College Life - Me versus My Son

I have read and understand the plagiarism policy as outlined in the syllabus and the sections in the Student Catalog relating to the IWU Honesty/Cheating Policy. By affixing this statement to the title page of my paper, I certify that I have not cheated or plagiarized in the process of completing this assignment. If it is found that cheating and/or plagiarism did take place in the writing of this paper, I understand the possible consequences of the act/s, which could include expulsion from Indiana Wesleyan University.

College Life - Me versus My Son
I would have never expected to be experiencing life as a college student at the same time as my son, Lex. I can appreciate the time and effort it takes to study, do homework and mentally prepare for each class. Although we are facing the trenches of college life side by side, we are approaching life as a student in different ways; we have varying views of prioritizing these issues.
One major difference between us is our life experiences. I have a tendency to use my age and things that I have lived through as subjects for some of my essays. This opens up a plethora of topics: health problems and concerns, work related discussions, relationships and financial dealings. I have 41 years in which to reminisce and this can be entertaining, heart breaking, and at times, soul searching when deciding on how to go about tackling an assignment.
Lex, on the other hand, is only 19 years old. He does not have the numerous choices to rely on when establishing ideas for his assignments. Although he has seen and dealt with some of the same issues, his perspective is completely opposite of mine. He has not had to deal first hand with some of the above mentioned. I have lived with and battled cancer. He has, at best, suffered through a sinus infection. He has not faced deadlines at work that can cause for a stressful home life. Thank goodness he has not had to figure out how to live paycheck to paycheck.
Determination and responsibility is another difference that we have. I am new to life as a student. This has come as a major adjustment in my life. I am determined to work as hard as it possibly takes. I have something to prove, not only to myself, but to my family, friends and co-workers. I never thought that the discipline it takes would come as such a challenge. It is easy to maintain a full-time job. It is the housework, laundry, shopping and cooking proves the hardest to deal with. These normal activities have now taken seat to my home work. I have not had to write a paper since 1987; it was a test to adapt.
This is slightly different for Lex. He has been a full-time student since 1997. He is used to the workload of being a student. He conquers this with ease, or so it seems. He has always been a stellar student. In fact, he received the Principal’s award when he graduated from Easter High School. He understands the courses he is enrolled in and maintains excellent grades in college. He also holds down a job but does not keep full-time hours. I try my best to get him to assume his share of the housework. But alas, I typically end up doing it! He does not have to worry paying the bills in order to survive. He has his parents to come through to fill in the gaps.
Socializing and setting priorities is another example on how we do not see eye to eye. My social life has been drastically affected by my life as a student. I used to attend just about every function that I was invited to. Currently, I have to prioritize these invites based on the amount of school work. Although missing a few gatherings might not be a big deal for some, it has taking some getting used to. I have even had to send my husband without me. I work diligently to get my homework done and ensure that it is done properly by following the directions. I do not submit my work that has not received my full attention.
Lex, or how I like to refer to him, “Last Minute Lex,” seems to let the college life get the most of him. Although he keeps his grades in check, he tends to wait until the last possible minute to do and or finish his assignments and study for his tests. You never see him working on his school work on a daily basis. He will go to every on campus function or party he is invited to. He even goes out of town to visit his cousin, who is away at college. He then comes home on Sunday and starts on an assignment due on Monday. For now, this seems to work for him.
So here it is, in black and white. All of our differences are summarized in this paper. I am able to read this again and again, objectively deciding that my approach to life as a college student is working for me. I do not know another way and pray that I can maintain my sense of responsibility in order to advance in my college career. Thus far, this has proven to be beneficial to me. Then there is Lex’s take on living the college life; last minute is the way to go. I assume on his part, if it is not broken, why fix it? I hope this continues to bring him piece of mind and the best grades possible. I ask myself if my way has ever crossed his mind. It sure would make things easier to live with from day to day. Go ahead Lex; give it the old college try.