The difference between high school education and university education

After high school we go straight to university, and many of us get a culture shock. There is a huge difference between life as a high school student, and life as a university student.

In high school we are told what to do, and are forced to do it. Our teachers tell us what to study, and we are punished if we do not obey. Therefore, like it or not, most of us end up studying, and as a result we gain knowledge. However, because the learning is forced some of us may not be sincere, and may end up studying a particular topic simply to avoid punishment. In that case, our learning is not driven by interest, and the knowledge we gain could be quickly forgotten. Nevertheless, we do gain some knowledge, and we learn discipline as well. Indeed, the cultivation of discipline amongst students is a big part of most high schools. We are very often made to adhere to strict rules and regulations, and are made to dress in a particular manner. However, whilst many high school students may appear disciplined on the outside, it is unclear if they have really developed inner self-discipline, as their discipline has been forced upon them. In short, high school is an institution of obedience, where we are forced to learn and uphold discipline. However, it remains to be seen whether or not high school students really have developed self-discipline, or really have developed a sincere thirst for knowledge.

University is totally different from high school. There are no dress codes, and there are no school-like punishments if we do not do our assignments or do not come to lectures. There are few of the school-like rules and regulations. If we misbehave in lectures the lecturer will simply send us out of the lecture room, and if we do not study well we will simply fail the course. We are free to express ourselves, and if we are to succeed we have to organize our own studies, and develop a sense of self-discipline. Basically, university does not force students to study. Rather, university students have to force themselves to study. As a result, the only students who would succeed in university are those who are really dedicated and interested in studying whatever they have chosen to study. In other words, success in university proves that a student is sincere, and proves that he or she really possesses the virtue of discipline. I feel that university distinguishes the sincere seeker of knowledge from the ordinary student, as I feel that there is no way for us to learn unless we ourselves want to learn. Knowledge gained in that manner is treasured, and rarely forgotten.

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