College Students! discussion

I've been thinking a lot about the direction of the college students group. It has grown SO much since I first created it back in September of 2008. I've met so many amazing people through it and we've become such a close knit group despite the size of the group. However, I'm not a college student anymore (since December of 2008) and neither are most of the active members.

I've thought about a number of things-- passing the torch on to somebody else and then creating a group for all of us grads, just changing the name of this group, staying on as it does say for people in their 20's...etc.

I have thought of one interesting idea recently but it would be a BIG change.

-- Changing the name of the group so that it reflects that it's for everyone in their 20's..and then restructuring it so it has a folder specifically for college students and then I'd figure out a way to incorporate some other things ---careers, marriage/family...and then obviously a lot of the same folders we already have for books, music, tv, etc. Then we all can still congregate in the same place but there can be a folder specifically for where you are in life..not to say you can't visit them all! But that way it's not so "college student" exclusive..

To me this seems like the perfect solution..we all can stay together in the group and it can still cater to where we are in life.

So..thoughts? Do you like this idea? Or do you like one of the previous ideas I had thought about? If you like this idea, any idea for the name of the group or things you'd like to see?

THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT as it affects everyone in the group..so all feedback is welcome!

Jamie, I love this group and even though I don't get to participate as much I would like to, I'd hate it if many of the pivotal members would break off to form a new group. I enjoy reading through the threads and learning from the experiences of everyone. I think that if you were to incorporate the post graduates in this group it would be a learning experience for everyone who's still in college. We would know what to expect after college and we could get advice from people who were recently in our shoes.

I think it's a really good idea to just add different folders, I would be sad if the group got split up!

I would hate it if the group split. I like your idea of adding the folders. You could change the name to College Students & Grads or something like that.

I like your solution as well. Changing the group name and reworking the folders sounds like the best option.

I really like the idea, it seems like the perfect solution for the group.

I agree, I'd like to just let the group grow up as we do :)

Change the name to the Recent Grads (and those College Students who want to socialize with them) group.

:D

Actually, I like Kimberly's title better.

I got it: "College students & other 20 something's". eh? catchy right?

I also think the folders idea is a good one.

I would also be very sad if the group split up. This is one of my favorite groups...if not my favorite. I think the name should just be changed to something not quite as limiting. I also like the folders idea.

I think that's a great idea Jamie. I really love this group and I would hate for people to leave and form new groups. The folders idea is great. Then we could all talk about whatever non-book things interest us but we could still all be together to talk about books.

I like Kimberly's idea. I agree. I really don't want to break away from this group.

Ok, I'm glad you guys like my idea of restructuring the group! I thought that was the best solution to accommodate all of us and keep us together! Haha that sounded uber corny!

I'm going to flesh out a plan and starting working on it..but the whole time I'm going to wait input on things you want to see as far as folders go.

The folders are a great idea, I think breaking up the group would kill it a bit, you know, like breaking up a championship sports team.

Also, you should make a topic for academic excellence! At my sorority we had the A's and B's board, you wrote your name, the A or B you got, and what assignment/exam it was for. We had weekly drawings for chocolate but obviously that wouldn't work as well for our purposes, just a feel good thing?

That sounds like a good plan. I like having a group for people around my age but I would never want people to leave or not join just because they're not in college. Though I would still like having a place to discuss college related things so I think your solution sounds great.

I'd like if "college students" was still in the name some how just to keep the original name in mind and not to confuse anyone with the sudden change. Maybe something like "college students & beyond" or "college students & 20-somethings".

I'd hate to split everyone up! I love the friendships we have all formed here.

New names...

You could just give this group the same name as our blog. Or... something similar: The Young and the Bookish. :P

Something with Bookish in it.

Or not. I'm not sure. I'll have to think of more names and come back with better ideas. :P

I like the idea of restructuring with new folders ect. I would really miss the group if it were to break up. Look forward to seeing the new direction. I also really like the idea of academic excellence, kind of reminds me of a fridge of sorts where we could all put our good grades and accomplishments.

keep us together! Even if I'm not the most active member, I still love this group. It's one of the only groups I participate in on Goodreads, and I'd be sad if it broke apart.

I agree, Jamie. Keep it together. I'm okay with a name change. :D

Samantha I love "college students & beyond" :) it actually made me think of Buzz Lightyear.

I am all for just changing the name and keeping the group together it wouldn't be the same if key members left.

Yes keep the group just make adjustments and change the name. Great idea.

What about 'Educated 20 someings'? Then add more detail in the discription of the group to state the group is for college students and recent graduates in the 20's...

I like the name change idea. I graduated recently and wasn't sure I fit in anymore.

I think that all of your ideas are great. I like the idea of folders but would you want to keep 20's in the name are you going to want to be apart of the group after your 20's?? Just a thought so you didn't have to revamp the site again in the future. Part of the reason I mentioned this is because I wont be in my 20's in a few years I don't know about others in the group but I would still love to post and read the group reads when I am beyond my 20's.

Another vote for the name "College Students and Beyond"! I love that. Like everyone else who's posted here, I think it's a great idea to let the group grow with its members. I also agree with the folders thing.

haha, I like all of the suggested names. We should do a poll when you get ready to change it.

I agree with the restructuring, I haven't been as active lately as I've been in the past due to my Masters, but I'd hate to see part of the group leave.

I love "College Students and Beyond"! I definitely agree that we should do some restructuring, not make a new group...I'll still be in college for another 2 years, so even though I've been crazy busy and haven't been as active as I'd like, I'd miss all of you post-college people!

I think a name change would work perfectly.

I'm voting for College Students and Beyond/ a name change instead of spliting up the group. The folders are a good idea as well.
I havent been super active due to being so busy, but it's great to have this group to check into.

I also like adding the "And Beyond" and the folders for other things. :)

I love College Students and Beyond!

I always find myself coming back to this group. I graduated last year,and now I am in the process of grad school responses, and I feel this group still embodies that college spirit, that student spirit, and trying to figure out our pathway.

I really enjoy the community Jamie has built here, and everyone that is a part of this group. Changing the members could really change the atmosphere, so I feel like restructuring the format of the group is the best way to move forward.

These are great ideas for just making the group more all inclusive instead of breaking it apart.

Like some of the other members wrote, I really enjoy this group, even though I'm not as active as I'd like to be; however, like you said, we're all changing and moving onto different aspects of our life. With that said, I think renaming the group and starting new sections, but keeping a "college" folder is a fantastic idea!! It's a great way to keep the group together instead of breaking it apart.

Hmm, just found this thread. Teaches me to ignore new ones! I think a name change is good, but I like College Students and Beyond or something similar. That way we don't imply people who haven't gone to college are unwelcome.

Hi! I was quite active in this a while ago, and I'd like to be again. I'm past college, so i'd appreciate more discussions about being in your twenties! Your idea sounds good to me!