Page 42 - Keys to College Success

Chances to expand your horizons
As a citizen of a global community, your ability to interact productively with people
demands an understanding of other cultures and perspectives. Consider how college People and other living things
GLOBAL COMMUNITY
can help you expand your horizons. in all nations worldwide,
Most colleges offer opportunities to study abroad for a full term, or a shorter dependent on one another
period of time, at schools in other countries where they have partnerships. Some col- and connected through
leges sponsor travel opportunities for students, either over holiday breaks or in con- modern electronic
junction with specific courses. Colleges also provide less costly ways to “travel” communication systems. 2
through clubs and programs that introduce you to people, arts, and food from cul-
tures other than your own.

Opportunities to give back to those around you The Rewards of College
One of the best ways to develop valuable skills, both transferable and task spe-
cific, is through giving to others. See if your college has an office that coordinates
volunteer opportunities. Your college might also offer particular courses with a
service-learning component—courses that have specific service to an organization
built into the curriculum that is required as part of the course. In this type of
course, the curriculum is designed to prepare students for the service project, and
the service project aims to improve the students’ understanding and mastery of the
course material.
The reward you earn from college depends on the risk you take. If you engage
fully with your educational team and actively pursue opportunities, you are likely to
find that you can make the most out of your money and time—perhaps more than
you ever imagined.

You Have Joined an Education Team

No student faces the risk of college alone. You lead a team with a single, focused goal:
producing a graduate ready to contribute in the workplace and make the most of life.
Everyone on the team has responsibilities. For example, your school and instructors are
responsible for providing learning opportunities, guidance, and resources. As the stu-
dent, you are responsible for taking advantage of those opportunities, choosing and
using resources, and working hard.
Following are some essential strategies for
effective teamwork. They are as necessary now, for
working with others in college, as they will be in
your career.

Defined responsibilities. The tasks necessary to
move your team ahead are divided amongst team
members. Key 1.2 lists responsibilities involved in
graduating successfully from college.

Agreement on a goal and a plan. All team
members need to be aware of the goal and plan, and
they must be ready to adjust if goals or plans
change. For example, you may have a goal of major-
ing in engineering, but you could end up switching
majors, or changing schools due to an emergency. It
is your responsibility to keep the team informed,
updated, and involved.

Communication. Communicate with team mem- Advisors, counselors, or professors can provide guidance and support.
bers regularly. Every syllabus will have your instruc- In-person meetings with them can build meaningful relationships.
tor’s available office hours and contact information.

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