True knowledge is an active, lifelong pursuit, not a passive one.
The most important thing I’ve realized while attending Winona State is that going to class and completing assignments is only part of what is needed in the job market once looking for a career.
Assignments enable us to utilize tools to better understand situations within our chosen field.
You may be thinking, “Of course; that’s quite obvious. It took you four years to figure this out?”
I feel that while in school, it is also up to each person to use these tools, because being a student here gives you access to many things that won’t be available after graduation.
For example, I know many students who are interested in photography here, and some who want to enter the world of photojournalism.
While shooting local sporting events, I often wonder why there aren’t more people around me practicing. All sporting events are free for students, which makes going less of a hassle. Even if sports are not what you want to shoot, having the experience is beneficial.
I’m not trying to say there should be a line of photographers at every event, every time, but I think it would be wise to try and shoot at least each sport one time to have the experience.
I expect any student entering a science field would take advantage of the new science laboratory center, or an English major of the writing center.
There are many services available on campus to further your knowledge—even though they might not be required by professors to pass.
If going to class and finishing assignments is all you can do, then fine, but if you really want to be prepared for a career, it’s wise to take advantage of what there is to offer here and now. Besides, you don’t want to look back and say, “Why didn’t I use that?”
If you would answer fear or embarrassment, that is not an excuse.
You are at an age where trying things out should be nothing new and accepting constructive criticism should be the norm. Get used to it—not everyone will agree with you.
But listening to and understanding constructive criticism may help more than hurt. And using valuable resources while they’re still available can only heighten your lifelong pursuit of education.

Reach Paul Solberg at PTSolber3844@winona.edu