I'd like to respond to Wednesday's U-Wire column, "More useful classes, please."
It's amazing how much Travis Frayard reminds me of myself six years ago. During my first attempt at a college education, I justified my laziness and irresponsibility by convincing myself that "at heart, we're all procrastinators." I partied, drank and immersed myself in the interpersonal relationships of my friends so much that I made my academic obligations my lowest priority.
I'm not saying I was failing. I had a 2.0 grade point average with an even mix of A's and F's, but I knew that I was quickly running - or rather, drunkenly stumbling - to a rough future. I realized I was a spoiled, lazy kid who was becoming a spoiled, lazy adult. So I enlisted in the Army.
It took me five years of service to acquire the work ethic needed to excel in college. Now, in addition to being a husband and a father, I am a student again. This time, though, I have a 4.0 GPA, and I know why I am here. It's not to acquire "the necessary information in order to enter the modern world," but to strengthen my mind and bolster my analytical abilities before I return to the real world.
So Travis, and all who are like him, I hope that you soon realize how wrong it is to waste this chance for an education. If not, then I have only two things to say to you: Stay out of your drill sergeant's way, and try to get in shape before you go to Basic Training.
