The Cost of an Education and How You can get Your Money’s Worth

Going into my last year at school, I look back at many memorable moments. Whether it was playing varsity sports, organizing charity events, or just the many nights out with friends, I always made sure I was involved here at Nipissing. With leaving soon, people stop and ask what my main plans are for the future. I plan on finishing my degree and start preparing for a job in the real world so that I can start making the big bucks. In reality, this is not always the norm. If you were to ask most other upper year students this question, their answer would likely revolve around how they are planning to pay off student debts reaching upwards of $50,000. In the next few years, you might see yourself heading down that road too. Unfortunately, this is the cost of an education today, but it is worth every penny. Sure, education is a costly experience, but only you can get your money’s worth.

So why should a 4th year Sociology major worry about the debt of others? Because I, and many others, have been there. We know it’s tough, but one way or another we have managed to survive. So many times I have seen my friends postpone their educational experience so they could work for a year and make money. Most of them have never come back. This reality really hit home earlier this summer at one of Nipissing’s student orientation events. I was at The Wall, telling stories to potential students, reassuring worried parents, and joking with staff and faculty. In the corner of the room, there was a young girl, and her father, isolated from the rest, so I decided to wander over and say hi. As I was giving the usual spiel, good friend Nipissing President Dennis Mock walked over to introduce himself. As I was finishing my talk, I asked if they had any questions. The father looked over at me and asked, “Can I afford for her to go to school?” I paused. Now let me tell you, I hate when people answer a question with a question, but Dr. Mock is actually a little quicker than he looks! With all sincerity and honesty, he asked the father, “Can you really afford for her not to go to school?” Gah…always one step ahead of me, old man Mock.

Think about that one for a while. Where does university really take us? Long answer short: in a society that values qualifications, degrees, and education over personality and effort, university has become our key to opening the door of opportunity. Sure, I don’t necessarily agree with what society has become, as do many others, but that’s the way it is. Instead, as you embark on your educational experience here at Nipissing University, I will try to tell you how to really get your money’s worth. I truly want you to become the student that gets involved, at really no extra cost to you. It will make your experience that much better.

It all starts even before the school year begins. It might be too late for some now, but keep this in mind for next year. Nipissing University offers an unprecedented varsity sports program for soccer, volleyball, and cross country. At no extra cost to you, Nipissing offers training camps, games, tournaments, and a year-round sporting experience for those with the determination to compete. Here’s the really cool thing: when it comes to varsity, with only 4000 students we constantly embarrass schools of 50,000+ such as York, Ryerson, and Ottawa. All you have to do is go see Vito at the athletic facility, and he will get the ball rolling.

On the topic of athletics, check out NUSAC, your student athletic council (also at the gym). Year round, these folks organize softball tournaments, a hockey league, dodge ball, frisbee, indoor soccer, and other intramurals. They also organize the legendary Winter Classics (if you have to ask, be prepared for a story or two).

Now, if you aren’t into athletics, I’m just getting started. Stop by our Student Union office for an endless opportunity of events and activities for everyone. It all starts during the first week of school, aka Frosh Week. We are known nation wide for continuously hosting the best frosh week ever. This is a week-long social for first years to be introduced to friends and campus life. There is free food, trips around North Bay, concerts, and socials, all hosted by your Student Union. This is where we need people like you to come in and see how you can be Frosh Leaders, and help us give these first years one of the most memorable moments of their university career.

Your Student Union offers so much more. You pay fees every year, and here are some of the services we offer. Clubs: whether you want to join one, or start your own as acting President, we will fund your club start up. Current clubs range from Biology society, Poetry society, to Students on Stage, each specializing in what your interests are. Heck, if you wanted to start a Chocolate Bar Appreciation Society, consider it done; just come in to NUSU to find out more. Trips: we send students to NBA games, NHL games, concerts, and theatrical plays year round, so keep an eye on the NUSU bulletin boards for your chance to sign up. Road Crew: want to help us set up for concerts, get to meet the band, and score a free ticket or two? Come and see Buddah, who is always looking for a helping hand. A Team: another group of students who work hard not only during frosh week but year round to promote awareness campaigns that target us as students. Street Team: a newly created group of students to help specifically with initiatives, new and old, including socials, formals, and fundraising events. Council: We hold elections once a year for NUSU delegates and NUSU council so that students like you can get involved in student government and represent your concerns. Senate: something new to us, we will hold elections for seats at Academic Senate, so we can have a student input into what goes into our University.

Look into expanding your educational experience to another country with Nipissing Study Exchange. This is an opportunity for you to travel abroad to areas like Australia, Barbados, France, Sweden, and more. The credits you earn at these schools are transferred to your Nipissing degree. You still pay Nipissing’s tuition, and the only real extra cost is your travel. This is an opportunity few people actually pursue, but it would be one experience that would help you develop a global perspective, intercultural skills, and maybe even a new language.

From there, most other available opportunities can be found right in front of you, around the school, and particularly on the bulletin boards around campus. Groups like the Young Liberals (political interest group), Frontier College (tutoring opportunities in North Bay), and Campus Safe Walk (security for students at school late) are always looking for more members, volunteers, and just people who want to get involved. Remember, these are opportunities that you don’t want to pass on!

If nothing at all, take pride in the fact that you go to Nipissing University: one of the smallest schools, with the biggest hearts. We constantly rank 1st nation wide among McLean’s surveys. This is one of the only schools where the teachers will know you by name, not a number. We are known for the best residences, frosh week, and education program nation wide. The reaction that employers will give you, with a degree from Nipissing, will be one of respect. But don’t forget what I have told you. Every extra curricular activity is an experience, social builder, and, maybe most important of all, an attractive piece to add to a resume. So take advantage of the opportunities this school offers. It will mould the person you are, and the person you will become. The future gains far outweigh the temporary strains that come with the cost of completing your education. So get involved: can you really afford not to?