Summary of "College: A Time of Wonder"

The article College: A Time of Wonder by Robert A. Bonfiglio spoke of the first year experience for new college students and the shift of ideas that universities project to new students today. Bonfiglio talked about how higher education used to be projected as prideful scholarship; it was something challenging that not just anyone could achieve. In more recent years as college enrollment has skyrocketed, the message from the university has changed from excitement and pride to warnings and precautions about the coming year. Universities now fill the minds of students and their parents with potential physical and emotional dangers. This causes much anxiousness and both students and parents are constantly on the defensive, waiting for something horrible to happen. Bonfiglio concludes with stating that there should be a shift from this negative projection of university life to more active advising for enrolled students, and a heightened attitude of opportunity and overall success as an individual.