Laziness does not exist: Read this if you’re failing in university

In this piece, I’m basically going to try to convince you that, lazy students do not exist.

Happy new years. This article is dedicated to any students who feel that they are simply ‘lazy’ and
not equipped to succeeding in university. My ultimate goal by the time that you’re done this essay
is to start understanding why you’re demotivated in university. I hope you find this piece informative
and remember to always question everything you read, including this.

I don’t like to use the word lazy to describe students’ effort in university because it ends the
conversation too abruptly. When a student walks in and seems unprepared, it can be easy to assume
that they’re simply not invested in their education or that they’re ‘lazy’.

So, a large percentage of students who cannot live up to the high expectations of
the university system tend to drop out or end up developing mental health
problems due to the constant pressure of ‘succeeding’ under a model that just
doesn’t work anymore.

Here are some reasons why students aren’t lazy and also if you keep reading, I’ll give you 2 useful
tips that helped me overcome my disengagement with school.

ü First, we are stuck in a factory style education system.

Our school system is based on the ‘factory model.’ In this style of teaching, the instructor presents
knowledge to the class in an assembly line fashion. First, students learn by copying and memorizing
knowledge.

Students are passed down the ‘assembly line’ and are asked to be tested on the information
presented to them. This form of teaching is efficient, standardized, and well, it doesn’t take into
consideration the of various learning styles.

I think it’s time to start asking whether it’s the students who are lazy or whether if it’s the ridiculous
format of ‘demonstrating’ knowledge.
The factory model at UBC has contributed to low self-
esteem. Students recognize themselves more as the exam
and the assignments they submitted rather than
recognizing themselves as the dynamic and complex
human beings they are.

Many students end up basing their self-worth on the grades

they’ve received. The current school system has a very
narrow definition of success. The ‘ideal’ students are
created through ranking, standardized testing,
competition, and comparison.

Students who struggle with this toxic form of ‘teaching’ often fail to attend classes and show up for
tests and exams. I can testify fully because the school system succeeded in demotivating me to even
show up for classes.

The next point, disengaging professors. Students are attending large lecture halls in which
professors are trained to simply present information. Many professors do it in a manner that does
not resonate with the students at all.

What do I mean by this?

Well, have you ever taken a course where the professor is simply regurgitating concepts and
theories without making the effort to convince you why it matters?

This is one of the many reasons why students are not lazy but rather our current form of teaching
needs some major renovation. I’m not going to dive into the instructors’ side of the story. But let me
make this clear, professors are not lazy!

Similarly, many professors are overworked and pressured to succeed in a work environment that
treats them more like disposable products rather than human beings. Students, you’re not alone in
this feeling of isolation.

ü Second, students don’t know why they’re learning all this ‘knowledge.’

“Why are you here?”

When you type in, “why am I in university” onto google, you’ll find over 29 million results. You’re
not alone in this. Many students have no idea why they’re in university. You feel isolated and
alienated while walking to each course with no meaning or purpose.
 The large lecture halls and meaningless assignments and exams can take a toll on you when
you’re suffering with no purpose.

It’s best to just accept this, life is about suffering. Life doesn’t get better once you’re out of
university, because you’ll most likely deal with the similar problems once you’re out of university
and working that 9-5.

So, we have to suffer with a purpose.

Suffering meaninglessly is hell. Imagine being tortured for absolutely no reason, now reimagined
being tortured but you’re doing it so your family can live a peaceful life somewhere. See the
difference?

University is going to be filled with pain and suffering. It’s not an easy ride, but if you’re going
through the process of jam-packing information into your brain for no ultimate reason besides a
degree, well, prepare for 4-7 years of meaningless mental torture.

There are many reasons why you’re not sure why you’re here. But here’s one big one, it’s a very
comfortable decision to attend university meaninglessly.

From the age of 5 to 18 you were going through the routine of attending classes and writing
exams. So it only makes sense that we attend university because that’s all we’ve been taught since
the age of 5!

We’re currently in the technology age where, with the right skills, we can google search all the
materials taught in class. So it makes sense that we may find attending lecture and regurgitating
information, meaningless.

I hope the following points inspired you to start researching more about the education system
rather than you believing that you’re simply ‘a lazy student.’

Now what?
Ask for help.

I know, I know, I know. That is a really general and broad tip. But
I’ll dive deeper onto this point. But for now, just remember these
three words. Ask. For. Help.

1. How to ask for help effectively.

Many students delay asking for support and help from their instructors and teaching assistants. Why?
Students could be intimidated or they don’t see the point in attending office hours. Let’s be frank.

Walking towards the professors’ office, having to sit one-on-one with the professor is
awkward, anxious, and scary.

I avoided office hours and arranging potential meetings with professors and instructors, because it’s
really uncomfortable. But here are some tips on how to finally be courageous and start connecting
with people who have the skills to help you overcoming disengagement with university.

First step: Being held accountable so send the first introduction email.

ü By meeting your professor in the beginning of the semester, you’re being held
accountable. You’re seen, and you feel like a human being rather than just a number on
a paper. So introduce yourself in the beginning of the semester.

But students aren’t trained to send good emails. If the email you send looks something like this:

‘Hi, I want to see you during your office hours. Thanks.’

You’re already negatively affecting your first impression with the professor or TA.

Emails are very important in establishing your first impression. Your email demonstrates your
commitment to the course and your respect to the professor. Your first email to the professor should
exceeds one’s expectation. What do I mean by this?

Well here’s an email I wrote to a professor that I wanted to meet and introduce myself.

The subject heading should always include these information

Subject heading: [Course number/section number: Question]

“Hello Professor Glassor,

In this email, I wanted to introduce myself. I’m very excited for this course because I’ve
always found sociological explanation on phenomenon to be more convincing than an
individual-based explanation. I look forward to meeting you once we established a
mutually convenient time to meet.

First, my name is Emily, I’m currently a third year undergraduate student interested in
Sociology. During your office hours, I have a few questions to ask regarding your
course materials. The questions are:
 1) What made you interested in teaching sociology?
2) What are your expectation of students’ assignments?
3) Why do you think this course is important for the improvement of society?

If you’re available to meet during your office hours, would it be okay if I came at
Wednesday, Feb 12th at 12:30PM?

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this email, and I look forward to meeting
you

Emily
Student number:
Course number:
Date: “

Feel free to use this email format as the basis of what an appropriate and impressive email should
look like. But you should edit, proofread, and wait a day before sending your email.

You should never send a ‘rushed’ email rather it’s more effective to take your time in sending the
most thoughtfully constructed ‘first impression’ email.

I’m done.

This is the first step that you should take in order to develop a strong relationship with your
instructors/professors and teaching assistants.

Now there are many other tips and advice I can give regarding the actual office hours, but for now I
hope I was able to convince you that you’re not lazy.

1. The factory style model university makes learning difficult for many students.
2. If you don’t have a solid goal or purpose that is meaningful to you, learning can be hell.

I only provided you with one tip, but if you’re able to introduce yourself to your professor/TAs in the
beginning of the semester, you’re already making a huge step towards enjoying your courses.

By being seen and known in your course, you’re going to feel a sense of accountability and desire
to do well.

In the next article, I’m going to dive deep into how to enjoy the process of discomfort
when learning a new subject. Also, in the next article, I will be addressing the problem
of meaningless suffering in more depth and also ways you can start setting goals that
will make you want to get a degree!
Happy new years everyone, good luck and I look forward to continuing this content on
succeeding in a very poorly designed university system!