DRAFT 3 The Quintessential College Experience
For most of my life, I've had preconceived notions about what college is like and what it entails. However, over the past year, my previous ideas have been shattered and reality finally set in. A recent trip to view colleges on the east coast coupled with reading My Freshman Year by Rebekah Nathan has opened my eyes to the true college experience. With my enlightening new-found knowledge, I have decided the direction that I am going to take in college. Despite my uncertainties, I am fairly confident in my major and what I plan to do for a living as I enter the workforce. As an aspiring college freshman, I would like to major in International Relations or International Studies (depending on what the colleges choose to name their major). Nathan's chapter How Others See Us reaffirmed my decision, as well, as she comments on how students do not typically have a global perspective. One of my life goals is to travel the world and be able to speak foreign languages in order to become immersed in exotic cultures. The endless opportunities in college, including classes that will expand my horizons, will allow me to fulfill my aspirations and become a well-rounded student.
As a woman who always has strongly believed in gender equality, I discovered a class that will enable me to learn more about women who have made a difference in the world. American University in Washington, D.C., offers a course on women who have overcome obstacles in order to leave a lasting impression on humanity. The course is titled “Women's Voices Through Time”, and it is listed as a class for International Relations majors, as well as students majoring in Women and Gender Studies. The description states that the course discusses "significant articulations of human experience expressed by women through literature, art, and history; how such traditions became established and how women, despite obstacles, have produced lasting works of ideas and imagination” (American University). This class would be the quintessential college course because would discuss the contributions of women around the world, and empower me to do the same. It’s a perfect class because I've always felt that there should be a specific class dedicated to women who made history. Additionally, if I were to attend American University, and enter in the School of International Service, this would count for three of my twenty eight credit hours under foundation courses (American University). The course would enable me to get credit while still enjoying myself and learning about who I am in relation to women in history.
Along those lines, a passion of mine is fighting for equality amongst genders, religions, and races. Located in the heart of the nation's capital, The George Washington University offers a wide range of courses in a myriad of subjects. Additionally, there is an entire school dedicated to foreign relations, known as The Elliot School of International Affairs. However, a course that sounded interesting to me was not part of the core curriculum of the International Relations major. Instead, the course, titled “Freedom and Equality”, is predicated upon the fundamental ideas of Western society (George Washington). This course discusses the importance of liberty and justice for every human being. I find this extremely important in today's society because Americans typically take advantage of the freedom that is given to them. Americans have endless opportunities and often times do not realize how others do not have the liberty and laws that prohibit discrimination. After Nathan interviewed several international students at Northern Arizona University, one student stated "You have so much here, and so many opportunities. I wish America would ask more what this country can do to make the world a better place" (Nathan 89). A course such as this would teach me more about freedom and equality in America and enable me to inquire as to what I can do to fight for freedom and equality across the world.
As a student who has traveled outside of the US, I know the importance of being open to other cultures and what it feels like to want to fit in. I am aware of the lack of global understanding leads to intolerance, which is never a good thing. According to Nathan, the biggest complaint of the international students was that many were ignorant, and simply were uninformed or misinformed about foreign countries (84). In order to expand my horizons in the international scene, I would like to take a course that discusses the issue of immigration and how humans learn to mirror the American customs while still retaining vestiges of their old culture. Boston University offers a course, “The New American”, which discusses how immigrants assimilate into American culture and customs. Some of the issues addressed include "What does it mean to be an American? Are immigrants to the United States ever fully 'American' or are they forever bridging two countries and cultures?" (Boston University). Having great-grandparents who immigrated from Italy, I have grown up around the culture and customs of Italian food and even the native language. I've heard numerous stories about how hard it was for my family to become "American". Similarly, Nathan addresses how the International students were confused about American customs such as the blanket greeting "Nice to meet you" and "See you soon", both of which some students took literally (69). Hopefully, this class would help me understand the challenges and struggles faced by people that come to America and yearn to be a part of the culture and lifestyle. Once I graduate from college (preferably graduate school, included), I would like to move to New York City in order to fulfill my dream as a United Nations Ambassador. I believe that this will allow me to fight for equality and human rights while at the same time allow me to learn about countries and cultures around the world. Fordham University, a Jesuit university in the Bronx, offers a course solely dedicated to teaching students about the collaboration of nations (Fordham University). The course, titled “United Nations and Human Rights”, is the quintessential college class, because I can receive college credit while learning more about the field in which I plan to work. Some of the international students Nathan interviewed felt that Americans were not tolerant of others because of their lack of knowledge (88). "Learn a foreign language and study overseas. . . Use your education to expand your purview beyond your own country" (Nathan 88). This course, focused on the relationship and acceptance of all nations, is a perfect way for students to learn to be tolerant. Regardless of where I go next fall, I also plan to study abroad in Spain for a year. This will not only increase my understanding of a foreign culture, but it will also allow me to meet new people and further enhance my knowledge of the Spanish language and culture.
When I enter in the college world, I am confident that it will be an experience I will never forget. I plan to learn about a plethora of subjects, including the common English, math, and science classes, and much more. I am going to learn about subjects that interest me and don't interest me. But, like Nathan, I am going to learn skills, such as time management, that I will use for the rest of my life (Nathan 110-112). Additionally, I will meet people from other states and countries and create friendships that will last a lifetime. I am going to take classes that challenge the way I think and enable me to expand my horizons. However, and maybe most importantly, I will learn about myself and what I want to do with my life. I know that sixty percent of undergraduate students change their major at least once before graduating (University of Buffalo). Therefore, there is a possibility that my path in college may change by the time I graduate. But I know that even if my goals change, I will always have a passion for learning about other cultures, languages, and the relationship between the countries that make up the world we live in today. Works Cited
American University. "WGS Courses." College of Arts and Sciences. American University, 2009. Web. 13 September 2009< http://www.american.edu/cas/wgs/courses.cfm >.
American University. "Office of the Registrar." University Catalog. American University, 2009. Web. 14 September 2009 <http://www.american.edu/provost/registrar/catalog.cfm>.
Boston University. "College of Arts and Sciences Writing Program." Program Guide and Course Catalog. Boston University, 2009. Web. 14 September 2009 < http://www.bu.edu/cas/writing/docs/CatalogF09.pdf >.
Fordham University. "Courses: Fall 2009." International Studies. Fordham University, 2009. Web. 14 September 2009 < http://www.fordham.edu/academics/programs_at_fordham_/international_studie/registration_fall_20_70374.asp >.
The George Washington University. "Political Science." University Bulletin. The George Washington University, 2009. Web. 14 September 2009 < http://www.gwu.edu/~bulletin/ugrad/psc.html >.
Nathan, Rebekah. My Freshman Year: What A Professor Learned By Becoming A Student. New York: Penguin Books, 2006. University of Buffalo. "Changing Your Major." UB Undergraduate Advising. University of Buffalo, 2009. Web. 15 September 2009 < http://advising.buffalo.edu/yourmajor/changing.php> . -Ray Gen 9/25/09 11:24 AM DRAFT 2 The Quintessential College Experience
For most of my life, I've had preconceived notions about what college is like and what it entails. However, over the past year, my previous ideas have been shattered and reality finally set in. A recent trip to view colleges on the east coast coupled with reading My Freshman Year by Rebekah Nathan has opened my eyes to the true college experience. With my enlightening new-found knowledge, I have decided the direction that I am going to take in college. Despite my uncertainties, I am fairly confident in my major and what I plan to do for a living as I enter the workforce. As an aspiring college freshman, I would like to major in International Relations or International Studies (depending on what the colleges choose to name their major). Nathan's chapter How Others See Us reaffirmed my decision, as well, as she comments on how students do not typically have a global perspective. One of my life goals is to travel the world and be able to speak foreign languages
As a woman who always has strongly believed in gender equality, I discovered a class that will enable me to learn more about women who have made a difference in the world. American University in Washington, D.C., offers a course on women who have overcome obstacles in order to leave a lasting impression on humanity. The course is titled “Women's Voices Through Time”, and it is listed as a class for International Relations majors, as well as students majoring in Women and Gender Studies. The description states that the course discusses "significant articulations of human experience expressed by women through literature, art, and history; how such traditions became established and how women, despite obstacles, have produced lasting works of ideas and imagination” (American University). This class would be the quintessential college course because would discuss the contributions of women around the world, and empower me to do the same. It’s a perfect class because I've always felt that there should be a specific class dedicated to women who made history. Additionally, if I were to attend American University, and enter in the School of International Service, this would count for three of my twenty eight credit hours under foundation courses (American University). The course would enable me to get credit while still enjoying myself and learning about who I am in relation to women in history. I would like to take this class too. Along those lines, a passion of mine is fighting for equality amongst genders, religions, and races. Located in the heart of the nation's capital, The George Washington University offers a wide range of courses in a myriad of subjects. Additionally, there is an entire school dedicated to foreign relations, known as The Elliot School of International Affairs. However, a course that sounded interesting to me was not part of the core curriculum of the International Relations major. Instead, the course, titled “Freedom and Equality”, is predicated upon the fundamental ideas of Western society (George Washington). This course discusses the importance of liberty and justice for every human being. I find this extremely important in today's society because Americans typically take advantage of the freedom that is given to them. Americans have endless opportunities and often times do not realize how others do not have the liberty and laws that prohibit discrimination. After Nathan interviewed several international students at Northern Arizona University, one student stated "You have so much here, and so many opportunities. I wish America would ask more what this country can do to make the world a better place" (Nathan 89). A course such as this would teach me more about freedom and equality in America and enable me to inquire as to what I can do to fight for freedom and equality across the world. Good use of Nathan and web site.
As a student who has traveled outside of the US, I know the importance of being open to other cultures and what it feels like to want to fit in. I am aware of the lack of global understanding leads to intolerance, which is never a good thing. According to Nathan, the biggest complaint of the international students was that many were ignorant, and simply were uninformed or misinformed about foreign countries (84). In order to expand my horizons in the international scene, I would like to take a course that discusses the issue of immigration and how humans learn to mirror the American customs while still retaining vestiges of their old culture. Boston University offers a course, “The New American”, which discusses how immigrants assimilate into American culture and customs. Some of the issues addressed include "What does it mean to be an American? Are immigrants to the United States ever fully 'American' or are they forever bridging two countries and cultures?" (Boston University). Having great-grandparents who immigrated from Italy, I have grown up around the culture and customs of Italian food and even the native language. I've heard numerous stories about how hard it was for my family to become "American". Similarly, Nathan addresses how the International students were confused about American customs such as the blanket greeting "Nice to meet you" and "See you soon", both of which some students took literally (69). Hopefully, this class would help me understand the challenges and struggles faced by people that come to America and yearn to be a part of the culture and lifestyle. It makes us sound insincere. But that's our "throw away" language. Once I graduate from college (preferably graduate school, included), I would like to move to New York City in order to fulfill my dream as a United Nations Ambassador. I believe that this will allow me to fight for equality and human rights while at the same time allow me to learn about countries and cultures around the world. Fordham University, a Jesuit university in the Bronx, offers a course solely dedicated to teaching students about the collaboration of nations (Fordham University). The course, titled “United Nations and Human Rights”, is the quintessential college class, because I can receive college credit while learning more about the field in which I plan to work. Some of the international students Nathan interviewed felt that Americans were not tolerant of others because of their lack of knowledge (88). "Learn a foreign language and study overseas. . . Use your education to expand your purview beyond your own country" (Nathan 88). This course, focused on the relationship and acceptance of all nations, is a perfect way for students to learn to be tolerant. Regardless of where I go next fall, I also plan to study abroad in Spain for a year. This will not only increase my understanding of a foreign culture, but it will also allow me to meet new people and further enhance my knowledge of the Spanish language and culture.
When I enter in the college world, I am confident that it will be an experience I will never forget. I plan to learn about a plethora of subjects, including the common English, math, and science classes, and much more. I am going to learn about subjects that interest me and don't interest me. But, like Nathan, I am going to learn skills, such as time management, that I will use for the rest of my life (Nathan 110-112). Additionally, I will meet people from other states and countries and create friendships that will last a lifetime. I am going to take classes that challenge the way I think and enable me to expand my horizons. However, and maybe most importantly, I will learn about myself and what I want to do with my life. I know that sixty percent of undergraduate students change their major at least once before graduating (University of Buffalo). Therefore, there is a possibility that my path in college may change by the time I graduate. But I know that even if my goals change, I will always have a passion for learning about other cultures, languages, and the relationship between the countries that make up the world we live in today.
Excellent writing. Good essay. Good Use of sources. Works Cited
American University. "WGS Courses." College of Arts and Sciences. American University, 2009. Web. 13 September 2009< http://www.american.edu/cas/wgs/courses.cfm >.
American University. "Office of the Registrar." University Catalog. American University, 2009. Web. 14 September 2009 <http://www.american.edu/provost/registrar/catalog.cfm>.
Boston University. "College of Arts and Sciences Writing Program." Program Guide and Course Catalog. Boston University, 2009. Web. 14 September 2009 < http://www.bu.edu/cas/writing/docs/CatalogF09.pdf >.
Fordham University. "Courses: Fall 2009." International Studies. Fordham University, 2009. Web. 14 September 2009 < http://www.fordham.edu/academics/programs_at_fordham_/international_studie/registration_fall_20_70374.asp >.
The George Washington University. "Political Science." University Bulletin. The George Washington University, 2009. Web. 14 September 2009 < http://www.gwu.edu/~bulletin/ugrad/psc.html >.
Nathan, Rebekah. My Freshman Year: What A Professor Learned By Becoming A Student. New York: Penguin Books, 2006. University of Buffalo. "Changing Your Major." UB Undergraduate Advising. University of Buffalo, 2009. Web. 15 September 2009 < http://advising.buffalo.edu/yourmajor/changing.php> . DRAFT 1
I'm not sure if you need this here? -Josh Footlik 9/16/09 9:25 AM Lauren Farello
16 September 2009
Period 2
My Freshman Year Maybe a clever title? -Josh Footlik 9/16/09 9:41 AM
For most of my life, I've had preconceived notions about what college is like and what it entails. However, over the past year, my previous ideas have been shattered and reality has finally set in This should be in past tense-Josh Footlik 9/16/09 9:15 AM. A recent trip to view colleges on the east coast coupled with reading My Freshman Year by Rebekah Nathan has opened my eyes to the true college experience. With my enlightening new-found knowledge, I have decided the direction in which I plan to head in college Seems a bit confusing. A different phrase or rewrite? -Josh Footlik 9/16/09 9:18 AM. Despite my uncertainties, I believe that I Don't need this. Just say you are confident-Josh Footlik 9/16/09 9:19 AM am fairly confident in my major and what I plan to do for a living as I enter the workforce. As an aspiring college freshman, I would like to major in International Relations or International Studies (depending on what the colleges choose to name their major). Nathan's chapter How Others See Us reaffirmed my decision, as well, as she commented Present tense-Josh Footlik 9/16/09 9:21 AM on how students do not typically have a global perspective. One of my life goals is to travel the world and be able to speak foreign languages as to become immersed in unknown cultures. The endless opportunities in college, including classes that will expand my horizons, will allow me to fulfill my aspirations and become a well-rounded student. Thesis? -Josh Footlik 9/16/09 9:22 AM
As a woman who always has strongly believed in gender equality, I discovered a class that will enable me to learn more about women who have made a difference in the world. American University in Washington DC ,D.C. -Josh Footlik 9/16/09 9:23 AM -Josh Footlik 9/16/09 9:23 AM , offers a course on women who have overcome obstacles in order to leave a lasting impression on humanity. The course is titled Women's Voices Through Time Put course title in quotations -Josh Footlik 9/16/09 9:24 AM , and it is listed as a class for International Relations majors, as well as students majoring in Women and Gender Studies. The description states that the course discusses "significant articulations of human experience expressed by women through literature, art, and history; how such traditions became established and how women, despite obstacles, have produced lasting works of ideas and imagination (American University)." Citation should be outside quotation-Josh Footlik 9/16/09 9:26 AM This class would be the quintessential college course because I've always felt that there should be a specific class dedicated to women who made history Rewrite, not specific enough, maybe refer to course description-Josh Footlik 9/16/09 9:26 AM. Additionally, if I were to attend American University, and enter in the School of International Service, this would count for three of my twenty eight credit hours under foundation courses (American University). The course also enables me to get credit while still enjoying myself and learning about who I am in relation to women in history. Along those lines, a passion of mine is fighting for equality amongst genders, religions, and races. Located in the heart of the nation's capital Which is?... Need location-Josh Footlik 9/16/09 9:29 AM , The Is it called "The George Washington University?" -Josh Footlik 9/16/09 9:30 AM George Washington University offers a wide range of courses in a myriad of subjects. Additionally, there is an entire school dedicated to foreign relations, known as The Elliot School of International Affairs. However, a course that sounded interesting to me was not part of the core curriculum of the International Relations major. Instead, the course, titled Freedom and Equality, is predicated upon the fundamental ideas of Western society (George Washington). This course discusses the importance of liberty and justice for every human being. I find this extremely important in today's society because Americans typically take advantage of the freedom that is given to them. Americans have endless opportunities and often times do not realize how others do not have the liberty and laws that prohibit discrimination. After interviewing Who interviewed? -Josh Footlik 9/16/09 9:32 AM several international students at Northern Arizona University, one student stated "You have so much here, and so many opportunities. I wish American SP? -Josh Footlik 9/16/09 9:32 AMwould ask more what this country can do to make the world a better place" (Nathan 89). A course such as this would Put "can" to be in future tense-Josh Footlik 9/16/09 9:34 AMteach me more about freedom and equality in America and enable me to inquire as to what I can do to fight for freedom and equality across the world. As a student who has traveled outside of the US, I know the importance of being open to other cultures and what it feels like to want to fit in. I am aware of the lack of global understanding leads to intolerance, which is never a good thing. The biggest complaint of the international students Maybe say "according to Nathan"-Josh Footlik 9/16/09 9:35 AM was that many were ignorant, ans simply were uninformed or misinformed about foreign countries (Nathan 84). In order to expand my horizons in the international scene, I would like to take a course that discusses the issue of immigration and how humans learn to mirror the American customs while still retaining pieces of their old culture. Boston University offers a course, The New American, that discusses how immigrants assimilate into American culture and customs. Some of the issues addressed include "What does it mean to be an American? Are immigrants to the United States ever fully 'American' or are they forever bridging two countries and cultures?" (Boston University). Having great-grandparents who immigrated from Italy , I have grown up around the culture and customs of Italian food and even the native language. I've heard numerous stories about how hard it was for my my family to become "American". Similarly, Nathan addresses how the International students were confused about American customs such as the blanket greeting "Nice to meet you" and "See you soon", both of which some students took literally (Nathan Not needed since her name is in the sentence. -Josh Footlik 9/16/09 9:36 AM 69). Hopefully this class would help me understand the challenges and struggles faced by people that come to America and yearn to be a part of the culture and lifestyle. Once I graduate from college (preferably graduate school, included), I would like to move to New York City in order to fulfill my dream as a United Nations Ambassador. I believe that this will allow me to fight for equality and human rights while at the same time allow me to learn about countries and cultures around the world. Fordham University, a Jesuit university in the Bronx, offers a course solely dedicated to teaching students about the collaboration of nations (Fordham University). The course, titled United Nations ans SP?-Josh Footlik 9/16/09 9:36 AM Human Rights, is the quintessential college class, because I can receive college credit while learning more about the field in which I plan to work. Some of the international students Nathan interviewed felt that Americans were not tolerant of others because of their lack of knowledge (Nathan 88). "Learn a foreign language and study overseas. . . Use your education to expand your purview beyond your own country" (Nathan 88). This course, focused on the relationship and acceptance of all nations, is a perfect way for students to learn to be tolerant. Regardless of where I go in the fall, I also plan to study abroad in Spain for a year. This will not only increase my understanding of a foreign culture, but it will also allow me to meet new people and further enhance my knowledge of Spanish Spanish culture?-Josh Footlik 9/16/09 9:37 AM. When I enter in the world of college college world, don't need "of"-Josh Footlik 9/16/09 9:37 AM, I am confident that it will be an experience I will never forget. I plan to learn about a plethora of subjects, including the common English, math, and science classes, as well as and? as well as is for more specific content.-Josh Footlik 9/16/09 9:38 AM much more. I am going to learn academically, Not needed.-Josh Footlik 9/16/09 9:39 AM about subjects that interest me and don't interest me. But, like Nathan, I am going to learn skills, such as time management, that I will use for the rest of my life (Nathan 110-112). Additionally, I will meet people from other states and countries and create friendships that will last a lifetime. I am going to take classes that challenge the way I think and enable me to expand my horizons. However, and maybe most importantly, I will learn about myself and what I want to do with my life. I know that sixty percent of undergraduate students change their major at least once before graduating (University of Buffalo). Therefore, there is a possibility that my path in college may change by the time I graduate. But I know that even if my goals change, I will always have a passion for learning about other cultures, languages, and the relationship between the countries that make up the world we live in today. Muy bien. -Josh Footlik 9/16/09 9:40 AM
Works Cited
American University. "WGS Courses." College of Arts and Sciences. American University, 2009. Web.
American University. "Office of the Registrar." University Catalog. American University, 2009. Web.
Boston University. "College of Arts and Sciences Writing Program." Program Guide and Course Catalog. Boston University,
Fordham University. "Courses: Fall 2009." International Studies. Fordham University, 2009. Web.
The George Washington University. "Political Science." University Bulletin. The George Washington University, 2009. Web.
Nathan, Rebekah. My Freshman Year: What A Professor Learned By Becoming A Student. New York: Penguin Books, 2006. University of Buffalo. "Changing Your Major." UB Undergraduate Advising. University of Buffalo, 2009. Web.
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