Why do we have to sit in these boring classes, listen to boring old people tell boring stories and learn about things that aren't going to affect us on a daily basis once we're finally out of this place?

To many, it seems that education is a burden. But why does school have to be so bad? Is it the teacher? The school? The material?

A college student myself, I often hear other students complain about how boring a class is or how horrible the teacher is to listen to. Yet these people chosethese classes, these teachers and this school! Is school that bad, or are students just lazy?

School = hard work

A simple Google search on "lazy students" brings up links like "How to Be a Lazy College Student" and Lazywaytobettergrades.com. Seriously?

Although I get the sarcasm in the text of these sites, I know there's a natural desire to take it easy. This may be tough to hear, but the truth is that education is supposed to be challenging!

Really learning well requires a willing ear and a hardworking spirit. We can make up excuses about why we don't like a class or why we don't want to read a textbook, but that will get us nowhere. The bottom line is, we can't afford to be lazy!

What kind of student are you?

Like nearly all recent U.S. presidents, President Barack Obama has spoken to student audiences about education. In a speech on Sept. 8, 2009, he said: "Whatever you resolve to do, I want you to commit to it. I want you to really work at it."

Because of the advice of the president of the United States, a few students just might pursue success. But vertical thinkers may be familiar with similar words from an inspired leader of great wisdom in the Bible, Israel's King Solomon: "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might" (Ecclesiastes 9:10).

This principle of hard work is a critical value for all vertical thinkers!

Why take the easy way out by not turning in assignments on time, racing mindlessly through homework without really gaining anything from it or sitting in class like a lifeless blob staring at the clock? Why not follow the wise advice of doing everything with all of your might, effort and ability?

Tips for better learning

Here are a few suggestions for the studious and mighty:

Prepare yourself. Read the textbook and know the topic you're learning about.

Get involved. Active engagement in class activities goes a long way to help information stick. Chances are the class might be a bit more interesting too...much more so than staring at the clock!

Plan ahead. Monumental tasks don't seem so impossible when you plan your time and break things down into easy steps. Make a list of assignments you need to complete and allow yourself plenty of time to finish them. This will relieve some stress and enable you to put more effort into each activity. (See eHow.com/how_2039704_be-good-student.html for a list of practical tips.)

Education is challenging, but with genuine hard work, your report card might show top grades this year.

Yet what about assessment on a higher level—a spiritual evaluation of personal effort? And how can you maintain and strengthen your spiritual life while acquiring an academic education? Read "Christian Through College" in the January-March 2006 issue of Vertical Thought to learn more. VT