Lessons Learned: What College Courses Regretted Taking and Not Taking

The path to academic excellence is fraught with both triumphs and regrets. The lessons learned from courses we take or regret not taking can shape our academic journeys and our personal growth. This article explores a few specific instances where these regrets and missed opportunities intersect, reflecting on the importance of course choices in shaping our education and perspectives.

Regretting Not Taking a Course

One of the most poignant regrets stems from a missed opportunity to take a specific course in environmental history. This course was taught by an exceptional professor at the University of Wisconsin, a scholar renowned for his expertise, as well as a Rhodes Scholar and MacArthur Fellow. Despite the course being highly recommended and the professor being an incredible resource, the speaker’s schedule did not allow them to fit it in. To this day, they [the speaker] deeply regrets this decision, as the course would have enriched both their academic and personal understanding significantly.

Microeconomics: Missteps and Reflections

Another regret is not taken in a microeconomics class. This course, while interesting in theory, unfortunately suffered from poor teaching and unexpected grading, which left the speaker disillusioned. The regret here is not about the subject matter, but the specific circumstances under which it was taken. The poor performance and bizarre grading of the online course taught by a less-experienced professor impacted the speaker negatively and they no longer hold this class in high regard.

Formative Academics: Classes That Shaped a Person

Reflecting on the courses that had the most profound influence on their personal development, the speaker found several that stood out. Foreign Policy, International Politics, and related subjects were instrumental in teaching them critical thinking skills, a robust writing voice, and invaluable perspectives. The professors who taught these subjects were not only brilliant but also had a creative and nuanced approach to their disciplines. Their interactions with these professors will remain lifelong academic assets.

Required Courses and Beyond: A Bachelor's Degree Perspective

For their bachelor’s degree in psychology, the speaker found themselves juggling the minimum required classes to graduate quickly, neglecting to take more elective courses. While they still hold a deep love for psychology, they often wonder about the missed opportunities to delve into related fields like sociology and anthropology.

Artistic Pursuits: Missing Out on Perspective

During their BFA studies, a missed opportunity to take a comprehensive course in Perspective was noted. This field, crucial for any artist, would have provided a detailed and nuanced understanding of linear perspective. The complexity of perspective as a stand-alone subject could have been a profound learning experience, enriching their artistic journey further.

In conclusion, the courses we take and the ones we miss can profoundly impact our academic and personal growth. Reflecting on these experiences can offer valuable insights and serve as a reminder of what we value in our education and what we might want to pursue in the future.