Journal #3 (11/30/09)

This book coincides with a discussion we recently had in class about who has the most power. This discussion was based off an activity we did in class about socioeconomics and moving from one class to another. We related this back to our book by comparing how a professor, who would be viewed as a higher socioeconomic class, became a freshman in college, which would be considered the lowest socioeconomic class, and what she learned. The author determined that even though freshman in college were considered the lowest class, the fact that they were students gave them the most power. This power would be the individuals’ choices that affect their future. She also discusses that independence and individualism are the basis for community at a public state university. With such power of independence a student has the willingness to pursue college as a building block for the future career or the dreams and aspirations. Some students, however, do not reflect this characteristic because they are the ones who are content with staying in the “lower socioeconomic class”. This may be reflected in their choice not continuing with college or not attending an institute at all.

Throughout the book Rebekah Nathan uses personal interviews that she conducted while at school. Each interview aided in the unbiased effect of each section of the book. These interviews also helped her understand things that she couldn’t experience due to her age and/or ethnicity. An example of this would be in the section where she talks about international students and their experiences on campus. Since she isn’t an international student these interviews help her grasp the complete idea of what student life was like for them. Another technique she uses throughout the book is observation. During her days at school she walks around through the dorms, listening into peoples’ conversations, or monitor the lunch for anything that can be helpful for her writing. Although this may seem creepy, it does work for the tone of the book and helps it become more relatable for the reader.