Fed up with college...on week four of freshman year

[LaMusicaSenior]

As some of you know, I am currently a freshman at my local university. The first month has come and gone of classes, and I am fed up. I know this is a negative outlook, but excuse me while I rant for a little.

Anthropology has had two instances of Catholic bashing. The professor first pointed out that Catholics can’t seriously believe that the body and blood of Christ is actually present in the Eucharist and that they are confused on the concepts of symbols. The second is when she decided to say that Catholics are naive for thinking that priests can actually bring about the process of the forgiven sin in the confessional. In class today, my fellow anthropology student said “Well, people just need to believe what they believe and each person has their own truth.” I had to say something, and ended up with the response of “No, it boils down to either a) everyone believes they each have their own truth and NOTHING is true, or b) there is truth that is absolute which exists whether you believe it or not. You choose.”

I’m also angered at the complete lack of respect for authority amongst students. The lack of motivation kills me. My first choice of college was Benedictine in Atchison, Kansas. Yet the cost is CRAZY. I want to grow up, get married and have kids. I don’t want to have to bring that financial burden into my marriage. Yet if I was convinced that I had a calling to a consecrated single, I would be at Benedictine right now. The only thing holding me back is a moral compass that says that I believe God is calling me to marriage and horrible debt hurts marriage.

Going crazy.

Tomorrow we get to study Elizabeth McCormack in a leadership course. Why? Because she was a Catholic nun who went against every vow that she ever took and set up an abortion for a girl. Since that apparently is the example everyone should strive to follow - an example of hypocrisy in which I’m sure everyone will use to bash how “horrible the Catholic Church is anyway.”

Any advice = appreciated.

 

[Gullveig]

Anthropology has had two instances of Catholic bashing. The professor first pointed out that Catholics can’t seriously believe that the body and blood of Christ is actually present in the Eucharist and that they are confused on the concepts of symbols. The second is when she decided to say that Catholics are naive for thinking that priests can actually bring about the process of the forgiven sin in the confessional. In class today, my fellow anthropology student said “Well, people just need to believe what they believe and each person has their own truth.” I had to say something, and ended up with the response of “No, it boils down to either a) everyone believes they each have their own truth and NOTHING is true, or b) there is truth that is absolute which exists whether you believe it or not. You choose.”

If that’s what she actually said, then you have a horrible anthropology professor. And I teach Anthropology myself. Is this an anthro 101 class or a sociology seminar type thing?

If you really feel like she’s overtly bashing Catholics (which is unethical, especially if this is a public university), you have every right to complain to the department chair, you know. I suggest you write up your complaint providing dates and details of the incident and make an appointment with the department chair and/or the dean.

 

[LaMusicaSenior]

If that’s what she actually said, then you have a horrible anthropology professor. And I teach Anthropology myself. Is this an anthro 101 class or a sociology seminar type thing.

If you really feel like she’s overtly bashing Catholics (which is unethical, especially if this is a public university), you have every right to complain to the department chair, you know. I suggest you write up your complain providing dates and details of the incident and make an appointment with the department chair and/or the dean.

I don’t think it’s an intentional bashing…I think it is a misinformed bias that is manifesting itself when she selects examples for anthropology (101 intro level) emphasis on religious behaviors in culture.

 

[Gullveig]

I don’t think it’s an intentional bashing…I think it is a misinformed bias that is manifesting itself when she selects examples for anthropology (101 intro level) emphasis on religious behaviors in culture.

Still, it would be something you would want to discuss either with her outside of class or with the department if necessary. Even if it’s not intentional, your concerns need to be brought to her attention and it’s clearly affecting your ability to participate in the class. All professors make occasional mistakes. Good professors are willing to listen to student feedback and either further explain the issue or make corrections if there’s an error.

 

[LaMusicaSenior]

I will definitely keep this in mind as the semester goes on…we’ll see if she brings up Catholicism once again.

We are supposed to do a fieldwork exercise in a cultural experience that we are incredibly familiar with (including religious experiences) and I’m leaning towards fieldnotes concerning the Mass.

 

[FrStevenJones]

Transfer to Benedictine college. Better to have quality and debt rather than poor quality and less debt. Don’t waste your college years at a place where you don’t want to be!

 

[Trigonometric]

I just started my sophomore year, and I feel pretty much the same way. I’d look at it as an opportunity to learn to write and debate better. Yes, it will be frustrating, but it’s over in a few years any way.

Anthropology has had two instances of Catholic bashing

I cannot think of a single field more relativistic than anthropology. In theory it should be a decent field. In practice, it’s what you get if you take a history course but forcibly remove any rational thought. Forbes lists it as among the worst college majors for a financial future. Unless you need a GPA boost, there is absolutely no reason to take an anthropology class.

I’m also angered at the complete lack of respect for authority amongst students. The lack of motivation kills me

I understand that this can be demoralizing but, assuming the classes are curved, there’s definitely a positive side to this. Lack of motivation among the other students makes it that much easier for you to get good grades.

 

[underacloud]

At university you will encounter many people with opposing, alternative, and sometimes hostile views. Yes, lecturers too.

You should always remain respectful of the person, and as best you can respectful of their perspective. If you’re “fed up” after only a month, it’s going to be a very hard 3 or 4 years for you. And if you always try to defend the Catholic position, you’ll find that hard work too. Instead, I suggest you try to “share” your faith, without feeling the need to “defend” it. A wise priest once encouraged me to view things in this light. Not all of us are called to an apologist style approach to defending the faith; there are people who do this very well and anyone seriously interested in learning more about Catholicism can find them easily enough. For fellow students at university, it will be more helpful to see that you’re an intellegent, reasonable, friendly, and optimistic person…who happens to be a practicing Catholic.

As for other students and lack of motivation…that’s their business. Keep your focus on your own studies, and appropriate extra-caricular activities, rather then being distracted, because there will always be distractions at university that many people find hard to avoid.

 

[GEddie]

The anthro course may be required, however.

OP: Hang in there and count it toward your penance. We need to be able to match the general culture with our minds; and to do that, we need to study to meet it on its own terms.

As to the student culture, that would be true roughly anywhere you were enrolled.

I think your desire to avoid carrying student debt into a future marriage is commendable, FWIW.

ICXC NIKA

 

[Gullveig]

I cannot think of a single field more relativistic than anthropology. In theory it should be a decent field. In practice, it’s what you get if you take a history course but forcibly remove any rational thought. Forbes lists it as among the worst college majors for a financial future. Unless you need a GPA boost, there is absolutely no reason to take an anthropology class.

It’s a good thing no one ever told me this, or I wouldn’t have an amazing job that I’ve always wanted and make a decent, if not exorbitant, amount of money doing. Not everyone chooses their life work based on how much money they’re going to make. Even if I knew that I’d never make more than ends meet, I’d happily continue my work until I fall over dead in an excavation trench one day, because it’s about increasing the body of knowledge, preserving historical artifacts, and getting the public interested in history and what you can learn from it.

I assume that you’re primarily taking issue with cultural anthropology. Cultural anthropology is a little bit more squishy a science, but so are many social science fields in that there are ethical boundaries that you wouldn’t encounter in, say, physics that make some subjects more difficult to study empirically than others. There are certainly people who go off the rails (like OP’s professor, possibly). However, I’ve seen massive improvements in the theoretical framework just since I’ve been in the wider field, so I look forward to seeing where they go with it. One doesn’t have to accept moral relativism as a personal value in order to use cultural relativism as a methodological and critical tool. They are, in fact, different concepts in the academic discipline. Unfortunately, it’s gotten wrapped up in political shenanigans, so now many people think that they’re the same thing. Honestly, I think increasing globalization and shrinking boundaries between cultures is going to make getting along in the modern world without some of the principles explored in anthropology a difficult prospect.

Anyway, /anthronerd rant.

 

[TK421]

One of the hidden gems of putting up with a religion-bashing professor is that when you acquire a deep understanding of your faith, you come to the beautiful realization just how poor their objections often are, and that they’re really just another human being who decided to spend a few extra years in college instead of going into the private sector.

It can be tough, but provided you steer yourself clear of the wreckage, you’ll be a veteran by the end of it.

 

[KendraDZ1902]

As some of you know, I am currently a freshman at my local university. The first month has come and gone of classes, and I am fed up. I know this is a negative outlook, but excuse me while I rant for a little.

Anthropology has had two instances of Catholic bashing. The professor first pointed out that Catholics can’t seriously believe that the body and blood of Christ is actually present in the Eucharist and that they are confused on the concepts of symbols. The second is when she decided to say that Catholics are naive for thinking that priests can actually bring about the process of the forgiven sin in the confessional. In class today, my fellow anthropology student said “Well, people just need to believe what they believe and each person has their own truth.” I had to say something, and ended up with the response of “No, it boils down to either a) everyone believes they each have their own truth and NOTHING is true, or b) there is truth that is absolute which exists whether you believe it or not. You choose.”

I’m also angered at the complete lack of respect for authority amongst students. The lack of motivation kills me. My first choice of college was Benedictine in Atchison, Kansas. Yet the cost is CRAZY. I want to grow up, get married and have kids. I don’t want to have to bring that financial burden into my marriage. Yet if I was convinced that I had a calling to a consecrated single, I would be at Benedictine right now. The only thing holding me back is a moral compass that says that I believe God is calling me to marriage and horrible debt hurts marriage.

Going crazy.

Tomorrow we get to study Elizabeth McCormack in a leadership course. Why? Because she was a Catholic nun who went against every vow that she ever took and set up an abortion for a girl. Since that apparently is the example everyone should strive to follow - an example of hypocrisy in which I’m sure everyone will use to bash how “horrible the Catholic Church is anyway.”

Any advice = appreciated.

Is this your major? If so and you are already fed up, maybe you should think about switching your major. If it isn’t, you will be done with this class in a few months and you can put it in the past.

 

[Midwest88]

I cannot think of a single field more relativistic than anthropology. In theory it should be a decent field. In practice, it’s what you get if you take a history course but forcibly remove any rational thought.

My experience mirrored this to an extent. The only anthro professor that actually was worthwhile in my college career was a man who specialized in the history branch of anthro. He researched hunters & gatherers, Native Americans and landscape. You really can’t make that stuff up if you tried. It was practically the history of [insert whatever].

 

[Lorelei12]

I’m sorry you’re dealing with this. It must be hard for you to hear and difficult to know how to respond. This won’t be the end of it though- you will experience comments like these all your life, in school, the workplace, and beyond. I think Underacloud’s advice to focus on sharing the faith by being a good example is helpful- you have an opportunity to show people that whatever stereotypes they may hold about Catholics aren’t always true.

Some people, like myself, are not so great at “defending” the faith. I attended both a Catholic college and a public university, and I generally disliked the university because the attitudes of the staff and students were much like what you describe. I know others have different experiences, but that was mine. I was much more comfortable and learned much more at the Catholic school, including the required courses in theology, philosophy, and morality. I did go into debt, and sometimes I question whether I should have, but usually I conclude that I’m glad I went.

You could always transfer to Benedictine, since you know that’s where you want to be. As for the debt- I think it’s very wise of you to be considering the burden it would bring to a marriage, and you are more thoughtful than many students your age by thinking ahead. However- consider that while it will be a hardship, I don’t believe it’s “hurting” my marriage as you say. I’m not saying it isn’t a struggle sometimes, but my husband and I are in this together and working together to pay off the debt, which we consider ours, not just mine. And had I never married (which is certainly a possibility for you as well) I certainly would have been happy I’d gone to the Catholic school I went to- I loved my time there, made lifelong friends, and became more grounded in my faith. If I’d chosen a school because I was planning on getting married and didn’t want any debt and spent years there unhappy, I would have been very disappointed with my choice. And, I never would have met my husband either!

Only you know what the best thing for you to do is- and sometimes there really isn’t a “right” choice. If you decide to stay for four years, you’ll have to learn to choose your battles and work hard to be a good witness to the faith. New beginnings are generally challenging, and perhaps if you give it some time you’ll find that you adjust well to where you’re at.

 

[1ke]

Why are you taking anthropology? talk about a waste of money

 

[gloraykid]

To OP: I am a big fan of the Newman’s Guide to Catholic Colleges. Here is a link to the articles that really helped us to feel comfortable with Franciscan University for our daughter: cardinalnewmansociety.org/SearchResults.aspx?Search=my+future+my+faith

If suggest you read Phil Lenahan’s article about whether you can afford a Catholic College (Big Money, Hard Choices) - and maybe consider the options he writes about if funds are tight, such as 2 years at a solid Catholic campus, and 2 at a state university to finish your major.

What IS your major? (Read Peter Kreeft’s article from the link above on why everyone should study philosophy and theology!). If theology, there are other options, such as Catholic Distance University which is really economical, as you can live/work at home while doing school online.

My first reaction when i read your post was: IF from your prayer you’ve discerned you should be at a faithful Catholic college, then FEAR NOT and transfer to Benedictine or wherever… God wouldn’t be calling you to a Catholic bubble school unless He had a plan. Be prudent (prayerfully discern), but trust in the Lord. I believe your chances of finding a faithful young man are better on such a campus as well…

God bless!

 

[St_Francis]

You might contact the Benedictine school to see how financial aid would work out. It is surprising how much can be done with aid, grants, work-study. Some people end up with lots of debt because they borrow a lot to finance their lifestyle rather than their education.

My son is at a private college and he is acceuing a small amount of debt. He lives on-campus so his grants, etc, take that into account; he works during the summer to cover extraneous expenses, we take care of car insurance and repairs and will help as we can with paying off the debt afterwards.

So talk to the school you *want *to attend and ask your parents what they can do to help. I am sad that my children seem to gravitate towards majors that are better gotten at public, non-Catholic schools

 

[PaulinVA]

I am amazed that a number of posters can’t help but bash anthropology professors when there is actually one, right here, participating in the conversation. Would you do that in real life?

 

[PaulfromIowa]

Anthropology has had two instances of Catholic bashing. The professor first pointed out that Catholics can’t seriously believe that the body and blood of Christ is actually present in the Eucharist and that they are confused on the concepts of symbols. The second is when she decided to say that Catholics are naive for thinking that priests can actually bring about the process of the forgiven sin in the confessional…

Tomorrow we get to study Elizabeth McCormack in a leadership course. Why? Because she was a Catholic nun who went against every vow that she ever took and set up an abortion for a girl. Since that apparently is the example everyone should strive to follow - an example of hypocrisy in which I’m sure everyone will use to bash how “horrible the Catholic Church is anyway.”

I am sure that some would say that the instructors are merely exercising free speech but I would say that this is just anti-Catholic bigotry. These examples have nothing to do with anthropology or “leadership.”

 

[pamnbam]

Reconsider your decision not to attend Benedictine. Debt is something that a lot of people live with, and there are options for dealing with it after you graduate. I chose my local college and was a commuter, thinking I could save money on room, board, and food by living with my parents. After graduating with a 4-year degree and a Masters, the cost is just about comparable to just receiving the 4-year degree.

Thinking back, I wish I had attended a college I wanted, instead of a college I thought I had to (in order to save money).

As long as you get a decent interest rate (which should be manageable these days), your debt may not be too bad. It’s not like a car note, where its expected to be paid off in a few years. Your college education is an investment. Think of if you choose to send your kids to Catholic school rather than public school–you’d be getting off money every month you don’t HAVE to spend, but it’s an investment in Catholic education. I digress…

Depending on your major and your target career, you may want to look into college debt forgiveness programs. For instance, if you get a degree in education and want to be a teacher, certain states will forgive your college debt if you teach certain subjects or in certain districts for a given amount if time. Wish I’d known about that when I graduated…Best wishes!