Upon completion of the study tour to London and Paris, we were asked to complete a series of four reflective paragraphs. I would like to include one of my responses to the following question:
How has this course changed me as a person?
Before taking this course, I had a deep appreciation for history yet I did not truly value its importance for the future. I always believed that the past is in the past, so how could it affect the future in any significant way. It was not until after taking this course did I understand just how important history is to the future. One does not move forward in the future without knowing their past.
This class has changed me in so many ways. As a person, I have truly developed from being verbally inhibited in a group setting to more verbal and articulate, from curious to more cultured, from empathetic to compassionate, from contemplative to compassionate. I know by taking this course, I have become more self-confident and assured of my ability to speak intelligently and to offer my valuable input. I am no longer seeking to act as an observer but to participate in an objective, idealistic, capable, and conscientious way on every level. I am grateful that I was able to meet with Dr. Zalar who critiqued me both in written format and in group participation. The result was constructive criticism that helped me improve my writing and communication strategy. I previously examined the world news with skewed lenses and by not really comprehending the significance of other struggles in the world apart from the United States; I did not know how different countries affect each other and impact the world.
I can say with confidence that this course has taught me a bit about myself and it has allowed for me to methodically assess, and present rational ideas on my viewpoints regarding certain topics. Issues originating around morality, and humanness allowed me to step outside of myself, and I have become more conscious of my views on topics that are morally ambiguous such as the use of the atomic bomb. In everyday life prior to taking this class I did not really think of my opinion on such topics, but now I know my opinion. It was so refreshing to hear Dr. Zalar inform my mother, that I belonged in this class. I have truly enjoyed this course and would wholeheartedly recommend it to another Honors student.
How has this course changed me as a person?
Before taking this course, I had a deep appreciation for history yet I did not truly value its importance for the future. I always believed that the past is in the past, so how could it affect the future in any significant way. It was not until after taking this course did I understand just how important history is to the future. One does not move forward in the future without knowing their past.
This class has changed me in so many ways. As a person, I have truly developed from being verbally inhibited in a group setting to more verbal and articulate, from curious to more cultured, from empathetic to compassionate, from contemplative to compassionate. I know by taking this course, I have become more self-confident and assured of my ability to speak intelligently and to offer my valuable input. I am no longer seeking to act as an observer but to participate in an objective, idealistic, capable, and conscientious way on every level. I am grateful that I was able to meet with Dr. Zalar who critiqued me both in written format and in group participation. The result was constructive criticism that helped me improve my writing and communication strategy. I previously examined the world news with skewed lenses and by not really comprehending the significance of other struggles in the world apart from the United States; I did not know how different countries affect each other and impact the world.
I can say with confidence that this course has taught me a bit about myself and it has allowed for me to methodically assess, and present rational ideas on my viewpoints regarding certain topics. Issues originating around morality, and humanness allowed me to step outside of myself, and I have become more conscious of my views on topics that are morally ambiguous such as the use of the atomic bomb. In everyday life prior to taking this class I did not really think of my opinion on such topics, but now I know my opinion. It was so refreshing to hear Dr. Zalar inform my mother, that I belonged in this class. I have truly enjoyed this course and would wholeheartedly recommend it to another Honors student.