Summary Of Jonathan Malesic's Colleges

College, Jonathan Malesic argues, is not just a time for preparation, but for exploration and expansion. In his publication to the New York Times, Malesic offers a down-to-earth approach to a problem that faces many Americans today: the value of a liberal education and its implications for careers. With his digestible, colloquial language and anecdotal evidence from students, Malesic creates a tone that is as understanding and humble as it is persuasive and resonating for his readers.

Malesic does not—true to his intentions—use a prose that is pedantic and scholarly; instead, his conventional, digestible style indicates to his readers open, relaxed, and considerate discussion. To emphasize his perceptivity, Malesic opens with many rhetorical
By the initial immersion into Emily Zurek's student life, Malesic uses her as a scaffolding to expand the differing ideas of his essay and refers back to her accomplishments to reinforce his claim. For example, after introducing his thoughts, Malesic states, "One of the most important factors in Ms. Zurek Small’s success...deserves far more attention and discussion: a simple willingness to learn," (Malesic). When Malesic does not refer to Emily Zurek, he often refers to the stories and concerns of other students he has witnessed. He reports in his essay, "As a first-year student, Adrian Rafizadeh, told the campus newspaper, 'If I can’t get into the clubs that will help educate me and foster that interest, then how do I even get started? '," (Malesic). By the exercise of a variety of anecdotal evidence, Malesic demonstrates his connection to the current state of the college-student life and the collective cultures that dwell on young minds. He addresses his pertinent idea that college is meant to develop the individual, not just the employee, from the viewpoints of those many individuals. Moreover, he develops his rhetorical ethos by his many concessions to the students'