Goal 1

Introduction

The first goal of the Honors Program is to think critically, reflectively, and independently. Critical thinking is a vital skill because it helps us better understand ourselves and others. It promotes creativity and teamwork, and it also benefits problem solving by allowing us to see connections between problems and ideas. Thinking reflectively helps us develop a questioning attitude and understand the world from different perspectives. Thinking reflectively is essential for personal and professional growth. Thinking independently involves trusting your own knowledge, conducting your own research, and rejecting the subconscious thinking patterns of cognitive biases. The artifacts for this goal will display how I have achieved each outcome.

Outcome 1: Design self-created learning experiences that have clearly articulated goals

The first outcome under the first goal of the Honors Program is to design self-created learning experiences that have clearly articulated goals. The first outcome I completed through my Student Created Learning Experience (SCLE) for The Honors Community (191H) class. For this project, my plan was to actively practice yoga for most days of the semester. My goals also included learning new breathing techniques and accomplishing specific goal poses. My goal poses for this project included the tree pose, the crow pose, the shoulder stand, and the head stand. The learning objectives for my SCLE project were to learn new yoga flows, transitions, poses, breathing techniques, work on my posture, lower stress, and work on my physical fitness and flexibility.

I demonstrated my learning experience and accomplishment of goals through weekly journal logs. In addition, I took before, during, and after pictures of myself holding specific poses and stretches to display my progress towards my goals. I intended to teach breathing techniques to the class during my presentation and physically demonstrate my accomplished goal poses. Though, time restrictions for the presentation posed a problem in doing so. Instead, I chose to display my progress in a PowerPoint through the pictures I took during my learning experience and through self-reflection.

This experience was impactful and deeply personal to me. Before I herniated two disks in my back resulting in two back surgeries, I was very active and practiced yoga every other day in combination with kickboxing and running. This experience was incredibly encouraging for me and created a renewed sense of confidence in my physical abilities. Through my SCLE project, I learned that with patience, commitment, and perseverance I can still achieve physical goals even after the invasive back surgeries I have had. I learned that yoga is still a passion of mine even after years of being out of practice. It brings a sense of calm into my life along with other benefits such as strength, balance, and better posture. I can challenge myself physically and mentally with continuous yoga practice and other challenging poses. Breathing techniques are also valuable and can be used in many different situations. I have always enjoyed yoga, and, as a result of this project, yoga and exercise are now a significant part of my life again.

NOTE: My original PowerPoint was too large of a file to upload into this Google portfolio. Thus, I had to break it down into four sections. The order of the slides is clockwise from the top left.

Outcome 2: Analyze problems/situations to formulate informed opinions, conclusions, or solutions

The second outcome under the first goal of the Honors Program is to analyze problems or situations and to formulate informed opinions, conclusions, or solutions. I completed the second outcome through my final project presentation in my Community Problem-Solving (391H) class. The goal of this individual class project was to find a problem within a community and take actions or steps towards solving the problem. I love animals, and I have an extra soft spot in my heart for dogs. I have noticed a significant problem in Minot and surrounding communities of animals needing homes. Thus, I decided to focus my project on finding homes for stray animals. Before this class, I had been wanting to volunteer at the local animal shelter. Though, due to various excuses, I never got around to volunteering. This project gave me the opportunity to help animals in need and to put my values into action.

To start this project, I created a project proposal which addressed the cause or issue at hand, connections within the community, and actions to take in addressing the issue. I began the project with an open mind on different ways in which I could help stray animals. Animal adoption agencies need help finding homes for animals, maintaining the facilities, acquiring funding for the organization, and providing attention and love for the animals. My first step was to contact local and surrounding area animal shelters. I contacted the Stray Sanctuary in New Town and the Souris Valley Animal Shelter in Minot. The Stray Sanctuary contacted me back first and informed me of the almost underground network of animal shelters throughout the state. Many of these shelters work together to find homes for animals up for adoption, shelter for recently found stray animals, and supplies as well. The Stray Sanctuary informed me that they are more of a temporary holding shelter for recently found strays in their area and my help would probably be of more use at the local Souris Valley Animal Shelter.

Once I received contact from the Souris Valley Animal Shelter, I found out they were hosting their annual Gala towards the end of April and needed volunteers. I thought this was the perfect opportunity to help stray animals in the community. I began helping with this event by picking up donations from various businesses around Minot whenever I received notice of a new donation pickup. The event was hosted at the Grand Hotel in two adjacent banquet halls. One hall held a silent auction for the first portion of the evening. Then, all the attendees moved to the other hall for dinner, live auction, and live entertainment. My next step in this project was to volunteer at the Gala. My first volunteer position was guarding the doors to the dinner hall and directing attendees to the silent auction hall for the first portion of the event. I also switched positions with another volunteer to keep an eye on the silent auction items during this time. Then once everyone moved to the dining hall, I helped keep track of the live auction bids and results. I also helped keep the attendees refreshed by providing wine to tables running low. The Gala was a huge success! It raised a significant amount of money for Souris Valley Animal Shelter, and it also raised awareness for animals in need. This was a gratifying project for me. Though I did not get to work with animals directly, it warmed my heart to see the large number of attendees showing up to help animals in need. I also realized I have numerous connections in this community who share a similar interest in helping animals. Animals will always hold a special place in my heart. Thus, I plan to continue to help animals in need throughout my life whether it be directly or indirectly.

Outcome 3: Interpret texts from various disciplines

The third outcome of the first goal of the Honors Program is to interpret texts from various disciplines. I completed this outcome in The Honors Community class with my book review of The Crossroads of Should and Must: Find and Follow Your Passion written by Elle Luna. I thoroughly enjoyed this book because it was not a typical read required in a collegiate level class. Her words have impact and depth which create thought-provoking moments for the reader. There are art illustrations throughout the book as well which bring visualization to the meaning of her words in an artistic nature. The main emphasis of this book is how to find and follow your passion. Luna believes throughout our lives we are constantly having to choose between “should” and “must”. Though, we need to pursue our “must” if we want to reach our full potential in life. This book review summarizes Luna’s main concepts and steps towards achieving our passion. It also critiques the weaknesses of her book which includes not considering the financial realities of most Americans.

This book had a reassuring impact on me. It was refreshing to read a book that views life in a perspective that is similar to my own. I too believe a successful life is measured in happiness, and I am currently following my passion through my education. I have had numerous life setbacks, but I have always believed I am on my own timeline and path to self-fulfillment. I am an outlier to the general population because I have known my passion from a young age. Since about the age of nine, I have wanted to fight for justice and equality. I still hold these values close to my heart and soul.

Outcome 4: Conduct independent and ethical research

The fourth outcome of the first goal of the Honors Program is to conduct independent and ethical research. The Ethical Dilemma Project and Presentation for my Foundations of Leadership (250H) class was an excellent example of completing this outcome. This project began by choosing an ethical dilemma and then researching the topic. Requirements for this project included using the ethical checkpoints discussed in class and finding at least four resources that support the information being presented. The topic I chose to research was taxing the wealthy. The question posed for this dilemma was “Should the wealthier members of society be forced to pay, through taxation for the poorer members?”. I conducted thorough research from reputable sources to complete this project. When conducting research, it is important to find credible sources because it ensures that accurate information is collected. I also substantiated my claims with facts from multiple perspectives within this dilemma. Conducting independent research allows a person to collect and analyze information. The researcher can then separate factual information from opinions or propaganda. It is critical that we all conduct our own independent research rather than blindly believing what some people say. We learn a lot of information from conversations throughout our lives, but unfortunately, a great deal of that information may be false. If we do not conduct our own research on a topic, we could be unknowingly spreading propaganda. I believe it is imperative that we as members of society make decisions based on factual knowledge. When we stray away from facts, situations often turn into chaos.

Conclusion

Throughout our personal and professional lives, it is imperative that we think critically, reflectively, and independently. Critical thinking enables us to make decisions based on facts rather than faulty assumptions. It reinforces our problem-solving ability and encourages curiosity which leads to more open-minded and multifaceted thought processes. In order to make improvements throughout life, we must engage in reflective thinking. Reflective thinking allows a person to examine their life experiences and the world around them, which reveals what is truly important in life. Independent thinking is critical for the advancement of our society because independent thinkers are visionaries. They are always thinking, imagining, and exploring new ways to do things more efficiently. Throughout my personal and professional life, I will continue to think critically, reflectively, and independently. Our society would be better off as a whole if everyone engaged in these three types of thinking patterns. It will lead to more acceptance and factual knowledge rather than intolerance and ignorance.