Expectations from college experiences - Essay Example

EXPECTATIONS FROM COLLEGE EXPERIENCES Colleges present prospective with wide-ranging choices with respect to curricular and extracurricular activities; hence, it would be prudent to put forth one's expectations of college and campus experience so that the choices and facilities offered by the college are in accord with and appropriate towards fulfilling the expectations and gaining a college degree successfully. While student expectations may be of significance to college authorities, I believe clearly stated expectations influence student experiences, as they would help them in determining what is worth participating and what is not.

Before presenting my expectations, a brief note on my background would be worthwhile for an improved understanding and appreciation of the expectations. My experiences as a perceptive student in a large, college-oriented high school have gained me a clear sense of direction as to my choices of education and profession. My home and vocational experiences, being born as the oldest of the five children and involving in family business activities, have induced a sense of responsibility and independence as I look forward to experiences that would help me gain control of my life, establishing an identity of my own.

Fun-loving by nature, I remain passionate about an enjoyable college experience, participating in sports and games including soccer, tennis as well as adventure sports. Given this backdrop, I expect my college experiences to help me realize my aspirations of becoming a responsible and successful person, while being able to enjoy the pleasures of college life. I believe a smaller Division III college would offer the appropriate facilities and environment congenial for fulfilling my aspirations.

From a curricular/educational perspective my course choices include business management and environmental studies. I believe my academic interest in mathematics and science subjects equip me with a proper base for my learning skills in the chosen areas. Regarding my choices, I expect that business studies would help me in becoming my own boss, in total control of my life; and environmental studies is my natural choice, as issues like global warming and rising incidences of natural disasters, and concepts of sustainable development are topics of personal concern and interest to me.

As regards the learning objectives, I expect to gain good theoretical and practical knowledge of business management principles and processes that would help me in becoming a successful businessman. I also look towards gaining a discernible understanding of the environmental processes and issues impacting environment stability, so as to guide the society towards ensuring a sustainable and stable environment and human society. I expect a comprehensive learning experience - developing my intellectual, creative and analytical skills -- as well as acquiring professional competence through both individual and collaborative projects and programs.

I expect improved student- student and student-faculty interactions and supportive administrative staff - which would help me in gaining a college degree successfully. Other expectations include a library facility and information technology resources, where I can read and research information so as to update myself with the latest trends and developments in my areas of interest. From an extracurricular perspective, I look forward to a campus promoting sports and games as well as other programs and opportunities, where I can play, demonstrate and develop my sporting talent and skills.

I would also anticipate participating in cultural clubs and student organizations that enables a comprehensive personal development. I expect the college programs to help me develop vital qualities including team spirit, interpersonal relationships and communications skills that would help me in succeeding in college and beyond, while being able to cherish the fun and frolic of campus life.General ReferenceKuh, George D. and Robert Pace, C. "College student expectations questionnaire (2nd ed.). Center for Postsecondary Research and Planning" Bloomington: Indiana University, 1998.