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What did your college experience provide you?
What are ways college changed you and/or your point of view on something? Most importantly, did you enjoy college?
#college #college-life #learning #life-experience
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Kim’s Answer
Noelia,
There are many different aspects to the college experience. I want to talk about only one: College taught me critical thinking skills and effective writing skills (okay, so maybe that is two, but I always use them together!)
After college, I became a police officer, where I worked 25 years as a patrol officer. I was actively involved in labor issues everything from "Why do we have to go to long-sleeved shirts on October 1st?" (this is still summer in Texas!), to training, attendance policies, and pay raises. I drafted numerous proposals, backed them with solid research, and got many of them implemented. Without the skills I acquired in college, none of this would have been possible.
Did I "enjoy" college? Yes! I got involved with a couple of small groups. We hosted speakers, had a booth during Fiesta, did voter registration drives, etc. The classes were interesting, and the professors were very passionate about their subjects. The school was small enough I did not feel lost in the crowd. I"m glad I went!
It is good that you are doing your research! I wish you the best.
Kim
There are many different aspects to the college experience. I want to talk about only one: College taught me critical thinking skills and effective writing skills (okay, so maybe that is two, but I always use them together!)
After college, I became a police officer, where I worked 25 years as a patrol officer. I was actively involved in labor issues everything from "Why do we have to go to long-sleeved shirts on October 1st?" (this is still summer in Texas!), to training, attendance policies, and pay raises. I drafted numerous proposals, backed them with solid research, and got many of them implemented. Without the skills I acquired in college, none of this would have been possible.
Did I "enjoy" college? Yes! I got involved with a couple of small groups. We hosted speakers, had a booth during Fiesta, did voter registration drives, etc. The classes were interesting, and the professors were very passionate about their subjects. The school was small enough I did not feel lost in the crowd. I"m glad I went!
It is good that you are doing your research! I wish you the best.
Kim
Also, the writing skills were not learned in English classes. They were acquired from writing numerous papers, mostly in Sociology and Political Science.
Kim Igleheart
Updated
John’s Answer
Hi Noelia, the most surprising thing that college provided me was a passion for learning. Up until I started college, I hadn't really enjoyed school that much. But once I was able to choose to learn about things that interested me, I became very eager to pursue knowledge. I was so passionate about learning that I went on to graduate school and completed a Ph.D, the highest non-medical degree one can obtain. After many years, I became a researcher, which is what you are trained to do in a doctorate program. After many years in research, I returned to education as a learning designer in higher education, helping to create training programs in healthcare, where I work today.
Updated
Jonathan’s Answer
Personally my college experience provided me with friends that I will keep for a lifetime. It provided an opportunity to explore interests (student groups, on-campus events) and participate in amazing experiences (student groups, study abroad).
Professionally college provided me experiences and opportunities that led to a career. It provided opportunities in student groups, field-related internships, and a direct link to companies in my field (where I work now!). It also provided a degree or "piece of paper" that is a minimum qualification to pursue some careers. For example, I am an engineer which would require a 4 year degree at a minimum.
Both professionally and personally, it changed my way of thinking. I was exposed to new ideas and had greater independence to think for myself. Classes taught me how to critically think and problem solve which are valuable in a career and every day life. A quick Google search shows the importance of critical thinking and problem solving to employers.
I don't directly use the calculus I learned in class from college, but I know I would be in a completely different place with different people than I am today without my college experience. There are other paths available to pursue, but overall college was an extremely valuable experience for me.
Professionally college provided me experiences and opportunities that led to a career. It provided opportunities in student groups, field-related internships, and a direct link to companies in my field (where I work now!). It also provided a degree or "piece of paper" that is a minimum qualification to pursue some careers. For example, I am an engineer which would require a 4 year degree at a minimum.
Both professionally and personally, it changed my way of thinking. I was exposed to new ideas and had greater independence to think for myself. Classes taught me how to critically think and problem solve which are valuable in a career and every day life. A quick Google search shows the importance of critical thinking and problem solving to employers.
I don't directly use the calculus I learned in class from college, but I know I would be in a completely different place with different people than I am today without my college experience. There are other paths available to pursue, but overall college was an extremely valuable experience for me.