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revisit RISK AND REWARD

What happened to Dan? Dan took the risk to change Visit your college’s stu-
from a pre-med major to human development and fam- dent activities website.
ily studies. Energized by the vision of working with young Explore the offerings
people, Dan started the website ResidentAssistant.com, and make contact with
an online sourcebook for RAs. This risk paid off, as the a club that interests you. If you
website soon became the go-to resource for RAs nation- have an interest for which no club exists on
ally. “The key is to be passionate but willing to change campus, meet with an administrator who can help you
direction. It was scary to change my major as a junior, but start one.
these experiences have led me to places I never thought What risk may bring reward beyond your world? Dan
I would be.” Dan earned a master’s degree in higher took advantage of college far beyond textbooks and
education at Florida State University and was named lectures. “Utilize the college experience to grow, build
Graduate Student of the Year in the Southeast. He now yourself up and explore, and also to network,” he
has a rewarding role as vice president, resident life for advises. Remember that in any network, you have as
Campus Advantage, a national student housing and much opportunity to help another as you do to receive
services leader. “I’m still an RA,” he says, “I just have help. Investigate your school’s website for opportunities
26,000 residents.”
to be a helpful part of someone’s network through
What does this mean for you? One experience led Dan tutoring or peer mentoring. If you are already a member
to discover that he could, indeed, forge a nontraditional of a club or organization, consider mentoring a new
career in higher education. Perhaps risking an unfamil- recruit. Reach out to others and see where your reach
iar experience will reward you with career possibilities. might lead you.

GLOBAL RI SK AND REWARD Understanding the role of reading in knowledge growth, Rana

Dajani took the risk to promote reading for pleasure in her coun-
try of Jordan, where the practice is uncommon, especially for girls
and women. Her program, We Love Reading, brings storytelling
sessions and books to communities all over Jordan. A significant
part of the reward for these efforts is that 80 libraries have been
established that are helping thousands of children build knowl-
edge through reading. 19

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