OPINION: Field trips aren’t just for children

School trips are an essential part of our educational journey as they help us to apply what we learn in the classroom to the real world in a more hands-on and immersive way. While some school trips can be expensive and provide logistical questions, they more than make up for it in the knowledge students gain from the experience, especially in college. 

This past Tuesday, the Levin College of Public Affairs and Education arranged for three budgeting courses to go down to the Ohio statehouse to meet with both the Ohio Office of Budget and Management and the State Auditor’s Office. During our time there, we were able to speak with the individuals in charge of creating the State’s budget as well as get a firsthand look at what goes on during the budget process. The state’s new budget, which begins on July 1, was announced by Governor Mike DeWine during this year’s State of the State address and is currently going through the Ohio House of Representatives.

All of this stresses the importance of being able to apply what you learn in the classroom to the real world. If we are given opportunities while in school to bolster our understanding of our field, our chances of succeeding in that field increase. Education is an investment in our future, and part of that investment should be in providing opportunities for students to get face-to-face with their future. Not only will this help with the professional development of students, but it also helps build a strong relationship between the students and their institution as we are able to network during this time.

In all, CSU should be more willing to invest in school trips as they give students a more diverse education and help prepare us for after graduation. Skepticism in these types of trips by universities is caused by low student feedback, and I am here to tell CSU that investing in these school trips is not only a great idea but is also a must! 

A special thank you to Dean Roland Anglin and Dr. Tatyana Guzman for making our trip to the Ohio Statehouse happen!

Disclaimer: This article in no way reflects the views of The Cauldron and its staff. It only reflects the views of the columnist.