My final year of high school was the most stressful year of my life thus far. I was overwhelmed by post secondary applications: where to go, and what to study. There were so many uncertainties. I had heard so many horror stories about first-year university, as well as success stories of people who had achieved their ambitions by means of ‘street smarts’. This all made me want to just avoid school at all costs. Needless to say, I followed through with the application process, and before I knew it, I myself was a first year Sauderite.
The greatest lesson I ever learned, although too late to be useful in the decision making process, helps me get through each day of school. Street smarts are gained in school. Contrary to popular belief and the name “street” smarts itself; useful tips and knowledge one picks up that are helpful on their journey of success are gained in school – not actually on the streets.
Whilst gaining an education is useful itself for obvious reasons, little things are learned along the way which help prepare students for the real world and work force. Some examples of street smarts that are gained in school:
1. How to handle deadlines
2. How to manage time
3. How to prioritize
4. How to work in groups
5. How to make yourself more attractive to superiors
None of these things have to do with course material, calculations, or economic theories. They are practices that us students encounter by going to class every day, completing assignments, and studying for exams. Meeting deadlines is key to being successful in any workplace. Getting experience cramming our calculus assignments and lyryx labs into the minutes before they’re due gives students a taste of what’s to come with large-scale projects. This leads to time management. There are only 24 hours in a day, and when you spend 1/3 of the hours asleep, and 1/4 in class – it is important to be efficient with the remaining hours of the day. Therefore, students learn how to prioritize. Being a college student is not just about going to class. There is definitely a prominent social aspect, and balancing this with school and extracurriculars is a challenge that no individual on the “street” would experience. No one without a proper university level education has taken on a Gateman midterm – and that in itself is its own experience. Another valuable street smart gained through post secondary is working in groups. In the workplace, the ability to work with others is imperative. Every organization has some sort of chain of command or team work component. Getting a taste of this in university is a good taste of what’s to come in the future. Lastly, and possibly most importantly: sucking up. Okay, not necessarily sucking up – but doing whatever you have to do to make yourself look attractive to your superiors. Forming relationships with professors which may in turn influence your marks is very similar to having that same bond with an employer when lining up for a promotion. This is also about learning how to walk, talk, and present yourself in general.