These are the assignments I completed in my Honors Class.
Assignment One
How did you get here? On January 12, 1998, Linda Zhang was born in University of Washington Medical Center. Her fabulous mother was obtaining her PhD degree at the University. Her father worked as a delivery boy on the Ave and his MBA degree.
What was your personal path to the UW and to Honors? Years later, I found myself in Pullman, Washington. As I was attending Running Start through Washington State University, I didn’t want to attend a university that would not transfer any credits. I also want to obtain a law degree, so I wanted to come out of undergraduate degree without any debt.
I applied to UW because of the academic programs, the in-state tuition, and emotional connection to the school. Upon the Honors portion of the application, I applied because I wanted to become part of the community. Upon acceptance, I became apprehensive because of the extra classes I would have to take. After talking with my Honors mentor and graduated classmates in the Honors program, I decided that I could not miss this opportunity.
The experience so far has been amazing. UW and Honors classes have been fascinating. Honors classes really stand out from regular classes. My professor and classmates forms a like-minded and intimate setting than the huge lecture classes. Honors and UW has also been incredibly generous in providing aid, making college more affordable for me.
What do you hope to learn and explore with your time at UW? Someone once told me that college is about three things: where you want to be professionally, what classes will help me, and getting through graduation requirements. These are all objectives I wish to complete. I want to gain professional experience through internships or jobs. I want to take classes that will help me with my future. I want to graduate.
At the same time, I wish to form a network of friends. I want friends that push me to become a better student, to have fun with, to go on adventures with, and to provide new experiences. Within the first two weeks at UW, I have been exposed to so much diversity and new opinions that I feel that I have become much more aware of the world around me.
Where do you want to go from here? I am applying to the Foster School of Business this spring, trying to knock out the pre-requisites along this year. I have joined Dream Project, and working with Kent-Meridian High School. I see myself becoming a high school lead in the future. On Friday I applied to The Daily, fingers crossed on getting in. I am also thinking of joining the Judicial Committee to regulate ASUW. Lastly, I am looking to the internship fair coming up, and getting my resume up to date.
Regardless of my plans, I feel quite apprehensive and even nervous about what the future would bring. I just hope I can manage my time, and try my best to become successful!
Assignment Two
Assignment Three
Katie is from Tri-Cities, Washington. During her time in Tri-Cities she served as a leader in her local soup kitchen. She is studying neurobiology with the possibility of attending medical school. Katie is especially interested embryonic development as well as women’s health. At UW, Katie looks to become more involved in the homeless community. If she was trapped on an island with only three luxury items to take with her, she would definitely take her banjo! In her spare time she plays the banjo, strumming along to the tunes of bluegrass. Katie is also part Cherokee, a native activist, and an advocate for tribal land protection. Katie also explicitly stated that at the moment she is not interested in any international engagement activities! Some activities Katie could become involved in: Leadership: Starting a service club in minorities and health science program. Katie expressed interest in providing health care to undeserved populations. Since she did not find any clubs on campus similar to her goals, so she should start her own! http://depts.washington.edu/thehub/sao/ Service: Katie could become a volunteer in the organization of “Feeding America”. Volunteer work at this organization consists of distribution, sorting, and collecting food. This program has a strong presence in western Washington. Last year the organization was able to donate over 35 million pounds of food! http://www.feedingamerica.org/take-action/volunteer/ Research: Learning or researching within the medical community would be an amazing way for Katie to get involved with what she’s interested in. Seattle Children’s hospital takes volunteers and interns every year. Seattle Women’s is involved in the health, research, and gynecology care for women. While they don’t have internships listed, it never hurts to send out an e-mail. Furthermore, the department of UW Biology also lists dozens of different internship opportunities http://www.seattlewomens.com
Assignment Four
1. Climate change is a crisis that we as a global community will face – some through career, some through personal choices. Building on what you heard in the interdisciplinary discussion, how might you choose to address this challenge in your own life? In response to climate change, we have begun increasingly concerned over sustainable energy saving habits. The United States government has become increasingly invested both domestically and internationally. Through international conference and domestic policies, it becomes increasingly vital for the individual to become involved in the issue.
From a young age, I have been taught to reduce my energy use. Take advantage of public transportation over the use of a personal vehicle. Reduce the amount of water I use. Green power. Recycle.
The list goes on and on.
Yet, beyond these obvious and rather banal examples lies an even greater responsibility for the individual: Spreading awareness. It’s an unfortunate fact that many people dismiss, belittle, or outright deny the importance of climate change. As a result, no only do we have a responsibility to make sure our actions do not contribute to climate change, but also ensure that others can learn or follow our habits.
2. What connections did you see between the in nature of this Global Challenges discussion and a global challenge you seek to address? What interdisciplinary approaches might you take in your education and/or your personal actions to make that issue real and personal for you?
The Global Challenges discussion addressed the impact from a variety of factors. There is a world responsibility delegated regarding the issue. As we begin addressing the issue, the lecture stated we must go to the source of the problems—oil companies. During the question and answer section, the topic of local companies and institutions needing to act on their values for action to make a monumental impact.
I found the relationship regarding large corporations and climate change to be incredibly interesting, especially as someone intending on studying business administration. A global challenge I sought to address was the ethical standards businesses were held to. The ethics and laws stand differently in each country. As we are in a globalized world, businesses often take advantage of looser laws for financial gain. This issue is a critical part of our Global Challenges discussion as several companies have damaging practices on our environment.
As I continue down the path of business administration, I will have to face ethical dilemmas. It will be my responsibility to weight in all factors, especially those having a lasting impact on our environment.
Assignment Five
Linda Zhang Autumn Quarter Portfolio
How have your goals and expectations for yourself changed since the start of Autumn quarter? (Look back at your first HONORS 100 assignment!)
Upon my entrance to University of Washington, I began planning for the fall quarter. I made all these plans regarding what classes I was going to take, what extracurricular activities I wanted to join, internships I should start looking to, and ways to meet people
Week nine into the quarter, I have seriously underestimated how much time I have, and the burning passion to undertake all these endeavors.
Some of the goals I set for myself was to apply for my major in the spring & doing very well in my fall and winter classes. So far, I’m doing well, and on-schedule for my classes Winter Quarter. I joined Dream Project, and have applied to become a high school lead.
Rather disappointingly, I wasn’t able to join The Daily or the ASUW Judicial Committee. While I was able to meet a lot of people, I’ve managed to form a few close bounds—quality over quantity, right?
My new expectations are to continue my academic success, become involved in some activities, and remember to take breaks once in a while.
What is something that has surprised you about yourself in your first quarter in Honors? What at UW is not what you expected?
Living in the Honors community has exposed me to a diverse and talented group of people. Simply through a twenty minute conversation, there is always something you can learn or find incredibly interesting. I consider myself a normal person humbled to have been accepted in the program. However, some people have told me that I am a special snowflake that does awesome things too. J
I was very surprised by the progressive and liberal nature of Seattle and the University. In particular, the response the day after the election. I received several emails from staff members, the ASUW president, my honors mentor, the UW president….comparatively my friends in other universities said nothing really changed in their school dynamic. I find the UW reaction to be quite fascinating
What have you learned about in HONORS 100 that you would like to investigate further?
I would love to become more involved with the study abroad and experiential learning.