Blog post written by Andrew Marshall
As a college student, you’ve undoubtedly heard someone tell you, “Just wait until you get to the real world.” But what if we treated every stage of life as the “real world”? One, because it is. And two, because that enables us to truly take advantage of all the preparation, experience and exploration that happens when you’re in college.
At UM-Dearborn, I've discovered that preparing for the real world isn't something that starts after earning a degree, but something I’m learning, right alongside literature and math, every day.
Lesson #1: Learning Responsibility
Responsibility is something most of us hear about growing up, but we don't really understand what it means until we're expected to make decisions on our own. As we become more independent, responsibility naturally follows. In college, you'll be responsible for selecting your classes, finding transportation, managing your finances, getting a job and deciding how to spend your time. Some people can guide you, but no one is there to make those decisions for you. Instead, it's up to you to prioritize what matters most and take ownership of the outcomes.
UM-Dearborn has given me opportunities to develop that sense of responsibility firsthand. Having to study, participate in extracurricular activities, and still have personal time is a lot. So, balancing them is key.
Another of my responsibilities was gaining professional experience before graduating. After exploring the university's career website, I found an opportunity to become an admissions blog writer. I decided to apply, put in the effort and was fortunate enough to be selected for the position. This experience reminded me that opportunities don't magically appear; you have to take the initiative to find them and put in the work. UM-Dearborn provided the resources, but it was my responsibility to take advantage of them.
Lesson #2: Developing a sense of community
Community is another essential part of the real world. Developing strong interpersonal and communication skills helps you connect with others from different backgrounds. It's one thing to read about someone's experiences or view things from their perspective, but having conversations with people whose beliefs and life stories differ from your own helps build understanding and respect.
At UM-Dearborn, those opportunities are everywhere. Students come from a wide variety of backgrounds, but they all share a common goal. Students want to learn and prepare for their future. Being surrounded by people with different perspectives has helped me become a better communicator and taught me the importance of listening just as much as speaking.
Every year, the campus radio station hosts “Broken Heart Smash,” where students can sign up to showcase their musical talents. What makes the event special isn't just the performances, but the support. Some of the people in attendance aren't members of the radio station, but they come to encourage their peers and celebrate their creativity. That's what a true community looks like: people showing up for one another, even when they don't have to.
The real world works the same way. Whether you're a business owner, an artist, a public figure, or someone simply trying to build a career, success rarely happens alone. Everyone relies on mentors, friends, coworkers, and supporters throughout their lives. Just as a plant needs water and sunlight to grow, people need a strong community to reach their potential.
Lesson #3: Self-Discovery
Figuring out what you want to do and who you want to be are other important aspects of the “real world.” One of the biggest steps towards discovering my path in life was switching my major.
I switched my major three times before I found the right fit. I first chose robotics because I wanted to create bionic technology. I then switched to criminal justice because I wanted to be a lawyer. After that, I was in journalism & media production because I dreamed of being a filmmaker or scriptwriter. I thought that was the final choice, but then I became a student admissions blogger. I realized I enjoy writing and am passionate about it. Choosing professional writing and rhetoric as my major was the final decision. It took me two years to figure that out, and I’ve come to learn that it is perfectly fine. Everyone discovers their path in life at different times. There isn't a right or wrong timeline for finding out what you seek in life.
Plus, once you discover what you want to do, life becomes much more rewarding. It feels great when other people enjoy your work, especially when you are doing something you truly enjoy. College allows you to explore different interests and discover what your passion is. With UM-Dearborn having more than 90 majors to choose from, I had a chance to explore my interests until I found out what major was right for me.
Final Takeaway
Many people think college offers only a glimpse of the real world, but UM-Dearborn has shown me that it isn't a keyhole view into adulthood, but an open window. Every class, conversation, opportunity and challenge is preparing me for life before and after graduation. The real world does not begin after college. You’re in the real world right now, so make the most of it.
