Discovering the Most Impactful College Class for Your Life

College can be a mix of enjoyable and challenging courses, each offering a unique set of skills. Years after graduation, I often find myself reflecting on the classes that have had a profound impact on my life. Among them, two stand out not only because of their immediate benefits but also their long-term influence.

1. Educational Testing and Measurement

For my undergraduate degree in Secondary Education, with teaching fields in History and Drama, I never thought I'd find myself cherishing a class that I initially disliked. Yet, the course in educational testing and measurement turned out to be incredibly valuable. This course covered the creation of clear behavioral objectives, preparing reliable exams, and conducting item analyses. Although the statistical tasks were assigned, the underlying principles were instrumental in shaping my teaching career and later my master's degree in statistics.

The content from this course was not only useful for preparing test objectives and exams for my university courses, but it also played a crucial role in my graduate studies. The statistical knowledge I gained then has been invaluable in my career, helping me in both teaching and research.

2. Writing for Business

Another significant class was 'Writing for Business,' which, surprisingly, has helped me maintain my job. The skills I learned in this course have been a crucial asset in my career, especially my ability to write effectively and clearly for professional purposes. This course not only enhanced my writing skills, but it also deepened my understanding of the business world. It's been a dependable backbone in my professional repertoire, ensuring I can adapt to various writing requirements in my career.

A Quest to Find the Most Important Class

As an educator, I value the enjoyment students derive from my classes. However, I also recognize that students may not always see the immediate value in every course. Classes that deal with oral presentations or collaborative work, for example, are often viewed as less enjoyable. Still, these very same classes, while challenging, offer skills that can be highly beneficial in the long run. Indeed, it might not be a well-loved course that will turn out to be the most important; it could be a class that seems dull or unnecessary at the time.

We can’t always tell what will benefit us the most in the future. It could be a course we loved, or it could be one we hated, or thought was a waste of time, is a message I often share with my students. Every class, regardless of the subject, has the potential to shape our future positively, even in ways we can't foresee.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the most important college class for you might be one you never expected. Whether it's a class that provided you with crucial career skills or one that you loved but now realize had a lasting impact, each class has the potential to enrich your life. So, cherish every moment and embrace every challenge, as each one is a stepping stone on your life's journey.