At a recent Foghorn staff meeting we discussed registering for classes last week. Most of us had registered for classes we needed for our major or as a core requirement. We all had met with an advisor to have our holds cleared and were aware of our registration time. Somehow, however, all of us had friends, roommates, or co-workers who were not prepared for registration. We concluded that many students do not know which classes they need to take to graduate or how to find and schedule a meeting with an advisor.

The Foghorn’s lead story last week, “USF’s 4-Year Graduation Rates Hit Low,” seems to fit with our observance of student carelessness. As a staff, we agree that many students are not taking responsibility for their education or seeking out ways to enhance their experience at USF. As far as registration goes, students should care enough about their education and future career to take the initiative and research the classes within their major(s) that inspire them the most. Professors at USF are often incredibly well respected in their field and their relationship with you can make or break your career.

Many editors on the Foghorn staff are trying to make it in competitive fields where only individuals with the most motivation and ambition can be successful. This is not meant to discourage students, but simply to put their college experience in perspective. Apathy can be a lot of fun, but life is going to get rough in ten years when you have no experience to draw on and no employer to send you a paycheck.

Student apathy does not just apply to academics. Many students come to organizations like the Foghorn and express interest in getting involved. Unfortunately, as soon as we approach them with any level of responsibility they tend to disappear. Tuition at USF is a lot of money, but that investment can really pay off when you get involved and realize just how good leadership positions look on your resume and just how helpful it is to network with professionals in your industry. In a job market that rejects nearly everyone, what will you do to make yourself stand out?

The Foghorn staff believes there is a bigger problem circling college aged individuals. The line between childhood and adulthood is somewhat blurred while in college. Most students still depend on their parents financially, but do not have to adhere to the regulations their parents enforced in high school.

Next time you ask your parents for financial support, consider what steps you are taking to becoming an independent and responsible adult and how you are utilizing the resources USF has to offer you. It’s not too late to get involved, go to class, and create a sense of personal responsibility.

Editor-in-Chief: Heather Spellacy

Chief Copy-Editor: Burke McSwain

Opinion Editor: Laura Waldron