What students learn while at Kent State spans beyond how to properly cite an essay. After asking several students what they feel is the most important thing they’ve learned, college can be defined as more than making grades.

Randy Roland, a freshman entrepreneurship major, explained that his success is attributed to getting involved.

“I’ve learned how to really apply myself in the real world. I can go into a group setting and feel comfortable with myself even if there are a bunch of strangers,” Roland said. “I also found myself here. My first 18 years of life, I was trying to figure out what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. Then I came here; it all connected to me what I wanted to do for my future.”

Freshman marketing major Peter Novak agreed, saying he would not have had the same experience at Kent State if he had not gotten into the marketing fraternity, Pi Sigma Epsilon, or C.E.O., a collegiate entrepreneurial organization.

“Getting involved is a big part of college,” Novak said. “It definitely made my college experience way better than it would’ve been if I weren’t in the organizations I’m in. The friends I’ve met make it definitely worth it.”

Besides applying themselves outside the classrooms, many students weigh in on the importance of learning correct study habits.

“I’ve learned lots of chemistry,” Melanie Sadowski, a junior zoology major, joked, “but for myself, better studying techniques. I space it out. I take it an hour at a time, take a break, eat some food, walk around and go back to it. I spread it out over a few days instead of cramming for eight hours the day before like I used to.”

Sophomore managerial marketing major Brian MacEwan agrees with study habits like these, including the importance of staying put together.

“The biggest thing I’ve learned is how to manage my time. Just getting work done and coming to the library like I am now, and making sure I have all my homework and papers in on time,” MacEwan said. “Be prepared, be organized and start a planner.”

Deshawn Jones, a freshman pre-nursing major, said the biggest thing he’s learned at Kent State is similar to MacEwan and Sadowski — studying with his roommates is key to getting better at his math classes.

Michelle Eatman, sophomore international relations major, said that going to office hours is important to academic success — something she has only learned this year.

However, many students said they have noticed how they have grown over the years as a more self-aware, unique individual.

“I’ve grown as an individual independently. I know that I don’t need to rely on anyone else but myself to do my own thing,” Stephanie Capilongo, a sophomore photojournalism major, said. “I’ve learned a lot about myself — how to accept who I am and embrace my uniqueness, and not always worry what other people think. This year especially, I’m not afraid to do things on my own and to take charge to do what I like and what I want to do.”

Katy Nielsen, a junior mathematics major, said that living independently has forced her to learn how to budget her money and social time.

“I’ve learned a lot about time and money management,” Nielsen said. “I’ve grown socially and made more friends and done more school activities. I used to rely on my parents for everything living with them, but now I’m living alone and depend on myself.”

At a school as diverse as Kent State, Kylee Southers freshman special education major, said that, to her, finding her true colors her first year at Kent State is what she’s learned the most about.

Ian Sutherland smiled as he thought about what he’s learned while attending Kent State. The senior biochemistry major added one final tip for underclassmen: Don’t forget about having fun.

“It’s people that make the experience. You can go anywhere, you can see anything, but it’s the friends you make and the connections you make,” Sutherland said. “It taught me a lot about myself. It’s what you make out of it. Stay focused, especially early; establish a good foundation of grades and friends that will help; and then just have fun.”

Payton Moore is a student life reporter for The Kent Stater. Contact her at [email protected].