-or- when responsibility becomes entitlement
Perhaps this is common to all forms of higher education. But since (gratefully) I am only persuing one graduate degree, I can only speak of my personal experience.
We are often admonished to remember that our time in medical school is our education. Academic advisors remind us that it was our choice to come to medical school, and as such, the primary onus of responsibility to make that education counts rests upon our shoulders. I agree with them. This is my education, I should engage myself in it and maximize the experience.
I also feel that (partly because I am paying so stinking much money for this education) as it is my education, when the opportunity presents itself I should be able to tailor it to my wants and needs.
But too often I have met those who take this ownership too far. They no longer look at it as a responsibility, but as a sense of entitlement.
They don't go to class. After all, it is their education, to do with as they want. They skip out of clinical duties, informing people that they aren't interested in that area and signed up for a vacation. I mean, considering how much they are paying for school, they should get to come and go as they please. Right?
Uh, no. Sorry, I don't think so.
Just because we are paying for school doesn't mean that our instructors should be at our every beck and call. That ownership does not absolve us of responsibility. It scares me a little to see these types of attitudes in people who will have the lives of others in their hands. Good thing my wife helps keep me in line!
