By Clark Wohlferd
Sun Prairie, Wisconsin
History, Political Science
After Macalester: New York University School of Law
All too often higher education is overly focused on a narrow definition of learning according to books, lectures and articles. Of course, we have our good share of this traditional sense of education at Macalester. However, what Mac provides that is special is its tremendous emphasis on cooperative learning outside of the classroom.
Undoubtedly, I have learned just as much about life, about social change, about relationships, and about who I am in my extracurricular involvement as I have in my coursework.It has been said that playing sports in college is a tale of two educations, one learned in the classroom and one on the practice field. But I am not so certain the two can be separated.
It has been said that playing sports in college is a tale of two educations, one learned in the classroom and one on the practice field. But I am not so certain the two can be separated.
-Clark Wohlferd |
My experience playing football has helped me in the classroom, just as my efforts in the classroom have helped my development as a player. In team sports, as in scholarship, you recognize that your actions have real significance. Your teammates and your classmates are relying on you because that is what playing sports and learning are all about: each person giving themselves to a common goal. Whether that goal is victories or group projects doesn't matter.
More than anything else, participating in sports requires time management. It can be daunting, but anything worth doing is, because the benefits of competing are so valuable.
Above all else, I cherish the friendships I have formed with my teammates. The team camaraderie of practicing, playing and traveling together creates a surrogate family for all of us. Because I played football, I have 35 best friends. If you are struggling in a subject, you can be certain that there is someone on the team willing to tutor you. Because of this family feeling, being voted one of the captains of the football team is probably the honor I appreciate the most.
Playing a leadership role can be pretty challenging when you are trying to help the team stay focused through the ups, downs, wins and losses of a full college season. But I don't regret accepting a leadership role, and I certainly don't regret playing football for Macalester. I would not trade a minute, a teammate or any of the lessons learned on the Macalester field for anything else because I know that without athletics my college experience would have felt incomplete.
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