Intermediate Composition
This experience involved writing three multi-page essays and one reflection essay to evaluate how we developed in our writing skills throughout the course. I believed my reading and writing skills wouldn’t get any better (I had always disliked English courses and never saw real improvement until my junior and senior year of high school) and that where I was at was perfectly satisfactory for my future career of being a high school math teacher. However, this course made me a scholarly reader, improved my articulation skills, and encouraged me to look at the world analytically, critically, and creatively.
Reshooting Route 66
Reshooting Route 66 was about reflecting on the past and observing how we have changed and affected what America used to be like. The goal was to retake pictures of Route 66 in the same location that the pictures of the past were taken in. This would allow me to truly see how times have changed and more importantly how the values of Americans have changed. The most important thing I learned was that there’s no such thing as being over prepared. Before the trip I spent a lot of work preparing. During it, it became apparent that I did the minimum. We were exactly the right amount of prepared even though beforehand I thought we would be way over-prepared. This taught me how much work goes into a seamless trip of any nature. We were able to truly test out being independent for the first time, and now we can actually trust ourselves and our skills at being adults (except for starting a campfire, we still haven’t succeeded at that).
Furthermore, this experience made me want to travel and see more of America. The national parks we visited looked like they were part of another planet, I was truly amazed at how impressive and remarkable they were. It also brought out my passion of geology again, which I had as a little kid but has faded over time. Seeing how all of these amazing sights on the Colorado plateau had formed inspired me to purchase some books to learn more. It also has impacted me to want to see more of the world. I believe that everyone must visit at least one national park in their life. National parks are the best thing that America has ever done because it just inspires people to care about the earth.
This experience will definitely make me think more about the past and how it affects the future. However, that past could be just a couple of generations ago where our ancestors shaped the future or just a couple of millions of years ago where tectonic plates and happenstance shaped the future. I will definitely look more into the history for every place I travel to in order to become more knowledgeable and more respectful.
Gateway Peer Leader
Spring semester of 2020 I was a Peer Leader for the introductory honors class. This allowed me to practice my leadership, public speaking, organization, and communication skills while also getting to know the students in my class. I enjoyed being able to work with my faculty member as well as connect with different students. This experience was an excellent way for me to get more comfortable in front of the classroom as well as find new connections amongst faculty and students
The Roman Experience
This seminar might not have turned out how I anticipated, but it was a learning experience nonetheless. What was supposed to be a study tour to Italy ended up being a class that was half online. I still learned a lot and made a mark, even though it wasn't the mark I expected to make.
Student Leader Roundtable
UHP Student Leader Roundtable was definitely a unique experience that helped me improve my club, College Mentors for Kids. I was able to meet with many different people representing a variety of unique clubs and organizations. Together we discussed recruitment, engagement, collaboration, building community, leadership transitions, and more. Learning about everyone’s unique experiences and varying perspectives was extremely beneficial to figuring out how to run my own club.