During this final week of ALDP before the end-of-the-year general body meeting for ROAR, we discussed the many different careers in higher education and how even those that do not serve as professors at institutions of higher learning can still be instrumental in teaching students many of the lessons that will be among the most important for them moving into the future. We were visited by members of the University Honors Program advising staff, who shed light on the value of teaching as a leadership mechanism in regards to "paying it forward". In addition, the advisers from the Honors Program discussed how to always serve as an adviser to others in your life and the value of having a "why". |
What life lessons do you pay forward to those around you?
After hearing and participating in the discussion fostered by the Honors Program advisers, I do not actually believe that life lessons are things which are consciously handed from one person to another. Life lessons are learned by both parties in any interaction, and are transmitted through the kind of frank, genuine discourse and exchange of actions that is characteristic of all good personal and professional relationships. It's not so much about teaching others something, but about serving as a reminder for the things that they already know and living life and making recommendations to them in such a way that they may be able to benefit from something you might have done or said to them.
With that said, one of the biggest ways that I have tried to make my mark on the world is by interacting with my younger brothers. Because they look up to me, like most younger brothers do, I see my two brothers as deserving of whatever advice and guidance I can give to them. This is not always the sage advice that is meant to deal with the ephemeral or general aspects of life. Usually, in fact, I do my teaching and advising with the simple things. Teaching my brother to play basketball, for example, or the importance of perseverance, sportsmanship, and integrity when doing so. Or maybe just letting my youngest brother know why its important to share when others want to play. Regardless, the advice is what I have to offer, and I do my best to ensure that I give all that I can so that my brothers will walk into the world with just abit more knowledge and character.
After hearing and participating in the discussion fostered by the Honors Program advisers, I do not actually believe that life lessons are things which are consciously handed from one person to another. Life lessons are learned by both parties in any interaction, and are transmitted through the kind of frank, genuine discourse and exchange of actions that is characteristic of all good personal and professional relationships. It's not so much about teaching others something, but about serving as a reminder for the things that they already know and living life and making recommendations to them in such a way that they may be able to benefit from something you might have done or said to them.
With that said, one of the biggest ways that I have tried to make my mark on the world is by interacting with my younger brothers. Because they look up to me, like most younger brothers do, I see my two brothers as deserving of whatever advice and guidance I can give to them. This is not always the sage advice that is meant to deal with the ephemeral or general aspects of life. Usually, in fact, I do my teaching and advising with the simple things. Teaching my brother to play basketball, for example, or the importance of perseverance, sportsmanship, and integrity when doing so. Or maybe just letting my youngest brother know why its important to share when others want to play. Regardless, the advice is what I have to offer, and I do my best to ensure that I give all that I can so that my brothers will walk into the world with just abit more knowledge and character.
Based on the interaction with the honors advisers, how can you put your further plans into action? I think that putting my future plans into action will be an incredibly enjoyable and beneficial engagement, especially with the help of amazing honors advisers who not only know how to turn dreams into experiences, but how to best benefit from those experiences as well. I am excited to pursue many of the opportunities that I have already outlined for myself as potential endeavors to pursue, such as the honors seminar focused on HIV/AIDS in Southern Africa and a study of the themes of the film Midnight in Paris with a study abroad component. I know that with the help of the honors advisers, I will be able to benefit from these and other engagements as much as I have already benefited from the experiences which I have already had or am currently involved in. | How is your ability to teach displayed in your tours and how does it relate back to your "why" for becoming a tour guide? Teaching is an inherent part of being a tour guide. I approach every tour with the mindset that I will teach prospective students and their families about the University of Cincinnati in a way that is specifically catered to them. This is why I often enjoy the small tours where i can connect to students, learning about their potential majors and interests, so that I can teach them about all the wonderful ways that they can explore their passions as a Bearcat. Of course, there are the facts to recite and the pieces of information to provide, but at the end of the day, the reason that I became a tour guide is to share my love for my university. Thus, showcasing to students how they might fit in at UC is the most rewarding part of tours. |
What would you say to someone who said getting a college education isn't worth it?
I think that as we move further into the 21st century, higher education and exposure to the kind of diverse opportunities, new ideas and people, and academic rigor that enrolling in a 4-year institution provides has gained a tremendous amount of importance. Not only is a college degree a great way to step into a more lucrative career, but the experiences that a collegiate education provides are indescribably vital for young students still trying to find their place in the world and still exploring all the potential roads in life that may interest them. The United States is fairly unique in its support of integrative, liberal-arts-focused, and holistic university educational system, and for that I am glad. Even in just my first year, going to university has exposed me to so much more of the world and so many new ideas that have developed me as a student and person tremendously. I hope that as the value of an education becomes more apparent as time passes, that our lawmakers realize the importance that college holds in everyday life today, and begin the process of making it more accessible to students from all different walks of life.
I think that as we move further into the 21st century, higher education and exposure to the kind of diverse opportunities, new ideas and people, and academic rigor that enrolling in a 4-year institution provides has gained a tremendous amount of importance. Not only is a college degree a great way to step into a more lucrative career, but the experiences that a collegiate education provides are indescribably vital for young students still trying to find their place in the world and still exploring all the potential roads in life that may interest them. The United States is fairly unique in its support of integrative, liberal-arts-focused, and holistic university educational system, and for that I am glad. Even in just my first year, going to university has exposed me to so much more of the world and so many new ideas that have developed me as a student and person tremendously. I hope that as the value of an education becomes more apparent as time passes, that our lawmakers realize the importance that college holds in everyday life today, and begin the process of making it more accessible to students from all different walks of life.