Pay attention, this is important.

Pay attention, this is important.

While you are somnolently (that means sleepily) cruising through another day on Planet College, you may, while sitting in one class or another hear your instructor say, "OK. Pay Attention. This is important." While the temptation is to let this become a part of the endless ebb of sights and sounds of another school day you could be well advised to actually do what she says. That is, Pay attention.

Here's why.

While it is generally a given that students need to pay attention in class, that is why they are there, it is also a given that they don't. Don't usually pay attention. With this in mind many instructors have learned to highlight important material, material they regard as important, with the introduction at the top of this post.

Your instructor in this course has spent many, many hours of her life preparing to teach this course. Really. So when she determines something is important she is going tell the class, "This is important." What this means is that this lesson, presentation, set of facts, formula, author or whatever she is referring to is going to be on the test. Yes. That is why she is calling the classes' attention to it. Instructors are like that. They like to point out stuff they think is important.

There. That was important.

Volunteer? Overseas?? Me???

Along with travel, volunteering is a traditional part of most student's experience on Planet College. Combining these two traditions has also for a while been integral to college students experience. The most widely known American institution which provides both of these aspects is the Peace Corps. This government program is not limited to students but does require a degree among other things to qualify. The United Nations also has a volunteer component but these too are only available to experienced professionals. What about students, professionals in training? For one example Geekcorp places volunteers internationally in positions requiring technological expertise.
When seeking overseas volunteer positions bear in mind you will be required to pay at least part of the expenses involved. Also volunteer positions usually require a time commitment, at least three months often more. Finally if you are seriously considering volunteering overseas you will no doubt need a valid, up to date passport and possibly such immunization as your destination country may require.