Education’s importance is one of the priorities in modern society. Parents try to provide their children with the best options, find money to pay for their education and choose among the existing priorities. Therefore, it is not a surprise to observe how often people use the word “college” in their communication. Students consider “college” as a place where they have to spend some time, obtain new knowledge, and develop various skills. Parents believe it is a period of life when multiple changes occur to their children. However, “college” has much more meaning, and this draft focuses on the discussion of its meaning, application in different sources, and its importance in everyday use.
Definition
One of the easiest and fastest ways to find a definition of the word is to surf the web and choose an available dictionary. In the Cambridge Dictionary, one of the ways to define “college” is to consider it as “a university where you can study for an undergraduate (= first) degree” or “any place for specialized education after the age of 16 where people study or train to get knowledge and/or skills” (“College,” n.d.). Still, to understand the true meaning of this word, it is expected to develop thorough research and check its use in different sources. For example, a future project has to include such a definition of “college” as “a group of people with a particular job, purpose, duty, or power” (“College,” n.d.). Each meaning is correct, which makes “college” a unique word for analysis.
Application
In the article where this word was found, college was used as a place chosen by parents for their children to receive education and develop skills. There are also the sources where authors used this word in another meaning, a group of people. For example, in his historical guide, Lewis (2015) said that “Pope Clement VII formalized this when he created a college of administrators whose duty it was to help build and administer the basilica” (p. 76).
Although this definition is approved by the Cambridge writer, I believe that such an application has to be re-evaluated, taking into consideration current needs, knowledge, and attitudes. There are many other synonyms to introduce a group of people with the same interests and duties, and “college” has to be regarded as a place for students to study and get their degrees.
Importance
The role of college in human life cannot be diminished or ignored. Today, millions of people want to choose the best college with the best teachers. In many cases, parents are ready to pay a lot. However, such an obsession with elite colleges and statuses results in scandals and disappointment (Quintana, 2019). It is recommended to investigate the history of the word “college” and clarify why the place for education turns into the reason for a new scandal.
Conclusion
This draft is a good opportunity to realize why the analysis of the meaning of a word can play a role in understanding people and their behaviors. A college is something many young people strive for, and their present decisions determine their future careers and plans. Beginning with the meaning of the word “college” is a necessary step for current and future students in their learning process and enhancing their expectations and dreams. The uniqueness of this project lies in the possibility to combine lexicology, psychology, and sociology to improve human behaviors and relationships.
References
College. (n.d.) In Cambridge dictionary. Web.
Lewis, J. (2015). A holy year in Rome: The complete pilgrim’s guide for the year of mercy. Manchester, NH: Sophia Institute Press.
Quintana, C. (2019). Are universities the victims here? What colleges have to do right now to clean up admissions after largest-ever cheating scandal. USA Today. Web.