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| The Amazing Reed College |
It was the first time to enjoy a university
visit with all my heart. We visited many universities this semester, and I had
a good time each opportunity, but all of them were similar and not so
attractive to me. However, one college that we visited during the Portland trip was absolutely fabulous; the name was Reed College.
I was really impressed by the unique rules such as the liberal arts, the senior
thesis and the honor system. If I were wise enough and also rich, I certainly choose
this college.
The liberal arts system is one of
characteristics of American universities. In Reed College,
students can choose their classes from different kinds of majors, so they do
not have to focus on only their own major. For example, a business student can
take an accounting class, and an engineer major student can join a physics
class. I think it is a really great system for students because many college
students including me are still looking for what we want to do in the future.
Therefore, if we can learn many subjects, it will be helpful to find our dream because
we can get lots of new knowledge and experiences from a wide horizon. Mukogawa
Women’s University has a liberal arts class only once a week though; most Japanese
college students usually cannot take a class of different majors. Therefore, I
am jealous of this liberal arts system.
The other unique point of Reed College
is the senior thesis. American seniors have to write a thesis before they will
graduate from a university, and the system is also same as Japanese
universities. However, seniors of Reed College spend much time and write longer
one than other American students. The college offers big support to complete a
wonderful work. For example, seniors can get their own seat in a library to
write a thesis during the senior year. Also, every thesis that all alumni had
ever written has kept on the third floor of the library, and the place is
called “Thesis Tower”. After they finish writing a thesis and submitting the
final draft, they burn all materials that are related to their thesis. It is
because they spent lots of times on the thesis, and finally they are discharged
from the big project. Therefore, they cerebrate that with their friends and
also teachers, and it is an interesting custom of Reed College.
I was really surprised, and also I could understand how the senior thesis is
important and takes a long time.
Finally, the most unique and attractive point of Reed College
is the honor system. Teachers really trust students, so this college does not
have many rules. For example, students do not have to take exams in a
classroom. If they want to take it in the library, in the bath tub or even at
the top of a tree, they can do that. If they do not bother other students, they
can do anything they want. It is unreliable and I think it will never happen in
Japan.
Through the story, we can see how wonderful the relationship between teachers
and students is. Besides, students cannot receive a grade. It is strange, isn’t
it? Teachers just let them know whether they passed the class or not. If they
get “Satisfaction”, it means they could pass; however, they do not know their
satisfactory level like enough or narrow. It is an inconceivable idea, too. I
was impressed by most systems of Reed
College, but this is only
one expectation. I want to know my grade on each exam, because it is the result
of my efforts. Therefore, I do not think this is a good system.
As you can see, I really
enjoyed the Reed College visit. Their systems are really
unique, but I think most of them are amazing. The styles of this college seem
free and kind to students, but it also means everything is up to students.
However, if students have a high motivation and a goal, the environment will
bring good results. If I can make an effort by myself, it does not matter
wherever I am. However, I think that the environment affects me with either in good
way or bad one. Therefore, the environment of Reed College such as the curriculum,
supports from the school and relationships between teachers and students can
lead me with a great way. That is why I was attracted by this college. Due to become
the student of the college, I have to study to get a score of 600 on TOEFL. Also,
I must work very hard on my part time job to save for the expensive tuition.
