When I first arrived at the
University of Michigan and set my foot on the Diag, I was scared but excited.
What is college in America like? Am I going to make new friends? Am I going to
find a major that I like? I didn’t know what my next four years would be like,
except for the fact that I wanted to help people. Looking back, college is
where I found my passion for social justice and my true self. After I obtain my
bachelor’s degree, I will be enrolling in the School of Social Work to continue
on my education and advocate for social changes in the US. I also hope to get a
Master of Public Health degree so I can look at sexual assault through a public
health lens and address the much needed societal responsibility when it comes
to raising awareness and preventing sexual assault. In last three years at U of
M, I learned that the integration of many different subjects and interests is
not only possible, but also encouraged – cross-disciplinary learning promotes
comprehensive and integrative thinking. I don’t have to limit myself to taking
classes I don’t like just so I can have a “good job” – I could combine my
interests and passions into my future plans. As you continue your individual
journey at U of M, here are some tips for finding your niche and passion, as I
have found mine:
1.
Challenge
Yourself
Take courses that you know nothing about. How
about a coding class? How about an acting class? Even if it doesn’t have
anything to do with your major, take a chance. You may end up liking it and
finding your new passion.
2.
Re-define
Your Idea of a “Good Class”
You will often hear
people looking for a “good class”. While some may be looking for a class in
which you can learn a lot from a respectable professor, some also mean an “Easy
A” class – a class where you don’t have to work hard. Though it is tempting
(who doesn’t want an A?), remember that college should be more than getting
good grades. Will this class challenge you? Will you learn something that will
be useful when you enter the workforce? Even if you have to work a bit harder,
truly good classes will challenge your skills and give you an opportunity to
learn about yourself.
3.
Join
Clubs and Organizations and Be Active
Just joining an organization is not enough. Do
something. Take charge. Bring up new ideas to the club and accomplish
something, whether it is creating a new event of fundraising for a good cause.
While developing essential leadership skills, you will also find yourself a
supportive group of friends who have the same interests and goals as you.
4.
Make
Connections and Take Them Seriously
Just because I am interested in social justice
doesn’t mean I only hang out with people with the same interests. Meet
different types of people and make connections. You never know when and where
they might be able to help you out. Be thankful for their existences in your
life. A lot of the connections I made help me throughout my graduate school application
process and I feel very lucky to always have their support.
I still have a lot to
learn myself, but I am thrilled to continue on my education in fields I am
passionate about. Don’t think about learning as a boring process but rather a
journey where you find yourself and your dreams. If you are an architect who is
passionate about the environment, think about ways to build structures that are
environmentally friendly. If you are an engineer who is passionate about
dancing, think about ways to better dance stages or shows by creating new
mechanics and equipments used in backstage. Your goals are limitless; all you
have to do is find your passion in something and incorporate your knowledge.
Sarah Hong
South Korea
Bachelor: Biopsychology, Cognition and Neuroscience
South Korea
Bachelor: Biopsychology, Cognition and Neuroscience
