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22 - The Oakville Beaver, Friday December 7, 2007 www.oakvillebeaver.com Responsibility and freedom at college By Farrah Richardson SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER December has just started and it's hard to believe that my first semester in college is almost done. It seems like it was just last week that I was still enjoying my summer and about to begin college. I must admit that the days leading up to my first day in college I was feeling extremely anxious. The pressure of choosing a career for the rest of your life can leave you sleep deprived. Within the first week of school the people in my class were all older than me, had already been through university, or had been through college but chose a different career. This made me even more anxious and doubtful as to whether or not what I had chosen was right for me. I continue to remind myself why I am attending college, what I want to receive from college, and what I want my future to be. As I continue in my college journey, my teachers and the courses I am taking made me realize that I had made the right decision. I can see how each course connects with the next and how valuable the skills I am learning are. I must also thank the Oakville Beaver for providing me with the opportunity to write for the student column. I do find that in college, the number of assignments are fewer than in high school. But in college, a person may only have three assignments due, but all are each worth 20 per cent of the final mark. The whole college experience varies from person to person. You go to class when you want, hand in assignments when you want, your mark is entirely your responsibility. There is absolutely no one chasing you to hand in an assignment or go to class. This definitely puts the responsibility on your shoulders to get good grades and pass all your courses. For the most part, the grade level I received in high school is the same as the grade level I am receiving in college. College is my second home. I go to class, work in the library when I have breaks, eat in the cafeteria and catch up on sleep in between classes. I find that in college I enjoy and respect my teachers a lot more than I did in high school. Teachers in college tend to be more open to talking to their students and will offer help only when you, the student, ask for it. The one thing that I really admire about all of my college professors is that all of them are professors and are still active in their career field. This is useful because they are constantly giving advice, and sharing their experiences --and mistakes. I find it easier to talk to my college professors than it was to talk to my high school teachers. The main reason for this, I believe, is because college professors treat you like real people who are there to learn, not to be babysat. Though I still have a year and a half until I graduate, I am very open and excited to see what my next set of courses will bring, but more importantly, I am excited to get going with my career and get out into the real world. European Engineering Combined With Traditional Workmanship Do you know a deserving teacher? If you know a teacher, principal, viceprincipal or another educator who deserves some recognition for a job well done, now's the time to speak up. The second annual Premier's Awards for Teaching Excellence is accepting nominations of outstanding educators from students, parents, fellow educators and members of the community. "Every day, the individuals who work in our schools equip our students with the tools and knowledge they need to be successful in life," said Ontario Education Minister Kathleen Wynne. "These awards are a great way to say thank you to the educators and support staff who keep our schools safe and healthy, and who help Ontario's students reach their full potential." Anyone can nominate a school or school board staffer in Ontario's publiclyfunded education system. Teachers, principals, vice principals, education support staff and school board staff in Ontario's publicly funded education system can be nominated for an award. There are six categories: Teacher of the Year; New Teacher of the Year; Excellent Support Staff; Excellence in Leadership; Lifetime Achievement; and Team of the Year. Last year, more than 1,000 nominations were received. To download a nomination form or to find out more information, visit the Premier's Awards for Teaching Excellence website at www.ontario.ca/teachingawards. Information kits will also be sent to every publicly funded school in Ontario. The nomination deadline is Monday, Jan. 28, 2008. Award recipients will be recognized before the end of the school year. "Building on the Brightest Ideas Around Glass" 905.849.0266 You Still Can Have It For Christmas! WAL-MART CORRECTION NOTICE This Saturday at Broom's... FACTORY DISPLAY SALE! Commerce Crt Walkers Line Guelph Line PROVIDING COMFORT FOR 80 YEARS 3440 Fairview Street Burlington Heating · Air Conditioning · Fireplaces OPEN SATURDAYS QEW The Energizer 4-Pack `AA' and `AAA' NIMH batteries (#604007/20746) advertised in our Electronics Catalogue will not be available. ========================== Fairview Street 905-634-7701 Winner Monday-Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm Saturday 10:00am - 4:00pm We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.