This was my first class that truly gave me a grasp of the Honors program. It was invaluable in helping me adjust to university life, and helping me explore just a few of the many opportunities here at the University of Washington. From research to mental health to climate change, the class covered a lot of important and varied aspects. It helped me to understand the interdisciplinary nature of the Honors program, and how going forward it is important that we all grasp the interconnections of most problems, and how we can work together to improve the world.
Here I am with my lovely Honors 100 quiz section. I had a great time getting to know these amazing people with varied itnerests, and I hope to continue to know them throughoutmy years here.
Assignment 1: Who are you?
This assignment was essentially a reflection of how I ended up at the Honors Program here at UW. I found it interesting and valuable to actually see the reasons I ended up deciding to come to this school, which I never even imagined as a possibility in high school. Whenever I start to feel lost in the crowd, or when I begin to doubt my decision to come here, it has been helpful to remind myself that I came here to go outside my comfort zone and find my interests and my people. Being at such a large school definitely has its challenges, but overall the opportunities it provides me to explore and discover myself and my passions are invaluable.
Assignment 2: four-year Plan
This assignment had me drafting a four-year plan for my time here at UW. For the sake of this plan, I assumed I would major with a BS in Psychology and Sociology, and with a minor in English. While I am able to recognize that this is a rather ambitious plan, it still helped me to start thinking about what classes I want to explore and how I will fit things into my schedule over the years. Although it was initially stressful, I realize that this is not set in stone, and that I still have time to figure out where my passions are and what I want to pursue. Additionally, I completely neglected the idea of prerequisite classes, so I am aware that many of the classes I am taking are out of order...still, it's the thought that counts.
Assignment 3: Experiential Learning Interview
I got the opportunity to interview one of my peers in the class about their academic and extracurricular interests. After doing so, I did my best to look for a few Experiential Learning opportunities that my partner could pursue in his years in the Honors program. Although at first glance this assignment mostly seems to be working for my peer, it actually was very eye-opening to explore all the opportunities the University offers. As I was looking for activities for my partner, I was able to see just a few of many opportunities for myself. in addition, my partner also sent me his findings from my interview, which helped introduce me to the idea of research, something I hadn't previously considered. Overall, this assignment was helpful for both of us to explore the ways we can learn in the future.
Assignment 4: Global Challenges
The Honors freshman of last year voted on a global issue they found pressing for our generation, and as a result of their input our class of freshman was able to hear a panel on climate change. This was an amazing event that allowed me to hear not only about the scientific implications of climate change, but also the social and humanitarian ones. The event helped me to greater grasp the idea that the problems our world faces are not simple, but multi-faceted and complicated with no single panacea. That's the main idea behind interdisciplinary studies: if we are able to work together across disciplines and cultures to solve our problems, we will be better equipped to handle the struggles we face. That's why, in my college career, I don't want to naively narrow myself to one field of study; I want to have a broader knowledge of our world and the problems it faces.
Assignment 5: Reflection
This portfolio statement stood as a capstone for my autumn quarter in the Honors program and at the UW in general. It felt good to be able to type out not only the worries I still have, but also all the progress I have made in only a quarter. College has provided me a venue for both academic and personal growth, and I am grateful for those who have helped me so far to adjust to college life. This reflection leaves me optimistic and excited for my future years here, and beyond. The feeling of growth and change I've experienced in only a few months is encouraging; during my years here, I want to discover and become the best person I can be, as cliche as that might sound. College isn't easy (much like life), but looking back on my progress so far, I know I can continue to rise to meet the challenge.