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My Journey As A College Student Essay

This essay is written by a college student who reflects on their journey towards academic and personal growth. Through experiences, challenges, and self-reflection, the author shares how they have grown as an individual, and the valuable lessons they have learned along the way.

Essay about My Journey As A College Student

Introduction:

My journey as a college student has been an exciting and challenging experience. As a student, I have encountered numerous challenges that have helped me grow and mature as an individual. In this essay, I will reflect on my personal journey towards academic and personal growth, highlighting the experiences, challenges, and lessons that have shaped me.

My journey as a college student started when I entered my first year. It was a daunting experience as I had to adapt to a new environment and a higher level of academic rigor. I struggled to manage my time, prioritize my tasks, and stay motivated. However, I was determined to overcome these obstacles and start my journey towards academic and personal growth.

One of the significant experiences that helped me grow was joining extracurricular activities. Through extracurricular activities, I learned the importance of time management, teamwork, and leadership. It also helped me to make friends and feel more connected to the college community. As I continued to participate in extracurricular activities, I gained confidence in myself and my abilities, and my personal growth improved.

Another significant challenge I faced was balancing academics with personal life. I struggled to find a balance between schoolwork, social life, and personal time. However, I sought help from my peers and academic advisors, and they provided the support I needed to succeed. I also learned to manage my time more efficiently, prioritize my tasks, and seek help when needed.

Through self-reflection, I discovered my passion for a particular field of study. I explored various courses, attended lectures, and conducted research in my field of interest. It helped me to gain clarity and perspective, and to become more self-aware. I also learned the importance of self-care and mental health. I started to prioritize my well-being, and I developed healthy habits such as exercise, meditation, and journaling.

Conclusion:

My journey as a college student has been a rewarding and fulfilling experience. Through my experiences, challenges, and self-reflection, I have learned valuable lessons that have shaped me into the person I am today. I have learned to be more empathetic, compassionate, and kind. I have also learned to value myself and my abilities. As I continue my journey towards academic and personal growth, I am excited to see where it will take me and what new experiences and challenges I will encounter.

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1.2 Your Academic Journey and Personal Story

Questions to Consider:

  • How can your academic journey develop skills needed for college success?
  • How can your personal story prepare you for applying to college?

Your Academic Journey

Now that you have a better understanding of what college can do for you, it is time to focus on how high school is preparing you for college, or better yet, how you can prepare yourself in high school to become college ready. It is clear that what you do (or don’t do) in high school can affect your ability to get into the colleges of your choice, but there is more to preparing yourself than just earning a high GPA or class rank. Your high school education can provide you with ample opportunity to help you hone your academic skills.

Take Difficult Courses

Any student who is serious about applying to college should consider taking challenging classes while in high school. Why? Because those classes can help lay a foundation of high expectations and hard work and they are often highly regarded by college admissions counselors. These classes are sometimes called Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), or honors/advanced classes. If you are considering taking such courses, talk to your guidance counselor or current teachers. They may be able to offer suggestions for how to get selected (if there is an application process) and give you a realistic picture of what will be expected. There is no need to take all AP, IB, or advanced classes to prove you are ready for college, but taking a few can provide a college admissions committee evidence that you are open to challenge.

Manage Time and Tasks

If there is one skill that you can develop now that will help you throughout your college career, it is the ability to manage your time and complete tasks. If you already use a planner to track what you need to do and when it is due , then you are on the right track. You can enhance these skills by setting reminders for yourself—and not relying on teachers or parents to tell you when to complete or submit an assignment. The most important part of managing your time and tasks effectively is to build in time well before something is due to complete the work and to overestimate (at least initially) how long you need, which can provide time “buffers” that will keep you from rushing through work to finish it.

Learn to Learn

Earlier, you were introduced to the argument that the purpose of college is to become a learner. You don’t have to wait until college, though, to figure out how best to learn different subject matters. This is one reason you should consider taking challenging classes–they require that you put more time and effort in them to learn the material. And those skills will make transitioning to college much easier. How can you “learn to learn”? You may have little control over what you are learning and how you are tested, but you can control how you approach the learning. One way to learn how to learn is to space out your learning over time (as best as you can—sometimes teachers like to give you a pop quiz when you least expect it!). Reviewing a bit of material for a short amount of time over several days (as opposed to cramming it in right before a test) produces better results. Another way to learn how to learn is to monitor how well your learning strategies work. Did you do well on a test? Take some time to reflect on what you did that resulted in a good grade. Did you space out your studying? Did you look for connections in the material? Likewise, if you do poorly on a test, determine what led to the result. The more you can identify what works and doesn’t for you, the easier it is to make improvements in your learning strategies.

Demonstrate Integrity and Ownership of Learning

Being a high school student often means having a lot on your plate. It can be easy to put off homework and studying, not do it at all, or cut corners to complete the work. While you may be able to get away with some stumbles like forgetting to turn in an assignment, other behaviors, such as getting someone (including Artificial Intelligence software) to do your homework or write a paper for you can get you into trouble. Now is the time to build the skills you will need later in college. Taking full responsibility for your learning as well as demonstrating integrity in all assignments no matter how big or small are the foundation of those skills. How do you do this? For one, you acknowledge that every action or inaction will produce a result. If you put in the work to write the paper, you will earn the grade you receive. If you do not put in the work or find a way to shortcut the process by using someone else’s writing, then you have missed an opportunity to improve your writing, your thinking, and your project management skills. Plus, you may get into trouble for academic dishonesty, which could mean failing an assignment or a course, or getting a more substantial punishment, such as expulsion. The stakes only get higher when you are in college.

Keep Test Scores in Perspective

You will learn more about standardized test scores and their purpose for getting into college later in this chapter, but it is worth noting that while what you make on the ACT, SAT, or equivalent standardized test, may factor into your ability to get into and pay for the college of your dreams, it is not necessarily a reflection of who you are and what you are capable of. Definitely do all you can to raise your test scores through practicing, prepping, and doing your best on the day of the test. But do not assume that a low test score will be the end of your long-term goals or educational journey. They are just one piece of information by which an institution may evaluate your potential, but it shouldn’t be the only thing that tells who you are.

Your Personal Story

Just as important as your academic journey is your personal story. You will need to develop and reflect on both for your applications to college and scholarships. Those who read about you will want to know not only about your accomplishments, but also your challenges and how you have overcome them.

What Makes You Unique

It may seem cliché to say “There is only one you!” But there is some truth in the fact that you are unique—there is no one else like you. To that end, you may want to draw upon those unique characteristics as you begin to shape the story that you will share with college admissions staff and scholarship committees. Will you be the first in your family to go to college? Do you live on a working farm and feed the goats, cows, and horses every morning before school? Can you ride a unicycle or juggle or both? There may be both personal characteristics as well as experiences that make you stand out from others, and if there are, consider weaving these details into the tapestry of your story. Start by making a list of your characteristics—no trait is too small or typical at this point. You can eliminate items later when you start building your story, but for now, create the list and add to it as you think of new things that you are or can do.

Getting Gritty

Many college essay prompts include an opportunity to share a time in your life in which you faced adversity and overcame it. For some students, this prompt is difficult for they have either not experienced a life-changing setback or not considered themselves challenged. It is important to remember that any setback or disappointment—no matter how inconsequential it may seem to you—can be the basis for an essay that responds to such a prompt. There is no need to embellish the circumstance if it is truly not harrowing, but it is acceptable to frame the experience as something that was difficult for you. Most readers of essays are less looking for a made-for-Hollywood story and more wanting to see someone who has demonstrated tenacity, resilience, and reflection no matter how big or small the adversity is. Even if you are not required to write an essay on a time in your life in which you failed or experienced disappointment, having a story handy for interviews (for scholarships, internships, or jobs) can help you share insight into your personality and strengths in a succinct way.

Finding the Themes of Your Life

In Katharine Brooks’ (2010) book You Majored in What? 3 she shares a writing and reflecting activity called “Wandering Pathways and Butterfly Moments” that guides readers through a series of prompts to develop a list of life experiences for the purpose of discovering what career pathway may be most fruitful for them to pursue. These life experiences could be as monumental as moving to a new state and starting a new school or they can be as mundane as spending the summers fishing. The goal of the exercise is to record what you have done or what has happened to you to get a sense of a “story.” These stories are built upon the connections and themes that you see in the experiences. Here are some of the life experiences Brooks wants you to consider when you are crafting your personal story.

  • What have you done during the summer or holiday breaks from school?
  • What did you play when you were a young child?
  • What are some of your major life experiences (e.g. family events such as births, deaths, marriages, divorces)?
  • What do people say you do well or have a talent for or seek you out for?
  • What do you consider your greatest achievements?
  • What jobs have you had?
  • What groups have you belonged to?
  • What awards have you won?
  • What lessons have you learned?
  • What do you like to do for fun?
  • What kind of “secret” talent do you have?

The goal of answering the questions is to capture as much about who you are and how you have been shaped to develop clear connections among the life elements and create themes. These themes can drive your personal story that can share on a deeper level who you are or who you are becoming.

Consider this scenario: Raphael has taken the time to write down his life experiences so he can build his personal narrative. Some of the answers to the questions above include the following:

  • Raphael’s jobs: lifeguard, babysitter for his nieces and nephews, tutor, art teacher for elementary students
  • Raphael’s hobbies and interests: watching old movies, volunteering at the library, creating original jewelry from natural objects
  • Raphael’s awards and accolades: he won a writing contest in 11th grade, his friends come to him for advice, he has earned high grades in all of his classes
  • Raphael’s major life events: parents divorced when he was 6 years old, he started a new school in junior high, his aunt passed away when he was 14 years old

From this short list, Raphael can begin to draw out themes that he can use to create a detailed picture of who he is. He has found himself in teaching roles with his jobs. He has a love for the arts as evidenced by his hobbies. He is a good communicator evidenced by his awards and accolades, and relationships are an important part of his life. Raphael can use those themes—and details from his experiences—to craft his story as someone who has demonstrated an interest in connecting with and helping others by sharing his expertise and experience.

Recognizing the themes in your life helps you to describe how you've become the person you are now, and helps you to understand who you will become.

"For me, becoming isn't about arriving somewhere or achieving a certain aim. I see it instead as forward motion, a means of evolving, a way to reach continuously toward a better self. The journey doesn't end" —former First Lady Michelle Obama , Becoming (2018)

Analysis Question

In what ways is your academic journey in high school shaping your personal narrative? Describe how the following experiences are helping you “become":

  • The classes that you are taking
  • The activities you participate in as part of school (e.g., sports, performing arts, etc.)
  • The learning that you are doing outside of school (e.g., community language class)

In what ways are your personal experiences shaping your story? Describe how the following experiences are helping you “become”:

  • Major life events
  • Favorite activities
  • Awards and accomplishments
  • Jobs or volunteer work
  • 3 Brooks, K.(2010). You majored in what? Plume.

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  • Section URL: https://openstax.org/books/preparing-for-college-success/pages/1-2-your-academic-journey-and-personal-story

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My Journey as a University Student

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Student Voices | Questioning fate: My journey as a 15-year-old college student

Editor’s note: This essay is the first in a series of essays by local students about how they’re preparing for their futures and finding challenges and joy in the process. Learn more about these students and get updates at st.news/studentvoices2024 .

I’m a college sophomore, and I’m also 15. The combination of these two factors seems to shock most people, and I’ll admit at times it surprises me, too.

I got to this point quickly because my independent and persistent nature led me off the “traditional” path. Taking advantage of the opportunities to learn without limits has brought me to where I am today. But now, I am trying to find a place for that persistence.

During the pandemic, I finished nearly all the credits needed to graduate from virtual high school in Florida. I started community college in Oregon as a 14-year-old freshman in the fall of 2022. Like any freshman, I was nervous yet excited for the wealth of new opportunities that awaited me. 

I’ve since joined The Honors College at Shoreline Community College where I intended to major in clinical psychology, while also taking classes at Tacoma Community College. Now, I find myself at a crossroads: either continue the path I started at age 14, hoping to become a therapist — or diverge to pursue different passions.  

You might be wondering, as do many, how I ended up where I am. In short: I’ve been learning and telling stories since I could read. I love both creating and experiencing art in its many forms; I love learning the nuances of others’ life stories and finding the intricate ways we are intertwined as people. 

For much of my life, I’ve been praised for my ability to create goals and pursue them. When I was seven, my mom took me to The Cheesecake Factory to celebrate my completed milestone of reading 1,000 books. It’s fitting — I am now returning to my love for reading, writing, and all things creative not only as a hobbyist but as a budding professional. 

My little sister calls me the “why” kid of the family — I’m always questioning why things are the way they are, and trying to find solutions for complex problems. My desire to understand why people and social systems are the way they are initially drew me to a clinical psychology degree. But over the past few months I have begun to question that desire.  

I know I am good at helping others, but doing it professionally while issues like systemic inequity and world conflict exist seems taxing. I’m drawn to the possibilities of a career in journalism, communications, or international relations. The opportunity to improve people’s lives by amplifying their stories or advocating for them through my writing seems less emotionally draining than counseling them. And, I would still get to indulge my (slightly) nosy side. 

In addition to academic pursuits, I also enjoy artistic ones: poetry, music, drawing, dance. Especially dance — if a picture is worth a thousand words, a dance must be like a novel. While I consider writing to be one of my strongest forms of communication, dance allows me to connect with others in a way that words cannot. It also offers me a place to step back and introspect, minus the pressure of having answers.

My combined appreciation for, and understanding of, psychology and the arts has made me a more empathetic, well-rounded person. Sociology and self-directed research projects have taught me how to quantify behaviors, patterns, and people. But it is the steps I have taken to immerse myself in culture and fine art that have helped me learn to empathize with subjective experiences — things that inspire and disenchant people. I’ve often found it easy to put into words the complex feelings others can’t name and help guide them to a place of contentment. Now, I’m learning to do the same for myself.

The past two years felt like the transition between childhood innocence and semi-adult confidence. While 2022 marked the start of high school for many of my peers, it was the year I moved to Portland, which after growing up in a suburban Florida town felt like winning the cultural lottery. In the Pacific Northwest, I was exposed to people, art, food, and classes that broke the confines of conformity.

In my second term of college, I enrolled in a writing and critical thinking course that taught me how to ask questions and debate with an open mind. A few months later, I was chosen as Oregon’s youngest legislative intern to Rep. Thuy Tran. Working with Rep. Tran taught me the value of hard work and humility. Shortly before settling into my new life in Tacoma, I had one final Oregon adventure at The Oregonian’s High School Journalism Institute. There, I learned foundational interview, editing, and newsroom skills. 

These experiences have made me more self-aware, but also feel conflicted. The financial prospects of a career in journalism aren’t the highest, and international relations sounds stressful. I want so much from the world, but maybe the world isn’t yet ready to give it to me.

Sure, there have been many challenges along the way. But I am grateful for and proud of the opportunities I’ve created for myself so far. Maybe it would be easier to define an end goal or find a clear pattern to my life if our education system was set up to support nontraditional paths like mine. 

Between choosing a career, university, and managing my current school and extracurricular schedule, the possibilities feel endless. It’s bittersweet in a way; with so many opportunities before me, the hardest part is just picking the best ones. It’s hard to know exactly what my future will look like.

Though at times the future possibilities seem limitless and daunting, it is reassuring to me to remember that the same attributes — patience, humility, and determination — that led me to this point can also guide me to the next one.

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my journey as a student

MY JOURNEY AS A FIRST-GENERATION COLLEGE STUDENT

Upon coming to college, I felt like such a small fish in a big sea. Everyone around me had parents, grandparents, and even great grandparents who had attended college, but I was among the few who had no idea what they were doing or what college had in store for me. Only 27% of first-generation college students graduate in four years and I felt like I was going to be part of the 73% that didn’t.

Like many other first-generation college students, I excelled academically in high school and didn’t exactly have to put forth my utmost effort in order to do well. I came to college under the pressure of my family to succeed above the rest and produce the same results that I made in high school. At first, I was beyond excited to make a mark and put myself in a good position to make my family proud, but then reality hit, and the course load slapped me in the face.

I had never done so poorly and felt so low in my entire life. I felt a strong sense of imposter syndrome — I had no idea what I was doing and where I was going to go with my career. For many, there is no community in college to represent first-generation college students and allow them to share their struggles with others who may be facing the same problems

“I felt a strong sense of imposter syndrome — I had no idea what I was doing and where I was going to go with my career.”

My whole life I wanted to be an orthopedic surgeon. I volunteered at hospitals, competed in HOSA events, and thoroughly enjoyed my pre-health classes. I had a passion and a dream to be the first one in my family to not only attend college, but also to become a doctor. My parents were probably more excited than I was and kept telling me to push through it.

I studied with any free time I had and practically lived in the library — the custodians even knew me by name, as I would often fall asleep in the library in order to wake up early and continue studying before going to take my exams. No one really told me how much I would fail and how much I would struggle. I didn’t have my parents to tell me that this is what college was like. If anything, I had to tell them with my head hung low that I kept failing tests I had studied hours for.

How do you tell your parents — who immigrated from another country to give you a better life — that you aren’t doing well? How do you tell them that you aren’t going to become the doctor that they’ve always dreamed of and make them proud? I struggled immensely with trying to figure out if pre-med was right for me. My mental health declined rapidly, and I honestly didn’t want to even attend college anymore. Not only was I struggling academically, but socially as well. I kept comparing myself to other successful students and was envious of everyone who had the connections to succeed.

I had no idea what I was going to do. I couldn’t see myself doing this for another decade of my life, but I was so afraid of failure — and failing my family, especially. My own doubt caused me to lose sight of who I was and what made me happy. I didn’t know what I wanted to do at that point, but I knew it was anything but what I was currently doing.

“How do you tell your parents — who immigrated from another country to give you a better life — that you aren’t doing well?”

The one complaint I have about the public education system is that they don’t tell us about all of the exciting jobs and possible careers that are out there for us. While you’re growing up, you’re told you can either be a doctor, teacher, policeman, businessman, or a lawyer. It wasn’t until college that I learned about the immense field of careers and niche jobs that you can both have and enjoy.

So, I took a leap of faith. I changed my major to something that I had always enjoyed doing on the side: marketing. The decision was not made lightly, and I remember countless nights crying, not knowing if it was the right choice, but it turned out to be one of the best decisions I have ever made in my life.

Not only was I able to perform significantly better academically, but I felt like I was actually enjoying what I was learning for once. I didn’t feel like a failure anymore, and for once, I made a decision that appeased me instead of my parents. For many first-generation college students, telling your parents that you’ve completely changed your major sends them into absolute shock — as they may feel like you’ve wasted both time and money.

I didn’t want my parents to think that I was ungrateful for everything that they’ve done to get me to college, but once they saw how much I flourished and how much my mental health improved, I think they were proud that I learned something about myself.

I wouldn’t have been able to change my major if I never faced my failures. Prior to college, I barely faced failures in my life, and honestly took pride in that fact, but after being forced to face failure for days on end, I was no longer terrified of it. I learned to embrace my failures in order to overcome the obstacles that I will face in the future.

I don’t regret being pre-med at all, even if I did take a lot of unnecessary classes for my new major — I still don’t believe it was a waste of time. I learned so much about myself and did a lot of self-reflection that allowed me to become even more resilient than before. At this point, I can say that I look forward to my failures — because I know I will learn from them and grow as a person.

I have been a first-generation student mentor at Baylor for about two years now — sharing my stories of failure with my mentees and giving them a safe space to vent and reflect on their college journey.

In the end, I still have a passion for helping people. Maybe not as a doctor, but in so many other ways. I have found it extremely enriching to be able to share my failures with others so that they do not feel alone.

Being a first-generation college student, you definitely feel like a minority. You always see students around you getting help or advice from their parents that you are unable to receive from your own. Some of my peers even get internships and jobs from their parents or family friends — people who have been through college and made their mark.

“Being a first-generation college student, you definitely feel like a minority.”

My biggest fear to this day is getting a good job post-graduation, and while that fear still lingers, I won’t let it consume me. I seek relationships with my professors and talk to every person I know in order to expand my network and become the businesswoman I believe I can be. Once I found HIVE, I felt embraced by a community of people who were in the same situation as I was.

It is refreshing to see a network of other students who are also trying to build connections and land great jobs after college. Before finding HIVE, I felt like I was one of the only ones. It may be daunting to enter new territory practically as a foreigner, but I think that if you are true to yourself and keep striving to become better, you can overcome anything that comes your way.

There is no guide for first-generation students on how to thrive in college, you have to find that out for yourself, but I believe that that is the beauty of it. You may not start at the same starting point as other college students, but I guarantee that you will finish — if not with them, then ahead of them. You will grow and learn more than most students because of your circumstances, but that will only make you stronger.

“Once I found HIVE, I felt embraced by a community of people who were in the same situation as I was.”

My advice, from one first-gen college student to another? Cherish your failures and never forget them. Share them with others and reflect on how far you have come, as there is no real road map to tell you what to do. So it’s up to you to make your own. If you find something that you are passionate about, I encourage you to chase after it — and find someone to mentor you in your career, someone who can encourage you throughout your collegiate journey. Nothing is more precious and more helpful than talking to someone who wants to help you succeed and is willing to guide you along the way.

About the author, Andrea Huynh

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Search the site, search suggestions, my journey "learning outside the classroom" at harvard.

my journey as a student

“Learning happens outside the classroom.”

Elementary-school me would have thought, “No, learning happens at school .” Learning was hidden in the colorful shapes and numbers that dangled from the walls of the classroom. Learning was multiplication tables flashcard contests with pizza parties for the winning homeroom. Learning was hopping from one US state to another, except those states were thin layers of blue and red paint laid atop otherwise gray concrete.

A picture of a group of over 100 elementary school students posing for photograph

Learning was elementary school field trips to NASA!

Over the course of my life and my time at Harvard, I’ve had plenty of time to sit on the question of what it truly means to “learn outside the classroom.” As I reflect on this past year and all that I’ve done, learned, and seen, I realize I've come to see the magnitude of this statement.

Learning is a mysterious, evolving process. Molded by time and tempered by experience, learning stoked inside me a passion for discovery. In many ways, college at Harvard has given me the opportunity to try new things, pursue my passions, and meet people that I never would have imagined being able to meet. I realized that “learning” is so much more than what happens inside the classroom. In this blog, I'd like to tell you about my journey "learning outside the classroom" at Harvard.

New Shapes, Brighter Colors, and Different Numbers

In elementary school, bright colors, flashy designs, and beautiful patterns stole my attention. Enthralled by vibrant posters, creative projects, and animated worksheets, I found myself grasping for concepts as if they were Monets floating in mid-air.

At Harvard, I realized that my childhood love for the arts never died out. Instead, they morphed into something new. I’ve found my free time drifting toward volunteering at Brattle Square Florist —the local flower shop—steaming milk and pouring espresso drinks, and exploring the shapes, colors, and numbers that represent landmarks on the map of Boston.

A picture of a flower base arrangement

Learning to Arrange

Taught by none other than Tom at the Brattle Square Florist, I learned how to make this arrangement!

I’ve gotten opportunities to volunteer at a homeless shelter , drive a Tesla, play a walk-on part in a major motion picture, and do many other things that I never could have imagined doing before college.

Picture of a gloved hand with a preserved brain

Minds, Brains, and Behaviors

It was at this time I realized I was going to study neuroscience.

At Harvard, it seems exploration simply looks different than it did in elementary school. In college, the shapes are new people, the colors are more vivid experiences, and the numbers lie in all the things I've been able to do at Harvard.

A New Kind of “Multiplication Tables,” A New Kind of “Pizza Party”

If I competed against third-grade me in a multiplication tables flashcard competition, I would surely have lost. Third-grade me loved math so much—he would have smoked me now in everything from reciting the multiplication tables to solving a long-division problem.

For a portion of my third-grade life, “getting good” at the multiplication tables was a life goal. Looking back, achievement and learning brought me joy like nothing else could.

Picture of author and his friends in green shirts building a contraption

A Love for Discovery

I had so much fun with my friends designing and building this hydraulically-powered contraption!

As I’ve learned in one of my psychology classes, the intrinsic motivation to learn can be a powerful one. I’ve realized this intrinsic motivation to learn has never decayed. At Harvard, what used to be multiplication tables flashcards have suddenly been revived as fascinating papers on bioactive phytocompounds, diagrams of personality development, and experiments with writing music in multipolar tonality. Through class field trips, I’ve gotten to engage in subject material in hands-on and collaborative ways. I’ve gotten to know professors doing incredible work in their fields and gain access to giants in over 50 fields of research.

A picture of a cross section of a green tree bud

Cross Section of a Tree Bud

The physiological details of a dissected tree bud under the microscope are spectacular! Photo by Sidnee Klein '25

At Harvard, the academic and professional opportunities have simply turned my childhood dreams of mastering sailing, the arcane arts, and being a superhero into an unwavering fascination with plants and nature, the works of the human brain, and the complexities of music. And I can do all this while learning new things every day from talented friends and peers.

Selfie of Raymond and his friend with sailboats in the background

Of course! One of my incredible sailing friends invited me to sail with him.

Unexpectedly, “multiplication tables” and the equivalent of a “pizza party” in college take a different form. Everyone I’ve met is passionate and driven to pursue their goals and dreams—that is often in and of itself something to celebrate. But, like in elementary school, “multiplication tables” for me has been about pursuing my passions, and the "pizza parties" are now the intrinsic fun that comes along with learning new things and gaining new experiences. It should be fun, after all!

Hopping from Pennsylvania to Boston, then Boston to Sweden

Recesses were especially fun for me in elementary school. During recess, I would jump from state to state on the playground, imagining I could travel across the United States in seconds. I’d imagine the mountains in Wyoming, the sunny beaches in Florida, and the deserts in Arizona—teeming with wildlife. One year, I learned all about Colorado and its beautiful scenery. I remember dreaming to go to Colorado someday. I had only ever gone as far out as West Virginia, New York, and Ohio. 

Little did I know, I would get opportunities to travel in college. Later this year, I will be performing at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center in New York City with the Harvard-Radcliffe Collegium Musicum , and in a few months, I will be exploring the beautiful hearts of Sweden. I have traveled with good friends to everywhere from the rippling sands of Cape Cod to the shopping centers of Rhode Island.

A picture of the author and fellow singers standing and performing

Harvard-Radcliffe Collegium Musicum

We've gotten to sing everything from Bach's Christmas Oratorio to Monteverdi's Vespers of 1610 (my favorite!).

To travel is to have the opportunity to see the world. At Harvard, I’ve gotten the chance to visit places that many of my family and friends have not had the opportunity to visit. Little did I know, hopping from one state to another wasn’t so fantastic after all!

A selfie of Raymond and his four friends in front of a house and greenery

Cape Cod with Friends

An amazing opportunity to travel with friends during the summer of 2022!

Thinking back to elementary school, learning in college is not that different after all. Learning is written in chalk streaks on chalkboards, but also in conversations with friends from Germany and Bolivia. Learning is chatting with professors, but also spending free time watching a neighbor’s cat, cutting back flower stems at a flower shop, or trying to get the perfect steamed milk consistency at Harvard’s BioLounge. Learning can be finally submitting a final exam, but it can also be meeting with a really interesting person to talk about a project that you oh-so want to be involved in.

Most importantly, learning is about uncovering the beautiful things in life. My family and my friends have given me the opportunity to do exactly that, and more, at Harvard. For all that, I am forever grateful.

A picture of a red banner saying "Welcome Harvard First Year" in front of a brick wall

Arriving at Harvard

The welcome banner I saw the day I moved in.

  • Residential Life
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  • Study Abroad

Raymond Class of '25

Hey everyone! My name is Raymond, and I’m a junior at Harvard College studying Neuroscience on the Mind, Brain, and Behavior track. I live in Currier House—objectively the best house at the College!

Photo of Raymond Zheng

Student Voices

Love letter to basha: basha recap part 1.

Samia Afrose Class of '25

Collage of BASHA events

Eid-al-Fitr at Harvard 2024

my journey as a student

Ramadan 2024 Series: Ramadan Reflection

my journey as a student

my journey as a student

Student Journey Mapping: Redefining the Student Experience

by James Wiley, Eduventures Senior Fellow at Encoura | Sep 1, 2020 | All Topics , Technology Research

my journey as a student

To understand the extent to which student journey mapping efforts are being used by institutions of higher education, we used Google searches and web scraping to find as many examples as we could. As shown in Figure 2 below, the output of this research revealed:

  • 324 webpages had occurrences of at least one of our search terms, 222 of which were non-vendor and institutional sites.
  • 34 webpages had either a student journey map or reflected a student journey approach.
  • 24 webpages had at least one component.
  • Five webpages had student journey maps had four components—the most of any in our sample: Arizona State University, Georgia Southern University, Laurentian University, New York University, and University of New Mexico.

Student Journey Mapping Search Results

On the surface, our research suggests that very few institutions have engaged in student journey mapping. Because this analysis relied on publicly available information, however, more schools may implement the practice of student journey mapping but decide to keep it confidential. Likewise, of the student journey maps we examined, there is little evidence that most of the institutions implemented the maps as part of an ongoing practice to better track progress of specific efforts for continuous improvement.

The most developed example of student journey mapping and implementation we found is Arizona State University (ASU). Its mapping approach , aligned with its lifelong learning efforts, includes a set of metrics, norms, and processes to better track, understand, and improve the student experience.

Under the leadership of the director of enrollment analysis (Office of the Provost), ASU spent six months gathering 65 data points and “student process artifacts,” engaged more than 40 people across 12 departments, and convened more than 30 interviews and workshops. The primary focus of student journey mapping has been on the post-enrollment to graduation portion of the student life cycle, with less attention paid to pre-enrollment or alumni stages.

The Bottom Line

We suggest three considerations for any institution seeking to develop and implement student journey mapping to improve the student experience:

  • Place students at the center of the effort: The goal of student journey mapping is to improve the quality of student interactions with the institution. Therefore, it is critical to ensure that any school embarking on a student journey mapping process first recognizes that not all students are the same and that they will experience similar interactions differently. Developing student personas (something ASU has also done), for example, is a valuable way to capture different student types and view how they progress along their journeys.
  • Bring together institutional stakeholders: Some institutional maps appear to be narrow (focusing on admissions, for example), focused on one aspect of the student journey. Narrow journey mappings, however, may also signal a challenge in bringing together stakeholders from multiple departments, such as admissions, facilities, teaching and learning, and student support. Developing a journey map that encompasses the entire student journey will require thinking through all the unique touchpoints between a school and its students and the involvement of representatives from each touchpoint.
  • Establish key performance indicators for measuring success: It is essential to develop metrics by which institutional leaders can determine whether the student journey map is successful in helping them deliver that quality experience. Without a review of metrics, there is a risk that the student journey map becomes a “point in time” artifact that does not help institutions understand the precise areas where they can improve the student experience.

It is striking that few institutions have embarked on mapping efforts—or that at least few have made sufficient progress to justify public disclosure. The typical institution has no shortage of concerns about student engagement, achievement, and attrition, not to mention disparities by student type and background. The pandemic may force schools to pay more attention to the student journey but may equally sideline ambitious initiatives. It will be interesting to see whether mapping efforts grow in number from today’s small base and whether pioneers such as ASU start to reap the rewards in terms of recruitment, retention and reputation.

my journey as a student

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my journey as a student

James Wiley

Eduventures Senior Fellow at Encoura Contact

Thursday, September 3, 2020 at 2PM ET/1PM CT

Hindsight is 2020. While the uncertainty of the past several months has provided us with unforeseen challenges, it also offered us guidance on how to better prepare for the future.

On Thursday, September 3rd, President Brent Ramdin will be joined by University of Tampa’s AVP of Enrollment, Brent Benner, as well as Encoura Enrollment Consultant, Tye Mortenson, as they discuss how University of Tampa was able to navigate the challenges of the last recruitment cycle. The conversation will focus on the impact of test optional on admissions, the increased competition for out-of-state students, and the urgency to pivot to virtual recruiting methods.

Join us to learn how the University of Tampa is rising to the challenges of 2021 leveraging Encoura Data Lab and rolling out new practices. Participants will gain insights into best practices needed to make the class in 2021.

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my journey as a student

My journey as a student parent at HKS

By Anupama Thekkinkat Vadukkoot MC/MPA 2024

Anupama Thekkinkat Vadukkoot with her son and husband visiting Santa Claus

Embarking on my journey at Harvard Kennedy School was a dream come true. As a civil servant from India, my heart beats for the social sector—gender equality, child welfare, and social justice. I was thrilled to receive the news of my acceptance to HKS, but it brought with it a bout of concerns, foremost being the question of whether to bring my seven-year-old son to the United States. 

The idea of juggling my academic schedule with his needs, coupled with the thought of uprooting him from familiar surroundings, filled me with anxiety and guilt. After weighing the options along with my husband, and with a lot of reassurance from him, we decided that our son would accompany me, with my husband aligning his visits with our son’s school breaks and my academic commitments.

Preparing myself for this journey required more than just logistical planning. I realized I would be among the minority of international students navigating this path with a child in tow, and thus, I had to meticulously prioritize every aspect of my life—studies, childcare arrangements, travel plans, and social connections. 

From selecting the right accommodation to navigating the intricacies of the local school system, every decision felt weighty. With the help of online resources, guidance from my husband who previously studied in the U.S., and invaluable guidance from alumni, I mapped out the logistics, considering factors such as proximity to school, timing, transportation, school meals, and more. 

Anupama and her son holding a jack-o-lantern

As I delved into my coursework at HKS, I encountered certain challenges, like my son being waitlisted for afterschool program. However, the wide range of course options at HKS, including the option to cross-register, helped me chart out a suitable schedule. The support from faculty and peers eased my burden. 

While I may not have had the same freedom to socialize and network as my peers, soon I found myself connecting with like-minded individuals who understood the intricacies of my situation. Harvard’s inclusive community embraced my son at University events, providing us with opportunities to bond and forge lasting friendships.

Some things I have found particularly helpful include:

  • A carefully crafted course schedule
  • Visits from my husband when we needed him the most
  • Good medical insurance for my son
  • Network of other parents, play dates, and Graduate Commons events
  • Communicating my schedule and emotions to my son
  • Keeping track of public events for kids in and around Cambridge and Boston
  • Public libraries, museums, and local festivals
  • Getting acquainted with the public transportation system in Boston
  • An apartment community and play facilities
  • Standby childcare options for emergency situations

In hindsight, I realize that prioritization and planning were the cornerstones of my smooth transition to being a student parent. Yes, there were challenges, but as I reflect on this journey, I’m filled with gratitude for the opportunity to tread this path alongside my family, overcoming obstacles together and emerging stronger than ever before. 

HKS 2023

Read the Class of 2023 Employment Snapshot

September 26, 2019

Experience Design Tool: Improving the Student Journey from Applicant to Alum

Designing Experiences

By Elliot Felix

Colleges and universities are trying to better analyze, improve, and compete on student experience, but they face three big challenges: they lack a shared definition and understanding of what they mean by “student experience;” they lack a holistic approach that connects different departments, services, and technologies; and student experience is typically assessed (if at all) through separate student surveys with low response rates that aren’t readily acted upon.

No matter how good their assessments, institutions still need an alignment tool that helps them synthesize what they know, uncover what they don’t, identify the student experience pain points, and spark collaboration across departments to make things better for students. So, building on the success of other tools we’ve created and courses we’ve taught, we created the Student Experience Canvas to help institutions literally get on the same page.

Why are Colleges and Universities Focusing on the Student Journey?

Based on our work with over 80 institutions, we’ve observed that while the nuances may vary, institutions have three aspects in common when they commit to a focus on student experience. First, they aspire to be “student-centered” by considering things from the student point of view – the Gates Foundation has an initiative on “ Student Centered Colleges ” on this very topic. Second, institutions act on this student-centered approach to design more effective and efficient services, policies, processes, and systems for students to interact with; for instance, if a student has a registration problem that turns out to be bill payment problem that’s caused by a financial aid issue, should she have to go to three different places to resolve it? Third, institutions aspire to better utilize data to measure and improve the impact of these interactions in terms of key metrics like acceptance rate, engagement, retention, graduation, and alumni giving – to name a few.

A student’s experience is a kind of mosaic built from his or her physical and digital interactions with the range of offerings from the school. These include academic programs, technology systems for everything from paying a bill to taking a course, administrative services like registration and financial aid, academic services like advising and tutoring, facilities like dorms and classrooms, and students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community.

my journey as a student

What is the Student Experience Canvas?

The Student Experience Canvas is a tool to understand and improve your students’ experience holistically across all the different touchpoints along their journey from applicant to alum. The Canvas can be completed by students themselves, faculty, and/or staff from academic affairs, student affairs, technology, facilities, assessment, and other areas. Working individually or in teams in a facilitated workshop, you imagine different types of students, evaluate students’ journeys made up of touchpoints over time, identify what’s working and what isn’t in the current experience, and then reflect on the journey to identify priorities and questions.

my journey as a student

The Canvas enables colleges and universities to synthesize what’s known, reveal what’s unknown, and combine different departments and perspectives to spark collaboration by taking a design thinking approach to student experience. First, we employ a student-centered ethos so institutions can design student services not around their internal business process or the technical requirements of their technology but based on the students’ needs. Second, with a holistic sense of what’s working and what isn’t, institutions can make progress by prototyping new programs, services, spaces, and technology tools to address specific pain points (e.g., summer melt) and our specific segments (e.g., first-gen students).

my journey as a student

Beyond the holistic, design thinking philosophy embedded in the Canvas, it also has four important design principles:

  • Adopt Student-POV : Completing the Canvas can be done by students themselves or by college and university staff based on what they have heard from students directly during interviews, workshops, surveys, and other research as well as what they’ve learned about students through other assessment activities (e.g., data analytics on LMS usage).
  • Segment Students : Institutions may get started by creating one general Canvas for their overall student experience, but should then segment their students into strategic categories. There is no single “student experience” but rather a mosaic of them; for instance, there might be specific pain points and bright spots for a first-gen STEM student compared to a returning adult learner shifting careers.
  • Organize by Persona : For each student segment, you will complete a Canvas by summarizing a student persona, evaluating their current experience, and reflecting on the journey to identify priorities and questions. These personas can be from national studies or be specific to the institution.
  • Evaluate the Student Journey : To evaluate the current experience, the Canvas considers two dimensions together: the touchpoints students interact with including academic programs, student services, technology, facilities, and community as well as the phases of the student journey over time. We think about these as six stages in progression: apply > adjust > approach > advance > attain > affiliate.

What’s in the Student Experience Canvas?

The Student Experience Canvas contains four sections: student persona, evaluating the student experience, vision and goals, and planning implementation.

Step 1. Personas : Each canvas you complete will correspond to a segment of your student population. While there is not one student experience (and Malcolm Gladwell’s TED Talk on spaghetti sauce is great background on this philosophy), we’ve found that sometimes doing a more general, overall student experience first is a great way to get oriented before moving into specific segments.

  • Institutions may have an existing set of personas, want to use an existing set that represents students nationally such as the Lumina Institute’s personas , or create new ones ( this page in the Learning Space Toolkit we co-created with NC State is a good free resource).
  • Regardless, students, faculty, or staff can start by summarizing the motivations, behaviors, and expectations of their personas which correspond to different segments of their population, and then summarize the persona in a name that captures the essence of the persona, like “Career Shifter.” (hint: these typically contain a verb ending in -or or -er)

my journey as a student

Step 2. Evaluating the Student Journey : The Canvas evaluates the student journey along phases of time from applicant to alum as students interact with touchpoints including programs, services, technology, facilities, and communities.

A. Touchpoints : The Canvas asks college and university staff to consider what students interact with, and each moment of interaction is a “ touchpoint ” for a student, which can be a pain point or a bright spot in their experience. The touchpoints to consider are:

  • Academic Programs: Interactions, relationships, projects, and motivations related to degree and non-degree programs Student Services: Academic and admin support such as admissions, enrollment, finance, advising, library, and career
  • Technology: Technology hardware, software, and infrastructure for creating, communicating, and collaborating
  • Campus Facilities: Classrooms, dining, health, laboratory, library, residential, sports and study spaces
  • Community and Culture: Belonging, feeling supported, having a say, opportunities to lead, participating in groups/activities

B. Phases : An experience is made up of these student interactions over time. The phases of the student journey include the following:

  • Apply: Searching for, applying to, and deciding on a school
  • Adjust: Getting oriented to the school’s programs, people, and places
  • Approach: Early experiences to explore different topics & communities
  • Advance: Later experience to focus on progressing along a selected path
  • Attain: Transitioning to becoming part of the workforce
  • Affiliate: Staying connected to and affiliated with the school as an alum

my journey as a student

Step 3. Reflection : Once you’ve completed the evaluation of the student journey – qualitatively and quantitatively – it’s time to reflect and prioritize to identify the top three to five student pain points to address or “ bright spots ” to sustain and scale up. This reflection will also likely uncover gaps in your knowledge that you’ll need to fill by working with students and staff from other departments, by gathering new data, or by analyzing data you have in new ways.

my journey as a student

How Will You Move Ahead?

Once you have thought about your students, evaluated their experiences, prioritized their needs, and identified future questions, what should you do next? We recommend that you set your vision and goals, identify actions by department/group to hold staff accountable, and conduct prototyping and piloting of the proposed changes to create some quick wins that build momentum and refine your ideas.

Keep your eye out for a companion tool we’ll soon by launching – The Student Experience Roadmap – to prompt and organize these next steps. In the interim, we’ll explain these steps below.

my journey as a student

Set your Vision and Goals : Look across the Canvases you’ve completed, and create your overall student experience vision and goals. (You will probably have somewhere between 6 to 10 refined Canvases to represent your different student segments.)

  • Your vision describes is your ideal future state (e.g., Bill Gates’s vision in the 90s: “A computer on every desk and in every home, running Microsoft software.”). This will likely be common across personas.
  • Your goals are the major specific things you’ll need to do to make it happen. A great way to get this started is to write a bunch of “From ____ to _____ so that ____.” statements that you can shape into a set of goals.

Plan for Implementation : Once you’ve evaluated the current experience and then set vision and goals, it’s time to get into the implementation mindset and start thinking about how to sustain and scale up what’s working and address the pain points that aren’t.

  • Given that many student experience problems occur where greater coordination or integration is needed – the course registration problem that turns out to be a bill payment problem that turns out to be a financial aid problem – think about accountability within and across departments by identifying actions needed to address the priorities you identified.
  • To apply the design thinking mindset, you should prototype and pilot your ideas. So, identify some options and look for ways to test your ideas, reduce risk, and build momentum. Something as easy as a pop-up service point at a table in a building lobby can teach you a lot while demonstrating your commitment to meet students where they are.

Using the Student Experience Canvas, college and university staff can better understand, improve, and compete on the basis of their student experience. Completing a canvas will spark collaboration and coordination across departments and help create a shared definition and understanding of what they mean by “student experience” to promote a holistic approach that looks across the different parts of the institution that students interact with along their journey from applicant to alum.

Good luck as you move ahead!

We’d also love to hear from you about how you’re using the Canvas and what feedback you have on it – please drop us a line . We are always trying to improve our tools and help colleges and universities transform their student experience.

PS: If you’d like more of a “blank” Canvas approach where you can define your own rows and columns based on terminology your institution already uses, you can download that version here .

Related articles

  • Defining “Experience”
  • Defining Design Strategy
  • A More Equitable Student Experience
  • How Three Institutions are Assessing Their Student Experience
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Your future – yours to shape. To help you along the way, you have unique access to the multi-award winning Future You  (login required).

Built for you by experts in their field, by leading employers, and by students like you who have studied at Leicester and know first-hand the challenges you face and how to overcome them. 

Future You is your route map to developing the right career plan for you and putting it into action. 

Everyone’s path will be different, but by completing the four stages of My Student Journey, you will graduate with the experience and skills necessary to succeed in the workplace or further study. 

To help you along the way, you can get support when you need it. Whether you are looking for the latest opportunities, insights and inspiration, or one-to-one advice, we have you covered. 

Find out more about each stage:

  • Get Started (first year students): Meet new people and develop your skill set by volunteering, joining a student group or finding a part-time job
  • Get Experience (middle year students): Seek out and secure opportunities for professional experience and growth 
  • Get Graduate Ready (final year students): Evaluate your experience to date, and action plan your next steps.

The Famuan

My journey at FAMU

my journey as a student

As a first-generation college student stepping onto the campus of Florida A&M University in 2021, I was filled with a mix of excitement and determination. I quickly learned that FAMU wasn’t just a place to attend classes; it was a vibrant community where ambitious dreams transform into tangible successes.

The university’s nurturing environment encouraged me to actively pursue my aspirations and equipped me with the tools necessary to chase my dreams.

Joining the School of Journalism & Graphic Communication was a pivotal moment in my academic journey. The school provided an exhilarating atmosphere surrounded by peers equally eager to delve into the creative realm.

Majoring in public relations, I found a comfort space among like-minded individuals who shared my passion and ambitions. This close-knit community fostered not only my academic growth but also allowed me to build lasting relationships with fellow students.

One of the defining experiences during my time at FAMU was working with “Venom PRoz,” a student-run public relations firm. This opportunity opened numerous doors and played a crucial role in shaping my professional outlook. The practical experience gained here was invaluable, providing a real-world complement to my academic studies.

The turning point in my academic career came when I enrolled in a professional colloquium course taught by Professor Ranata Hughes. In this course I was introduced to GOLIN, where I secured my first internship. This experience was transformative, offering me a front-row seat to the fast-paced world of public relations in New York City. Here, I not only honed my skills but also expanded my understanding of the industry’s dynamics on a larger scale.

Despite encountering several challenges along the way, the resilience and boldness instilled in me by FAMU and SJGC enabled me to navigate these obstacles successfully. The lessons learned during these times have become some of my most compelling stories, highlighting the university’s emphasis on perseverance and strength.

Now, as I prepare to graduate and walk the stage on May 4, I look back on my time at FAMU with profound gratitude. The university has been a stepping stone to greater heights, reinforcing its reputation for nurturing diligent and resilient individuals.

As I stand on the brink of entering the professional world, SJGC remains a cherished place I consider home. To current and future students, I offer this piece of advice: never hesitate to chase your dreams. FAMU and SJGC provide a robust foundation, allowing you to thrive in various media fields and beyond, preparing you for the challenges of the wider world. My journey from a first-generation student to a confident professional is a testament to the transformative power of a FAMU education, and I am eager to see where this foundation will lead me.

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Schedule Appointments with Essential Resources

Through My Journey, you can schedule meetings with:

  • Your four-year advisor
  • Career and internship consultants in the Career Center
  • Pre-professional advisors for medical, health professions and law school
  • Staff offering academic resources, including study skills and spoken English language support
  • Undergraduate research
  • Study abroad advisors who can connect you to world-expanding education opportunities

Stay Up to Date

My Journey will keep track of the important details about your CWRU experience and the plans you make.

  • Review details about upcoming and past appointments
  • Track and complete tasks you set during meetings
  • Follow up on to-do items and referrals to other resources

If you have any difficulties accessing My Journey or the resource guides on this page, please email  [email protected] .

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My Journey as a Student at St. Dominic College of Asia

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Published: Jan 28, 2021

Words: 1182 | Pages: 3 | 6 min read

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Introduction, personal growth and maturation, academic pursuits and achievements, experiences beyond the classroom.

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my journey as a student

Amulya 1

My Journey as an International Student: Navigating Challenges, Embracing Diversity

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by Library News September 29 2023

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Hi Mavs!  I’m Amulya Yakkala and when I am not working on my master's in computer science, I work here at UTA Libraries as an editorial assistant in the Marketing and Communications department. I wanted to share how I came to the university from my home in India. 

As an international student, studying abroad has been a transformative adventure filled with sweet and sour incidents, such as cultural discoveries, new friendships and homesickness. I want to share my experiences and insights with others to give a glimpse of what studying in a foreign land is like and how I have faced these difficulties. 

First Experiences  

Before I even got off the plane, I met people from several different cultures. There were new customs and traditions around me, from bowing in Japan to cheek-kissing in France. In India, traditional greetings often involve a "Namaste," where people press their palms together and bow slightly as a sign of respect. It's a gesture that carries deep cultural and spiritual significance. 

In contrast, handshakes are a standard greeting in the United States. People extend their right hand to shake, which is a friendly and professional way to say hello. 

Adjusting to a foreign language for everyday tasks was challenging, as it is not my native language. However, I faced it with determination. Although it felt uneasy at first, with time, I began to enjoy the process of learning and expressing myself in a new language. 

I have realized that living in a foreign country and managing finances involves more than just exchanging currencies. It also meant creating a budget for daily expenses, tuition fees and unforeseen costs. Initially, being financially independent was scary. Still, I have learned valuable skills, such as the importance of money and how to manage and budget it properly. As a result, I no longer spend money on unnecessary items and have started saving. 

Experiencing diverse perspectives and interacting with people from various backgrounds is one of the most thrilling aspects of studying abroad. It has broadened my thoughts. Studying abroad has also shown me that the world is far more colorful than I had imagined. 

I often miss India's street food, and one of my favorites is eating panipuri with my friends. After coming here, I started to cook all the dishes by myself. It was hard and not tasty initially, but I have improved dramatically after several attempts and months of cooking. It's funny how I've become so adept at cooking; sometimes, I even joke with my mom that I can prepare some dishes better than her. 

It's a delightful feeling, knowing that I'm learning new skills, and I can't wait to make those dishes for my parents and feed them, just as they did for me back home. These moments help me overcome homesickness and feel closer to my family, even when we're miles apart. 

Making Friends and Staying Connected to Home 

Initially, making friends from different parts of the world seemed challenging as I didn't know whom I could easily connect with and share my struggles. Then, I got to know two amazing friends, Pavan Kumar Innamuri and Hemanth Kambham, who helped me through my tough times and brought laughter into my life. 

I realized how fortunate I was to have met them and our friendship grew stronger as we tackled challenges, studied together, and explored new cities. These friendships transcended geographical boundaries and became my dependable support system. 

During my journey, there were times when I missed home and my loved ones. You know that feeling, right? But I found a sweet way to deal with it. I call my parents every morning and night to chat about how my day went. 

Here's the cool part: my mom has become my virtual partner in crime. She's always curious to see what I'm up to, so I send her pictures of my daily adventures. It's like she's right there with me, even though she's miles away. And, of course, she tells me all about her day, too. These little moments of sharing pics and stories make me feel like home is just a phone call away. 

Studying abroad isn't just about academics; it's about personal growth. I became more resilient, open-minded, and globally connected in this journey. The challenges I have faced have transformed into opportunities for self-discovery. If you are an international student, this is the moment to embrace the adventure which will shape you in ways you have never imagined. 

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  • Success Events
  • Navigating Grief as a College Student: A Compassionate Journey Through Loss
  • mySuccess Blog

Navigating Grief as a College Student

Navigating grief is a journey we all embark on at some point in our lives. It's a natural, albeit challenging, part of the human experience. Despite its universality, many find themselves grappling with how to cope effectively. Self-care becomes paramount during these times, as does the art of listening to our own needs. Equally crucial is extending our support to those around us as they navigate their own tumultuous emotions.

The mere thought of confronting grief can be daunting. Understanding its nuances, learning to manage its weight, and extending a compassionate hand to others in mourning are all vital skills in this journey. 

What Does Grief Look Like? 

In the face of loss, some individuals may not even acknowledge that they're undergoing a grieving process. Grief is an incredibly personal experience, manifesting uniquely in each person. It is important to know what it feels like to you, so you can be better in tune with your emotions and cope in a productive manner. Here are some of the most common symptoms of grief :

Although these are the most common symptoms, you may not feel all of these things. For some, grief is less noticeable even within themselves. It is important in times of loss to pay extra attention to your emotions, and notice any changes you may feel. Identifying that you are grieving is the first step in managing grief. 

How Can I Handle My Own Grief? 

When people acknowledge their grief, they often struggle to cope with it. This can sometimes lead them to turn to unhealthy ways of dealing with their emotions or to try to push those feelings away altogether. However, these choices can end up making things worse in the long run.

Thankfully, there are many effective methods that people have found helpful in dealing with grief. While not every method will work for everyone, there's no harm in exploring different approaches to find what works best for you.

Popular Coping Mechanisms

  • Staying connected: Reach out to friends and family! It is important to stay in touch with people who care about you and will be there for you. 
  • Patience: It is important to be kind to yourself – Remember that coping with intense emotions like grief takes time, you cannot expect to feel better overnight.
  • Reflection & Journaling: For many people, writing out their emotions can help in processing and managing how they feel. It can help you get in touch with yourself and what you are going through. 
  • Connecting with nature: A lot of people find that taking a moment to go outside and connect with nature can help them feel more at peace, and it can aid in lowering feelings of stress and anxiety.

The Seven Stages of Grief - Where are You?

Another helpful method for managing grief is to have an understanding of the stages of grief. In general, there are seven stages in the grieving process. Knowing what stage you are at can help you feel a sense of understanding in an otherwise confusing time, and can give you hints as to what to expect next. 

The initial reaction to a loss, may involve a sense of numbness or disbelief. 

This stage involves refusing to accept the reality of what has happened. This allows people to have an emotional buffer, but it is important to work towards moving out of this phase.

Once a person moves out of the numbness of the past two phases, they often shift into anger directed at the lost loved one, doctors, or other family members. It is important to address your anger at this time, and not refuse the feeling. 

4. Bargaining

Bargaining can come at any point in the process, and involves looking for any way to lessen the experience of grief. This is often when people turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms, and it is crucial to stay in touch with your emotions at this point.

5. Depression

This stage involves feelings of deep sadness, and many people turn to self isolation at this time. The emotions experienced can also shift towards feelings of emptiness. This is a difficult but necessary step in healing.

This is when a person begins to experiment with ways to accept their loss. In this time you may drift in and out of other phases, and it is important to know that it is not regression to revisit stages. 

7. Acceptance

This does not mean you feel ‘okay’ or ‘better’, but rather an acknowledgement that the loss you have experienced is part of reality and that life continues anyway. This is when many people truly adjust to the changes in their life and begin moving forward. 

Having an awareness of what stage of grief you are in, although not necessary to handling grief, can help a person who may struggle to allow themselves to fully experience their emotions. It can give you a deeper understanding of how you are feeling, why you are feeling it, and how to move forward. 

How Can I Help Someone With Grief? 

It is not only important to know how to handle your own grief. Sometimes people in our lives are experiencing grief, and it is crucial to know how to give them the best help you are able to give .

  • Reach Out: If you know someone who is grieving, check in on them! Some people struggle to ask for help, and it can be helpful to provide them an outlet for their needs. Even something as simple as asking “Are you okay?” can allow a person in grief to feel safe enough to open up and talk about their experiences.
  • Listen: Sometimes all a person in grieving needs is a shoulder to cry on. If you are in the right headspace, the best thing you can do is be a listening ear. It is comforting to people to feel seen and heard in their feelings.

It’s Okay to Not Be Okay

Grieving is a long, complicated process. No matter how you handle grief or what stage you are in, it is important to know that how you feel is valid. Processing loss takes time, and it is important to allow yourself the space to feel your emotions fully and deeply. There is no “right way” to feel, and you cannot expect yourself to feel better instantly. 

During anniversaries and milestones, feelings of grief may resurface. Prioritizing self-care and compassion becomes crucial during these times. These moments serve as poignant reminders of loss, eliciting various emotions. Tailored self-care practices, such as reflection, engaging in comforting activities, or seeking support, help navigate grief with resilience. Extending compassion to oneself and others fosters healing, nurturing a supportive community of shared strength.

Seeking Help

If you're struggling with intense grief and feel like you could use some support, it's important to reach out. Remember, you don't have to face these emotions by yourself.

Students have access to a wealth of campus resources that can provide assistance during difficult times. If things feel overwhelming type “ Breathe ” into the MyWidener search bar for helpful contacts and information. 

Exploring faith and spirituality on the journey of healing after experiencing loss and grief can provide additional avenues for support. In many cultures, these elements are deeply ingrained and serve as pillars of strength during challenging times. If you find solace in your faith or spiritual beliefs, consider incorporating practices such as prayer, meditation, or seeking guidance from religious leaders into your coping strategies.

Know that you are always welcomed to schedule an appointment with CAPS , where trained professionals can offer guidance and support tailored to your needs. Taking this step to seek help can be a powerful act of self-care, guiding you towards healing and resilience.

Seeking additional support? Here are some resources to explore: 

  • Tips for Grieving Students 
  • What's Your Grief?   
  • Resources on Coping With Grief 

As the Executive Director of Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at Widener University, Jennifer L. Horowitz leads a dedicated team in providing comprehensive mental health support to students. With a focus on promoting well-being and fostering resilience, Jennifer is committed to creating a supportive environment where students can thrive academically and personally.

International Programs

Jaki Banner

My journey of self-discovery through London and Wales: a business student's reflection on studying abroad

Jaki Bass

Reflecting on my time in London, I can confidently say it was a whirlwind of new experiences and eye-opening moments. Stepping out of the familiar confines of the United States for the first time on my own was both exhilarating and nerve-wracking. However, as I embarked on my adventure, I quickly realized that every moment was worth the initial uncertainty.

London welcomed me with open arms, offering me a glimpse into the rich tapestry of European culture. The city's diversity struck me in ways I hadn't anticipated, and my exploration extended beyond the bustling streets to the charming landscapes of Wales. The contrasts in culture and demeanor between the places I visited were stark yet fascinating, revealing the intricate layers of human experience.

Coming from the bustling metropolis of Chicago, London presented a refreshing change of pace. The warmth and politeness of its inhabitants, coupled with their penchant for privacy, left a lasting impression on me. The efficiency and cleanliness of London's transportation system were a pleasant surprise, a far cry from the crowded chaos of home. As I navigated the city's labyrinthine streets and parks, I embraced the unexpected joys of walking everywhere—an integral part of London's culture.

"While my time abroad presented its share of challenges, such as adjusting to new social norms and expectations, each obstacle became an opportunity for growth. Embracing the unknown with an open mind allowed me to overcome these hurdles and emerge stronger and more resilient."

During our trip I not only got to experience the International Business: Data Analytics program in London but also in Wrexham, Wales. We took this travel to do exploration about the new celebrity owner Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenny of the Wrexham football team. London and Wrexham, Wales, exhibit distinct cultural differences. London, a bustling metropolis, embraces multiculturalism, boasts iconic landmarks, and thrives as a global financial hub. In contrast, Wrexham, a smaller town, focuses on Welsh heritage, features a more localized economy, and emphasizes community values.  

We got to experience numerous football games during the time abroad to assist in the class and it was a fascinating experience to witness the various types of matches and how deeply embedded football is in their cultural fabric. From the lively discussions in the stands to the electrifying atmosphere on the field, the passion for the sport was palpable. The warmth and inclusivity of football culture welcomed us with open arms, allowing us to seamlessly integrate into the community. I found myself unexpectedly captivated by the fervor surrounding the game, realizing just how integral it is to their way of life. As we delved deeper into the history and traditions of football, I gained a newfound appreciation for its significance within their culture. The sense of camaraderie and shared enthusiasm among fans transcended language barriers, forging connections that transcended mere sporting events. It was a testament to the power of sport to unite people from diverse backgrounds under a common passion. In retrospect, my immersion into football culture was a highlight of my time in London and Wales, enriching my understanding of their heritage and fostering a deep appreciation for the universal language of sport.

In hindsight, my journey to London was more than just a physical voyage—it was a journey of self-discovery. I gained insights into different facets of my identity and learned to navigate the complexities of cultural exchange with grace and humility. 

LEARN HOW YOU CAN APPLY FOR A GLOBAL ACCESS AMBASSADOR SCHOLARSHIP

The Global Access Ambassador Scholarship program provides awards to study abroad for a summer, semester, or academic year. The scholarships are intended to support students who study abroad with the intent to serve as Global Access Ambassadors upon return to the UI campus. Upon completion of the study abroad program and return to UI, award recipients are asked to submit a photo and an open letter to prospective students or suggest an alternate means of sharing with prospective students.

Please note that the opinions and views expressed by ambassadors are solely those of the students and do not reflect or represent the views of International Programs or the University of Iowa.

International Programs  (IP) at the University of Iowa (UI) is committed to enriching the global experience of UI students, faculty, staff, and the general public by leading efforts to promote internationally oriented teaching, research, creative work, and community engagement.  IP provides support for international students and scholars, administers scholarships and assistance for students who study, intern, or do research abroad, and provides funding opportunities and grant-writing assistance for faculty engaged in international research. IP shares their stories through various media, and by hosting multiple public engagement activities each year.

  • diversity ambassador
  • global access ambassador
  • student funding
  • study abroad

International Programs at the University of Iowa supports the right of all individuals to live freely and to live in peace. We condemn all acts of violence based on race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, and perceived national or cultural origin. In affirming its commitment to human dignity, International Programs strongly upholds the values expressed in the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights .  

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Journey Student Ministries

my journey as a student

"Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. 13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching."  1 Timothy 4:12

my journey as a student

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High School Student to SDE at Google: Career Journey

Hi everyone! I’m going to tell you how I went from a curious 10th grader to a Software Development Engineer (SDE), which is a fancy way of saying I build software!

Finding My Path (10th Grade):

In 10th grade, I loved figuring out tough problems in math and science. Maybe it was a mind-bending puzzle or a cool science experiment that got me hooked. This love of solving things lead me down the coding path.

Choosing My Subjects (11th & 12th Grade):

By 11th grade, I knew I wanted a job that used my problem-solving skills. So, in 12th grade, I picked science classes. Subjects like physics, chemistry, and especially computer science gave me a strong foundation in thinking logically and introduced me to coding.

Making Coding My Thing (12th Grade):

School was a good start, but I wanted to learn more about coding on my own. I started playing around with beginner-friendly coding languages like Python or C++ (depending on what your school offered). There’s a ton of free stuff online to help you learn, like tutorials and even giant online classes! The best part? Building stuff, even if it was just a simple game or a program to make things easier, felt amazing!

College and Beyond (Becoming an SDE):

After 12th grade, all this coding love convinced me to get a degree in Computer Science or something similar, like Information Technology. These programs teach you everything you need to know about building software, from the ground up, like how to organize information and solve problems with code, and different coding languages. I started my preparation early on and signed up for the JEE preparation course. Luckily I got into my dream college IIT Bombay. College was tough, no denying there but I got to work on cool projects and met some amazing people who too were passionate about coding like me. I got placed in 2 companies one of them being Google. I have always fancied working for Google because of the brilliant team of engineers they have and the work culture. I have pretty much living my dream life ever since.

There wasn’t one big moment that made me pick SDE. It was a bunch of things. I love solving problems with code, and being able to create something real from scratch is super motivating. Plus, the tech world is always changing, so there’s always something new to learn and keep things interesting.

Beyond School

Learning doesn’t stop after school! Joining coding contests, hackathons (where people come together to code for a short time), or even helping to build existing software projects (open-source projects) are awesome ways to get hands-on experience, show off your skills, and meet other coders.

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    Conclusion. My journey as a student at St. Dominic College of Asia has been a transformative and enriching experience. It has been a journey of self-discovery, personal growth, and academic achievements. Through challenges and triumphs, I have evolved into a more responsible, resilient, and confident individual.

  24. My Journey as an International Student: Navigating Challenges

    Databases A-Z Access online resources including journals, newspapers, data, and multimedia.; Garrett Cartographic History Library Holdings are exceptionally strong in 19th-century printed maps depicting Texas.; Image Reproduction Mediated services offered to students, faculty, staff, and the general public.; UTA ResearchCommons Preserving and showcasing the work of UTA scholars, students, and ...

  25. My Journey As A College Student

    1662 Words. 7 Pages. Open Document. Before walking into campus, all I was exposed to were people from similar backgrounds as me, Latina/o individuals with similar traditions and religious believes. However, as I began my journey as a college student I realized that the people in my surrounding were not at all like me.

  26. Navigating Grief as a College Student: A Compassionate Journey Through

    Navigating grief is a journey we all embark on at some point in our lives. It's a natural, albeit challenging, part of the human experience. Despite its universality, many find themselves grappling with how to cope effectively. ... Students have access to a wealth of campus resources that can provide assistance during difficult times.

  27. My journey of self-discovery through London and Wales: a business

    In hindsight, my journey to London was more than just a physical voyage—it was a journey of self-discovery. I gained insights into different facets of my identity and learned to navigate the complexities of cultural exchange with grace and humility. ... The scholarships are intended to support students who study abroad with the intent to ...

  28. Students

    Journey Student Ministries. "Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. 13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching." 1 Timothy 4:12.

  29. High School Student to SDE at Google: Career Journey

    High School Student to SDE at Google: Career Journey. Hi everyone! I'm going to tell you how I went from a curious 10th grader to a Software Development Engineer (SDE), which is a fancy way of saying I build software! Finding My Path (10th Grade): In 10th grade, I loved figuring out tough problems in math and science.

  30. Current Students

    Please visit the My Chamberlain student portal at community.chamberlain.edu and click or tap "Support" in the left navigation. Ask questions related to financial aid, the registrar, student services and clinical compliance or call us toll-free 888.556.8226. Student Portal. Academic Calendar.