With social media and the Internet, it is easier than ever to hear about the bad things going on in the world. I don't even want to get into all of the horrible headlines we see every day, because I don't want to risk diminishing them with this article. We should not be content with injustices and there are always changes that could make this world and our universities a better place. However, it is important to think about the improvements that the country and world has made, and the benefits that our generation sometimes takes for granted. Here are 12 things to be grateful for as a 21st century college student.
1. Personal laptop computers
As an English major, I cannot imagine doing homework, especially writing papers, without a laptop, much less my own computer. I pretty much do all of my homework on my computer, and my whole writing process would be different if I could not quickly type up a paper and edit it as easily as I wanted to.
2. Digital library resources
This is similar to personal laptop computers, but the Internet is important enough to get several bullet points. Without digital library resources, from your university's library to Google Scholar, research papers would be more difficult to write and probably contain less quality information. For STEM students, the internet is equally important for video tutorials and Google.
3. Email
I do not want to know what taking classes, applying to jobs, and being involved in student organizations are like without email. Professors utilize email to remind us of assignments, help us better prepare for class, and answer questions on short notice. This is also how most student orgs communicate with their members.
4. Online college and job applications
Applying to college, internships, and jobs would have been much more time consuming, stressful, and limited without the Internet. Also, I can't imagine how people registered for the classes that they wanted each semester before they had the Internet.
5 & 6. GroupMe and Google Drive
GroupMe keeps friend groups connected and aids communication when it comes to student orgs and group projects. Google Drive, with Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides, takes group projects to a whole new level.
7. Diversity
A diverse student body is important for receiving a well-rounded, enjoyable, and quality education, and while this is something that can still be improved upon, most universities have a more racially, religiously, economically, and geographically diverse student body than they had in previous generations. Vanderbilt reports that 38.8 percent of the class of 2019 classify themselves as racial minorities, and Vanderbilt is probably one of the least diverse out of the country's top universities.
8. No sorority hazing
While this does not apply to all colleges and universities, many universities, like Vanderbilt, have eradicated hazing from their Panhellenic sororities. Now, fraternities just need to abandon this barbaric practice.
9 & 10. Snapchat and cell phone calls
While these could also appear on a list of things that I am not thankful for as a college student, I appreciate them because they allow me to be in constant contact with my family. I can call my parents if I am ever walking alone on campus, and I never have to go too long without seeing my sister's face.
11. The safety that comes with cell phones
Even when you are alone, if you have your cell phone, you do not have to feel completely alone. College students these days may not be as mature and independent as they were in previous generations, but they are definitely safer.
12. Being a college student
As time goes on, more and more people have the opportunity to attend world-class universities and get an education. We should always be thankful for our educations.
