By Kyra Hudson, Staff Writer

“College is what you make it” is a sentiment my parents echoed to me since the beginning of my college journey. As a first-year, I didn’t quite comprehend what they meant by it. However, now as a senior at Xavier with just two weeks remaining, I fully understand the importance of extracting all that college has to offer. 

One of the major attractions to Xavier is our basketball program, drawing hundreds of students every game who bring an electric, unbeatable energy that radiates throughout Cintas. This is truly one of the most dedicated fan-bases I’ve ever seen. With students camping out as early as 4 a.m. before game days. 

Most, if not all, Xavier students will fondly recount their campout stories from their time, and waiting before the game with their friends. I know I will always remember the campout before the University of Cincinnati game in the fall of 2023, and seeing the city become “Quincinnati” after Xavier’s Crosstown win.  

On the other hand, the most unpleasant part of the college experience is the homework. While the advancement in technology and accessibility to Artificial Intelligence (AI) has made it easier and faster than ever to understand material presented in our classes, it has simultaneously robbed us of our basic comprehension skills along with our attention spans.

However, it would be naive of me to suggest that we should not use AI at all. Also, I am not your mother, I do not care if you use AI to do your homework for you, but I believe there needs to be some balance. Unless we choose to pursue a graduate program, we will never again be in an environment surrounded by such dedicated faculty and curious classmates. 

When you find yourself in a class with a kind professor who is passionate about the course material, talk to them and utilize them as a resource as much as you can. My sophomore year, I took a Shakespeare class with Dr. Niamh O’Leary, and I have never been in another class where everyone was so interested and ready to learn. The material was also so well presented and easy to understand while O’Leary still challenged us to critically analyze the texts. I always said it never felt like going to class, but rather a book club with all of my friends.  

Higher education is a privilege, and one that we should take advantage of to the fullest extent. It will always be easier to take the easy way out, and not push yourself out of your comfort zone. 

This is a statement that applies to all aspects of life. It will always be easier to sit in your room rather than get ready to go out to Over-The-Rhine or to a basketball game. You can use AI to complete your homework entirely or use it strategically to master the material rather than having it do the work for you. The list goes on. 

I implore you to embrace the challenge that comes with putting in effort because the reward is more than worth it. I met my best friends and made countless memories by stepping outside of my comfort zone. Mom and dad, thank you for teaching me one of the most valuable lessons I’ve ever learned. College really is what you make it.