Retrospective Reflection

Retrospective Reflection Introduction

During my four years in the IU Indianapolis Honors College, I have grown from a passive learner into an active and focused student. When I first started college, I saw my classes as tasks I needed to complete. Over time, my Honors experiences helped me see learning as something I should fully engage in and take responsibility for. Two important experiences shaped this growth. These were my A100 Introduction to Accounting class and my study abroad trip to Japan focused on Innovation and Economics. Together, they helped me build both strong technical skills and a broader understanding of the global world, which will be important for my future career as a CPA.

Foundation of Disciplined Curiosity

My growth began in Introduction to Accounting with Professor Sturek. As an Accountancy major, I knew this class was important for my future. At first, I struggled because accounting was very strict. There was no partial credit if something was wrong. A balance sheet either balanced or it did not. At the beginning, I tried to memorize the material. I focused on formulas and steps instead of understanding the full picture. This did not work well for me. My turning point came when I realized that accounting is about understanding how everything connects. Each transaction affects more than one part of a financial statement. Once I understood this, I started to improve.

I began to study differently. Over time, my grades improved, but more importantly, my confidence grew. I learned that success comes from discipline and consistent effort. Accounting follows clear rules like the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, which showed me the importance of being accurate and consistent.

My experience in business A100 is evidence that my work achieves the IU Indianapolis Honors College goal of developing strong critical thinking and problem solving skills. I learned how to think carefully and understand how different parts of a system work together. This skill will be very important in my future career as a CPA, where accuracy and trust are very important. This class also helped me become an active participant in my learning because I took responsibility for truly understanding the material.

Expanding My Perspective in Japan

While Introduction to Accounting helped me build discipline, my study abroad experience in Japan helped me see the bigger picture. I took part in a program focused on Innovation and Economics, which allowed me to learn how business works in a different culture.

As an Asian American, I felt somewhat comfortable in Japan because some cultural aspects were familiar. However, I also noticed many differences that made me think more deeply. One of the most important ideas I learned was Kaizen, which means continuous improvement through small changes. This idea connected strongly to what I experienced in A100. Just like in accounting, improvement does not happen all at once. It happens through steady effort over time.

My study abroad experience is evidence that my work achieves the IU Indianapolis Honors College goal of participating in engaged learning experiences and developing intercultural knowledge. I learned by being in a new environment and seeing how different cultures approach business and economics. This helped me become more open minded and adaptable.

I also connected what I learned in Japan to my own background and to the United States. This helped me understand how culture affects business decisions. Because of this experience, I am now more interested in working in international business settings. I want to be someone who understands different cultures and can work well with people from around the world.

Synthesis and Growth

When I look back at these experiences, I see how they connect. Intro to accounting taught me discipline, attention to detail, and critical thinking. My study abroad experience taught me how to apply these skills in a global setting. Together, they helped me develop what I see as professional awareness.

The Honors College helped guide this growth by encouraging me to reflect on my experiences. This reflection is evidence that my work achieves the Honors College goal of reflecting on my growth as a learner through experiences inside and outside the classroom. By thinking about what I learned and how I changed, I now better understand my strengths and my goals. These experiences also show that I have been an active participant in my intellectual experiences. I did not just complete assignments. I worked to understand them and apply what I learned in real situations. This has helped me grow both academically and personally.

Looking Toward the Future

As I prepare to graduate, I feel ready to begin my career. I have built a strong foundation in accounting and also gained a broader understanding of the world. My goal is to become a CPA who not only works with numbers but also understands the larger context of business and culture.

Overall, my Honors experience has helped shape who I am today. I am no longer just a student completing tasks. I am a critical thinker, an active learner, and a future professional who is ready to take on new challenges. These experiences have prepared me for my career and will continue to guide me in the future.

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