Education of the mind is very important, and that is the first and foremost reason why we are all at this university. However, I believe that education of the entire person is just as, if not more, important. Communication, compassion for others, cultural competency, and understanding are just a few skills that are built upon by experiencing rather than sitting in a classroom, and I believe UC does a good job of providing opportunities to build these skills. Especially through the honors program, experiences are offered to travel the world, serve others, build upon leadership, etc. but there are also a ton of organizations that help with these too. By going out of my comfort zone to join some of these organizations that I knew nothing about, I was able to pursue some of my passions of serving others, building leadership, and improving myself constantly. In the future, I hope to get involved with more service organizations and travel to experience different parts of the world. Maybe in the future (once I have my degree) I can even join humanitarian efforts either in the US or overseas to provide medical care.
Bringing these goals to action is much easier said than done. However, being surrounded by other people who are as passionate about something as you are makes the process much easier. That way, everyone can build off of one another and push each other to grow as both a students and people. This also helps us learn from the people around us. Talking to people, hearing their experiences, motivating each other, and actively listening all help us learn and grow. Actually going out and being active in the community helps us learn together, and stepping outside of our comfort zones opens us up to embrace new things.
UC is always focused on the "why" of doing things rather than just the what. This institution consistently pushes its students to be involved by hosting speakers and events, offering group organizations, encouraging community, and providing a support system through the faculty. UC cares about its students and wants its students to be actively involved in the education of themselves and their minds. The leaders of the University do an excellent job of inspiring the students by making themselves accessible to them. By always being involved in something on campus and making other people aware through social media, they are encouraging the students to grow and be leaders within the student body as well.