Page 164 - Keys to College Success

student PROFILE

Jacob Rudolph

NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY,
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS

About me: list to a teacher who pointed out that all of my “cons” were hypo-
I am a freshman currently pursu- thetical, while most of my “pros” were definite. This helped me
ing a degree in music business. I realize that anytime we fear something, it is because we are forced
am also an advocate for LGBT to reconcile the unknown.
teens for the Human Rights Campaign. As a high school senior, Working efficiently is a constant struggle for me. After coming
I publicly came out as LGBT in front of over 300 classmates at a out of the closet, however, I can honestly say that I have become
school awards ceremony, and plan to continue working on behalf more productive than ever. When I took action to face my problems
of the LGBT community during college and throughout my life. head-on, a major source of stress and concern in my life trans-
formed into something wonderful and healthy.
What I focus on:
What will help me in the workplace:
To me, every decision deserves consideration proportional to its
magnitude. The biggest decision I have made was when I publicly My experience has given me confidence that I am my own person,
came out of the closet. Realizing the situation’s importance, I took and certainty that nothing should be allowed to restrain all of the
three days to draft up a list of pros and cons regarding the ramifica- potential we have cooped up inside of us. This attitude will help me
tions of coming out in the manner in which I wanted. I listed all of excel in any job or career that lies ahead, as will my ability to under-
my fears as well as the outcomes for which I could only have hoped. stand the reality of a problem, identify outcomes, and take action.
Still left with much uncertainty about the situation, I showed the Productivity is the name of the game, and problem-solvers produce.

What happens when you make important decisions too quickly? Consider a student
deciding whether to transfer schools. If she decides based on a reason that ultimately is
not the most important one for her (for example, a boyfriend or close friends go to the
other school), she may regret her choice later. Now look at how this student might make
an effective decision. Key 5.14 shows how she worked through the analytical, creative,
and practical parts of the process.
Successfully intelligent thinkers are able to analyze their abilities, come up with
creative ideas about how to maximize their strengths and build their weaknesses, and
put them to practical use in solving problems and making decisions. These executive
function skills have never been more important. Says neurologist Judy Willis:
The qualifications for success in today’s ever-changing world will demand
the ability to think critically, communicate clearly, use continually changing
technology, be culturally aware and adaptive, and possess the judgment and
open-mindedness to make complex decisions based on accurate analysis of
information. . . . The best jobs will go to applicants who analyze information as
it becomes available, adapt when new information makes facts obsolete, and
collaborate with other experts on a global playing f eld. 38

Use it, don’t lose it. Continue to build and strengthen your thinking power by
using your analytical, creative, and practical thinking skills, and you’ll be one of the
applicants getting that best job, and continuing to win great jobs for as long as you
are in the workplace.

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