Overall Reflection

The Ways of Knowing Freshman Inquiry class has helped me gain access to knowledge
that may otherwise been kept silent. From being able to conceptualize different cultures to
learning how to create a strong, supportive argument, Ive been able to apply the knowledge to
other areas of my life inside and outside of the school setting. Overall, Ive grasped a much
stronger understanding of my broader plans for the future and how to work towards them. Winter
term, specifically, made me realize that the social sciences will surely be the best fit for my
future career. On top of that, winter term opened my mind to a vital concept. Connections
through networking will help you get to where you want and where you need to be. I now
understand where I want my career path to lead as well as what will help me along my journey.
Im speaking much on understanding but Ive also been applying this new found knowledge. On
top of knowing my love for the social sciences, I also love the criminal justice system. I recently
started taking whats called the citizens academy at the Hillsboro Washington County Precinct.
In there, we learn about every department from finances to the Crisis Interrogation Unit. So far
Ive built connections with the volunteer coordinator as well as the lead sheriff of the Gang Unit.
I would highlight learning the importance of connections as one of the most vital things Ive
learned this term. Another great thing Ive learned, and learned to commit to, is speaking my
voice confidently in the professional scholarly setting. I am now able to apply some great insight
and work with other students to push towards a greater knowledge that expands beyond initial
thought processes. As for the next steps, I want to continue working towards my bachelors of arts
in a major of psychology and a minor in criminal justice. Though I do not want to say I will
commit one way or the other because life is constantly changing and its never one way or the
other. So, for now I will stick with what I got and continue to grow from that. I just know that
this specific program has helped prep me for the terms to come and I know what to expect for
the most part.
This year has aided me in four different skill sets. Inquiry and Critical thinking helped me
analyze and gather information I may have otherwise overlooked. This is shown in my Rumi
project because I picked apart the poem, My Worst Habit, based on what I had researched and
found out about Rumi as a person. My next proof of inquiry and critical thinking took place
during the spring term when we had a giant research project. In this project we followed a
structured game plan based on the intriguing question, why do humans innately gather a
positive bias based on an attractive face? We thoroughly investigated and created an objective
analysis of our answers. Both these projects proved great worth in developing my Inquiry and
Critical Thinking skills.
The next goal, Communication, I achieved was through My Worldview Essay as well as
my Discussion posts I made based on readings in class. My worldview essay helped me connect
with thoughts otherwise ignored and communicate these ideas thoroughly and effectively. The
discussion posts aided me in adding on to conversation and analysis of material. These posts also
helped me weave through the different thought processes of my fellow students and comment on
what I thought to be intriguing in a respectable manner. I was also able to question different ideas
which collectively helped me and the group. This skill set was definitely something I was
slacking on a bit and helped me practice what I otherwise would have forgotten about.
The Diversity of Human Experience was exemplified through an essay written on
different art works; Realism and History of Perspective. This was chosen because not only was I
able to understand the different socioeconomic, racial, cultural, and religious differences

throughout human life, I did I through the perspective of art. This was difficult to do at first
because it was necessary to know WHERE and WHEN the art was created as well as WHAT the
culture believed in. The next piece was shown through a debate; Science and God. This was an
intriguing pick because not only does it belong to the Diversity of Human Experience goal, it
also belongs in Inquiry and Critical thinking. I chose it for this goal over the latter because I was
able to experience a new taste in ideological differences. This helped for a better understanding
of what someone may believe in and WHY. Overall, I appreciated this goal the most because it
derived a better understanding of the extreme differences human life can offer.
The final goal, Ethics and Social Responsibility, held much worth in regards to human
life. I chose two essays from one final in the social sciences. The first was a case study on
Carmen and he second, a theory comparative work. These both expanded my awareness of
different ethical dilemmas and I was able to analyze and contemplate multiple angles for an
understanding and hopeful solution. The solution was probable solution was found in the case
study but the theory analyzation was more so a practice of understanding how humans can come
to many different solutions.
In the end, the university studies freshmen courses was a much appreciated experience. It
was an excellent, helpful way to help me in becoming a successful college graduate towards a
career in the criminal justice system. Ill be able to reflect an understanding of what a person is
going through, speak to them in a clear and effective manner, pick apart the ethics of my choices
in how I practice my work, as well as take part in research for a more effective approach in what
I strive to achieve.