Example Of Achieving College Success Through Personal Responsibility Essay

Many students look forward to college because it means leaving the house and living in a dormitory away from home. For some, it equates to some degree of freedom, as they would no longer be under the prying eyes of parents who used to check on all their activities back in high school. However, what students must realize is that college life means society, in general, have high expectations on them more than the institutions these college students attend. Thus, they are expected to learn a whole lot about personal responsibility and its relationship with achieving success in college.
Personal responsibility refers to an individual's response to life's challenges and opportunities, instead of waiting passively for things to happen or for others' to make choices for the individual. It refers to a level of self-awareness and the individual's goals in life, including strategies how the individual intends to achieve those goals. While people respond to challenges and difficulties differently, what separates those who are personally responsible from the rest is the personal accountability that an individual brings into everything that one does in life. It is when an individual makes his or her own decisions without regret or complaints about the outcome that shows how responsible an individual is.
When taken together with life in college, personal responsibility and college life must go hand in hand. In college, students are expected to act on their own and take care of one's own schedule and activities – without much guidance from the parents. This bit of temporary freedom is the college students' test if they will be successful in their college life or not. Those who are more concerned with enjoying the freedom they have without regard to the responsibilities tied up to their college education usually end up not completing their education and dropping out in college. In contrast, those who exercise personal responsibility go on to graduate with degrees because they exercise self-discipline or self-control when it comes to leading their lives. These students realize that their actions affect other people as well, thus, they are sensitive to others' needs and wants. When given a choice whether to study or to party, they choose the former, as they know a night of partying could be a step backward in the achievement of their goals. They know that as students, it is their responsibility to pass the subjects, and failing to do so means not putting the blame on other people but on one's self.
Students who exercise personal responsibility in college also realize that living harmoniously with peers and teachers creates a better atmosphere for all. Because of a clear sense of responsibility, these individuals are more likely to avoid dangerous drugs, as they know the harmful effects engaging in drugs can lead to. Thus, becoming a peace-loving person endears the individual to those he or she interacts with, resulting to better relationships and a peaceful atmosphere for all.
Finally, personal responsibility entails that college students become open-minded and critical instead of becoming emotional in dealing with issues. They have a good sense of self-worth, which makes them less emotional than their counterparts are. They know how to take circumstances in stride and do not let temporary setbacks determine their future. Instead, college students who have personal accountability think of ways to solve their issues rather than wallow in self-pity, which could eventually lead to absenteeism, use of illegal drugs, and suicidal tendencies.
In this light, college students must learn how to manage their time and reduce time wastage in order to succeed. They have to ensure that all activities that they do will lead them to the accomplishment of their goals and is always a step ahead. Therefore, it is crucial for college students to review their goals and plans to improve their performance and standing in college. This will enable them to check whether they are progressing towards their goals or not. If they are, then they are already a step closer to realizing their dreams, whereas becoming personally responsible and accountable can help steer them to the right direction to success.