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Who Am I to Become?
Who Am I to Become?
As I complete my journey in the IU Indianapolis Honors College, I can clearly see how my academic, professional, and personal experiences have shaped both who I am and who I am becoming as an emerging professional in [your field]. When I first entered college, I viewed education primarily as a pathway to earning a degree and securing a career. However, through my Honors coursework, engaged learning experiences, and reflective practice, I have developed into a more active learner, critical thinker, and civically minded individual. These experiences have allowed me to connect my academic work to real-world applications and build a strong foundation for my future career.
Then
Then
The H200 version of myself didn't really have room for flexibility when it came to my plan. I figured all of my accomplishments would happen right when they were supposed to and that it wouldn't be super hard to achieve. At that time, I approached learning with a focus on completing assignments rather than fully engaging with the material. My early work, represented in my H200 artifact, demonstrates a basic level of reflection and analysis but lacks the depth and intentionality that I have since developed.
Now
Now
My perspective has now fully shifted during my time in college and in the Honors College. I began to see learning as an active, ongoing process that extends beyond the classroom. Courses, research experiences, and service opportunities challenged me to think critically, collaborate with others, and apply my knowledge in meaningful ways. This growth is evident in my later artifacts, which demonstrate stronger analytical thinking, clearer communication, and a deeper understanding of my field.
ePortfolio Artifacts
ePortfolio Artifacts
The artifacts included in my ePortfolio provide clear evidence of my learning, growth, and evolving perspective as an Honors College graduate. Together, they demonstrate to my target audience—employers and graduate programs—that I am prepared to succeed in a professional environment.
Podcast
Podcast
My organic chemistry contract demonstrates my learning, growth, and elvolving perspective as an Honors College student through my abilities to relate the contents and topics of my lecture to real world forensic situations only as a sophomore in college. At this point in my student career, I was already applying my knowledge to my field and the Honors College allowed me to do so by completing my contract with this class.
Internship
Internship
My internship allowed me to actually to participate in engaged since I was able to fully apply my forensic knowledge in a real laboratory setting. I was able to converse with scientists and work on projects that allowed me to use instruments, techniques, and learn new methods I have never used before to perform actual testing and experiments on controlled substances - allergy medication - like I would in my career after college. It was an intuitive and overall engaging experience that added to my love for forensic science!
Speech on my Research
Speech on my Research
This speech allowed me to really test my problem-solving and research skills as an independent as the contents of the speech were on my research on forensic internships across the nation. Research has never been my strong suit, so this project through one of my forensic capstones pushed me out of my comfort zone to accomplish something I have never done before and as a result, benefits all forensic students looking for internships! In addition, this Honors Contract, the speech, helped me improve my communication skills as a speaker which will help me greatly when testifying as an expert witness.
"The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go." - Dr. Seuss
Changing the Perspective
Changing the Perspective
One of the most significant outcomes of my Honors experience is the shift in how I view education and my role within it. Initially, I saw education as a structured process focused on achieving specific outcomes. Now, I view it as a dynamic and lifelong journey that requires curiosity, engagement, and reflection.
My experiences have also changed how I approach challenges and opportunities. I have learned to embrace uncertainty, seek out new perspectives, and approach problems with a more open and analytical mindset. Additionally, my involvement in service and collaborative experiences has deepened my understanding of the importance of community and the impact of my work on others.
These philosophical changes have provided me with a strong foundation for continued growth. I am now better equipped to adapt to new situations, continue learning, and contribute meaningfully to my field and community.
To the Future!
To the Future!
The knowledge, skills, and experiences I have gained through the Honors College have prepared me for success after graduation. No matter what I pursue, I feel confident in my ability to apply what I have learned in a professional setting.
My Honors experience has equipped me with both practical skills and personal qualities, including resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to lifelong learning. These attributes will enable me to navigate challenges, collaborate effectively with others, and continue developing as a professional.
Additionally, my ability to reflect on my experiences and communicate my growth will be valuable as I present myself to employers or graduate programs. This ePortfolio serves as a demonstration of my readiness to take the next step in my career.
"But that is not for them to decide, all we have to decide is what to do with the time given to us" - Gandalf
Conclusion
Conclusion
The above quote is from one Gandalf the Gray from the one of my all time favorite movies, The Lord of the Rings. It's not a quote from a professor or article or any scientific context, but it truly relates to my philosophy and goals as a person. None of us have much time on this Earth. When it comes to how long the Earth has been here, we are only a snippet of its lifespan; therefore, while we are given this opportunity at life we should always seize the moments we have and that are given to us. We shouldn't waste time waiting for our lives to happen, but to take the initiative to live them how we choose. I believe that the Honors College and my overall college experience has prepared me and aided me in choosing how I want to spend my life moving forward. It has taught me how to problem-solve, adapt, think critically, and take initiative which are all valuable and significant qualities to gain for my future as a forensic scientist. I have grown tremendously from my freshman year of college by becoming the active learner, community server, and open-minded person that I am today.
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