a way you’re comfortable with; whether it’s writing a paper, making a power point, presenting to your class, etc. The only catch is you can only use a method once; you must use different creative ways to express what you’ve learned each time.
4. You don’t have to deal with dorms or roommates if you don’t want to. There will be housing but only in the form of tree houses. Whether your tree house is furnished or not is up to you. You can choose to live with other people or you can go solo. Forget ovens and microwaves, a large campfire will burn non-stop so you can make food.
Fifth, there will be sunrise yoga every day. Exercising and eating healthy is encouraged. There are daily hikes and tree climbing contests. Sports have less funding than typical colleges but every sport is offered.
Sixth, volunteering is a must. Getting to know the community is extremely important and learning to communicate is essential.
Seventh, foreign language classes would be taught one-on-one and would focus on Socratic method more than writing. Speaking and learning different languages is strongly encouraged.
Eight, pets are allowed. Animals are great stress relievers and bring people much joy. Like I mentioned before, even pet squirrels are allowed.
Ninth, the library would not only have scientifically sound books, but it would also contain a book collection like Barnes & Noble. Reading expands your vocabulary and subconsciously teaches grammar.
Tenth, shoes are optional.
These are the main aspects we thought up if we were to create a college influenced by Emerson. College should be accepting and inclusive. It should cherish communication and free thinking, not test scores and monotone teachers. Art work should be displayed in every building so the boring, off-white walls don’t hinder creativity. College should be fun and life changing.
What if we applied a few of these ideas to Western? There would be dogs and cats running around in the dorms, language and cultural differences would be less of a problem, and maybe more of the sculptures around campus would make sense. We would eat more meals outside and enjoy the sunshine instead of spending eight hours studying in the library. The daily campfires would inspire many new friendships over the love of smores and we would be allowed to swim in the fountain.
My favorite aspect of “The American Scholar,” by Emerson is how it made me question what I want out of college. Do I want A’s? Very much. Is that all I’m here for? No way. I want to learn how to help my community. I want to be able to communicate with people from different cultures and backgrounds. I want to excel in anything I set my mind. Most of all, I want to be able to inspire people, just like how people inspire me every day.