subject: Student Culture: Facing the First Life Challenges with Dignity [print this page] The period of personal maturation People who are saying that students are in clover are inclined to distort the reality. Certainly, student life is relatively careless. Still, concurring with the period of personal maturation, besides all unique opportunities, it presupposes a number of challenges. For this reason, the student culture is multi-sided and complicated. This can be explained by the inner struggle in the young people's souls. On the one hand, they catch every opportunity to entertain themselves and enjoy their time. On the other hand, at this period they start thinking over their professional career and financial independence and often try to combine their studies with work. All these peculiarities have impact on young people's behavioral characteristics and are reflected in student culture. It might seem that there is nothing difficult in solving the first life problems, such as planning one's small budget and making certain consequential decisions. However, this task might seem to be almost overwhelming to young people. Students reflect their inner conflict in their creative works, and not only academic papers but also songs, poems or paintings are among them. Analysis of various elements of this culture is possible only on the condition of considering the context of students' every day realities. Reflection of realities 1. The motifs of the students' songs and objects chosen for their paintings might shock an unprepared observer. However, these issues should not be accepted literally. It is advisable to try to look at them with the students' eyes. 2. Listening to the music, most adults are inclined to criticize its motifs and word choice. It is preferable to make an effort and get to the main idea of the song. 3. Analyzing the students' paintings, educators point at their fuzziness. However, it should be noted that its elements reflect the author's unique life views and the observers should try to read his/her message instead of depreciating.
Student Culture: Facing the First Life Challenges with Dignity
