Learn What You Don’t Want
For a long time, my plan had always been to be a kindergarten teacher. But when I began my
undergraduate degree I fell into that ever-growing pool of college students who changed their major three
times before graduation. I was swayed by family members, my peers, and the economy, but I eventually
realized that I was investing my education in the wrong areas for the wrong reasons. It shouldn’t just be
about salaries and job security. I needed to fin that personal attachment.
At eighteen, it’s hard to see your entire life spread out before you. College may feel like a freefor-all at
times, but the reality is that it’s one of the most defining times of our lives. It should never be squandered. I
started to imagine my life beyond college—what I found important and the type of lifestyle I wanted in the
end. I started thinking about the classes that I was actually interested in—the ones that I looked forward to
each week and arrived early to just so I could get a seat up front.
A turning point for me was when I took the advice of a campus mentor and enrolled in a career exploration
course. I learned more about myself in that class than I had in my entire three years at college prior to
taking it. It showed me that my passion was something I had always thought about but never thought about
as a career. In high school, I could sit in the Guidance Offi for hours on end. I enjoyed listening to others—
hearing and helping people work through their struggles.
I had seen firsthand how detrimental the absence of career classes can be to someone’s future. Through this
realization and my participation in my career exploration class, I saw a viable future in the Higher
Education Administration field. As I dove deeper, I was opened to an incredible amount of unique and
diverse opportunities to work with students. My main approach was to get a taste anything to do with
student services: I shadowed a career counselor in a career services office attended graduate school fairs
and informational sessions, discussed the Higher Education Administration Program with several staff at
my college, and most importantly, I talked with my internship coordinator (my mentor). From there, I
completed an internship in my prospective field, which gave me a wealth of insight and skills that directly
related to my future career goals.
From where I sit now—my former personal and professional struggles in tow—I offer up some pieces of
advice that were crucial to getting me where I am today. Whether you’re an undecided major who is
looking for guidance or a student with a clearly defined career path, I suggest the following:
1. Find a mentor—For me, everything began there. Without my mentor, I wouldn’t have done any of the other
items I’m about to suggest. Finding the right mentor is crucial. Look for someone who can complement your
personality (typically someone who’s the opposite of you). My advice would be to look beyond your direct
supervisor for mentorship. It’s important to create an open forum with your mentor, because there may be a
conflict of interest as you discuss work issues and other job opportunities. Potential mentors to consider are an
instructor on campus, your academic advisor, a professional currently working in your prospective field,
someone you admire in your community, or anyone in your network of friends or family that you feel
comfortable discussing your future goals with.
2. Enroll in a Career Exploration/Planning course, or something similar—Even if you do not see the
52
1
Learn What You Don’t Want 53
effects of this course immediately (such as dramatically changing your major), you will notice the impact down
the road. Making educated career choices and learning job readiness skills will always pay off in the end.
Through my career exploration class, I learned how to relate my personality and values to potential career fields.
These self-assessments changed my entire thought process, and I see that influence daily. Beyond changing the
way you think, the knowledge you gain about effective job search strategies is invaluable. Learning how to write
purposeful résumés and cover letters, finding the right approach to the interview process, and recognizing your
strengths and weaknesses are just a few of the benefits you can gain from these type of courses.
3. Complete a Job Shadow and/or Informational Interview—No amount of online research is going to give you the
same experience as seeing a job at the front line. In a job shadow or an informational interview, you’re able to
explore options with no commitment and see how your in-class experience can carry over to a real world setting.
Additionally, you’re expanding your professional network by having that personal involvement. You never know
how the connections you make might benefit you in the future. My only regret about job shadowing in college is
that I didn’t do it sooner.
4. Do an Internship—A main source of frustration for recent grads is the inability to secure an entrylevel position
without experience. “How do I get a job to gain experience when I can’t get a job without experience?” This is
how: do an internship or two! Most colleges even have a course where you can obtain credit for doing it! Not
only will you earn credits towards graduation, but you’ll gain the necessary experience to put on your résumé
and discuss in future interviews. Having completed four internships throughout my college career, I can’t say
they were all great. However, I don’t regret a single one. The first one showed me the type of field I didn’t want
t work in. The second confirmed that I was heading in the right direction with my career. My third and fourth
internships introduced me to completely different areas of higher education which broadened my knowledge and
narrowed my search simultaneously.
My takeaway is that sometimes you have to learn what you don’t want in order to fin out what you do
want. The more informed you are about career options through real life conversations and experiences, the
better prepared you will be for your future and the more confiden you will be in your career decisions.
Always explore your options because even if you learn you hate it, at least you’re one step close to finding
what you love.
Conclusion
In the text, the authors told true-to-life stories about their own academic, personal, and lifecareer successes.
When reading FAS: WoW, you explored the following guiding questions:
• How do you demonstrate college readiness through the use of effective study skills and campus
resources?
• How do you apply basic technological and information management skills for academic and
lifelong career development?
• How do you demonstrate the use of critical and creative thinking skills to solve problems and
draw conclusions?
• How do you demonstrate basic awareness of self in connection with academic and personal
goals?
• How do you identify and demonstrate knowledge of the implications of choices related to
wellness?
• How do you demonstrate basic knowledge of cultural diversity?
2
Now that you’ve read FAS: WoW, it’s time to pay it forward by composing your own Words of
Wisdom story to share with college students of the future. Reflect on the lessons learned during your own
college experience this term and use the guiding questions to develop a true-to-life story that can help other
college students connect the dots between being a college student and being a successful college student.
Submit your story to be considered in the next edition of Foundations of Academic Success: Words of
Wisdom by emailing your name, institution, and a draft of your short story to [email protected].
Submissions will be reviewed as they are received, and you will be contacted directly if your submission is
reviewed and selected for publication.
The options for textbooks focusing on college student success in college are overwhelming; many
textbooks exist at varying levels of rigor and cost (some well over $100). The FAS: WoW series of
textbooks provides college students open access textbooks that are student-centered and readable (dare I
even say enjoyable). FAS: WoW supports the open access textbook philosophy to help students reduce the
cost of attending colleges and universities.
For a long time, my plan had always been to be a kindergarten teacher. But when I began my
undergraduate degree I fell into that ever-growing pool of college students who changed their major three
times before graduation. I was swayed by family members, my peers, and the economy, but I eventually
realized that I was investing my education in the wrong areas for the wrong reasons. It shouldn’t just be
about salaries and job security. I needed to fin that personal attachment.
At eighteen, it’s hard to see your entire life spread out before you. College may feel like a freefor-all at
times, but the reality is that it’s one of the most defining times of our lives. It should never be squandered. I
started to imagine my life beyond college—what I found important and the type of lifestyle I wanted in the
end. I started thinking about the classes that I was actually interested in—the ones that I looked forward to
each week and arrived early to just so I could get a seat up front.
A turning point for me was when I took the advice of a campus mentor and enrolled in a career exploration
course. I learned more about myself in that class than I had in my entire three years at college prior to
taking it. It showed me that my passion was something I had always thought about but never thought about
as a career. In high school, I could sit in the Guidance Offi for hours on end. I enjoyed listening to others—
hearing and helping people work through their struggles.
3
I had seen firsthand how detrimental the absence of career classes can be to someone’s future. Through this
realization and my participation in my career exploration class, I saw a viable future in the Higher
Education Administration field. As I dove deeper, I was opened to an incredible amount of unique and
diverse opportunities to work with students. My main approach was to get a taste anything to do with
student services: I shadowed a career counselor in a career services office attended graduate school fairs
and informational sessions, discussed the Higher Education Administration Program with several staff at
my college, and most importantly, I talked with my internship coordinator (my mentor). From there, I
completed an internship in my prospective field, which gave me a wealth of insight and skills that directly
related to my future career goals.
From where I sit now—my former personal and professional struggles in tow—I offer up some pieces of
advice that were crucial to getting me where I am today. Whether you’re an undecided major who is
looking for guidance or a student with a clearly defined career path, I suggest the following:
3. Find a mentor—For me, everything began there. Without my mentor, I wouldn’t have done any of the other
items I’m about to suggest. Finding the right mentor is crucial. Look for someone who can complement your
personality (typically someone who’s the opposite of you). My advice would be to look beyond your direct
supervisor for mentorship. It’s important to create an open forum with your mentor, because there may be a
conflict of interest as you discuss work issues and other job opportunities. Potential mentors to consider are an
instructor on campus, your academic advisor, a professional currently working in your prospective field,
someone you admire in your community, or anyone in your network of friends or family that you feel
comfortable discussing your future goals with.
4. Enroll in a Career Exploration/Planning course, or something similar—Even if you do not see the
52
Learn What You Don’t Want 53
effects of this course immediately (such as dramatically changing your major), you will notice the impact down
the road. Making educated career choices and learning job readiness skills will always pay off in the end.
Through my career exploration class, I learned how to relate my personality and values to potential career fields.
These self-assessments changed my entire thought process, and I see that influence daily. Beyond changing the
way you think, the knowledge you gain about effective job search strategies is invaluable. Learning how to write
purposeful résumés and cover letters, finding the right approach to the interview process, and recognizing your
strengths and weaknesses are just a few of the benefits you can gain from these type of courses.
5. Complete a Job Shadow and/or Informational Interview—No amount of online research is going to give you the
same experience as seeing a job at the front line. In a job shadow or an informational interview, you’re able to
explore options with no commitment and see how your in-class experience can carry over to a real world setting.
Additionally, you’re expanding your professional network by having that personal involvement. You never know
how the connections you make might benefit you in the future. My only regret about job shadowing in college is
that I didn’t do it sooner.
6. Do an Internship—A main source of frustration for recent grads is the inability to secure an entrylevel position
without experience. “How do I get a job to gain experience when I can’t get a job without experience?” This is
how: do an internship or two! Most colleges even have a course where you can obtain credit for doing it! Not
only will you earn credits towards graduation, but you’ll gain the necessary experience to put on your résumé
and discuss in future interviews. Having completed four internships throughout my college career, I can’t say
they were all great. However, I don’t regret a single one. The first one showed me the type of field I didn’t want
t work in. The second confirmed that I was heading in the right direction with my career. My third and fourth
4
internships introduced me to completely different areas of higher education which broadened my knowledge and
narrowed my search simultaneously.
My takeaway is that sometimes you have to learn what you don’t want in order to fin out what you do
want. The more informed you are about career options through real life conversations and experiences, the
better prepared you will be for your future and the more confiden you will be in your career decisions.
Always explore your options because even if you learn you hate it, at least you’re one step close to finding
what you love.
Conclusion
In the text, the authors told true-to-life stories about their own academic, personal, and lifecareer successes.
When reading FAS: WoW, you explored the following guiding questions:
• How do you demonstrate college readiness through the use of effective study skills and campus
resources?
• How do you apply basic technological and information management skills for academic and
lifelong career development?
• How do you demonstrate the use of critical and creative thinking skills to solve problems and
draw conclusions?
• How do you demonstrate basic awareness of self in connection with academic and personal
goals?
• How do you identify and demonstrate knowledge of the implications of choices related to
wellness?
• How do you demonstrate basic knowledge of cultural diversity?
Now that you’ve read FAS: WoW, it’s time to pay it forward by composing your own Words of
Wisdom story to share with college students of the future. Reflect on the lessons learned during your own
college experience this term and use the guiding questions to develop a true-to-life story that can help other
college students connect the dots between being a college student and being a successful college student.
Submit your story to be considered in the next edition of Foundations of Academic Success: Words of
Wisdom by emailing your name, institution, and a draft of your short story to [email protected].
Submissions will be reviewed as they are received, and you will be contacted directly if your submission is
reviewed and selected for publication.
The options for textbooks focusing on college student success in college are overwhelming; many
textbooks exist at varying levels of rigor and cost (some well over $100). The FAS: WoW series of
textbooks provides college students open access textbooks that are student-centered and readable (dare I
even say enjoyable). FAS: WoW supports the open access textbook philosophy to help students reduce the
cost of attending colleges and universities.
5
For a long time, my plan had always been to be a kindergarten teacher. But when I began my
undergraduate degree I fell into that ever-growing pool of college students who changed their major three
times before graduation. I was swayed by family members, my peers, and the economy, but I eventually
realized that I was investing my education in the wrong areas for the wrong reasons. It shouldn’t just be
about salaries and job security. I needed to fin that personal attachment.
At eighteen, it’s hard to see your entire life spread out before you. College may feel like a freefor-all at
times, but the reality is that it’s one of the most defining times of our lives. It should never be squandered. I
started to imagine my life beyond college—what I found important and the type of lifestyle I wanted in the
end. I started thinking about the classes that I was actually interested in—the ones that I looked forward to
each week and arrived early to just so I could get a seat up front.
A turning point for me was when I took the advice of a campus mentor and enrolled in a career exploration
course. I learned more about myself in that class than I had in my entire three years at college prior to
taking it. It showed me that my passion was something I had always thought about but never thought about
as a career. In high school, I could sit in the Guidance Offi for hours on end. I enjoyed listening to others—
hearing and helping people work through their struggles.
I had seen firsthand how detrimental the absence of career classes can be to someone’s future. Through this
realization and my participation in my career exploration class, I saw a viable future in the Higher
Education Administration field. As I dove deeper, I was opened to an incredible amount of unique and
diverse opportunities to work with students. My main approach was to get a taste anything to do with
student services: I shadowed a career counselor in a career services office attended graduate school fairs
and informational sessions, discussed the Higher Education Administration Program with several staff at
my college, and most importantly, I talked with my internship coordinator (my mentor). From there, I
completed an internship in my prospective field, which gave me a wealth of insight and skills that directly
related to my future career goals.
From where I sit now—my former personal and professional struggles in tow—I offer up some pieces of
advice that were crucial to getting me where I am today. Whether you’re an undecided major who is
looking for guidance or a student with a clearly defined career path, I suggest the following:
5. Find a mentor—For me, everything began there. Without my mentor, I wouldn’t have done any of the other
items I’m about to suggest. Finding the right mentor is crucial. Look for someone who can complement your
personality (typically someone who’s the opposite of you). My advice would be to look beyond your direct
supervisor for mentorship. It’s important to create an open forum with your mentor, because there may be a
conflict of interest as you discuss work issues and other job opportunities. Potential mentors to consider are an
instructor on campus, your academic advisor, a professional currently working in your prospective field,
someone you admire in your community, or anyone in your network of friends or family that you feel
comfortable discussing your future goals with.
6. Enroll in a Career Exploration/Planning course, or something similar—Even if you do not see the
52
Learn What You Don’t Want 53
effects of this course immediately (such as dramatically changing your major), you will notice the impact down
the road. Making educated career choices and learning job readiness skills will always pay off in the end.
Through my career exploration class, I learned how to relate my personality and values to potential career fields.
6
These self-assessments changed my entire thought process, and I see that influence daily. Beyond changing the
way you think, the knowledge you gain about effective job search strategies is invaluable. Learning how to write
purposeful résumés and cover letters, finding the right approach to the interview process, and recognizing your
strengths and weaknesses are just a few of the benefits you can gain from these type of courses.
7. Complete a Job Shadow and/or Informational Interview—No amount of online research is going to give you the
same experience as seeing a job at the front line. In a job shadow or an informational interview, you’re able to
explore options with no commitment and see how your in-class experience can carry over to a real world setting.
Additionally, you’re expanding your professional network by having that personal involvement. You never know
how the connections you make might benefit you in the future. My only regret about job shadowing in college is
that I didn’t do it sooner.
8. Do an Internship—A main source of frustration for recent grads is the inability to secure an entrylevel position
without experience. “How do I get a job to gain experience when I can’t get a job without experience?” This is
how: do an internship or two! Most colleges even have a course where you can obtain credit for doing it! Not
only will you earn credits towards graduation, but you’ll gain the necessary experience to put on your résumé
and discuss in future interviews. Having completed four internships throughout my college career, I can’t say
they were all great. However, I don’t regret a single one. The first one showed me the type of field I didn’t want
t work in. The second confirmed that I was heading in the right direction with my career. My third and fourth
internships introduced me to completely different areas of higher education which broadened my knowledge and
narrowed my search simultaneously.
My takeaway is that sometimes you have to learn what you don’t want in order to fin out what you do
want. The more informed you are about career options through real life conversations and experiences, the
better prepared you will be for your future and the more confiden you will be in your career decisions.
Always explore your options because even if you learn you hate it, at least you’re one step close to finding
what you love.
Conclusion
In the text, the authors told true-to-life stories about their own academic, personal, and lifecareer successes.
When reading FAS: WoW, you explored the following guiding questions:
• How do you demonstrate college readiness through the use of effective study skills and campus
resources?
• How do you apply basic technological and information management skills for academic and
lifelong career development?
• How do you demonstrate the use of critical and creative thinking skills to solve problems and
draw conclusions?
• How do you demonstrate basic awareness of self in connection with academic and personal
goals?
• How do you identify and demonstrate knowledge of the implications of choices related to
wellness?
• How do you demonstrate basic knowledge of cultural diversity?
Now that you’ve read FAS: WoW, it’s time to pay it forward by composing your own Words of
Wisdom story to share with college students of the future. Reflect on the lessons learned during your own
college experience this term and use the guiding questions to develop a true-to-life story that can help other
college students connect the dots between being a college student and being a successful college student.
Submit your story to be considered in the next edition of Foundations of Academic Success: Words of
Wisdom by emailing your name, institution, and a draft of your short story to [email protected].
7
Submissions will be reviewed as they are received, and you will be contacted directly if your submission is
reviewed and selected for publication.
The options for textbooks focusing on college student success in college are overwhelming; many
textbooks exist at varying levels of rigor and cost (some well over $100). The FAS: WoW series of
textbooks provides college students open access textbooks that are student-centered and readable (dare I
even say enjoyable). FAS: WoW supports the open access textbook philosophy to help students reduce the
cost of attending colleges and universities.
For a long time, my plan had always been to be a kindergarten teacher. But when I began my
undergraduate degree I fell into that ever-growing pool of college students who changed their major three
times before graduation. I was swayed by family members, my peers, and the economy, but I eventually
realized that I was investing my education in the wrong areas for the wrong reasons. It shouldn’t just be
about salaries and job security. I needed to fin that personal attachment.
At eighteen, it’s hard to see your entire life spread out before you. College may feel like a freefor-all at
times, but the reality is that it’s one of the most defining times of our lives. It should never be squandered. I
started to imagine my life beyond college—what I found important and the type of lifestyle I wanted in the
end. I started thinking about the classes that I was actually interested in—the ones that I looked forward to
each week and arrived early to just so I could get a seat up front.
A turning point for me was when I took the advice of a campus mentor and enrolled in a career exploration
course. I learned more about myself in that class than I had in my entire three years at college prior to
taking it. It showed me that my passion was something I had always thought about but never thought about
as a career. In high school, I could sit in the Guidance Offi for hours on end. I enjoyed listening to others—
hearing and helping people work through their struggles.
I had seen firsthand how detrimental the absence of career classes can be to someone’s future. Through this
realization and my participation in my career exploration class, I saw a viable future in the Higher
Education Administration field. As I dove deeper, I was opened to an incredible amount of unique and
diverse opportunities to work with students. My main approach was to get a taste anything to do with
student services: I shadowed a career counselor in a career services office attended graduate school fairs
and informational sessions, discussed the Higher Education Administration Program with several staff at
8
my college, and most importantly, I talked with my internship coordinator (my mentor). From there, I
completed an internship in my prospective field, which gave me a wealth of insight and skills that directly
related to my future career goals.
From where I sit now—my former personal and professional struggles in tow—I offer up some pieces of
advice that were crucial to getting me where I am today. Whether you’re an undecided major who is
looking for guidance or a student with a clearly defined career path, I suggest the following:
7. Find a mentor—For me, everything began there. Without my mentor, I wouldn’t have done any of the other
items I’m about to suggest. Finding the right mentor is crucial. Look for someone who can complement your
personality (typically someone who’s the opposite of you). My advice would be to look beyond your direct
supervisor for mentorship. It’s important to create an open forum with your mentor, because there may be a
conflict of interest as you discuss work issues and other job opportunities. Potential mentors to consider are an
instructor on campus, your academic advisor, a professional currently working in your prospective field,
someone you admire in your community, or anyone in your network of friends or family that you feel
comfortable discussing your future goals with.
8. Enroll in a Career Exploration/Planning course, or something similar—Even if you do not see the
52
Learn What You Don’t Want 53
effects of this course immediately (such as dramatically changing your major), you will notice the impact down
the road. Making educated career choices and learning job readiness skills will always pay off in the end.
Through my career exploration class, I learned how to relate my personality and values to potential career fields.
These self-assessments changed my entire thought process, and I see that influence daily. Beyond changing the
way you think, the knowledge you gain about effective job search strategies is invaluable. Learning how to write
purposeful résumés and cover letters, finding the right approach to the interview process, and recognizing your
strengths and weaknesses are just a few of the benefits you can gain from these type of courses.
9. Complete a Job Shadow and/or Informational Interview—No amount of online research is going to give you the
same experience as seeing a job at the front line. In a job shadow or an informational interview, you’re able to
explore options with no commitment and see how your in-class experience can carry over to a real world setting.
Additionally, you’re expanding your professional network by having that personal involvement. You never know
how the connections you make might benefit you in the future. My only regret about job shadowing in college is
that I didn’t do it sooner.
10. Do an Internship—A main source of frustration for recent grads is the inability to secure an entrylevel position
without experience. “How do I get a job to gain experience when I can’t get a job without experience?” This is
how: do an internship or two! Most colleges even have a course where you can obtain credit for doing it! Not
only will you earn credits towards graduation, but you’ll gain the necessary experience to put on your résumé
and discuss in future interviews. Having completed four internships throughout my college career, I can’t say
they were all great. However, I don’t regret a single one. The first one showed me the type of field I didn’t want
t work in. The second confirmed that I was heading in the right direction with my career. My third and fourth
internships introduced me to completely different areas of higher education which broadened my knowledge and
narrowed my search simultaneously.
My takeaway is that sometimes you have to learn what you don’t want in order to fin out what you do
want. The more informed you are about career options through real life conversations and experiences, the
better prepared you will be for your future and the more confiden you will be in your career decisions.
9
Always explore your options because even if you learn you hate it, at least you’re one step close to finding
what you love.
Conclusion
In the text, the authors told true-to-life stories about their own academic, personal, and lifecareer successes.
When reading FAS: WoW, you explored the following guiding questions:
• How do you demonstrate college readiness through the use of effective study skills and campus
resources?
• How do you apply basic technological and information management skills for academic and
lifelong career development?
• How do you demonstrate the use of critical and creative thinking skills to solve problems and
draw conclusions?
• How do you demonstrate basic awareness of self in connection with academic and personal
goals?
• How do you identify and demonstrate knowledge of the implications of choices related to
wellness?
• How do you demonstrate basic knowledge of cultural diversity?
Now that you’ve read FAS: WoW, it’s time to pay it forward by composing your own Words of
Wisdom story to share with college students of the future. Reflect on the lessons learned during your own
college experience this term and use the guiding questions to develop a true-to-life story that can help other
college students connect the dots between being a college student and being a successful college student.
Submit your story to be considered in the next edition of Foundations of Academic Success: Words of
Wisdom by emailing your name, institution, and a draft of your short story to [email protected].
Submissions will be reviewed as they are received, and you will be contacted directly if your submission is
reviewed and selected for publication.
The options for textbooks focusing on college student success in college are overwhelming; many
textbooks exist at varying levels of rigor and cost (some well over $100). The FAS: WoW series of
textbooks provides college students open access textbooks that are student-centered and readable (dare I
even say enjoyable). FAS: WoW supports the open access textbook philosophy to help students reduce the
cost of attending colleges and universities.
10
For a long time, my plan had always been to be a kindergarten teacher. But when I began my
undergraduate degree I fell into that ever-growing pool of college students who changed their major three
times before graduation. I was swayed by family members, my peers, and the economy, but I eventually
realized that I was investing my education in the wrong areas for the wrong reasons. It shouldn’t just be
about salaries and job security. I needed to fin that personal attachment.
At eighteen, it’s hard to see your entire life spread out before you. College may feel like a freefor-all at
times, but the reality is that it’s one of the most defining times of our lives. It should never be squandered. I
started to imagine my life beyond college—what I found important and the type of lifestyle I wanted in the
end. I started thinking about the classes that I was actually interested in—the ones that I looked forward to
each week and arrived early to just so I could get a seat up front.
A turning point for me was when I took the advice of a campus mentor and enrolled in a career exploration
course. I learned more about myself in that class than I had in my entire three years at college prior to
taking it. It showed me that my passion was something I had always thought about but never thought about
as a career. In high school, I could sit in the Guidance Offi for hours on end. I enjoyed listening to others—
hearing and helping people work through their struggles.
I had seen firsthand how detrimental the absence of career classes can be to someone’s future. Through this
realization and my participation in my career exploration class, I saw a viable future in the Higher
Education Administration field. As I dove deeper, I was opened to an incredible amount of unique and
diverse opportunities to work with students. My main approach was to get a taste anything to do with
student services: I shadowed a career counselor in a career services office attended graduate school fairs
and informational sessions, discussed the Higher Education Administration Program with several staff at
my college, and most importantly, I talked with my internship coordinator (my mentor). From there, I
completed an internship in my prospective field, which gave me a wealth of insight and skills that directly
related to my future career goals.
From where I sit now—my former personal and professional struggles in tow—I offer up some pieces of
advice that were crucial to getting me where I am today. Whether you’re an undecided major who is
looking for guidance or a student with a clearly defined career path, I suggest the following:
9. Find a mentor—For me, everything began there. Without my mentor, I wouldn’t have done any of the other
items I’m about to suggest. Finding the right mentor is crucial. Look for someone who can complement your
personality (typically someone who’s the opposite of you). My advice would be to look beyond your direct
supervisor for mentorship. It’s important to create an open forum with your mentor, because there may be a
conflict of interest as you discuss work issues and other job opportunities. Potential mentors to consider are an
instructor on campus, your academic advisor, a professional currently working in your prospective field,
someone you admire in your community, or anyone in your network of friends or family that you feel
comfortable discussing your future goals with.
10. Enroll in a Career Exploration/Planning course, or something similar—Even if you do not see the
52
Learn What You Don’t Want 53
effects of this course immediately (such as dramatically changing your major), you will notice the impact down
the road. Making educated career choices and learning job readiness skills will always pay off in the end.
Through my career exploration class, I learned how to relate my personality and values to potential career fields.
11
These self-assessments changed my entire thought process, and I see that influence daily. Beyond changing the
way you think, the knowledge you gain about effective job search strategies is invaluable. Learning how to write
purposeful résumés and cover letters, finding the right approach to the interview process, and recognizing your
strengths and weaknesses are just a few of the benefits you can gain from these type of courses.
11. Complete a Job Shadow and/or Informational Interview—No amount of online research is going to give you the
same experience as seeing a job at the front line. In a job shadow or an informational interview, you’re able to
explore options with no commitment and see how your in-class experience can carry over to a real world setting.
Additionally, you’re expanding your professional network by having that personal involvement. You never know
how the connections you make might benefit you in the future. My only regret about job shadowing in college is
that I didn’t do it sooner.
12. Do an Internship—A main source of frustration for recent grads is the inability to secure an entrylevel position
without experience. “How do I get a job to gain experience when I can’t get a job without experience?” This is
how: do an internship or two! Most colleges even have a course where you can obtain credit for doing it! Not
only will you earn credits towards graduation, but you’ll gain the necessary experience to put on your résumé
and discuss in future interviews. Having completed four internships throughout my college career, I can’t say
they were all great. However, I don’t regret a single one. The first one showed me the type of field I didn’t want
t work in. The second confirmed that I was heading in the right direction with my career. My third and fourth
internships introduced me to completely different areas of higher education which broadened my knowledge and
narrowed my search simultaneously.
My takeaway is that sometimes you have to learn what you don’t want in order to fin out what you do
want. The more informed you are about career options through real life conversations and experiences, the
better prepared you will be for your future and the more confiden you will be in your career decisions.
Always explore your options because even if you learn you hate it, at least you’re one step close to finding
what you love.
Conclusion
In the text, the authors told true-to-life stories about their own academic, personal, and lifecareer successes.
When reading FAS: WoW, you explored the following guiding questions:
• How do you demonstrate college readiness through the use of effective study skills and campus
resources?
• How do you apply basic technological and information management skills for academic and
lifelong career development?
• How do you demonstrate the use of critical and creative thinking skills to solve problems and
draw conclusions?
• How do you demonstrate basic awareness of self in connection with academic and personal
goals?
• How do you identify and demonstrate knowledge of the implications of choices related to
wellness?
• How do you demonstrate basic knowledge of cultural diversity?
Now that you’ve read FAS: WoW, it’s time to pay it forward by composing your own Words of
Wisdom story to share with college students of the future. Reflect on the lessons learned during your own
college experience this term and use the guiding questions to develop a true-to-life story that can help other
college students connect the dots between being a college student and being a successful college student.
Submit your story to be considered in the next edition of Foundations of Academic Success: Words of
Wisdom by emailing your name, institution, and a draft of your short story to [email protected].
12
Submissions will be reviewed as they are received, and you will be contacted directly if your submission is
reviewed and selected for publication.
The options for textbooks focusing on college student success in college are overwhelming; many
textbooks exist at varying levels of rigor and cost (some well over $100). The FAS: WoW series of
textbooks provides college students open access textbooks that are student-centered and readable (dare I
even say enjoyable). FAS: WoW supports the open access textbook philosophy to help students reduce the
cost of attending colleges and universities.
For a long time, my plan had always been to be a kindergarten teacher. But when I began my
undergraduate degree I fell into that ever-growing pool of college students who changed their major three
times before graduation. I was swayed by family members, my peers, and the economy, but I eventually
realized that I was investing my education in the wrong areas for the wrong reasons. It shouldn’t just be
about salaries and job security. I needed to fin that personal attachment.
At eighteen, it’s hard to see your entire life spread out before you. College may feel like a freefor-all at
times, but the reality is that it’s one of the most defining times of our lives. It should never be squandered. I
started to imagine my life beyond college—what I found important and the type of lifestyle I wanted in the
end. I started thinking about the classes that I was actually interested in—the ones that I looked forward to
each week and arrived early to just so I could get a seat up front.
A turning point for me was when I took the advice of a campus mentor and enrolled in a career exploration
course. I learned more about myself in that class than I had in my entire three years at college prior to
taking it. It showed me that my passion was something I had always thought about but never thought about
as a career. In high school, I could sit in the Guidance Offi for hours on end. I enjoyed listening to others—
hearing and helping people work through their struggles.
I had seen firsthand how detrimental the absence of career classes can be to someone’s future. Through this
realization and my participation in my career exploration class, I saw a viable future in the Higher
Education Administration field. As I dove deeper, I was opened to an incredible amount of unique and
diverse opportunities to work with students. My main approach was to get a taste anything to do with
student services: I shadowed a career counselor in a career services office attended graduate school fairs
and informational sessions, discussed the Higher Education Administration Program with several staff at
13
my college, and most importantly, I talked with my internship coordinator (my mentor). From there, I
completed an internship in my prospective field, which gave me a wealth of insight and skills that directly
related to my future career goals.
From where I sit now—my former personal and professional struggles in tow—I offer up some pieces of
advice that were crucial to getting me where I am today. Whether you’re an undecided major who is
looking for guidance or a student with a clearly defined career path, I suggest the following:
11. Find a mentor—For me, everything began there. Without my mentor, I wouldn’t have done any of the other
items I’m about to suggest. Finding the right mentor is crucial. Look for someone who can complement your
personality (typically someone who’s the opposite of you). My advice would be to look beyond your direct
supervisor for mentorship. It’s important to create an open forum with your mentor, because there may be a
conflict of interest as you discuss work issues and other job opportunities. Potential mentors to consider are an
instructor on campus, your academic advisor, a professional currently working in your prospective field,
someone you admire in your community, or anyone in your network of friends or family that you feel
comfortable discussing your future goals with.
12. Enroll in a Career Exploration/Planning course, or something similar—Even if you do not see the
52
Learn What You Don’t Want 53
effects of this course immediately (such as dramatically changing your major), you will notice the impact down
the road. Making educated career choices and learning job readiness skills will always pay off in the end.
Through my career exploration class, I learned how to relate my personality and values to potential career fields.
These self-assessments changed my entire thought process, and I see that influence daily. Beyond changing the
way you think, the knowledge you gain about effective job search strategies is invaluable. Learning how to write
purposeful résumés and cover letters, finding the right approach to the interview process, and recognizing your
strengths and weaknesses are just a few of the benefits you can gain from these type of courses.
13. Complete a Job Shadow and/or Informational Interview—No amount of online research is going to give you the
same experience as seeing a job at the front line. In a job shadow or an informational interview, you’re able to
explore options with no commitment and see how your in-class experience can carry over to a real world setting.
Additionally, you’re expanding your professional network by having that personal involvement. You never know
how the connections you make might benefit you in the future. My only regret about job shadowing in college is
that I didn’t do it sooner.
14. Do an Internship—A main source of frustration for recent grads is the inability to secure an entrylevel position
without experience. “How do I get a job to gain experience when I can’t get a job without experience?” This is
how: do an internship or two! Most colleges even have a course where you can obtain credit for doing it! Not
only will you earn credits towards graduation, but you’ll gain the necessary experience to put on your résumé
and discuss in future interviews. Having completed four internships throughout my college career, I can’t say
they were all great. However, I don’t regret a single one. The first one showed me the type of field I didn’t want
t work in. The second confirmed that I was heading in the right direction with my career. My third and fourth
internships introduced me to completely different areas of higher education which broadened my knowledge and
narrowed my search simultaneously.
My takeaway is that sometimes you have to learn what you don’t want in order to fin out what you do
want. The more informed you are about career options through real life conversations and experiences, the
better prepared you will be for your future and the more confiden you will be in your career decisions.
14
Always explore your options because even if you learn you hate it, at least you’re one step close to finding
what you love.
Conclusion
In the text, the authors told true-to-life stories about their own academic, personal, and lifecareer successes.
When reading FAS: WoW, you explored the following guiding questions:
• How do you demonstrate college readiness through the use of effective study skills and campus
resources?
• How do you apply basic technological and information management skills for academic and
lifelong career development?
• How do you demonstrate the use of critical and creative thinking skills to solve problems and
draw conclusions?
• How do you demonstrate basic awareness of self in connection with academic and personal
goals?
• How do you identify and demonstrate knowledge of the implications of choices related to
wellness?
• How do you demonstrate basic knowledge of cultural diversity?
Now that you’ve read FAS: WoW, it’s time to pay it forward by composing your own Words of
Wisdom story to share with college students of the future. Reflect on the lessons learned during your own
college experience this term and use the guiding questions to develop a true-to-life story that can help other
college students connect the dots between being a college student and being a successful college student.
Submit your story to be considered in the next edition of Foundations of Academic Success: Words of
Wisdom by emailing your name, institution, and a draft of your short story to [email protected].
Submissions will be reviewed as they are received, and you will be contacted directly if your submission is
reviewed and selected for publication.
The options for textbooks focusing on college student success in college are overwhelming; many
textbooks exist at varying levels of rigor and cost (some well over $100). The FAS: WoW series of
textbooks provides college students open access textbooks that are student-centered and readable (dare I
even say enjoyable). FAS: WoW supports the open access textbook philosophy to help students reduce the
cost of attending colleges and universities.
15
For a long time, my plan had always been to be a kindergarten teacher. But when I began my
undergraduate degree I fell into that ever-growing pool of college students who changed their major three
times before graduation. I was swayed by family members, my peers, and the economy, but I eventually
realized that I was investing my education in the wrong areas for the wrong reasons. It shouldn’t just be
about salaries and job security. I needed to fin that personal attachment.
At eighteen, it’s hard to see your entire life spread out before you. College may feel like a freefor-all at
times, but the reality is that it’s one of the most defining times of our lives. It should never be squandered. I
started to imagine my life beyond college—what I found important and the type of lifestyle I wanted in the
end. I started thinking about the classes that I was actually interested in—the ones that I looked forward to
each week and arrived early to just so I could get a seat up front.
A turning point for me was when I took the advice of a campus mentor and enrolled in a career exploration
course. I learned more about myself in that class than I had in my entire three years at college prior to
taking it. It showed me that my passion was something I had always thought about but never thought about
as a career. In high school, I could sit in the Guidance Offi for hours on end. I enjoyed listening to others—
hearing and helping people work through their struggles.
I had seen firsthand how detrimental the absence of career classes can be to someone’s future. Through this
realization and my participation in my career exploration class, I saw a viable future in the Higher
Education Administration field. As I dove deeper, I was opened to an incredible amount of unique and
diverse opportunities to work with students. My main approach was to get a taste anything to do with
student services: I shadowed a career counselor in a career services office attended graduate school fairs
and informational sessions, discussed the Higher Education Administration Program with several staff at
my college, and most importantly, I talked with my internship coordinator (my mentor). From there, I
completed an internship in my prospective field, which gave me a wealth of insight and skills that directly
related to my future career goals.
From where I sit now—my former personal and professional struggles in tow—I offer up some pieces of
advice that were crucial to getting me where I am today. Whether you’re an undecided major who is
looking for guidance or a student with a clearly defined career path, I suggest the following:
13. Find a mentor—For me, everything began there. Without my mentor, I wouldn’t have done any of the other
items I’m about to suggest. Finding the right mentor is crucial. Look for someone who can complement your
personality (typically someone who’s the opposite of you). My advice would be to look beyond your direct
supervisor for mentorship. It’s important to create an open forum with your mentor, because there may be a
conflict of interest as you discuss work issues and other job opportunities. Potential mentors to consider are an
instructor on campus, your academic advisor, a professional currently working in your prospective field,
someone you admire in your community, or anyone in your network of friends or family that you feel
comfortable discussing your future goals with.
14. Enroll in a Career Exploration/Planning course, or something similar—Even if you do not see the
52
Learn What You Don’t Want 53
effects of this course immediately (such as dramatically changing your major), you will notice the impact down
the road. Making educated career choices and learning job readiness skills will always pay off in the end.
Through my career exploration class, I learned how to relate my personality and values to potential career fields.
16
These self-assessments changed my entire thought process, and I see that influence daily. Beyond changing the
way you think, the knowledge you gain about effective job search strategies is invaluable. Learning how to write
purposeful résumés and cover letters, finding the right approach to the interview process, and recognizing your
strengths and weaknesses are just a few of the benefits you can gain from these type of courses.
15. Complete a Job Shadow and/or Informational Interview—No amount of online research is going to give you the
same experience as seeing a job at the front line. In a job shadow or an informational interview, you’re able to
explore options with no commitment and see how your in-class experience can carry over to a real world setting.
Additionally, you’re expanding your professional network by having that personal involvement. You never know
how the connections you make might benefit you in the future. My only regret about job shadowing in college is
that I didn’t do it sooner.
16. Do an Internship—A main source of frustration for recent grads is the inability to secure an entrylevel position
without experience. “How do I get a job to gain experience when I can’t get a job without experience?” This is
how: do an internship or two! Most colleges even have a course where you can obtain credit for doing it! Not
only will you earn credits towards graduation, but you’ll gain the necessary experience to put on your résumé
and discuss in future interviews. Having completed four internships throughout my college career, I can’t say
they were all great. However, I don’t regret a single one. The first one showed me the type of field I didn’t want
t work in. The second confirmed that I was heading in the right direction with my career. My third and fourth
internships introduced me to completely different areas of higher education which broadened my knowledge and
narrowed my search simultaneously.
My takeaway is that sometimes you have to learn what you don’t want in order to fin out what you do
want. The more informed you are about career options through real life conversations and experiences, the
better prepared you will be for your future and the more confiden you will be in your career decisions.
Always explore your options because even if you learn you hate it, at least you’re one step close to finding
what you love.
Conclusion
In the text, the authors told true-to-life stories about their own academic, personal, and lifecareer successes.
When reading FAS: WoW, you explored the following guiding questions:
• How do you demonstrate college readiness through the use of effective study skills and campus
resources?
• How do you apply basic technological and information management skills for academic and
lifelong career development?
• How do you demonstrate the use of critical and creative thinking skills to solve problems and
draw conclusions?
• How do you demonstrate basic awareness of self in connection with academic and personal
goals?
• How do you identify and demonstrate knowledge of the implications of choices related to
wellness?
• How do you demonstrate basic knowledge of cultural diversity?
Now that you’ve read FAS: WoW, it’s time to pay it forward by composing your own Words of
Wisdom story to share with college students of the future. Reflect on the lessons learned during your own
college experience this term and use the guiding questions to develop a true-to-life story that can help other
college students connect the dots between being a college student and being a successful college student.
Submit your story to be considered in the next edition of Foundations of Academic Success: Words of
Wisdom by emailing your name, institution, and a draft of your short story to [email protected].
17
Submissions will be reviewed as they are received, and you will be contacted directly if your submission is
reviewed and selected for publication.
The options for textbooks focusing on college student success in college are overwhelming; many
textbooks exist at varying levels of rigor and cost (some well over $100). The FAS: WoW series of
textbooks provides college students open access textbooks that are student-centered and readable (dare I
even say enjoyable). FAS: WoW supports the open access textbook philosophy to help students reduce the
cost of attending colleges and universities.
For a long time, my plan had always been to be a kindergarten teacher. But when I began my
undergraduate degree I fell into that ever-growing pool of college students who changed their major three
times before graduation. I was swayed by family members, my peers, and the economy, but I eventually
realized that I was investing my education in the wrong areas for the wrong reasons. It shouldn’t just be
about salaries and job security. I needed to fin that personal attachment.
At eighteen, it’s hard to see your entire life spread out before you. College may feel like a freefor-all at
times, but the reality is that it’s one of the most defining times of our lives. It should never be squandered. I
started to imagine my life beyond college—what I found important and the type of lifestyle I wanted in the
end. I started thinking about the classes that I was actually interested in—the ones that I looked forward to
each week and arrived early to just so I could get a seat up front.
A turning point for me was when I took the advice of a campus mentor and enrolled in a career exploration
course. I learned more about myself in that class than I had in my entire three years at college prior to
taking it. It showed me that my passion was something I had always thought about but never thought about
as a career. In high school, I could sit in the Guidance Offi for hours on end. I enjoyed listening to others—
hearing and helping people work through their struggles.
I had seen firsthand how detrimental the absence of career classes can be to someone’s future. Through this
realization and my participation in my career exploration class, I saw a viable future in the Higher
Education Administration field. As I dove deeper, I was opened to an incredible amount of unique and
diverse opportunities to work with students. My main approach was to get a taste anything to do with
student services: I shadowed a career counselor in a career services office attended graduate school fairs
and informational sessions, discussed the Higher Education Administration Program with several staff at
18
my college, and most importantly, I talked with my internship coordinator (my mentor). From there, I
completed an internship in my prospective field, which gave me a wealth of insight and skills that directly
related to my future career goals.
From where I sit now—my former personal and professional struggles in tow—I offer up some pieces of
advice that were crucial to getting me where I am today. Whether you’re an undecided major who is
looking for guidance or a student with a clearly defined career path, I suggest the following:
15. Find a mentor—For me, everything began there. Without my mentor, I wouldn’t have done any of the other
items I’m about to suggest. Finding the right mentor is crucial. Look for someone who can complement your
personality (typically someone who’s the opposite of you). My advice would be to look beyond your direct
supervisor for mentorship. It’s important to create an open forum with your mentor, because there may be a
conflict of interest as you discuss work issues and other job opportunities. Potential mentors to consider are an
instructor on campus, your academic advisor, a professional currently working in your prospective field,
someone you admire in your community, or anyone in your network of friends or family that you feel
comfortable discussing your future goals with.
16. Enroll in a Career Exploration/Planning course, or something similar—Even if you do not see the
52
Learn What You Don’t Want 53
effects of this course immediately (such as dramatically changing your major), you will notice the impact down
the road. Making educated career choices and learning job readiness skills will always pay off in the end.
Through my career exploration class, I learned how to relate my personality and values to potential career fields.
These self-assessments changed my entire thought process, and I see that influence daily. Beyond changing the
way you think, the knowledge you gain about effective job search strategies is invaluable. Learning how to write
purposeful résumés and cover letters, finding the right approach to the interview process, and recognizing your
strengths and weaknesses are just a few of the benefits you can gain from these type of courses.
17. Complete a Job Shadow and/or Informational Interview—No amount of online research is going to give you the
same experience as seeing a job at the front line. In a job shadow or an informational interview, you’re able to
explore options with no commitment and see how your in-class experience can carry over to a real world setting.
Additionally, you’re expanding your professional network by having that personal involvement. You never know
how the connections you make might benefit you in the future. My only regret about job shadowing in college is
that I didn’t do it sooner.
18. Do an Internship—A main source of frustration for recent grads is the inability to secure an entrylevel position
without experience. “How do I get a job to gain experience when I can’t get a job without experience?” This is
how: do an internship or two! Most colleges even have a course where you can obtain credit for doing it! Not
only will you earn credits towards graduation, but you’ll gain the necessary experience to put on your résumé
and discuss in future interviews. Having completed four internships throughout my college career, I can’t say
they were all great. However, I don’t regret a single one. The first one showed me the type of field I didn’t want
t work in. The second confirmed that I was heading in the right direction with my career. My third and fourth
internships introduced me to completely different areas of higher education which broadened my knowledge and
narrowed my search simultaneously.
My takeaway is that sometimes you have to learn what you don’t want in order to fin out what you do
want. The more informed you are about career options through real life conversations and experiences, the
better prepared you will be for your future and the more confiden you will be in your career decisions.
19
Always explore your options because even if you learn you hate it, at least you’re one step close to finding
what you love.
Conclusion
In the text, the authors told true-to-life stories about their own academic, personal, and lifecareer successes.
When reading FAS: WoW, you explored the following guiding questions:
• How do you demonstrate college readiness through the use of effective study skills and campus
resources?
• How do you apply basic technological and information management skills for academic and
lifelong career development?
• How do you demonstrate the use of critical and creative thinking skills to solve problems and
draw conclusions?
• How do you demonstrate basic awareness of self in connection with academic and personal
goals?
• How do you identify and demonstrate knowledge of the implications of choices related to
wellness?
• How do you demonstrate basic knowledge of cultural diversity?
Now that you’ve read FAS: WoW, it’s time to pay it forward by composing your own Words of
Wisdom story to share with college students of the future. Reflect on the lessons learned during your own
college experience this term and use the guiding questions to develop a true-to-life story that can help other
college students connect the dots between being a college student and being a successful college student.
Submit your story to be considered in the next edition of Foundations of Academic Success: Words of
Wisdom by emailing your name, institution, and a draft of your short story to [email protected].
Submissions will be reviewed as they are received, and you will be contacted directly if your submission is
reviewed and selected for publication.
The options for textbooks focusing on college student success in college are overwhelming; many
textbooks exist at varying levels of rigor and cost (some well over $100). The FAS: WoW series of
textbooks provides college students open access textbooks that are student-centered and readable (dare I
even say enjoyable). FAS: WoW supports the open access textbook philosophy to help students reduce the
cost of attending colleges and universities.
20
For a long time, my plan had always been to be a kindergarten teacher. But when I began my
undergraduate degree I fell into that ever-growing pool of college students who changed their major three
times before graduation. I was swayed by family members, my peers, and the economy, but I eventually
realized that I was investing my education in the wrong areas for the wrong reasons. It shouldn’t just be
about salaries and job security. I needed to fin that personal attachment.
At eighteen, it’s hard to see your entire life spread out before you. College may feel like a freefor-all at
times, but the reality is that it’s one of the most defining times of our lives. It should never be squandered. I
started to imagine my life beyond college—what I found important and the type of lifestyle I wanted in the
end. I started thinking about the classes that I was actually interested in—the ones that I looked forward to
each week and arrived early to just so I could get a seat up front.
A turning point for me was when I took the advice of a campus mentor and enrolled in a career exploration
course. I learned more about myself in that class than I had in my entire three years at college prior to
taking it. It showed me that my passion was something I had always thought about but never thought about
as a career. In high school, I could sit in the Guidance Offi for hours on end. I enjoyed listening to others—
hearing and helping people work through their struggles.
I had seen firsthand how detrimental the absence of career classes can be to someone’s future. Through this
realization and my participation in my career exploration class, I saw a viable future in the Higher
Education Administration field. As I dove deeper, I was opened to an incredible amount of unique and
diverse opportunities to work with students. My main approach was to get a taste anything to do with
student services: I shadowed a career counselor in a career services office attended graduate school fairs
and informational sessions, discussed the Higher Education Administration Program with several staff at
my college, and most importantly, I talked with my internship coordinator (my mentor). From there, I
completed an internship in my prospective field, which gave me a wealth of insight and skills that directly
related to my future career goals.
From where I sit now—my former personal and professional struggles in tow—I offer up some pieces of
advice that were crucial to getting me where I am today. Whether you’re an undecided major who is
looking for guidance or a student with a clearly defined career path, I suggest the following:
17. Find a mentor—For me, everything began there. Without my mentor, I wouldn’t have done any of the other
items I’m about to suggest. Finding the right mentor is crucial. Look for someone who can complement your
personality (typically someone who’s the opposite of you). My advice would be to look beyond your direct
supervisor for mentorship. It’s important to create an open forum with your mentor, because there may be a
conflict of interest as you discuss work issues and other job opportunities. Potential mentors to consider are an
instructor on campus, your academic advisor, a professional currently working in your prospective field,
someone you admire in your community, or anyone in your network of friends or family that you feel
comfortable discussing your future goals with.
18. Enroll in a Career Exploration/Planning course, or something similar—Even if you do not see the
52
Learn What You Don’t Want 53
effects of this course immediately (such as dramatically changing your major), you will notice the impact down
the road. Making educated career choices and learning job readiness skills will always pay off in the end.
Through my career exploration class, I learned how to relate my personality and values to potential career fields.
21
These self-assessments changed my entire thought process, and I see that influence daily. Beyond changing the
way you think, the knowledge you gain about effective job search strategies is invaluable. Learning how to write
purposeful résumés and cover letters, finding the right approach to the interview process, and recognizing your
strengths and weaknesses are just a few of the benefits you can gain from these type of courses.
19. Complete a Job Shadow and/or Informational Interview—No amount of online research is going to give you the
same experience as seeing a job at the front line. In a job shadow or an informational interview, you’re able to
explore options with no commitment and see how your in-class experience can carry over to a real world setting.
Additionally, you’re expanding your professional network by having that personal involvement. You never know
how the connections you make might benefit you in the future. My only regret about job shadowing in college is
that I didn’t do it sooner.
20. Do an Internship—A main source of frustration for recent grads is the inability to secure an entrylevel position
without experience. “How do I get a job to gain experience when I can’t get a job without experience?” This is
how: do an internship or two! Most colleges even have a course where you can obtain credit for doing it! Not
only will you earn credits towards graduation, but you’ll gain the necessary experience to put on your résumé
and discuss in future interviews. Having completed four internships throughout my college career, I can’t say
they were all great. However, I don’t regret a single one. The first one showed me the type of field I didn’t want
t work in. The second confirmed that I was heading in the right direction with my career. My third and fourth
internships introduced me to completely different areas of higher education which broadened my knowledge and
narrowed my search simultaneously.
My takeaway is that sometimes you have to learn what you don’t want in order to fin out what you do
want. The more informed you are about career options through real life conversations and experiences, the
better prepared you will be for your future and the more confiden you will be in your career decisions.
Always explore your options because even if you learn you hate it, at least you’re one step close to finding
what you love.
Conclusion
In the text, the authors told true-to-life stories about their own academic, personal, and lifecareer successes.
When reading FAS: WoW, you explored the following guiding questions:
• How do you demonstrate college readiness through the use of effective study skills and campus
resources?
• How do you apply basic technological and information management skills for academic and
lifelong career development?
• How do you demonstrate the use of critical and creative thinking skills to solve problems and
draw conclusions?
• How do you demonstrate basic awareness of self in connection with academic and personal
goals?
• How do you identify and demonstrate knowledge of the implications of choices related to
wellness?
• How do you demonstrate basic knowledge of cultural diversity?
Now that you’ve read FAS: WoW, it’s time to pay it forward by composing your own Words of
Wisdom story to share with college students of the future. Reflect on the lessons learned during your own
college experience this term and use the guiding questions to develop a true-to-life story that can help other
college students connect the dots between being a college student and being a successful college student.
Submit your story to be considered in the next edition of Foundations of Academic Success: Words of
Wisdom by emailing your name, institution, and a draft of your short story to [email protected].
22
Submissions will be reviewed as they are received, and you will be contacted directly if your submission is
reviewed and selected for publication.
The options for textbooks focusing on college student success in college are overwhelming; many
textbooks exist at varying levels of rigor and cost (some well over $100). The FAS: WoW series of
textbooks provides college students open access textbooks that are student-centered and readable (dare I
even say enjoyable). FAS: WoW supports the open access textbook philosophy to help students reduce the
cost of attending colleges and universities.
For a long time, my plan had always been to be a kindergarten teacher. But when I began my
undergraduate degree I fell into that ever-growing pool of college students who changed their major three
times before graduation. I was swayed by family members, my peers, and the economy, but I eventually
realized that I was investing my education in the wrong areas for the wrong reasons. It shouldn’t just be
about salaries and job security. I needed to fin that personal attachment.
At eighteen, it’s hard to see your entire life spread out before you. College may feel like a freefor-all at
times, but the reality is that it’s one of the most defining times of our lives. It should never be squandered. I
started to imagine my life beyond college—what I found important and the type of lifestyle I wanted in the
end. I started thinking about the classes that I was actually interested in—the ones that I looked forward to
each week and arrived early to just so I could get a seat up front.
A turning point for me was when I took the advice of a campus mentor and enrolled in a career exploration
course. I learned more about myself in that class than I had in my entire three years at college prior to
taking it. It showed me that my passion was something I had always thought about but never thought about
as a career. In high school, I could sit in the Guidance Offi for hours on end. I enjoyed listening to others—
hearing and helping people work through their struggles.
I had seen firsthand how detrimental the absence of career classes can be to someone’s future. Through this
realization and my participation in my career exploration class, I saw a viable future in the Higher
Education Administration field. As I dove deeper, I was opened to an incredible amount of unique and
diverse opportunities to work with students. My main approach was to get a taste anything to do with
student services: I shadowed a career counselor in a career services office attended graduate school fairs
and informational sessions, discussed the Higher Education Administration Program with several staff at
23
my college, and most importantly, I talked with my internship coordinator (my mentor). From there, I
completed an internship in my prospective field, which gave me a wealth of insight and skills that directly
related to my future career goals.
From where I sit now—my former personal and professional struggles in tow—I offer up some pieces of
advice that were crucial to getting me where I am today. Whether you’re an undecided major who is
looking for guidance or a student with a clearly defined career path, I suggest the following:
19. Find a mentor—For me, everything began there. Without my mentor, I wouldn’t have done any of the other
items I’m about to suggest. Finding the right mentor is crucial. Look for someone who can complement your
personality (typically someone who’s the opposite of you). My advice would be to look beyond your direct
supervisor for mentorship. It’s important to create an open forum with your mentor, because there may be a
conflict of interest as you discuss work issues and other job opportunities. Potential mentors to consider are an
instructor on campus, your academic advisor, a professional currently working in your prospective field,
someone you admire in your community, or anyone in your network of friends or family that you feel
comfortable discussing your future goals with.
20. Enroll in a Career Exploration/Planning course, or something similar—Even if you do not see the
52
Learn What You Don’t Want 53
effects of this course immediately (such as dramatically changing your major), you will notice the impact down
the road. Making educated career choices and learning job readiness skills will always pay off in the end.
Through my career exploration class, I learned how to relate my personality and values to potential career fields.
These self-assessments changed my entire thought process, and I see that influence daily. Beyond changing the
way you think, the knowledge you gain about effective job search strategies is invaluable. Learning how to write
purposeful résumés and cover letters, finding the right approach to the interview process, and recognizing your
strengths and weaknesses are just a few of the benefits you can gain from these type of courses.
21. Complete a Job Shadow and/or Informational Interview—No amount of online research is going to give you the
same experience as seeing a job at the front line. In a job shadow or an informational interview, you’re able to
explore options with no commitment and see how your in-class experience can carry over to a real world setting.
Additionally, you’re expanding your professional network by having that personal involvement. You never know
how the connections you make might benefit you in the future. My only regret about job shadowing in college is
that I didn’t do it sooner.
22. Do an Internship—A main source of frustration for recent grads is the inability to secure an entrylevel position
without experience. “How do I get a job to gain experience when I can’t get a job without experience?” This is
how: do an internship or two! Most colleges even have a course where you can obtain credit for doing it! Not
only will you earn credits towards graduation, but you’ll gain the necessary experience to put on your résumé
and discuss in future interviews. Having completed four internships throughout my college career, I can’t say
they were all great. However, I don’t regret a single one. The first one showed me the type of field I didn’t want
t work in. The second confirmed that I was heading in the right direction with my career. My third and fourth
internships introduced me to completely different areas of higher education which broadened my knowledge and
narrowed my search simultaneously.
My takeaway is that sometimes you have to learn what you don’t want in order to fin out what you do
want. The more informed you are about career options through real life conversations and experiences, the
better prepared you will be for your future and the more confiden you will be in your career decisions.
24
Always explore your options because even if you learn you hate it, at least you’re one step close to finding
what you love.
Conclusion
In the text, the authors told true-to-life stories about their own academic, personal, and lifecareer successes.
When reading FAS: WoW, you explored the following guiding questions:
• How do you demonstrate college readiness through the use of effective study skills and campus
resources?
• How do you apply basic technological and information management skills for academic and
lifelong career development?
• How do you demonstrate the use of critical and creative thinking skills to solve problems and
draw conclusions?
• How do you demonstrate basic awareness of self in connection with academic and personal
goals?
• How do you identify and demonstrate knowledge of the implications of choices related to
wellness?
• How do you demonstrate basic knowledge of cultural diversity?
Now that you’ve read FAS: WoW, it’s time to pay it forward by composing your own Words of
Wisdom story to share with college students of the future. Reflect on the lessons learned during your own
college experience this term and use the guiding questions to develop a true-to-life story that can help other
college students connect the dots between being a college student and being a successful college student.
Submit your story to be considered in the next edition of Foundations of Academic Success: Words of
Wisdom by emailing your name, institution, and a draft of your short story to [email protected].
Submissions will be reviewed as they are received, and you will be contacted directly if your submission is
reviewed and selected for publication.
The options for textbooks focusing on college student success in college are overwhelming; many
textbooks exist at varying levels of rigor and cost (some well over $100). The FAS: WoW series of
textbooks provides college students open access textbooks that are student-centered and readable (dare I
even say enjoyable). FAS: WoW supports the open access textbook philosophy to help students reduce the
cost of attending colleges and universities.
25
For a long time, my plan had always been to be a kindergarten teacher. But when I began my
undergraduate degree I fell into that ever-growing pool of college students who changed their major three
times before graduation. I was swayed by family members, my peers, and the economy, but I eventually
realized that I was investing my education in the wrong areas for the wrong reasons. It shouldn’t just be
about salaries and job security. I needed to fin that personal attachment.
At eighteen, it’s hard to see your entire life spread out before you. College may feel like a freefor-all at
times, but the reality is that it’s one of the most defining times of our lives. It should never be squandered. I
started to imagine my life beyond college—what I found important and the type of lifestyle I wanted in the
end. I started thinking about the classes that I was actually interested in—the ones that I looked forward to
each week and arrived early to just so I could get a seat up front.
A turning point for me was when I took the advice of a campus mentor and enrolled in a career exploration
course. I learned more about myself in that class than I had in my entire three years at college prior to
taking it. It showed me that my passion was something I had always thought about but never thought about
as a career. In high school, I could sit in the Guidance Offi for hours on end. I enjoyed listening to others—
hearing and helping people work through their struggles.
I had seen firsthand how detrimental the absence of career classes can be to someone’s future. Through this
realization and my participation in my career exploration class, I saw a viable future in the Higher
Education Administration field. As I dove deeper, I was opened to an incredible amount of unique and
diverse opportunities to work with students. My main approach was to get a taste anything to do with
student services: I shadowed a career counselor in a career services office attended graduate school fairs
and informational sessions, discussed the Higher Education Administration Program with several staff at
my college, and most importantly, I talked with my internship coordinator (my mentor). From there, I
completed an internship in my prospective field, which gave me a wealth of insight and skills that directly
related to my future career goals.
From where I sit now—my former personal and professional struggles in tow—I offer up some pieces of
advice that were crucial to getting me where I am today. Whether you’re an undecided major who is
looking for guidance or a student with a clearly defined career path, I suggest the following:
21. Find a mentor—For me, everything began there. Without my mentor, I wouldn’t have done any of the other
items I’m about to suggest. Finding the right mentor is crucial. Look for someone who can complement your
personality (typically someone who’s the opposite of you). My advice would be to look beyond your direct
supervisor for mentorship. It’s important to create an open forum with your mentor, because there may be a
conflict of interest as you discuss work issues and other job opportunities. Potential mentors to consider are an
instructor on campus, your academic advisor, a professional currently working in your prospective field,
someone you admire in your community, or anyone in your network of friends or family that you feel
comfortable discussing your future goals with.
22. Enroll in a Career Exploration/Planning course, or something similar—Even if you do not see the
52
Learn What You Don’t Want 53
effects of this course immediately (such as dramatically changing your major), you will notice the impact down
the road. Making educated career choices and learning job readiness skills will always pay off in the end.
Through my career exploration class, I learned how to relate my personality and values to potential career fields.
26
These self-assessments changed my entire thought process, and I see that influence daily. Beyond changing the
way you think, the knowledge you gain about effective job search strategies is invaluable. Learning how to write
purposeful résumés and cover letters, finding the right approach to the interview process, and recognizing your
strengths and weaknesses are just a few of the benefits you can gain from these type of courses.
23. Complete a Job Shadow and/or Informational Interview—No amount of online research is going to give you the
same experience as seeing a job at the front line. In a job shadow or an informational interview, you’re able to
explore options with no commitment and see how your in-class experience can carry over to a real world setting.
Additionally, you’re expanding your professional network by having that personal involvement. You never know
how the connections you make might benefit you in the future. My only regret about job shadowing in college is
that I didn’t do it sooner.
24. Do an Internship—A main source of frustration for recent grads is the inability to secure an entrylevel position
without experience. “How do I get a job to gain experience when I can’t get a job without experience?” This is
how: do an internship or two! Most colleges even have a course where you can obtain credit for doing it! Not
only will you earn credits towards graduation, but you’ll gain the necessary experience to put on your résumé
and discuss in future interviews. Having completed four internships throughout my college career, I can’t say
they were all great. However, I don’t regret a single one. The first one showed me the type of field I didn’t want
t work in. The second confirmed that I was heading in the right direction with my career. My third and fourth
internships introduced me to completely different areas of higher education which broadened my knowledge and
narrowed my search simultaneously.
My takeaway is that sometimes you have to learn what you don’t want in order to fin out what you do
want. The more informed you are about career options through real life conversations and experiences, the
better prepared you will be for your future and the more confiden you will be in your career decisions.
Always explore your options because even if you learn you hate it, at least you’re one step close to finding
what you love.
Conclusion
In the text, the authors told true-to-life stories about their own academic, personal, and lifecareer successes.
When reading FAS: WoW, you explored the following guiding questions:
• How do you demonstrate college readiness through the use of effective study skills and campus
resources?
• How do you apply basic technological and information management skills for academic and
lifelong career development?
• How do you demonstrate the use of critical and creative thinking skills to solve problems and
draw conclusions?
• How do you demonstrate basic awareness of self in connection with academic and personal
goals?
• How do you identify and demonstrate knowledge of the implications of choices related to
wellness?
• How do you demonstrate basic knowledge of cultural diversity?
Now that you’ve read FAS: WoW, it’s time to pay it forward by composing your own Words of
Wisdom story to share with college students of the future. Reflect on the lessons learned during your own
college experience this term and use the guiding questions to develop a true-to-life story that can help other
college students connect the dots between being a college student and being a successful college student.
Submit your story to be considered in the next edition of Foundations of Academic Success: Words of
Wisdom by emailing your name, institution, and a draft of your short story to [email protected].
27
Submissions will be reviewed as they are received, and you will be contacted directly if your submission is
reviewed and selected for publication.
The options for textbooks focusing on college student success in college are overwhelming; many
textbooks exist at varying levels of rigor and cost (some well over $100). The FAS: WoW series of
textbooks provides college students open access textbooks that are student-centered and readable (dare I
even say enjoyable). FAS: WoW supports the open access textbook philosophy to help students reduce the
cost of attending colleges and universities.
For a long time, my plan had always been to be a kindergarten teacher. But when I began my
undergraduate degree I fell into that ever-growing pool of college students who changed their major three
times before graduation. I was swayed by family members, my peers, and the economy, but I eventually
realized that I was investing my education in the wrong areas for the wrong reasons. It shouldn’t just be
about salaries and job security. I needed to fin that personal attachment.
At eighteen, it’s hard to see your entire life spread out before you. College may feel like a freefor-all at
times, but the reality is that it’s one of the most defining times of our lives. It should never be squandered. I
started to imagine my life beyond college—what I found important and the type of lifestyle I wanted in the
end. I started thinking about the classes that I was actually interested in—the ones that I looked forward to
each week and arrived early to just so I could get a seat up front.
A turning point for me was when I took the advice of a campus mentor and enrolled in a career exploration
course. I learned more about myself in that class than I had in my entire three years at college prior to
taking it. It showed me that my passion was something I had always thought about but never thought about
as a career. In high school, I could sit in the Guidance Offi for hours on end. I enjoyed listening to others—
hearing and helping people work through their struggles.
I had seen firsthand how detrimental the absence of career classes can be to someone’s future. Through this
realization and my participation in my career exploration class, I saw a viable future in the Higher
Education Administration field. As I dove deeper, I was opened to an incredible amount of unique and
diverse opportunities to work with students. My main approach was to get a taste anything to do with
student services: I shadowed a career counselor in a career services office attended graduate school fairs
and informational sessions, discussed the Higher Education Administration Program with several staff at
28
my college, and most importantly, I talked with my internship coordinator (my mentor). From there, I
completed an internship in my prospective field, which gave me a wealth of insight and skills that directly
related to my future career goals.
From where I sit now—my former personal and professional struggles in tow—I offer up some pieces of
advice that were crucial to getting me where I am today. Whether you’re an undecided major who is
looking for guidance or a student with a clearly defined career path, I suggest the following:
23. Find a mentor—For me, everything began there. Without my mentor, I wouldn’t have done any of the other
items I’m about to suggest. Finding the right mentor is crucial. Look for someone who can complement your
personality (typically someone who’s the opposite of you). My advice would be to look beyond your direct
supervisor for mentorship. It’s important to create an open forum with your mentor, because there may be a
conflict of interest as you discuss work issues and other job opportunities. Potential mentors to consider are an
instructor on campus, your academic advisor, a professional currently working in your prospective field,
someone you admire in your community, or anyone in your network of friends or family that you feel
comfortable discussing your future goals with.
24. Enroll in a Career Exploration/Planning course, or something similar—Even if you do not see the
52
Learn What You Don’t Want 53
effects of this course immediately (such as dramatically changing your major), you will notice the impact down
the road. Making educated career choices and learning job readiness skills will always pay off in the end.
Through my career exploration class, I learned how to relate my personality and values to potential career fields.
These self-assessments changed my entire thought process, and I see that influence daily. Beyond changing the
way you think, the knowledge you gain about effective job search strategies is invaluable. Learning how to write
purposeful résumés and cover letters, finding the right approach to the interview process, and recognizing your
strengths and weaknesses are just a few of the benefits you can gain from these type of courses.
25. Complete a Job Shadow and/or Informational Interview—No amount of online research is going to give you the
same experience as seeing a job at the front line. In a job shadow or an informational interview, you’re able to
explore options with no commitment and see how your in-class experience can carry over to a real world setting.
Additionally, you’re expanding your professional network by having that personal involvement. You never know
how the connections you make might benefit you in the future. My only regret about job shadowing in college is
that I didn’t do it sooner.
26. Do an Internship—A main source of frustration for recent grads is the inability to secure an entrylevel position
without experience. “How do I get a job to gain experience when I can’t get a job without experience?” This is
how: do an internship or two! Most colleges even have a course where you can obtain credit for doing it! Not
only will you earn credits towards graduation, but you’ll gain the necessary experience to put on your résumé
and discuss in future interviews. Having completed four internships throughout my college career, I can’t say
they were all great. However, I don’t regret a single one. The first one showed me the type of field I didn’t want
t work in. The second confirmed that I was heading in the right direction with my career. My third and fourth
internships introduced me to completely different areas of higher education which broadened my knowledge and
narrowed my search simultaneously.
My takeaway is that sometimes you have to learn what you don’t want in order to fin out what you do
want. The more informed you are about career options through real life conversations and experiences, the
better prepared you will be for your future and the more confiden you will be in your career decisions.
29
Always explore your options because even if you learn you hate it, at least you’re one step close to finding
what you love.
Conclusion
In the text, the authors told true-to-life stories about their own academic, personal, and lifecareer successes.
When reading FAS: WoW, you explored the following guiding questions:
• How do you demonstrate college readiness through the use of effective study skills and campus
resources?
• How do you apply basic technological and information management skills for academic and
lifelong career development?
• How do you demonstrate the use of critical and creative thinking skills to solve problems and
draw conclusions?
• How do you demonstrate basic awareness of self in connection with academic and personal
goals?
• How do you identify and demonstrate knowledge of the implications of choices related to
wellness?
• How do you demonstrate basic knowledge of cultural diversity?
Now that you’ve read FAS: WoW, it’s time to pay it forward by composing your own Words of
Wisdom story to share with college students of the future. Reflect on the lessons learned during your own
college experience this term and use the guiding questions to develop a true-to-life story that can help other
college students connect the dots between being a college student and being a successful college student.
Submit your story to be considered in the next edition of Foundations of Academic Success: Words of
Wisdom by emailing your name, institution, and a draft of your short story to [email protected].
Submissions will be reviewed as they are received, and you will be contacted directly if your submission is
reviewed and selected for publication.
The options for textbooks focusing on college student success in college are overwhelming; many
textbooks exist at varying levels of rigor and cost (some well over $100). The FAS: WoW series of
textbooks provides college students open access textbooks that are student-centered and readable (dare I
even say enjoyable). FAS: WoW supports the open access textbook philosophy to help students reduce the
cost of attending colleges and universities.
30
For a long time, my plan had always been to be a kindergarten teacher. But when I began my
undergraduate degree I fell into that ever-growing pool of college students who changed their major three
times before graduation. I was swayed by family members, my peers, and the economy, but I eventually
realized that I was investing my education in the wrong areas for the wrong reasons. It shouldn’t just be
about salaries and job security. I needed to fin that personal attachment.
At eighteen, it’s hard to see your entire life spread out before you. College may feel like a freefor-all at
times, but the reality is that it’s one of the most defining times of our lives. It should never be squandered. I
started to imagine my life beyond college—what I found important and the type of lifestyle I wanted in the
end. I started thinking about the classes that I was actually interested in—the ones that I looked forward to
each week and arrived early to just so I could get a seat up front.
A turning point for me was when I took the advice of a campus mentor and enrolled in a career exploration
course. I learned more about myself in that class than I had in my entire three years at college prior to
taking it. It showed me that my passion was something I had always thought about but never thought about
as a career. In high school, I could sit in the Guidance Offi for hours on end. I enjoyed listening to others—
hearing and helping people work through their struggles.
I had seen firsthand how detrimental the absence of career classes can be to someone’s future. Through this
realization and my participation in my career exploration class, I saw a viable future in the Higher
Education Administration field. As I dove deeper, I was opened to an incredible amount of unique and
diverse opportunities to work with students. My main approach was to get a taste anything to do with
student services: I shadowed a career counselor in a career services office attended graduate school fairs
and informational sessions, discussed the Higher Education Administration Program with several staff at
my college, and most importantly, I talked with my internship coordinator (my mentor). From there, I
completed an internship in my prospective field, which gave me a wealth of insight and skills that directly
related to my future career goals.
From where I sit now—my former personal and professional struggles in tow—I offer up some pieces of
advice that were crucial to getting me where I am today. Whether you’re an undecided major who is
looking for guidance or a student with a clearly defined career path, I suggest the following:
25. Find a mentor—For me, everything began there. Without my mentor, I wouldn’t have done any of the other
items I’m about to suggest. Finding the right mentor is crucial. Look for someone who can complement your
personality (typically someone who’s the opposite of you). My advice would be to look beyond your direct
supervisor for mentorship. It’s important to create an open forum with your mentor, because there may be a
conflict of interest as you discuss work issues and other job opportunities. Potential mentors to consider are an
instructor on campus, your academic advisor, a professional currently working in your prospective field,
someone you admire in your community, or anyone in your network of friends or family that you feel
comfortable discussing your future goals with.
26. Enroll in a Career Exploration/Planning course, or something similar—Even if you do not see the
52
Learn What You Don’t Want 53
effects of this course immediately (such as dramatically changing your major), you will notice the impact down
the road. Making educated career choices and learning job readiness skills will always pay off in the end.
Through my career exploration class, I learned how to relate my personality and values to potential career fields.
31
These self-assessments changed my entire thought process, and I see that influence daily. Beyond changing the
way you think, the knowledge you gain about effective job search strategies is invaluable. Learning how to write
purposeful résumés and cover letters, finding the right approach to the interview process, and recognizing your
strengths and weaknesses are just a few of the benefits you can gain from these type of courses.
27. Complete a Job Shadow and/or Informational Interview—No amount of online research is going to give you the
same experience as seeing a job at the front line. In a job shadow or an informational interview, you’re able to
explore options with no commitment and see how your in-class experience can carry over to a real world setting.
Additionally, you’re expanding your professional network by having that personal involvement. You never know
how the connections you make might benefit you in the future. My only regret about job shadowing in college is
that I didn’t do it sooner.
28. Do an Internship—A main source of frustration for recent grads is the inability to secure an entrylevel position
without experience. “How do I get a job to gain experience when I can’t get a job without experience?” This is
how: do an internship or two! Most colleges even have a course where you can obtain credit for doing it! Not
only will you earn credits towards graduation, but you’ll gain the necessary experience to put on your résumé
and discuss in future interviews. Having completed four internships throughout my college career, I can’t say
they were all great. However, I don’t regret a single one. The first one showed me the type of field I didn’t want
t work in. The second confirmed that I was heading in the right direction with my career. My third and fourth
internships introduced me to completely different areas of higher education which broadened my knowledge and
narrowed my search simultaneously.
My takeaway is that sometimes you have to learn what you don’t want in order to fin out what you do
want. The more informed you are about career options through real life conversations and experiences, the
better prepared you will be for your future and the more confiden you will be in your career decisions.
Always explore your options because even if you learn you hate it, at least you’re one step close to finding
what you love.
Conclusion
In the text, the authors told true-to-life stories about their own academic, personal, and lifecareer successes.
When reading FAS: WoW, you explored the following guiding questions:
• How do you demonstrate college readiness through the use of effective study skills and campus
resources?
• How do you apply basic technological and information management skills for academic and
lifelong career development?
• How do you demonstrate the use of critical and creative thinking skills to solve problems and
draw conclusions?
• How do you demonstrate basic awareness of self in connection with academic and personal
goals?
• How do you identify and demonstrate knowledge of the implications of choices related to
wellness?
• How do you demonstrate basic knowledge of cultural diversity?
Now that you’ve read FAS: WoW, it’s time to pay it forward by composing your own Words of
Wisdom story to share with college students of the future. Reflect on the lessons learned during your own
college experience this term and use the guiding questions to develop a true-to-life story that can help other
college students connect the dots between being a college student and being a successful college student.
Submit your story to be considered in the next edition of Foundations of Academic Success: Words of
Wisdom by emailing your name, institution, and a draft of your short story to [email protected].
32
Submissions will be reviewed as they are received, and you will be contacted directly if your submission is
reviewed and selected for publication.
The options for textbooks focusing on college student success in college are overwhelming; many
textbooks exist at varying levels of rigor and cost (some well over $100). The FAS: WoW series of
textbooks provides college students open access textbooks that are student-centered and readable (dare I
even say enjoyable). FAS: WoW supports the open access textbook philosophy to help students reduce the
cost of attending colleges and universities.
For a long time, my plan had always been to be a kindergarten teacher. But when I began my
undergraduate degree I fell into that ever-growing pool of college students who changed their major three
times before graduation. I was swayed by family members, my peers, and the economy, but I eventually
realized that I was investing my education in the wrong areas for the wrong reasons. It shouldn’t just be
about salaries and job security. I needed to fin that personal attachment.
At eighteen, it’s hard to see your entire life spread out before you. College may feel like a freefor-all at
times, but the reality is that it’s one of the most defining times of our lives. It should never be squandered. I
started to imagine my life beyond college—what I found important and the type of lifestyle I wanted in the
end. I started thinking about the classes that I was actually interested in—the ones that I looked forward to
each week and arrived early to just so I could get a seat up front.
A turning point for me was when I took the advice of a campus mentor and enrolled in a career exploration
course. I learned more about myself in that class than I had in my entire three years at college prior to
taking it. It showed me that my passion was something I had always thought about but never thought about
as a career. In high school, I could sit in the Guidance Offi for hours on end. I enjoyed listening to others—
hearing and helping people work through their struggles.
I had seen firsthand how detrimental the absence of career classes can be to someone’s future. Through this
realization and my participation in my career exploration class, I saw a viable future in the Higher
Education Administration field. As I dove deeper, I was opened to an incredible amount of unique and
diverse opportunities to work with students. My main approach was to get a taste anything to do with
student services: I shadowed a career counselor in a career services office attended graduate school fairs
and informational sessions, discussed the Higher Education Administration Program with several staff at
33
my college, and most importantly, I talked with my internship coordinator (my mentor). From there, I
completed an internship in my prospective field, which gave me a wealth of insight and skills that directly
related to my future career goals.
From where I sit now—my former personal and professional struggles in tow—I offer up some pieces of
advice that were crucial to getting me where I am today. Whether you’re an undecided major who is
looking for guidance or a student with a clearly defined career path, I suggest the following:
27. Find a mentor—For me, everything began there. Without my mentor, I wouldn’t have done any of the other
items I’m about to suggest. Finding the right mentor is crucial. Look for someone who can complement your
personality (typically someone who’s the opposite of you). My advice would be to look beyond your direct
supervisor for mentorship. It’s important to create an open forum with your mentor, because there may be a
conflict of interest as you discuss work issues and other job opportunities. Potential mentors to consider are an
instructor on campus, your academic advisor, a professional currently working in your prospective field,
someone you admire in your community, or anyone in your network of friends or family that you feel
comfortable discussing your future goals with.
28. Enroll in a Career Exploration/Planning course, or something similar—Even if you do not see the
52
Learn What You Don’t Want 53
effects of this course immediately (such as dramatically changing your major), you will notice the impact down
the road. Making educated career choices and learning job readiness skills will always pay off in the end.
Through my career exploration class, I learned how to relate my personality and values to potential career fields.
These self-assessments changed my entire thought process, and I see that influence daily. Beyond changing the
way you think, the knowledge you gain about effective job search strategies is invaluable. Learning how to write
purposeful résumés and cover letters, finding the right approach to the interview process, and recognizing your
strengths and weaknesses are just a few of the benefits you can gain from these type of courses.
29. Complete a Job Shadow and/or Informational Interview—No amount of online research is going to give you the
same experience as seeing a job at the front line. In a job shadow or an informational interview, you’re able to
explore options with no commitment and see how your in-class experience can carry over to a real world setting.
Additionally, you’re expanding your professional network by having that personal involvement. You never know
how the connections you make might benefit you in the future. My only regret about job shadowing in college is
that I didn’t do it sooner.
30. Do an Internship—A main source of frustration for recent grads is the inability to secure an entrylevel position
without experience. “How do I get a job to gain experience when I can’t get a job without experience?” This is
how: do an internship or two! Most colleges even have a course where you can obtain credit for doing it! Not
only will you earn credits towards graduation, but you’ll gain the necessary experience to put on your résumé
and discuss in future interviews. Having completed four internships throughout my college career, I can’t say
they were all great. However, I don’t regret a single one. The first one showed me the type of field I didn’t want
t work in. The second confirmed that I was heading in the right direction with my career. My third and fourth
internships introduced me to completely different areas of higher education which broadened my knowledge and
narrowed my search simultaneously.
My takeaway is that sometimes you have to learn what you don’t want in order to fin out what you do
want. The more informed you are about career options through real life conversations and experiences, the
better prepared you will be for your future and the more confiden you will be in your career decisions.
34
Always explore your options because even if you learn you hate it, at least you’re one step close to finding
what you love.
Conclusion
In the text, the authors told true-to-life stories about their own academic, personal, and lifecareer successes.
When reading FAS: WoW, you explored the following guiding questions:
• How do you demonstrate college readiness through the use of effective study skills and campus
resources?
• How do you apply basic technological and information management skills for academic and
lifelong career development?
• How do you demonstrate the use of critical and creative thinking skills to solve problems and
draw conclusions?
• How do you demonstrate basic awareness of self in connection with academic and personal
goals?
• How do you identify and demonstrate knowledge of the implications of choices related to
wellness?
• How do you demonstrate basic knowledge of cultural diversity?
Now that you’ve read FAS: WoW, it’s time to pay it forward by composing your own Words of
Wisdom story to share with college students of the future. Reflect on the lessons learned during your own
college experience this term and use the guiding questions to develop a true-to-life story that can help other
college students connect the dots between being a college student and being a successful college student.
Submit your story to be considered in the next edition of Foundations of Academic Success: Words of
Wisdom by emailing your name, institution, and a draft of your short story to [email protected].
Submissions will be reviewed as they are received, and you will be contacted directly if your submission is
reviewed and selected for publication.
The options for textbooks focusing on college student success in college are overwhelming; many
textbooks exist at varying levels of rigor and cost (some well over $100). The FAS: WoW series of
textbooks provides college students open access textbooks that are student-centered and readable (dare I
even say enjoyable). FAS: WoW supports the open access textbook philosophy to help students reduce the
cost of attending colleges and universities.
35
For a long time, my plan had always been to be a kindergarten teacher. But when I began my
undergraduate degree I fell into that ever-growing pool of college students who changed their major three
times before graduation. I was swayed by family members, my peers, and the economy, but I eventually
realized that I was investing my education in the wrong areas for the wrong reasons. It shouldn’t just be
about salaries and job security. I needed to fin that personal attachment.
At eighteen, it’s hard to see your entire life spread out before you. College may feel like a freefor-all at
times, but the reality is that it’s one of the most defining times of our lives. It should never be squandered. I
started to imagine my life beyond college—what I found important and the type of lifestyle I wanted in the
end. I started thinking about the classes that I was actually interested in—the ones that I looked forward to
each week and arrived early to just so I could get a seat up front.
A turning point for me was when I took the advice of a campus mentor and enrolled in a career exploration
course. I learned more about myself in that class than I had in my entire three years at college prior to
taking it. It showed me that my passion was something I had always thought about but never thought about
as a career. In high school, I could sit in the Guidance Offi for hours on end. I enjoyed listening to others—
hearing and helping people work through their struggles.
I had seen firsthand how detrimental the absence of career classes can be to someone’s future. Through this
realization and my participation in my career exploration class, I saw a viable future in the Higher
Education Administration field. As I dove deeper, I was opened to an incredible amount of unique and
diverse opportunities to work with students. My main approach was to get a taste anything to do with
student services: I shadowed a career counselor in a career services office attended graduate school fairs
and informational sessions, discussed the Higher Education Administration Program with several staff at
my college, and most importantly, I talked with my internship coordinator (my mentor). From there, I
completed an internship in my prospective field, which gave me a wealth of insight and skills that directly
related to my future career goals.
From where I sit now—my former personal and professional struggles in tow—I offer up some pieces of
advice that were crucial to getting me where I am today. Whether you’re an undecided major who is
looking for guidance or a student with a clearly defined career path, I suggest the following:
29. Find a mentor—For me, everything began there. Without my mentor, I wouldn’t have done any of the other
items I’m about to suggest. Finding the right mentor is crucial. Look for someone who can complement your
personality (typically someone who’s the opposite of you). My advice would be to look beyond your direct
supervisor for mentorship. It’s important to create an open forum with your mentor, because there may be a
conflict of interest as you discuss work issues and other job opportunities. Potential mentors to consider are an
instructor on campus, your academic advisor, a professional currently working in your prospective field,
someone you admire in your community, or anyone in your network of friends or family that you feel
comfortable discussing your future goals with.
30. Enroll in a Career Exploration/Planning course, or something similar—Even if you do not see the
52
Learn What You Don’t Want 53
effects of this course immediately (such as dramatically changing your major), you will notice the impact down
the road. Making educated career choices and learning job readiness skills will always pay off in the end.
Through my career exploration class, I learned how to relate my personality and values to potential career fields.
36
These self-assessments changed my entire thought process, and I see that influence daily. Beyond changing the
way you think, the knowledge you gain about effective job search strategies is invaluable. Learning how to write
purposeful résumés and cover letters, finding the right approach to the interview process, and recognizing your
strengths and weaknesses are just a few of the benefits you can gain from these type of courses.
31. Complete a Job Shadow and/or Informational Interview—No amount of online research is going to give you the
same experience as seeing a job at the front line. In a job shadow or an informational interview, you’re able to
explore options with no commitment and see how your in-class experience can carry over to a real world setting.
Additionally, you’re expanding your professional network by having that personal involvement. You never know
how the connections you make might benefit you in the future. My only regret about job shadowing in college is
that I didn’t do it sooner.
32. Do an Internship—A main source of frustration for recent grads is the inability to secure an entrylevel position
without experience. “How do I get a job to gain experience when I can’t get a job without experience?” This is
how: do an internship or two! Most colleges even have a course where you can obtain credit for doing it! Not
only will you earn credits towards graduation, but you’ll gain the necessary experience to put on your résumé
and discuss in future interviews. Having completed four internships throughout my college career, I can’t say
they were all great. However, I don’t regret a single one. The first one showed me the type of field I didn’t want
t work in. The second confirmed that I was heading in the right direction with my career. My third and fourth
internships introduced me to completely different areas of higher education which broadened my knowledge and
narrowed my search simultaneously.
My takeaway is that sometimes you have to learn what you don’t want in order to fin out what you do
want. The more informed you are about career options through real life conversations and experiences, the
better prepared you will be for your future and the more confiden you will be in your career decisions.
Always explore your options because even if you learn you hate it, at least you’re one step close to finding
what you love.
Conclusion
In the text, the authors told true-to-life stories about their own academic, personal, and lifecareer successes.
When reading FAS: WoW, you explored the following guiding questions:
• How do you demonstrate college readiness through the use of effective study skills and campus
resources?
• How do you apply basic technological and information management skills for academic and
lifelong career development?
• How do you demonstrate the use of critical and creative thinking skills to solve problems and
draw conclusions?
• How do you demonstrate basic awareness of self in connection with academic and personal
goals?
• How do you identify and demonstrate knowledge of the implications of choices related to
wellness?
• How do you demonstrate basic knowledge of cultural diversity?
Now that you’ve read FAS: WoW, it’s time to pay it forward by composing your own Words of
Wisdom story to share with college students of the future. Reflect on the lessons learned during your own
college experience this term and use the guiding questions to develop a true-to-life story that can help other
college students connect the dots between being a college student and being a successful college student.
Submit your story to be considered in the next edition of Foundations of Academic Success: Words of
Wisdom by emailing your name, institution, and a draft of your short story to [email protected].
37
Submissions will be reviewed as they are received, and you will be contacted directly if your submission is
reviewed and selected for publication.
The options for textbooks focusing on college student success in college are overwhelming; many
textbooks exist at varying levels of rigor and cost (some well over $100). The FAS: WoW series of
textbooks provides college students open access textbooks that are student-centered and readable (dare I
even say enjoyable). FAS: WoW supports the open access textbook philosophy to help students reduce the
cost of attending colleges and universities.
For a long time, my plan had always been to be a kindergarten teacher. But when I began my
undergraduate degree I fell into that ever-growing pool of college students who changed their major three
times before graduation. I was swayed by family members, my peers, and the economy, but I eventually
realized that I was investing my education in the wrong areas for the wrong reasons. It shouldn’t just be
about salaries and job security. I needed to fin that personal attachment.
At eighteen, it’s hard to see your entire life spread out before you. College may feel like a freefor-all at
times, but the reality is that it’s one of the most defining times of our lives. It should never be squandered. I
started to imagine my life beyond college—what I found important and the type of lifestyle I wanted in the
end. I started thinking about the classes that I was actually interested in—the ones that I looked forward to
each week and arrived early to just so I could get a seat up front.
A turning point for me was when I took the advice of a campus mentor and enrolled in a career exploration
course. I learned more about myself in that class than I had in my entire three years at college prior to
taking it. It showed me that my passion was something I had always thought about but never thought about
as a career. In high school, I could sit in the Guidance Offi for hours on end. I enjoyed listening to others—
hearing and helping people work through their struggles.
I had seen firsthand how detrimental the absence of career classes can be to someone’s future. Through this
realization and my participation in my career exploration class, I saw a viable future in the Higher
Education Administration field. As I dove deeper, I was opened to an incredible amount of unique and
diverse opportunities to work with students. My main approach was to get a taste anything to do with
student services: I shadowed a career counselor in a career services office attended graduate school fairs
and informational sessions, discussed the Higher Education Administration Program with several staff at
38
my college, and most importantly, I talked with my internship coordinator (my mentor). From there, I
completed an internship in my prospective field, which gave me a wealth of insight and skills that directly
related to my future career goals.
From where I sit now—my former personal and professional struggles in tow—I offer up some pieces of
advice that were crucial to getting me where I am today. Whether you’re an undecided major who is
looking for guidance or a student with a clearly defined career path, I suggest the following:
31. Find a mentor—For me, everything began there. Without my mentor, I wouldn’t have done any of the other
items I’m about to suggest. Finding the right mentor is crucial. Look for someone who can complement your
personality (typically someone who’s the opposite of you). My advice would be to look beyond your direct
supervisor for mentorship. It’s important to create an open forum with your mentor, because there may be a
conflict of interest as you discuss work issues and other job opportunities. Potential mentors to consider are an
instructor on campus, your academic advisor, a professional currently working in your prospective field,
someone you admire in your community, or anyone in your network of friends or family that you feel
comfortable discussing your future goals with.
32. Enroll in a Career Exploration/Planning course, or something similar—Even if you do not see the
52
Learn What You Don’t Want 53
effects of this course immediately (such as dramatically changing your major), you will notice the impact down
the road. Making educated career choices and learning job readiness skills will always pay off in the end.
Through my career exploration class, I learned how to relate my personality and values to potential career fields.
These self-assessments changed my entire thought process, and I see that influence daily. Beyond changing the
way you think, the knowledge you gain about effective job search strategies is invaluable. Learning how to write
purposeful résumés and cover letters, finding the right approach to the interview process, and recognizing your
strengths and weaknesses are just a few of the benefits you can gain from these type of courses.
33. Complete a Job Shadow and/or Informational Interview—No amount of online research is going to give you the
same experience as seeing a job at the front line. In a job shadow or an informational interview, you’re able to
explore options with no commitment and see how your in-class experience can carry over to a real world setting.
Additionally, you’re expanding your professional network by having that personal involvement. You never know
how the connections you make might benefit you in the future. My only regret about job shadowing in college is
that I didn’t do it sooner.
34. Do an Internship—A main source of frustration for recent grads is the inability to secure an entrylevel position
without experience. “How do I get a job to gain experience when I can’t get a job without experience?” This is
how: do an internship or two! Most colleges even have a course where you can obtain credit for doing it! Not
only will you earn credits towards graduation, but you’ll gain the necessary experience to put on your résumé
and discuss in future interviews. Having completed four internships throughout my college career, I can’t say
they were all great. However, I don’t regret a single one. The first one showed me the type of field I didn’t want
t work in. The second confirmed that I was heading in the right direction with my career. My third and fourth
internships introduced me to completely different areas of higher education which broadened my knowledge and
narrowed my search simultaneously.
My takeaway is that sometimes you have to learn what you don’t want in order to fin out what you do
want. The more informed you are about career options through real life conversations and experiences, the
better prepared you will be for your future and the more confiden you will be in your career decisions.
39
Always explore your options because even if you learn you hate it, at least you’re one step close to finding
what you love.
Conclusion
In the text, the authors told true-to-life stories about their own academic, personal, and lifecareer successes.
When reading FAS: WoW, you explored the following guiding questions:
• How do you demonstrate college readiness through the use of effective study skills and campus
resources?
• How do you apply basic technological and information management skills for academic and
lifelong career development?
• How do you demonstrate the use of critical and creative thinking skills to solve problems and
draw conclusions?
• How do you demonstrate basic awareness of self in connection with academic and personal
goals?
• How do you identify and demonstrate knowledge of the implications of choices related to
wellness?
• How do you demonstrate basic knowledge of cultural diversity?
Now that you’ve read FAS: WoW, it’s time to pay it forward by composing your own Words of
Wisdom story to share with college students of the future. Reflect on the lessons learned during your own
college experience this term and use the guiding questions to develop a true-to-life story that can help other
college students connect the dots between being a college student and being a successful college student.
Submit your story to be considered in the next edition of Foundations of Academic Success: Words of
Wisdom by emailing your name, institution, and a draft of your short story to [email protected].
Submissions will be reviewed as they are received, and you will be contacted directly if your submission is
reviewed and selected for publication.
The options for textbooks focusing on college student success in college are overwhelming; many
textbooks exist at varying levels of rigor and cost (some well over $100). The FAS: WoW series of
textbooks provides college students open access textbooks that are student-centered and readable (dare I
even say enjoyable). FAS: WoW supports the open access textbook philosophy to help students reduce the
cost of attending colleges and universities.
40
For a long time, my plan had always been to be a kindergarten teacher. But when I began my
undergraduate degree I fell into that ever-growing pool of college students who changed their major three
times before graduation. I was swayed by family members, my peers, and the economy, but I eventually
realized that I was investing my education in the wrong areas for the wrong reasons. It shouldn’t just be
about salaries and job security. I needed to fin that personal attachment.
At eighteen, it’s hard to see your entire life spread out before you. College may feel like a freefor-all at
times, but the reality is that it’s one of the most defining times of our lives. It should never be squandered. I
started to imagine my life beyond college—what I found important and the type of lifestyle I wanted in the
end. I started thinking about the classes that I was actually interested in—the ones that I looked forward to
each week and arrived early to just so I could get a seat up front.
A turning point for me was when I took the advice of a campus mentor and enrolled in a career exploration
course. I learned more about myself in that class than I had in my entire three years at college prior to
taking it. It showed me that my passion was something I had always thought about but never thought about
as a career. In high school, I could sit in the Guidance Offi for hours on end. I enjoyed listening to others—
hearing and helping people work through their struggles.
I had seen firsthand how detrimental the absence of career classes can be to someone’s future. Through this
realization and my participation in my career exploration class, I saw a viable future in the Higher
Education Administration field. As I dove deeper, I was opened to an incredible amount of unique and
diverse opportunities to work with students. My main approach was to get a taste anything to do with
student services: I shadowed a career counselor in a career services office attended graduate school fairs
and informational sessions, discussed the Higher Education Administration Program with several staff at
my college, and most importantly, I talked with my internship coordinator (my mentor). From there, I
completed an internship in my prospective field, which gave me a wealth of insight and skills that directly
related to my future career goals.
From where I sit now—my former personal and professional struggles in tow—I offer up some pieces of
advice that were crucial to getting me where I am today. Whether you’re an undecided major who is
looking for guidance or a student with a clearly defined career path, I suggest the following:
33. Find a mentor—For me, everything began there. Without my mentor, I wouldn’t have done any of the other
items I’m about to suggest. Finding the right mentor is crucial. Look for someone who can complement your
personality (typically someone who’s the opposite of you). My advice would be to look beyond your direct
supervisor for mentorship. It’s important to create an open forum with your mentor, because there may be a
conflict of interest as you discuss work issues and other job opportunities. Potential mentors to consider are an
instructor on campus, your academic advisor, a professional currently working in your prospective field,
someone you admire in your community, or anyone in your network of friends or family that you feel
comfortable discussing your future goals with.
34. Enroll in a Career Exploration/Planning course, or something similar—Even if you do not see the
52
Learn What You Don’t Want 53
effects of this course immediately (such as dramatically changing your major), you will notice the impact down
the road. Making educated career choices and learning job readiness skills will always pay off in the end.
Through my career exploration class, I learned how to relate my personality and values to potential career fields.
41
These self-assessments changed my entire thought process, and I see that influence daily. Beyond changing the
way you think, the knowledge you gain about effective job search strategies is invaluable. Learning how to write
purposeful résumés and cover letters, finding the right approach to the interview process, and recognizing your
strengths and weaknesses are just a few of the benefits you can gain from these type of courses.
35. Complete a Job Shadow and/or Informational Interview—No amount of online research is going to give you the
same experience as seeing a job at the front line. In a job shadow or an informational interview, you’re able to
explore options with no commitment and see how your in-class experience can carry over to a real world setting.
Additionally, you’re expanding your professional network by having that personal involvement. You never know
how the connections you make might benefit you in the future. My only regret about job shadowing in college is
that I didn’t do it sooner.
36. Do an Internship—A main source of frustration for recent grads is the inability to secure an entrylevel position
without experience. “How do I get a job to gain experience when I can’t get a job without experience?” This is
how: do an internship or two! Most colleges even have a course where you can obtain credit for doing it! Not
only will you earn credits towards graduation, but you’ll gain the necessary experience to put on your résumé
and discuss in future interviews. Having completed four internships throughout my college career, I can’t say
they were all great. However, I don’t regret a single one. The first one showed me the type of field I didn’t want
t work in. The second confirmed that I was heading in the right direction with my career. My third and fourth
internships introduced me to completely different areas of higher education which broadened my knowledge and
narrowed my search simultaneously.
My takeaway is that sometimes you have to learn what you don’t want in order to fin out what you do
want. The more informed you are about career options through real life conversations and experiences, the
better prepared you will be for your future and the more confiden you will be in your career decisions.
Always explore your options because even if you learn you hate it, at least you’re one step close to finding
what you love.
Conclusion
In the text, the authors told true-to-life stories about their own academic, personal, and lifecareer successes.
When reading FAS: WoW, you explored the following guiding questions:
• How do you demonstrate college readiness through the use of effective study skills and campus
resources?
• How do you apply basic technological and information management skills for academic and
lifelong career development?
• How do you demonstrate the use of critical and creative thinking skills to solve problems and
draw conclusions?
• How do you demonstrate basic awareness of self in connection with academic and personal
goals?
• How do you identify and demonstrate knowledge of the implications of choices related to
wellness?
• How do you demonstrate basic knowledge of cultural diversity?
Now that you’ve read FAS: WoW, it’s time to pay it forward by composing your own Words of
Wisdom story to share with college students of the future. Reflect on the lessons learned during your own
college experience this term and use the guiding questions to develop a true-to-life story that can help other
college students connect the dots between being a college student and being a successful college student.
Submit your story to be considered in the next edition of Foundations of Academic Success: Words of
Wisdom by emailing your name, institution, and a draft of your short story to [email protected].
42
Submissions will be reviewed as they are received, and you will be contacted directly if your submission is
reviewed and selected for publication.
The options for textbooks focusing on college student success in college are overwhelming; many
textbooks exist at varying levels of rigor and cost (some well over $100). The FAS: WoW series of
textbooks provides college students open access textbooks that are student-centered and readable (dare I
even say enjoyable). FAS: WoW supports the open access textbook philosophy to help students reduce the
cost of attending colleges and universities.
For a long time, my plan had always been to be a kindergarten teacher. But when I began my
undergraduate degree I fell into that ever-growing pool of college students who changed their major three
times before graduation. I was swayed by family members, my peers, and the economy, but I eventually
realized that I was investing my education in the wrong areas for the wrong reasons. It shouldn’t just be
about salaries and job security. I needed to fin that personal attachment.
At eighteen, it’s hard to see your entire life spread out before you. College may feel like a freefor-all at
times, but the reality is that it’s one of the most defining times of our lives. It should never be squandered. I
started to imagine my life beyond college—what I found important and the type of lifestyle I wanted in the
end. I started thinking about the classes that I was actually interested in—the ones that I looked forward to
each week and arrived early to just so I could get a seat up front.
A turning point for me was when I took the advice of a campus mentor and enrolled in a career exploration
course. I learned more about myself in that class than I had in my entire three years at college prior to
taking it. It showed me that my passion was something I had always thought about but never thought about
as a career. In high school, I could sit in the Guidance Offi for hours on end. I enjoyed listening to others—
hearing and helping people work through their struggles.
I had seen firsthand how detrimental the absence of career classes can be to someone’s future. Through this
realization and my participation in my career exploration class, I saw a viable future in the Higher
Education Administration field. As I dove deeper, I was opened to an incredible amount of unique and
diverse opportunities to work with students. My main approach was to get a taste anything to do with
student services: I shadowed a career counselor in a career services office attended graduate school fairs
and informational sessions, discussed the Higher Education Administration Program with several staff at
43
my college, and most importantly, I talked with my internship coordinator (my mentor). From there, I
completed an internship in my prospective field, which gave me a wealth of insight and skills that directly
related to my future career goals.
From where I sit now—my former personal and professional struggles in tow—I offer up some pieces of
advice that were crucial to getting me where I am today. Whether you’re an undecided major who is
looking for guidance or a student with a clearly defined career path, I suggest the following:
35. Find a mentor—For me, everything began there. Without my mentor, I wouldn’t have done any of the other
items I’m about to suggest. Finding the right mentor is crucial. Look for someone who can complement your
personality (typically someone who’s the opposite of you). My advice would be to look beyond your direct
supervisor for mentorship. It’s important to create an open forum with your mentor, because there may be a
conflict of interest as you discuss work issues and other job opportunities. Potential mentors to consider are an
instructor on campus, your academic advisor, a professional currently working in your prospective field,
someone you admire in your community, or anyone in your network of friends or family that you feel
comfortable discussing your future goals with.
36. Enroll in a Career Exploration/Planning course, or something similar—Even if you do not see the
52
Learn What You Don’t Want 53
effects of this course immediately (such as dramatically changing your major), you will notice the impact down
the road. Making educated career choices and learning job readiness skills will always pay off in the end.
Through my career exploration class, I learned how to relate my personality and values to potential career fields.
These self-assessments changed my entire thought process, and I see that influence daily. Beyond changing the
way you think, the knowledge you gain about effective job search strategies is invaluable. Learning how to write
purposeful résumés and cover letters, finding the right approach to the interview process, and recognizing your
strengths and weaknesses are just a few of the benefits you can gain from these type of courses.
37. Complete a Job Shadow and/or Informational Interview—No amount of online research is going to give you the
same experience as seeing a job at the front line. In a job shadow or an informational interview, you’re able to
explore options with no commitment and see how your in-class experience can carry over to a real world setting.
Additionally, you’re expanding your professional network by having that personal involvement. You never know
how the connections you make might benefit you in the future. My only regret about job shadowing in college is
that I didn’t do it sooner.
38. Do an Internship—A main source of frustration for recent grads is the inability to secure an entrylevel position
without experience. “How do I get a job to gain experience when I can’t get a job without experience?” This is
how: do an internship or two! Most colleges even have a course where you can obtain credit for doing it! Not
only will you earn credits towards graduation, but you’ll gain the necessary experience to put on your résumé
and discuss in future interviews. Having completed four internships throughout my college career, I can’t say
they were all great. However, I don’t regret a single one. The first one showed me the type of field I didn’t want
t work in. The second confirmed that I was heading in the right direction with my career. My third and fourth
internships introduced me to completely different areas of higher education which broadened my knowledge and
narrowed my search simultaneously.
My takeaway is that sometimes you have to learn what you don’t want in order to fin out what you do
want. The more informed you are about career options through real life conversations and experiences, the
better prepared you will be for your future and the more confiden you will be in your career decisions.
44
Always explore your options because even if you learn you hate it, at least you’re one step close to finding
what you love.
Conclusion
In the text, the authors told true-to-life stories about their own academic, personal, and lifecareer successes.
When reading FAS: WoW, you explored the following guiding questions:
• How do you demonstrate college readiness through the use of effective study skills and campus
resources?
• How do you apply basic technological and information management skills for academic and
lifelong career development?
• How do you demonstrate the use of critical and creative thinking skills to solve problems and
draw conclusions?
• How do you demonstrate basic awareness of self in connection with academic and personal
goals?
• How do you identify and demonstrate knowledge of the implications of choices related to
wellness?
• How do you demonstrate basic knowledge of cultural diversity?
Now that you’ve read FAS: WoW, it’s time to pay it forward by composing your own Words of
Wisdom story to share with college students of the future. Reflect on the lessons learned during your own
college experience this term and use the guiding questions to develop a true-to-life story that can help other
college students connect the dots between being a college student and being a successful college student.
Submit your story to be considered in the next edition of Foundations of Academic Success: Words of
Wisdom by emailing your name, institution, and a draft of your short story to [email protected].
Submissions will be reviewed as they are received, and you will be contacted directly if your submission is
reviewed and selected for publication.
The options for textbooks focusing on college student success in college are overwhelming; many
textbooks exist at varying levels of rigor and cost (some well over $100). The FAS: WoW series of
textbooks provides college students open access textbooks that are student-centered and readable (dare I
even say enjoyable). FAS: WoW supports the open access textbook philosophy to help students reduce the
cost of attending colleges and universities.
45
For a long time, my plan had always been to be a kindergarten teacher. But when I began my
undergraduate degree I fell into that ever-growing pool of college students who changed their major three
times before graduation. I was swayed by family members, my peers, and the economy, but I eventually
realized that I was investing my education in the wrong areas for the wrong reasons. It shouldn’t just be
about salaries and job security. I needed to fin that personal attachment.
At eighteen, it’s hard to see your entire life spread out before you. College may feel like a freefor-all at
times, but the reality is that it’s one of the most defining times of our lives. It should never be squandered. I
started to imagine my life beyond college—what I found important and the type of lifestyle I wanted in the
end. I started thinking about the classes that I was actually interested in—the ones that I looked forward to
each week and arrived early to just so I could get a seat up front.
A turning point for me was when I took the advice of a campus mentor and enrolled in a career exploration
course. I learned more about myself in that class than I had in my entire three years at college prior to
taking it. It showed me that my passion was something I had always thought about but never thought about
as a career. In high school, I could sit in the Guidance Offi for hours on end. I enjoyed listening to others—
hearing and helping people work through their struggles.
I had seen firsthand how detrimental the absence of career classes can be to someone’s future. Through this
realization and my participation in my career exploration class, I saw a viable future in the Higher
Education Administration field. As I dove deeper, I was opened to an incredible amount of unique and
diverse opportunities to work with students. My main approach was to get a taste anything to do with
student services: I shadowed a career counselor in a career services office attended graduate school fairs
and informational sessions, discussed the Higher Education Administration Program with several staff at
my college, and most importantly, I talked with my internship coordinator (my mentor). From there, I
completed an internship in my prospective field, which gave me a wealth of insight and skills that directly
related to my future career goals.
From where I sit now—my former personal and professional struggles in tow—I offer up some pieces of
advice that were crucial to getting me where I am today. Whether you’re an undecided major who is
looking for guidance or a student with a clearly defined career path, I suggest the following:
37. Find a mentor—For me, everything began there. Without my mentor, I wouldn’t have done any of the other
items I’m about to suggest. Finding the right mentor is crucial. Look for someone who can complement your
personality (typically someone who’s the opposite of you). My advice would be to look beyond your direct
supervisor for mentorship. It’s important to create an open forum with your mentor, because there may be a
conflict of interest as you discuss work issues and other job opportunities. Potential mentors to consider are an
instructor on campus, your academic advisor, a professional currently working in your prospective field,
someone you admire in your community, or anyone in your network of friends or family that you feel
comfortable discussing your future goals with.
38. Enroll in a Career Exploration/Planning course, or something similar—Even if you do not see the
52
Learn What You Don’t Want 53
effects of this course immediately (such as dramatically changing your major), you will notice the impact down
the road. Making educated career choices and learning job readiness skills will always pay off in the end.
Through my career exploration class, I learned how to relate my personality and values to potential career fields.
46
These self-assessments changed my entire thought process, and I see that influence daily. Beyond changing the
way you think, the knowledge you gain about effective job search strategies is invaluable. Learning how to write
purposeful résumés and cover letters, finding the right approach to the interview process, and recognizing your
strengths and weaknesses are just a few of the benefits you can gain from these type of courses.
39. Complete a Job Shadow and/or Informational Interview—No amount of online research is going to give you the
same experience as seeing a job at the front line. In a job shadow or an informational interview, you’re able to
explore options with no commitment and see how your in-class experience can carry over to a real world setting.
Additionally, you’re expanding your professional network by having that personal involvement. You never know
how the connections you make might benefit you in the future. My only regret about job shadowing in college is
that I didn’t do it sooner.
40. Do an Internship—A main source of frustration for recent grads is the inability to secure an entrylevel position
without experience. “How do I get a job to gain experience when I can’t get a job without experience?” This is
how: do an internship or two! Most colleges even have a course where you can obtain credit for doing it! Not
only will you earn credits towards graduation, but you’ll gain the necessary experience to put on your résumé
and discuss in future interviews. Having completed four internships throughout my college career, I can’t say
they were all great. However, I don’t regret a single one. The first one showed me the type of field I didn’t want
t work in. The second confirmed that I was heading in the right direction with my career. My third and fourth
internships introduced me to completely different areas of higher education which broadened my knowledge and
narrowed my search simultaneously.
My takeaway is that sometimes you have to learn what you don’t want in order to fin out what you do
want. The more informed you are about career options through real life conversations and experiences, the
better prepared you will be for your future and the more confiden you will be in your career decisions.
Always explore your options because even if you learn you hate it, at least you’re one step close to finding
what you love.
Conclusion
In the text, the authors told true-to-life stories about their own academic, personal, and lifecareer successes.
When reading FAS: WoW, you explored the following guiding questions:
• How do you demonstrate college readiness through the use of effective study skills and campus
resources?
• How do you apply basic technological and information management skills for academic and
lifelong career development?
• How do you demonstrate the use of critical and creative thinking skills to solve problems and
draw conclusions?
• How do you demonstrate basic awareness of self in connection with academic and personal
goals?
• How do you identify and demonstrate knowledge of the implications of choices related to
wellness?
• How do you demonstrate basic knowledge of cultural diversity?
Now that you’ve read FAS: WoW, it’s time to pay it forward by composing your own Words of
Wisdom story to share with college students of the future. Reflect on the lessons learned during your own
college experience this term and use the guiding questions to develop a true-to-life story that can help other
college students connect the dots between being a college student and being a successful college student.
Submit your story to be considered in the next edition of Foundations of Academic Success: Words of
Wisdom by emailing your name, institution, and a draft of your short story to [email protected].
47
Submissions will be reviewed as they are received, and you will be contacted directly if your submission is
reviewed and selected for publication.
The options for textbooks focusing on college student success in college are overwhelming; many
textbooks exist at varying levels of rigor and cost (some well over $100). The FAS: WoW series of
textbooks provides college students open access textbooks that are student-centered and readable (dare I
even say enjoyable). FAS: WoW supports the open access textbook philosophy to help students reduce the
cost of attending colleges and universities.
For a long time, my plan had always been to be a kindergarten teacher. But when I began my
undergraduate degree I fell into that ever-growing pool of college students who changed their major three
times before graduation. I was swayed by family members, my peers, and the economy, but I eventually
realized that I was investing my education in the wrong areas for the wrong reasons. It shouldn’t just be
about salaries and job security. I needed to fin that personal attachment.
At eighteen, it’s hard to see your entire life spread out before you. College may feel like a freefor-all at
times, but the reality is that it’s one of the most defining times of our lives. It should never be squandered. I
started to imagine my life beyond college—what I found important and the type of lifestyle I wanted in the
end. I started thinking about the classes that I was actually interested in—the ones that I looked forward to
each week and arrived early to just so I could get a seat up front.
A turning point for me was when I took the advice of a campus mentor and enrolled in a career exploration
course. I learned more about myself in that class than I had in my entire three years at college prior to
taking it. It showed me that my passion was something I had always thought about but never thought about
as a career. In high school, I could sit in the Guidance Offi for hours on end. I enjoyed listening to others—
hearing and helping people work through their struggles.
I had seen firsthand how detrimental the absence of career classes can be to someone’s future. Through this
realization and my participation in my career exploration class, I saw a viable future in the Higher
Education Administration field. As I dove deeper, I was opened to an incredible amount of unique and
diverse opportunities to work with students. My main approach was to get a taste anything to do with
student services: I shadowed a career counselor in a career services office attended graduate school fairs
and informational sessions, discussed the Higher Education Administration Program with several staff at
48
my college, and most importantly, I talked with my internship coordinator (my mentor). From there, I
completed an internship in my prospective field, which gave me a wealth of insight and skills that directly
related to my future career goals.
From where I sit now—my former personal and professional struggles in tow—I offer up some pieces of
advice that were crucial to getting me where I am today. Whether you’re an undecided major who is
looking for guidance or a student with a clearly defined career path, I suggest the following:
39. Find a mentor—For me, everything began there. Without my mentor, I wouldn’t have done any of the other
items I’m about to suggest. Finding the right mentor is crucial. Look for someone who can complement your
personality (typically someone who’s the opposite of you). My advice would be to look beyond your direct
supervisor for mentorship. It’s important to create an open forum with your mentor, because there may be a
conflict of interest as you discuss work issues and other job opportunities. Potential mentors to consider are an
instructor on campus, your academic advisor, a professional currently working in your prospective field,
someone you admire in your community, or anyone in your network of friends or family that you feel
comfortable discussing your future goals with.
40. Enroll in a Career Exploration/Planning course, or something similar—Even if you do not see the
52
Learn What You Don’t Want 53
effects of this course immediately (such as dramatically changing your major), you will notice the impact down
the road. Making educated career choices and learning job readiness skills will always pay off in the end.
Through my career exploration class, I learned how to relate my personality and values to potential career fields.
These self-assessments changed my entire thought process, and I see that influence daily. Beyond changing the
way you think, the knowledge you gain about effective job search strategies is invaluable. Learning how to write
purposeful résumés and cover letters, finding the right approach to the interview process, and recognizing your
strengths and weaknesses are just a few of the benefits you can gain from these type of courses.
41. Complete a Job Shadow and/or Informational Interview—No amount of online research is going to give you the
same experience as seeing a job at the front line. In a job shadow or an informational interview, you’re able to
explore options with no commitment and see how your in-class experience can carry over to a real world setting.
Additionally, you’re expanding your professional network by having that personal involvement. You never know
how the connections you make might benefit you in the future. My only regret about job shadowing in college is
that I didn’t do it sooner.
42. Do an Internship—A main source of frustration for recent grads is the inability to secure an entrylevel position
without experience. “How do I get a job to gain experience when I can’t get a job without experience?” This is
how: do an internship or two! Most colleges even have a course where you can obtain credit for doing it! Not
only will you earn credits towards graduation, but you’ll gain the necessary experience to put on your résumé
and discuss in future interviews. Having completed four internships throughout my college career, I can’t say
they were all great. However, I don’t regret a single one. The first one showed me the type of field I didn’t want
t work in. The second confirmed that I was heading in the right direction with my career. My third and fourth
internships introduced me to completely different areas of higher education which broadened my knowledge and
narrowed my search simultaneously.
My takeaway is that sometimes you have to learn what you don’t want in order to fin out what you do
want. The more informed you are about career options through real life conversations and experiences, the
better prepared you will be for your future and the more confiden you will be in your career decisions.
49
Always explore your options because even if you learn you hate it, at least you’re one step close to finding
what you love.
Conclusion
In the text, the authors told true-to-life stories about their own academic, personal, and lifecareer successes.
When reading FAS: WoW, you explored the following guiding questions:
• How do you demonstrate college readiness through the use of effective study skills and campus
resources?
• How do you apply basic technological and information management skills for academic and
lifelong career development?
• How do you demonstrate the use of critical and creative thinking skills to solve problems and
draw conclusions?
• How do you demonstrate basic awareness of self in connection with academic and personal
goals?
• How do you identify and demonstrate knowledge of the implications of choices related to
wellness?
• How do you demonstrate basic knowledge of cultural diversity?
Now that you’ve read FAS: WoW, it’s time to pay it forward by composing your own Words of
Wisdom story to share with college students of the future. Reflect on the lessons learned during your own
college experience this term and use the guiding questions to develop a true-to-life story that can help other
college students connect the dots between being a college student and being a successful college student.
Submit your story to be considered in the next edition of Foundations of Academic Success: Words of
Wisdom by emailing your name, institution, and a draft of your short story to [email protected].
Submissions will be reviewed as they are received, and you will be contacted directly if your submission is
reviewed and selected for publication.
The options for textbooks focusing on college student success in college are overwhelming; many
textbooks exist at varying levels of rigor and cost (some well over $100). The FAS: WoW series of
textbooks provides college students open access textbooks that are student-centered and readable (dare I
even say enjoyable). FAS: WoW supports the open access textbook philosophy to help students reduce the
cost of attending colleges and universities.
50
For a long time, my plan had always been to be a kindergarten teacher. But when I began my
undergraduate degree I fell into that ever-growing pool of college students who changed their major three
times before graduation. I was swayed by family members, my peers, and the economy, but I eventually
realized that I was investing my education in the wrong areas for the wrong reasons. It shouldn’t just be
about salaries and job security. I needed to fin that personal attachment.
At eighteen, it’s hard to see your entire life spread out before you. College may feel like a freefor-all at
times, but the reality is that it’s one of the most defining times of our lives. It should never be squandered. I
started to imagine my life beyond college—what I found important and the type of lifestyle I wanted in the
end. I started thinking about the classes that I was actually interested in—the ones that I looked forward to
each week and arrived early to just so I could get a seat up front.
A turning point for me was when I took the advice of a campus mentor and enrolled in a career exploration
course. I learned more about myself in that class than I had in my entire three years at college prior to
taking it. It showed me that my passion was something I had always thought about but never thought about
as a career. In high school, I could sit in the Guidance Offi for hours on end. I enjoyed listening to others—
hearing and helping people work through their struggles.
I had seen firsthand how detrimental the absence of career classes can be to someone’s future. Through this
realization and my participation in my career exploration class, I saw a viable future in the Higher
Education Administration field. As I dove deeper, I was opened to an incredible amount of unique and
diverse opportunities to work with students. My main approach was to get a taste anything to do with
student services: I shadowed a career counselor in a career services office attended graduate school fairs
and informational sessions, discussed the Higher Education Administration Program with several staff at
my college, and most importantly, I talked with my internship coordinator (my mentor). From there, I
completed an internship in my prospective field, which gave me a wealth of insight and skills that directly
related to my future career goals.
From where I sit now—my former personal and professional struggles in tow—I offer up some pieces of
advice that were crucial to getting me where I am today. Whether you’re an undecided major who is
looking for guidance or a student with a clearly defined career path, I suggest the following:
41. Find a mentor—For me, everything began there. Without my mentor, I wouldn’t have done any of the other
items I’m about to suggest. Finding the right mentor is crucial. Look for someone who can complement your
personality (typically someone who’s the opposite of you). My advice would be to look beyond your direct
supervisor for mentorship. It’s important to create an open forum with your mentor, because there may be a
conflict of interest as you discuss work issues and other job opportunities. Potential mentors to consider are an
instructor on campus, your academic advisor, a professional currently working in your prospective field,
someone you admire in your community, or anyone in your network of friends or family that you feel
comfortable discussing your future goals with.
42. Enroll in a Career Exploration/Planning course, or something similar—Even if you do not see the
52
Learn What You Don’t Want 53
effects of this course immediately (such as dramatically changing your major), you will notice the impact down
the road. Making educated career choices and learning job readiness skills will always pay off in the end.
Through my career exploration class, I learned how to relate my personality and values to potential career fields.
51
These self-assessments changed my entire thought process, and I see that influence daily. Beyond changing the
way you think, the knowledge you gain about effective job search strategies is invaluable. Learning how to write
purposeful résumés and cover letters, finding the right approach to the interview process, and recognizing your
strengths and weaknesses are just a few of the benefits you can gain from these type of courses.
43. Complete a Job Shadow and/or Informational Interview—No amount of online research is going to give you the
same experience as seeing a job at the front line. In a job shadow or an informational interview, you’re able to
explore options with no commitment and see how your in-class experience can carry over to a real world setting.
Additionally, you’re expanding your professional network by having that personal involvement. You never know
how the connections you make might benefit you in the future. My only regret about job shadowing in college is
that I didn’t do it sooner.
44. Do an Internship—A main source of frustration for recent grads is the inability to secure an entrylevel position
without experience. “How do I get a job to gain experience when I can’t get a job without experience?” This is
how: do an internship or two! Most colleges even have a course where you can obtain credit for doing it! Not
only will you earn credits towards graduation, but you’ll gain the necessary experience to put on your résumé
and discuss in future interviews. Having completed four internships throughout my college career, I can’t say
they were all great. However, I don’t regret a single one. The first one showed me the type of field I didn’t want
t work in. The second confirmed that I was heading in the right direction with my career. My third and fourth
internships introduced me to completely different areas of higher education which broadened my knowledge and
narrowed my search simultaneously.
My takeaway is that sometimes you have to learn what you don’t want in order to fin out what you do
want. The more informed you are about career options through real life conversations and experiences, the
better prepared you will be for your future and the more confiden you will be in your career decisions.
Always explore your options because even if you learn you hate it, at least you’re one step close to finding
what you love.
Conclusion
In the text, the authors told true-to-life stories about their own academic, personal, and lifecareer successes.
When reading FAS: WoW, you explored the following guiding questions:
• How do you demonstrate college readiness through the use of effective study skills and campus
resources?
• How do you apply basic technological and information management skills for academic and
lifelong career development?
• How do you demonstrate the use of critical and creative thinking skills to solve problems and
draw conclusions?
• How do you demonstrate basic awareness of self in connection with academic and personal
goals?
• How do you identify and demonstrate knowledge of the implications of choices related to
wellness?
• How do you demonstrate basic knowledge of cultural diversity?
Now that you’ve read FAS: WoW, it’s time to pay it forward by composing your own Words of
Wisdom story to share with college students of the future. Reflect on the lessons learned during your own
college experience this term and use the guiding questions to develop a true-to-life story that can help other
college students connect the dots between being a college student and being a successful college student.
Submit your story to be considered in the next edition of Foundations of Academic Success: Words of
Wisdom by emailing your name, institution, and a draft of your short story to [email protected].
52
Submissions will be reviewed as they are received, and you will be contacted directly if your submission is
reviewed and selected for publication.
The options for textbooks focusing on college student success in college are overwhelming; many
textbooks exist at varying levels of rigor and cost (some well over $100). The FAS: WoW series of
textbooks provides college students open access textbooks that are student-centered and readable (dare I
even say enjoyable). FAS: WoW supports the open access textbook philosophy to help students reduce the
cost of attending colleges and universities.
For a long time, my plan had always been to be a kindergarten teacher. But when I began my
undergraduate degree I fell into that ever-growing pool of college students who changed their major three
times before graduation. I was swayed by family members, my peers, and the economy, but I eventually
realized that I was investing my education in the wrong areas for the wrong reasons. It shouldn’t just be
about salaries and job security. I needed to fin that personal attachment.
At eighteen, it’s hard to see your entire life spread out before you. College may feel like a freefor-all at
times, but the reality is that it’s one of the most defining times of our lives. It should never be squandered. I
started to imagine my life beyond college—what I found important and the type of lifestyle I wanted in the
end. I started thinking about the classes that I was actually interested in—the ones that I looked forward to
each week and arrived early to just so I could get a seat up front.
A turning point for me was when I took the advice of a campus mentor and enrolled in a career exploration
course. I learned more about myself in that class than I had in my entire three years at college prior to
taking it. It showed me that my passion was something I had always thought about but never thought about
as a career. In high school, I could sit in the Guidance Offi for hours on end. I enjoyed listening to others—
hearing and helping people work through their struggles.
I had seen firsthand how detrimental the absence of career classes can be to someone’s future. Through this
realization and my participation in my career exploration class, I saw a viable future in the Higher
Education Administration field. As I dove deeper, I was opened to an incredible amount of unique and
diverse opportunities to work with students. My main approach was to get a taste anything to do with
student services: I shadowed a career counselor in a career services office attended graduate school fairs
and informational sessions, discussed the Higher Education Administration Program with several staff at
53
my college, and most importantly, I talked with my internship coordinator (my mentor). From there, I
completed an internship in my prospective field, which gave me a wealth of insight and skills that directly
related to my future career goals.
From where I sit now—my former personal and professional struggles in tow—I offer up some pieces of
advice that were crucial to getting me where I am today. Whether you’re an undecided major who is
looking for guidance or a student with a clearly defined career path, I suggest the following:
43. Find a mentor—For me, everything began there. Without my mentor, I wouldn’t have done any of the other
items I’m about to suggest. Finding the right mentor is crucial. Look for someone who can complement your
personality (typically someone who’s the opposite of you). My advice would be to look beyond your direct
supervisor for mentorship. It’s important to create an open forum with your mentor, because there may be a
conflict of interest as you discuss work issues and other job opportunities. Potential mentors to consider are an
instructor on campus, your academic advisor, a professional currently working in your prospective field,
someone you admire in your community, or anyone in your network of friends or family that you feel
comfortable discussing your future goals with.
44. Enroll in a Career Exploration/Planning course, or something similar—Even if you do not see the
52
Learn What You Don’t Want 53
effects of this course immediately (such as dramatically changing your major), you will notice the impact down
the road. Making educated career choices and learning job readiness skills will always pay off in the end.
Through my career exploration class, I learned how to relate my personality and values to potential career fields.
These self-assessments changed my entire thought process, and I see that influence daily. Beyond changing the
way you think, the knowledge you gain about effective job search strategies is invaluable. Learning how to write
purposeful résumés and cover letters, finding the right approach to the interview process, and recognizing your
strengths and weaknesses are just a few of the benefits you can gain from these type of courses.
45. Complete a Job Shadow and/or Informational Interview—No amount of online research is going to give you the
same experience as seeing a job at the front line. In a job shadow or an informational interview, you’re able to
explore options with no commitment and see how your in-class experience can carry over to a real world setting.
Additionally, you’re expanding your professional network by having that personal involvement. You never know
how the connections you make might benefit you in the future. My only regret about job shadowing in college is
that I didn’t do it sooner.
46. Do an Internship—A main source of frustration for recent grads is the inability to secure an entrylevel position
without experience. “How do I get a job to gain experience when I can’t get a job without experience?” This is
how: do an internship or two! Most colleges even have a course where you can obtain credit for doing it! Not
only will you earn credits towards graduation, but you’ll gain the necessary experience to put on your résumé
and discuss in future interviews. Having completed four internships throughout my college career, I can’t say
they were all great. However, I don’t regret a single one. The first one showed me the type of field I didn’t want
t work in. The second confirmed that I was heading in the right direction with my career. My third and fourth
internships introduced me to completely different areas of higher education which broadened my knowledge and
narrowed my search simultaneously.
My takeaway is that sometimes you have to learn what you don’t want in order to fin out what you do
want. The more informed you are about career options through real life conversations and experiences, the
better prepared you will be for your future and the more confiden you will be in your career decisions.
54
Always explore your options because even if you learn you hate it, at least you’re one step close to finding
what you love.
Conclusion
In the text, the authors told true-to-life stories about their own academic, personal, and lifecareer successes.
When reading FAS: WoW, you explored the following guiding questions:
• How do you demonstrate college readiness through the use of effective study skills and campus
resources?
• How do you apply basic technological and information management skills for academic and
lifelong career development?
• How do you demonstrate the use of critical and creative thinking skills to solve problems and
draw conclusions?
• How do you demonstrate basic awareness of self in connection with academic and personal
goals?
• How do you identify and demonstrate knowledge of the implications of choices related to
wellness?
• How do you demonstrate basic knowledge of cultural diversity?
Now that you’ve read FAS: WoW, it’s time to pay it forward by composing your own Words of
Wisdom story to share with college students of the future. Reflect on the lessons learned during your own
college experience this term and use the guiding questions to develop a true-to-life story that can help other
college students connect the dots between being a college student and being a successful college student.
Submit your story to be considered in the next edition of Foundations of Academic Success: Words of
Wisdom by emailing your name, institution, and a draft of your short story to [email protected].
Submissions will be reviewed as they are received, and you will be contacted directly if your submission is
reviewed and selected for publication.
The options for textbooks focusing on college student success in college are overwhelming; many
textbooks exist at varying levels of rigor and cost (some well over $100). The FAS: WoW series of
textbooks provides college students open access textbooks that are student-centered and readable (dare I
even say enjoyable). FAS: WoW supports the open access textbook philosophy to help students reduce the
cost of attending colleges and universities.
55
For a long time, my plan had always been to be a kindergarten teacher. But when I began my
undergraduate degree I fell into that ever-growing pool of college students who changed their major three
times before graduation. I was swayed by family members, my peers, and the economy, but I eventually
realized that I was investing my education in the wrong areas for the wrong reasons. It shouldn’t just be
about salaries and job security. I needed to fin that personal attachment.
At eighteen, it’s hard to see your entire life spread out before you. College may feel like a freefor-all at
times, but the reality is that it’s one of the most defining times of our lives. It should never be squandered. I
started to imagine my life beyond college—what I found important and the type of lifestyle I wanted in the
end. I started thinking about the classes that I was actually interested in—the ones that I looked forward to
each week and arrived early to just so I could get a seat up front.
A turning point for me was when I took the advice of a campus mentor and enrolled in a career exploration
course. I learned more about myself in that class than I had in my entire three years at college prior to
taking it. It showed me that my passion was something I had always thought about but never thought about
as a career. In high school, I could sit in the Guidance Offi for hours on end. I enjoyed listening to others—
hearing and helping people work through their struggles.
I had seen firsthand how detrimental the absence of career classes can be to someone’s future. Through this
realization and my participation in my career exploration class, I saw a viable future in the Higher
Education Administration field. As I dove deeper, I was opened to an incredible amount of unique and
diverse opportunities to work with students. My main approach was to get a taste anything to do with
student services: I shadowed a career counselor in a career services office attended graduate school fairs
and informational sessions, discussed the Higher Education Administration Program with several staff at
my college, and most importantly, I talked with my internship coordinator (my mentor). From there, I
completed an internship in my prospective field, which gave me a wealth of insight and skills that directly
related to my future career goals.
From where I sit now—my former personal and professional struggles in tow—I offer up some pieces of
advice that were crucial to getting me where I am today. Whether you’re an undecided major who is
looking for guidance or a student with a clearly defined career path, I suggest the following:
45. Find a mentor—For me, everything began there. Without my mentor, I wouldn’t have done any of the other
items I’m about to suggest. Finding the right mentor is crucial. Look for someone who can complement your
personality (typically someone who’s the opposite of you). My advice would be to look beyond your direct
supervisor for mentorship. It’s important to create an open forum with your mentor, because there may be a
conflict of interest as you discuss work issues and other job opportunities. Potential mentors to consider are an
instructor on campus, your academic advisor, a professional currently working in your prospective field,
someone you admire in your community, or anyone in your network of friends or family that you feel
comfortable discussing your future goals with.
46. Enroll in a Career Exploration/Planning course, or something similar—Even if you do not see the
52
Learn What You Don’t Want 53
effects of this course immediately (such as dramatically changing your major), you will notice the impact down
the road. Making educated career choices and learning job readiness skills will always pay off in the end.
Through my career exploration class, I learned how to relate my personality and values to potential career fields.
56
These self-assessments changed my entire thought process, and I see that influence daily. Beyond changing the
way you think, the knowledge you gain about effective job search strategies is invaluable. Learning how to write
purposeful résumés and cover letters, finding the right approach to the interview process, and recognizing your
strengths and weaknesses are just a few of the benefits you can gain from these type of courses.
47. Complete a Job Shadow and/or Informational Interview—No amount of online research is going to give you the
same experience as seeing a job at the front line. In a job shadow or an informational interview, you’re able to
explore options with no commitment and see how your in-class experience can carry over to a real world setting.
Additionally, you’re expanding your professional network by having that personal involvement. You never know
how the connections you make might benefit you in the future. My only regret about job shadowing in college is
that I didn’t do it sooner.
48. Do an Internship—A main source of frustration for recent grads is the inability to secure an entrylevel position
without experience. “How do I get a job to gain experience when I can’t get a job without experience?” This is
how: do an internship or two! Most colleges even have a course where you can obtain credit for doing it! Not
only will you earn credits towards graduation, but you’ll gain the necessary experience to put on your résumé
and discuss in future interviews. Having completed four internships throughout my college career, I can’t say
they were all great. However, I don’t regret a single one. The first one showed me the type of field I didn’t want
t work in. The second confirmed that I was heading in the right direction with my career. My third and fourth
internships introduced me to completely different areas of higher education which broadened my knowledge and
narrowed my search simultaneously.
My takeaway is that sometimes you have to learn what you don’t want in order to fin out what you do
want. The more informed you are about career options through real life conversations and experiences, the
better prepared you will be for your future and the more confiden you will be in your career decisions.
Always explore your options because even if you learn you hate it, at least you’re one step close to finding
what you love.
Conclusion
In the text, the authors told true-to-life stories about their own academic, personal, and lifecareer successes.
When reading FAS: WoW, you explored the following guiding questions:
• How do you demonstrate college readiness through the use of effective study skills and campus
resources?
• How do you apply basic technological and information management skills for academic and
lifelong career development?
• How do you demonstrate the use of critical and creative thinking skills to solve problems and
draw conclusions?
• How do you demonstrate basic awareness of self in connection with academic and personal
goals?
• How do you identify and demonstrate knowledge of the implications of choices related to
wellness?
• How do you demonstrate basic knowledge of cultural diversity?
Now that you’ve read FAS: WoW, it’s time to pay it forward by composing your own Words of
Wisdom story to share with college students of the future. Reflect on the lessons learned during your own
college experience this term and use the guiding questions to develop a true-to-life story that can help other
college students connect the dots between being a college student and being a successful college student.
Submit your story to be considered in the next edition of Foundations of Academic Success: Words of
Wisdom by emailing your name, institution, and a draft of your short story to [email protected].
57
Submissions will be reviewed as they are received, and you will be contacted directly if your submission is
reviewed and selected for publication.
The options for textbooks focusing on college student success in college are overwhelming; many
textbooks exist at varying levels of rigor and cost (some well over $100). The FAS: WoW series of
textbooks provides college students open access textbooks that are student-centered and readable (dare I
even say enjoyable). FAS: WoW supports the open access textbook philosophy to help students reduce the
cost of attending colleges and universities.
For a long time, my plan had always been to be a kindergarten teacher. But when I began my
undergraduate degree I fell into that ever-growing pool of college students who changed their major three
times before graduation. I was swayed by family members, my peers, and the economy, but I eventually
realized that I was investing my education in the wrong areas for the wrong reasons. It shouldn’t just be
about salaries and job security. I needed to fin that personal attachment.
At eighteen, it’s hard to see your entire life spread out before you. College may feel like a freefor-all at
times, but the reality is that it’s one of the most defining times of our lives. It should never be squandered. I
started to imagine my life beyond college—what I found important and the type of lifestyle I wanted in the
end. I started thinking about the classes that I was actually interested in—the ones that I looked forward to
each week and arrived early to just so I could get a seat up front.
A turning point for me was when I took the advice of a campus mentor and enrolled in a career exploration
course. I learned more about myself in that class than I had in my entire three years at college prior to
taking it. It showed me that my passion was something I had always thought about but never thought about
as a career. In high school, I could sit in the Guidance Offi for hours on end. I enjoyed listening to others—
hearing and helping people work through their struggles.
I had seen firsthand how detrimental the absence of career classes can be to someone’s future. Through this
realization and my participation in my career exploration class, I saw a viable future in the Higher
Education Administration field. As I dove deeper, I was opened to an incredible amount of unique and
diverse opportunities to work with students. My main approach was to get a taste anything to do with
student services: I shadowed a career counselor in a career services office attended graduate school fairs
and informational sessions, discussed the Higher Education Administration Program with several staff at
58
my college, and most importantly, I talked with my internship coordinator (my mentor). From there, I
completed an internship in my prospective field, which gave me a wealth of insight and skills that directly
related to my future career goals.
From where I sit now—my former personal and professional struggles in tow—I offer up some pieces of
advice that were crucial to getting me where I am today. Whether you’re an undecided major who is
looking for guidance or a student with a clearly defined career path, I suggest the following:
47. Find a mentor—For me, everything began there. Without my mentor, I wouldn’t have done any of the other
items I’m about to suggest. Finding the right mentor is crucial. Look for someone who can complement your
personality (typically someone who’s the opposite of you). My advice would be to look beyond your direct
supervisor for mentorship. It’s important to create an open forum with your mentor, because there may be a
conflict of interest as you discuss work issues and other job opportunities. Potential mentors to consider are an
instructor on campus, your academic advisor, a professional currently working in your prospective field,
someone you admire in your community, or anyone in your network of friends or family that you feel
comfortable discussing your future goals with.
48. Enroll in a Career Exploration/Planning course, or something similar—Even if you do not see the
52
Learn What You Don’t Want 53
effects of this course immediately (such as dramatically changing your major), you will notice the impact down
the road. Making educated career choices and learning job readiness skills will always pay off in the end.
Through my career exploration class, I learned how to relate my personality and values to potential career fields.
These self-assessments changed my entire thought process, and I see that influence daily. Beyond changing the
way you think, the knowledge you gain about effective job search strategies is invaluable. Learning how to write
purposeful résumés and cover letters, finding the right approach to the interview process, and recognizing your
strengths and weaknesses are just a few of the benefits you can gain from these type of courses.
49. Complete a Job Shadow and/or Informational Interview—No amount of online research is going to give you the
same experience as seeing a job at the front line. In a job shadow or an informational interview, you’re able to
explore options with no commitment and see how your in-class experience can carry over to a real world setting.
Additionally, you’re expanding your professional network by having that personal involvement. You never know
how the connections you make might benefit you in the future. My only regret about job shadowing in college is
that I didn’t do it sooner.
50. Do an Internship—A main source of frustration for recent grads is the inability to secure an entrylevel position
without experience. “How do I get a job to gain experience when I can’t get a job without experience?” This is
how: do an internship or two! Most colleges even have a course where you can obtain credit for doing it! Not
only will you earn credits towards graduation, but you’ll gain the necessary experience to put on your résumé
and discuss in future interviews. Having completed four internships throughout my college career, I can’t say
they were all great. However, I don’t regret a single one. The first one showed me the type of field I didn’t want
t work in. The second confirmed that I was heading in the right direction with my career. My third and fourth
internships introduced me to completely different areas of higher education which broadened my knowledge and
narrowed my search simultaneously.
My takeaway is that sometimes you have to learn what you don’t want in order to fin out what you do
want. The more informed you are about career options through real life conversations and experiences, the
better prepared you will be for your future and the more confiden you will be in your career decisions.
59
Always explore your options because even if you learn you hate it, at least you’re one step close to finding
what you love.
Conclusion
In the text, the authors told true-to-life stories about their own academic, personal, and lifecareer successes.
When reading FAS: WoW, you explored the following guiding questions:
• How do you demonstrate college readiness through the use of effective study skills and campus
resources?
• How do you apply basic technological and information management skills for academic and
lifelong career development?
• How do you demonstrate the use of critical and creative thinking skills to solve problems and
draw conclusions?
• How do you demonstrate basic awareness of self in connection with academic and personal
goals?
• How do you identify and demonstrate knowledge of the implications of choices related to
wellness?
• How do you demonstrate basic knowledge of cultural diversity?
Now that you’ve read FAS: WoW, it’s time to pay it forward by composing your own Words of
Wisdom story to share with college students of the future. Reflect on the lessons learned during your own
college experience this term and use the guiding questions to develop a true-to-life story that can help other
college students connect the dots between being a college student and being a successful college student.
Submit your story to be considered in the next edition of Foundations of Academic Success: Words of
Wisdom by emailing your name, institution, and a draft of your short story to [email protected].
Submissions will be reviewed as they are received, and you will be contacted directly if your submission is
reviewed and selected for publication.
The options for textbooks focusing on college student success in college are overwhelming; many
textbooks exist at varying levels of rigor and cost (some well over $100). The FAS: WoW series of
textbooks provides college students open access textbooks that are student-centered and readable (dare I
even say enjoyable). FAS: WoW supports the open access textbook philosophy to help students reduce the
cost of attending colleges and universities.
60
For a long time, my plan had always been to be a kindergarten teacher. But when I began my
undergraduate degree I fell into that ever-growing pool of college students who changed their major three
times before graduation. I was swayed by family members, my peers, and the economy, but I eventually
realized that I was investing my education in the wrong areas for the wrong reasons. It shouldn’t just be
about salaries and job security. I needed to fin that personal attachment.
At eighteen, it’s hard to see your entire life spread out before you. College may feel like a freefor-all at
times, but the reality is that it’s one of the most defining times of our lives. It should never be squandered. I
started to imagine my life beyond college—what I found important and the type of lifestyle I wanted in the
end. I started thinking about the classes that I was actually interested in—the ones that I looked forward to
each week and arrived early to just so I could get a seat up front.
A turning point for me was when I took the advice of a campus mentor and enrolled in a career exploration
course. I learned more about myself in that class than I had in my entire three years at college prior to
taking it. It showed me that my passion was something I had always thought about but never thought about
as a career. In high school, I could sit in the Guidance Offi for hours on end. I enjoyed listening to others—
hearing and helping people work through their struggles.
I had seen firsthand how detrimental the absence of career classes can be to someone’s future. Through this
realization and my participation in my career exploration class, I saw a viable future in the Higher
Education Administration field. As I dove deeper, I was opened to an incredible amount of unique and
diverse opportunities to work with students. My main approach was to get a taste anything to do with
student services: I shadowed a career counselor in a career services office attended graduate school fairs
and informational sessions, discussed the Higher Education Administration Program with several staff at
my college, and most importantly, I talked with my internship coordinator (my mentor). From there, I
completed an internship in my prospective field, which gave me a wealth of insight and skills that directly
related to my future career goals.
From where I sit now—my former personal and professional struggles in tow—I offer up some pieces of
advice that were crucial to getting me where I am today. Whether you’re an undecided major who is
looking for guidance or a student with a clearly defined career path, I suggest the following:
49. Find a mentor—For me, everything began there. Without my mentor, I wouldn’t have done any of the other
items I’m about to suggest. Finding the right mentor is crucial. Look for someone who can complement your
personality (typically someone who’s the opposite of you). My advice would be to look beyond your direct
supervisor for mentorship. It’s important to create an open forum with your mentor, because there may be a
conflict of interest as you discuss work issues and other job opportunities. Potential mentors to consider are an
instructor on campus, your academic advisor, a professional currently working in your prospective field,
someone you admire in your community, or anyone in your network of friends or family that you feel
comfortable discussing your future goals with.
50. Enroll in a Career Exploration/Planning course, or something similar—Even if you do not see the
52
Learn What You Don’t Want 53
effects of this course immediately (such as dramatically changing your major), you will notice the impact down
the road. Making educated career choices and learning job readiness skills will always pay off in the end.
Through my career exploration class, I learned how to relate my personality and values to potential career fields.
61
These self-assessments changed my entire thought process, and I see that influence daily. Beyond changing the
way you think, the knowledge you gain about effective job search strategies is invaluable. Learning how to write
purposeful résumés and cover letters, finding the right approach to the interview process, and recognizing your
strengths and weaknesses are just a few of the benefits you can gain from these type of courses.
51. Complete a Job Shadow and/or Informational Interview—No amount of online research is going to give you the
same experience as seeing a job at the front line. In a job shadow or an informational interview, you’re able to
explore options with no commitment and see how your in-class experience can carry over to a real world setting.
Additionally, you’re expanding your professional network by having that personal involvement. You never know
how the connections you make might benefit you in the future. My only regret about job shadowing in college is
that I didn’t do it sooner.
52. Do an Internship—A main source of frustration for recent grads is the inability to secure an entrylevel position
without experience. “How do I get a job to gain experience when I can’t get a job without experience?” This is
how: do an internship or two! Most colleges even have a course where you can obtain credit for doing it! Not
only will you earn credits towards graduation, but you’ll gain the necessary experience to put on your résumé
and discuss in future interviews. Having completed four internships throughout my college career, I can’t say
they were all great. However, I don’t regret a single one. The first one showed me the type of field I didn’t want
t work in. The second confirmed that I was heading in the right direction with my career. My third and fourth
internships introduced me to completely different areas of higher education which broadened my knowledge and
narrowed my search simultaneously.
My takeaway is that sometimes you have to learn what you don’t want in order to fin out what you do
want. The more informed you are about career options through real life conversations and experiences, the
better prepared you will be for your future and the more confiden you will be in your career decisions.
Always explore your options because even if you learn you hate it, at least you’re one step close to finding
what you love.
Conclusion
In the text, the authors told true-to-life stories about their own academic, personal, and lifecareer successes.
When reading FAS: WoW, you explored the following guiding questions:
• How do you demonstrate college readiness through the use of effective study skills and campus
resources?
• How do you apply basic technological and information management skills for academic and
lifelong career development?
• How do you demonstrate the use of critical and creative thinking skills to solve problems and
draw conclusions?
• How do you demonstrate basic awareness of self in connection with academic and personal
goals?
• How do you identify and demonstrate knowledge of the implications of choices related to
wellness?
• How do you demonstrate basic knowledge of cultural diversity?
Now that you’ve read FAS: WoW, it’s time to pay it forward by composing your own Words of
Wisdom story to share with college students of the future. Reflect on the lessons learned during your own
college experience this term and use the guiding questions to develop a true-to-life story that can help other
college students connect the dots between being a college student and being a successful college student.
Submit your story to be considered in the next edition of Foundations of Academic Success: Words of
Wisdom by emailing your name, institution, and a draft of your short story to [email protected].
62
Submissions will be reviewed as they are received, and you will be contacted directly if your submission is
reviewed and selected for publication.
The options for textbooks focusing on college student success in college are overwhelming; many
textbooks exist at varying levels of rigor and cost (some well over $100). The FAS: WoW series of
textbooks provides college students open access textbooks that are student-centered and readable (dare I
even say enjoyable). FAS: WoW supports the open access textbook philosophy to help students reduce the
cost of attending colleges and universities.
For a long time, my plan had always been to be a kindergarten teacher. But when I began my
undergraduate degree I fell into that ever-growing pool of college students who changed their major three
times before graduation. I was swayed by family members, my peers, and the economy, but I eventually
realized that I was investing my education in the wrong areas for the wrong reasons. It shouldn’t just be
about salaries and job security. I needed to fin that personal attachment.
At eighteen, it’s hard to see your entire life spread out before you. College may feel like a freefor-all at
times, but the reality is that it’s one of the most defining times of our lives. It should never be squandered. I
started to imagine my life beyond college—what I found important and the type of lifestyle I wanted in the
end. I started thinking about the classes that I was actually interested in—the ones that I looked forward to
each week and arrived early to just so I could get a seat up front.
A turning point for me was when I took the advice of a campus mentor and enrolled in a career exploration
course. I learned more about myself in that class than I had in my entire three years at college prior to
taking it. It showed me that my passion was something I had always thought about but never thought about
as a career. In high school, I could sit in the Guidance Offi for hours on end. I enjoyed listening to others—
hearing and helping people work through their struggles.
I had seen firsthand how detrimental the absence of career classes can be to someone’s future. Through this
realization and my participation in my career exploration class, I saw a viable future in the Higher
Education Administration field. As I dove deeper, I was opened to an incredible amount of unique and
diverse opportunities to work with students. My main approach was to get a taste anything to do with
student services: I shadowed a career counselor in a career services office attended graduate school fairs
and informational sessions, discussed the Higher Education Administration Program with several staff at
63
my college, and most importantly, I talked with my internship coordinator (my mentor). From there, I
completed an internship in my prospective field, which gave me a wealth of insight and skills that directly
related to my future career goals.
From where I sit now—my former personal and professional struggles in tow—I offer up some pieces of
advice that were crucial to getting me where I am today. Whether you’re an undecided major who is
looking for guidance or a student with a clearly defined career path, I suggest the following:
51. Find a mentor—For me, everything began there. Without my mentor, I wouldn’t have done any of the other
items I’m about to suggest. Finding the right mentor is crucial. Look for someone who can complement your
personality (typically someone who’s the opposite of you). My advice would be to look beyond your direct
supervisor for mentorship. It’s important to create an open forum with your mentor, because there may be a
conflict of interest as you discuss work issues and other job opportunities. Potential mentors to consider are an
instructor on campus, your academic advisor, a professional currently working in your prospective field,
someone you admire in your community, or anyone in your network of friends or family that you feel
comfortable discussing your future goals with.
52. Enroll in a Career Exploration/Planning course, or something similar—Even if you do not see the
52
Learn What You Don’t Want 53
effects of this course immediately (such as dramatically changing your major), you will notice the impact down
the road. Making educated career choices and learning job readiness skills will always pay off in the end.
Through my career exploration class, I learned how to relate my personality and values to potential career fields.
These self-assessments changed my entire thought process, and I see that influence daily. Beyond changing the
way you think, the knowledge you gain about effective job search strategies is invaluable. Learning how to write
purposeful résumés and cover letters, finding the right approach to the interview process, and recognizing your
strengths and weaknesses are just a few of the benefits you can gain from these type of courses.
53. Complete a Job Shadow and/or Informational Interview—No amount of online research is going to give you the
same experience as seeing a job at the front line. In a job shadow or an informational interview, you’re able to
explore options with no commitment and see how your in-class experience can carry over to a real world setting.
Additionally, you’re expanding your professional network by having that personal involvement. You never know
how the connections you make might benefit you in the future. My only regret about job shadowing in college is
that I didn’t do it sooner.
54. Do an Internship—A main source of frustration for recent grads is the inability to secure an entrylevel position
without experience. “How do I get a job to gain experience when I can’t get a job without experience?” This is
how: do an internship or two! Most colleges even have a course where you can obtain credit for doing it! Not
only will you earn credits towards graduation, but you’ll gain the necessary experience to put on your résumé
and discuss in future interviews. Having completed four internships throughout my college career, I can’t say
they were all great. However, I don’t regret a single one. The first one showed me the type of field I didn’t want
t work in. The second confirmed that I was heading in the right direction with my career. My third and fourth
internships introduced me to completely different areas of higher education which broadened my knowledge and
narrowed my search simultaneously.
My takeaway is that sometimes you have to learn what you don’t want in order to fin out what you do
want. The more informed you are about career options through real life conversations and experiences, the
better prepared you will be for your future and the more confiden you will be in your career decisions.
64
Always explore your options because even if you learn you hate it, at least you’re one step close to finding
what you love.
Conclusion
In the text, the authors told true-to-life stories about their own academic, personal, and lifecareer successes.
When reading FAS: WoW, you explored the following guiding questions:
• How do you demonstrate college readiness through the use of effective study skills and campus
resources?
• How do you apply basic technological and information management skills for academic and
lifelong career development?
• How do you demonstrate the use of critical and creative thinking skills to solve problems and
draw conclusions?
• How do you demonstrate basic awareness of self in connection with academic and personal
goals?
• How do you identify and demonstrate knowledge of the implications of choices related to
wellness?
• How do you demonstrate basic knowledge of cultural diversity?
Now that you’ve read FAS: WoW, it’s time to pay it forward by composing your own Words of
Wisdom story to share with college students of the future. Reflect on the lessons learned during your own
college experience this term and use the guiding questions to develop a true-to-life story that can help other
college students connect the dots between being a college student and being a successful college student.
Submit your story to be considered in the next edition of Foundations of Academic Success: Words of
Wisdom by emailing your name, institution, and a draft of your short story to [email protected].
Submissions will be reviewed as they are received, and you will be contacted directly if your submission is
reviewed and selected for publication.
The options for textbooks focusing on college student success in college are overwhelming; many
textbooks exist at varying levels of rigor and cost (some well over $100). The FAS: WoW series of
textbooks provides college students open access textbooks that are student-centered and readable (dare I
even say enjoyable). FAS: WoW supports the open access textbook philosophy to help students reduce the
cost of attending colleges and universities.
65
For a long time, my plan had always been to be a kindergarten teacher. But when I began my
undergraduate degree I fell into that ever-growing pool of college students who changed their major three
times before graduation. I was swayed by family members, my peers, and the economy, but I eventually
realized that I was investing my education in the wrong areas for the wrong reasons. It shouldn’t just be
about salaries and job security. I needed to fin that personal attachment.
At eighteen, it’s hard to see your entire life spread out before you. College may feel like a freefor-all at
times, but the reality is that it’s one of the most defining times of our lives. It should never be squandered. I
started to imagine my life beyond college—what I found important and the type of lifestyle I wanted in the
end. I started thinking about the classes that I was actually interested in—the ones that I looked forward to
each week and arrived early to just so I could get a seat up front.
A turning point for me was when I took the advice of a campus mentor and enrolled in a career exploration
course. I learned more about myself in that class than I had in my entire three years at college prior to
taking it. It showed me that my passion was something I had always thought about but never thought about
as a career. In high school, I could sit in the Guidance Offi for hours on end. I enjoyed listening to others—
hearing and helping people work through their struggles.
I had seen firsthand how detrimental the absence of career classes can be to someone’s future. Through this
realization and my participation in my career exploration class, I saw a viable future in the Higher
Education Administration field. As I dove deeper, I was opened to an incredible amount of unique and
diverse opportunities to work with students. My main approach was to get a taste anything to do with
student services: I shadowed a career counselor in a career services office attended graduate school fairs
and informational sessions, discussed the Higher Education Administration Program with several staff at
my college, and most importantly, I talked with my internship coordinator (my mentor). From there, I
completed an internship in my prospective field, which gave me a wealth of insight and skills that directly
related to my future career goals.
From where I sit now—my former personal and professional struggles in tow—I offer up some pieces of
advice that were crucial to getting me where I am today. Whether you’re an undecided major who is
looking for guidance or a student with a clearly defined career path, I suggest the following:
53. Find a mentor—For me, everything began there. Without my mentor, I wouldn’t have done any of the other
items I’m about to suggest. Finding the right mentor is crucial. Look for someone who can complement your
personality (typically someone who’s the opposite of you). My advice would be to look beyond your direct
supervisor for mentorship. It’s important to create an open forum with your mentor, because there may be a
conflict of interest as you discuss work issues and other job opportunities. Potential mentors to consider are an
instructor on campus, your academic advisor, a professional currently working in your prospective field,
someone you admire in your community, or anyone in your network of friends or family that you feel
comfortable discussing your future goals with.
54. Enroll in a Career Exploration/Planning course, or something similar—Even if you do not see the
52
Learn What You Don’t Want 53
effects of this course immediately (such as dramatically changing your major), you will notice the impact down
the road. Making educated career choices and learning job readiness skills will always pay off in the end.
Through my career exploration class, I learned how to relate my personality and values to potential career fields.
66
These self-assessments changed my entire thought process, and I see that influence daily. Beyond changing the
way you think, the knowledge you gain about effective job search strategies is invaluable. Learning how to write
purposeful résumés and cover letters, finding the right approach to the interview process, and recognizing your
strengths and weaknesses are just a few of the benefits you can gain from these type of courses.
55. Complete a Job Shadow and/or Informational Interview—No amount of online research is going to give you the
same experience as seeing a job at the front line. In a job shadow or an informational interview, you’re able to
explore options with no commitment and see how your in-class experience can carry over to a real world setting.
Additionally, you’re expanding your professional network by having that personal involvement. You never know
how the connections you make might benefit you in the future. My only regret about job shadowing in college is
that I didn’t do it sooner.
56. Do an Internship—A main source of frustration for recent grads is the inability to secure an entrylevel position
without experience. “How do I get a job to gain experience when I can’t get a job without experience?” This is
how: do an internship or two! Most colleges even have a course where you can obtain credit for doing it! Not
only will you earn credits towards graduation, but you’ll gain the necessary experience to put on your résumé
and discuss in future interviews. Having completed four internships throughout my college career, I can’t say
they were all great. However, I don’t regret a single one. The first one showed me the type of field I didn’t want
t work in. The second confirmed that I was heading in the right direction with my career. My third and fourth
internships introduced me to completely different areas of higher education which broadened my knowledge and
narrowed my search simultaneously.
My takeaway is that sometimes you have to learn what you don’t want in order to fin out what you do
want. The more informed you are about career options through real life conversations and experiences, the
better prepared you will be for your future and the more confiden you will be in your career decisions.
Always explore your options because even if you learn you hate it, at least you’re one step close to finding
what you love.
Conclusion
In the text, the authors told true-to-life stories about their own academic, personal, and lifecareer successes.
When reading FAS: WoW, you explored the following guiding questions:
• How do you demonstrate college readiness through the use of effective study skills and campus
resources?
• How do you apply basic technological and information management skills for academic and
lifelong career development?
• How do you demonstrate the use of critical and creative thinking skills to solve problems and
draw conclusions?
• How do you demonstrate basic awareness of self in connection with academic and personal
goals?
• How do you identify and demonstrate knowledge of the implications of choices related to
wellness?
• How do you demonstrate basic knowledge of cultural diversity?
Now that you’ve read FAS: WoW, it’s time to pay it forward by composing your own Words of
Wisdom story to share with college students of the future. Reflect on the lessons learned during your own
college experience this term and use the guiding questions to develop a true-to-life story that can help other
college students connect the dots between being a college student and being a successful college student.
Submit your story to be considered in the next edition of Foundations of Academic Success: Words of
Wisdom by emailing your name, institution, and a draft of your short story to [email protected].
67
Submissions will be reviewed as they are received, and you will be contacted directly if your submission is
reviewed and selected for publication.
The options for textbooks focusing on college student success in college are overwhelming; many
textbooks exist at varying levels of rigor and cost (some well over $100). The FAS: WoW series of
textbooks provides college students open access textbooks that are student-centered and readable (dare I
even say enjoyable). FAS: WoW supports the open access textbook philosophy to help students reduce the
cost of attending colleges and universities.
For a long time, my plan had always been to be a kindergarten teacher. But when I began my
undergraduate degree I fell into that ever-growing pool of college students who changed their major three
times before graduation. I was swayed by family members, my peers, and the economy, but I eventually
realized that I was investing my education in the wrong areas for the wrong reasons. It shouldn’t just be
about salaries and job security. I needed to fin that personal attachment.
At eighteen, it’s hard to see your entire life spread out before you. College may feel like a freefor-all at
times, but the reality is that it’s one of the most defining times of our lives. It should never be squandered. I
started to imagine my life beyond college—what I found important and the type of lifestyle I wanted in the
end. I started thinking about the classes that I was actually interested in—the ones that I looked forward to
each week and arrived early to just so I could get a seat up front.
A turning point for me was when I took the advice of a campus mentor and enrolled in a career exploration
course. I learned more about myself in that class than I had in my entire three years at college prior to
taking it. It showed me that my passion was something I had always thought about but never thought about
as a career. In high school, I could sit in the Guidance Offi for hours on end. I enjoyed listening to others—
hearing and helping people work through their struggles.
I had seen firsthand how detrimental the absence of career classes can be to someone’s future. Through this
realization and my participation in my career exploration class, I saw a viable future in the Higher
Education Administration field. As I dove deeper, I was opened to an incredible amount of unique and
diverse opportunities to work with students. My main approach was to get a taste anything to do with
student services: I shadowed a career counselor in a career services office attended graduate school fairs
and informational sessions, discussed the Higher Education Administration Program with several staff at
68
my college, and most importantly, I talked with my internship coordinator (my mentor). From there, I
completed an internship in my prospective field, which gave me a wealth of insight and skills that directly
related to my future career goals.
From where I sit now—my former personal and professional struggles in tow—I offer up some pieces of
advice that were crucial to getting me where I am today. Whether you’re an undecided major who is
looking for guidance or a student with a clearly defined career path, I suggest the following:
55. Find a mentor—For me, everything began there. Without my mentor, I wouldn’t have done any of the other
items I’m about to suggest. Finding the right mentor is crucial. Look for someone who can complement your
personality (typically someone who’s the opposite of you). My advice would be to look beyond your direct
supervisor for mentorship. It’s important to create an open forum with your mentor, because there may be a
conflict of interest as you discuss work issues and other job opportunities. Potential mentors to consider are an
instructor on campus, your academic advisor, a professional currently working in your prospective field,
someone you admire in your community, or anyone in your network of friends or family that you feel
comfortable discussing your future goals with.
56. Enroll in a Career Exploration/Planning course, or something similar—Even if you do not see the
52
Learn What You Don’t Want 53
effects of this course immediately (such as dramatically changing your major), you will notice the impact down
the road. Making educated career choices and learning job readiness skills will always pay off in the end.
Through my career exploration class, I learned how to relate my personality and values to potential career fields.
These self-assessments changed my entire thought process, and I see that influence daily. Beyond changing the
way you think, the knowledge you gain about effective job search strategies is invaluable. Learning how to write
purposeful résumés and cover letters, finding the right approach to the interview process, and recognizing your
strengths and weaknesses are just a few of the benefits you can gain from these type of courses.
57. Complete a Job Shadow and/or Informational Interview—No amount of online research is going to give you the
same experience as seeing a job at the front line. In a job shadow or an informational interview, you’re able to
explore options with no commitment and see how your in-class experience can carry over to a real world setting.
Additionally, you’re expanding your professional network by having that personal involvement. You never know
how the connections you make might benefit you in the future. My only regret about job shadowing in college is
that I didn’t do it sooner.
58. Do an Internship—A main source of frustration for recent grads is the inability to secure an entrylevel position
without experience. “How do I get a job to gain experience when I can’t get a job without experience?” This is
how: do an internship or two! Most colleges even have a course where you can obtain credit for doing it! Not
only will you earn credits towards graduation, but you’ll gain the necessary experience to put on your résumé
and discuss in future interviews. Having completed four internships throughout my college career, I can’t say
they were all great. However, I don’t regret a single one. The first one showed me the type of field I didn’t want
t work in. The second confirmed that I was heading in the right direction with my career. My third and fourth
internships introduced me to completely different areas of higher education which broadened my knowledge and
narrowed my search simultaneously.
My takeaway is that sometimes you have to learn what you don’t want in order to fin out what you do
want. The more informed you are about career options through real life conversations and experiences, the
better prepared you will be for your future and the more confiden you will be in your career decisions.
69
Always explore your options because even if you learn you hate it, at least you’re one step close to finding
what you love.
Conclusion
In the text, the authors told true-to-life stories about their own academic, personal, and lifecareer successes.
When reading FAS: WoW, you explored the following guiding questions:
• How do you demonstrate college readiness through the use of effective study skills and campus
resources?
• How do you apply basic technological and information management skills for academic and
lifelong career development?
• How do you demonstrate the use of critical and creative thinking skills to solve problems and
draw conclusions?
• How do you demonstrate basic awareness of self in connection with academic and personal
goals?
• How do you identify and demonstrate knowledge of the implications of choices related to
wellness?
• How do you demonstrate basic knowledge of cultural diversity?
Now that you’ve read FAS: WoW, it’s time to pay it forward by composing your own Words of
Wisdom story to share with college students of the future. Reflect on the lessons learned during your own
college experience this term and use the guiding questions to develop a true-to-life story that can help other
college students connect the dots between being a college student and being a successful college student.
Submit your story to be considered in the next edition of Foundations of Academic Success: Words of
Wisdom by emailing your name, institution, and a draft of your short story to [email protected].
Submissions will be reviewed as they are received, and you will be contacted directly if your submission is
reviewed and selected for publication.
The options for textbooks focusing on college student success in college are overwhelming; many
textbooks exist at varying levels of rigor and cost (some well over $100). The FAS: WoW series of
textbooks provides college students open access textbooks that are student-centered and readable (dare I
even say enjoyable). FAS: WoW supports the open access textbook philosophy to help students reduce the
cost of attending colleges and universities.
70
For a long time, my plan had always been to be a kindergarten teacher. But when I began my
undergraduate degree I fell into that ever-growing pool of college students who changed their major three
times before graduation. I was swayed by family members, my peers, and the economy, but I eventually
realized that I was investing my education in the wrong areas for the wrong reasons. It shouldn’t just be
about salaries and job security. I needed to fin that personal attachment.
At eighteen, it’s hard to see your entire life spread out before you. College may feel like a freefor-all at
times, but the reality is that it’s one of the most defining times of our lives. It should never be squandered. I
started to imagine my life beyond college—what I found important and the type of lifestyle I wanted in the
end. I started thinking about the classes that I was actually interested in—the ones that I looked forward to
each week and arrived early to just so I could get a seat up front.
A turning point for me was when I took the advice of a campus mentor and enrolled in a career exploration
course. I learned more about myself in that class than I had in my entire three years at college prior to
taking it. It showed me that my passion was something I had always thought about but never thought about
as a career. In high school, I could sit in the Guidance Offi for hours on end. I enjoyed listening to others—
hearing and helping people work through their struggles.
I had seen firsthand how detrimental the absence of career classes can be to someone’s future. Through this
realization and my participation in my career exploration class, I saw a viable future in the Higher
Education Administration field. As I dove deeper, I was opened to an incredible amount of unique and
diverse opportunities to work with students. My main approach was to get a taste anything to do with
student services: I shadowed a career counselor in a career services office attended graduate school fairs
and informational sessions, discussed the Higher Education Administration Program with several staff at
my college, and most importantly, I talked with my internship coordinator (my mentor). From there, I
completed an internship in my prospective field, which gave me a wealth of insight and skills that directly
related to my future career goals.
From where I sit now—my former personal and professional struggles in tow—I offer up some pieces of
advice that were crucial to getting me where I am today. Whether you’re an undecided major who is
looking for guidance or a student with a clearly defined career path, I suggest the following:
57. Find a mentor—For me, everything began there. Without my mentor, I wouldn’t have done any of the other
items I’m about to suggest. Finding the right mentor is crucial. Look for someone who can complement your
personality (typically someone who’s the opposite of you). My advice would be to look beyond your direct
supervisor for mentorship. It’s important to create an open forum with your mentor, because there may be a
conflict of interest as you discuss work issues and other job opportunities. Potential mentors to consider are an
instructor on campus, your academic advisor, a professional currently working in your prospective field,
someone you admire in your community, or anyone in your network of friends or family that you feel
comfortable discussing your future goals with.
58. Enroll in a Career Exploration/Planning course, or something similar—Even if you do not see the
52
Learn What You Don’t Want 53
effects of this course immediately (such as dramatically changing your major), you will notice the impact down
the road. Making educated career choices and learning job readiness skills will always pay off in the end.
Through my career exploration class, I learned how to relate my personality and values to potential career fields.
71
These self-assessments changed my entire thought process, and I see that influence daily. Beyond changing the
way you think, the knowledge you gain about effective job search strategies is invaluable. Learning how to write
purposeful résumés and cover letters, finding the right approach to the interview process, and recognizing your
strengths and weaknesses are just a few of the benefits you can gain from these type of courses.
59. Complete a Job Shadow and/or Informational Interview—No amount of online research is going to give you the
same experience as seeing a job at the front line. In a job shadow or an informational interview, you’re able to
explore options with no commitment and see how your in-class experience can carry over to a real world setting.
Additionally, you’re expanding your professional network by having that personal involvement. You never know
how the connections you make might benefit you in the future. My only regret about job shadowing in college is
that I didn’t do it sooner.
60. Do an Internship—A main source of frustration for recent grads is the inability to secure an entrylevel position
without experience. “How do I get a job to gain experience when I can’t get a job without experience?” This is
how: do an internship or two! Most colleges even have a course where you can obtain credit for doing it! Not
only will you earn credits towards graduation, but you’ll gain the necessary experience to put on your résumé
and discuss in future interviews. Having completed four internships throughout my college career, I can’t say
they were all great. However, I don’t regret a single one. The first one showed me the type of field I didn’t want
t work in. The second confirmed that I was heading in the right direction with my career. My third and fourth
internships introduced me to completely different areas of higher education which broadened my knowledge and
narrowed my search simultaneously.
My takeaway is that sometimes you have to learn what you don’t want in order to fin out what you do
want. The more informed you are about career options through real life conversations and experiences, the
better prepared you will be for your future and the more confiden you will be in your career decisions.
Always explore your options because even if you learn you hate it, at least you’re one step close to finding
what you love.
Conclusion
In the text, the authors told true-to-life stories about their own academic, personal, and lifecareer successes.
When reading FAS: WoW, you explored the following guiding questions:
• How do you demonstrate college readiness through the use of effective study skills and campus
resources?
• How do you apply basic technological and information management skills for academic and
lifelong career development?
• How do you demonstrate the use of critical and creative thinking skills to solve problems and
draw conclusions?
• How do you demonstrate basic awareness of self in connection with academic and personal
goals?
• How do you identify and demonstrate knowledge of the implications of choices related to
wellness?
• How do you demonstrate basic knowledge of cultural diversity?
Now that you’ve read FAS: WoW, it’s time to pay it forward by composing your own Words of
Wisdom story to share with college students of the future. Reflect on the lessons learned during your own
college experience this term and use the guiding questions to develop a true-to-life story that can help other
college students connect the dots between being a college student and being a successful college student.
Submit your story to be considered in the next edition of Foundations of Academic Success: Words of
Wisdom by emailing your name, institution, and a draft of your short story to [email protected].
72
Submissions will be reviewed as they are received, and you will be contacted directly if your submission is
reviewed and selected for publication.
The options for textbooks focusing on college student success in college are overwhelming; many
textbooks exist at varying levels of rigor and cost (some well over $100). The FAS: WoW series of
textbooks provides college students open access textbooks that are student-centered and readable (dare I
even say enjoyable). FAS: WoW supports the open access textbook philosophy to help students reduce the
cost of attending colleges and universities.
For a long time, my plan had always been to be a kindergarten teacher. But when I began my
undergraduate degree I fell into that ever-growing pool of college students who changed their major three
times before graduation. I was swayed by family members, my peers, and the economy, but I eventually
realized that I was investing my education in the wrong areas for the wrong reasons. It shouldn’t just be
about salaries and job security. I needed to fin that personal attachment.
At eighteen, it’s hard to see your entire life spread out before you. College may feel like a freefor-all at
times, but the reality is that it’s one of the most defining times of our lives. It should never be squandered. I
started to imagine my life beyond college—what I found important and the type of lifestyle I wanted in the
end. I started thinking about the classes that I was actually interested in—the ones that I looked forward to
each week and arrived early to just so I could get a seat up front.
A turning point for me was when I took the advice of a campus mentor and enrolled in a career exploration
course. I learned more about myself in that class than I had in my entire three years at college prior to
taking it. It showed me that my passion was something I had always thought about but never thought about
as a career. In high school, I could sit in the Guidance Offi for hours on end. I enjoyed listening to others—
hearing and helping people work through their struggles.
I had seen firsthand how detrimental the absence of career classes can be to someone’s future. Through this
realization and my participation in my career exploration class, I saw a viable future in the Higher
Education Administration field. As I dove deeper, I was opened to an incredible amount of unique and
diverse opportunities to work with students. My main approach was to get a taste anything to do with
student services: I shadowed a career counselor in a career services office attended graduate school fairs
and informational sessions, discussed the Higher Education Administration Program with several staff at
73
my college, and most importantly, I talked with my internship coordinator (my mentor). From there, I
completed an internship in my prospective field, which gave me a wealth of insight and skills that directly
related to my future career goals.
From where I sit now—my former personal and professional struggles in tow—I offer up some pieces of
advice that were crucial to getting me where I am today. Whether you’re an undecided major who is
looking for guidance or a student with a clearly defined career path, I suggest the following:
59. Find a mentor—For me, everything began there. Without my mentor, I wouldn’t have done any of the other
items I’m about to suggest. Finding the right mentor is crucial. Look for someone who can complement your
personality (typically someone who’s the opposite of you). My advice would be to look beyond your direct
supervisor for mentorship. It’s important to create an open forum with your mentor, because there may be a
conflict of interest as you discuss work issues and other job opportunities. Potential mentors to consider are an
instructor on campus, your academic advisor, a professional currently working in your prospective field,
someone you admire in your community, or anyone in your network of friends or family that you feel
comfortable discussing your future goals with.
60. Enroll in a Career Exploration/Planning course, or something similar—Even if you do not see the
52
Learn What You Don’t Want 53
effects of this course immediately (such as dramatically changing your major), you will notice the impact down
the road. Making educated career choices and learning job readiness skills will always pay off in the end.
Through my career exploration class, I learned how to relate my personality and values to potential career fields.
These self-assessments changed my entire thought process, and I see that influence daily. Beyond changing the
way you think, the knowledge you gain about effective job search strategies is invaluable. Learning how to write
purposeful résumés and cover letters, finding the right approach to the interview process, and recognizing your
strengths and weaknesses are just a few of the benefits you can gain from these type of courses.
61. Complete a Job Shadow and/or Informational Interview—No amount of online research is going to give you the
same experience as seeing a job at the front line. In a job shadow or an informational interview, you’re able to
explore options with no commitment and see how your in-class experience can carry over to a real world setting.
Additionally, you’re expanding your professional network by having that personal involvement. You never know
how the connections you make might benefit you in the future. My only regret about job shadowing in college is
that I didn’t do it sooner.
62. Do an Internship—A main source of frustration for recent grads is the inability to secure an entrylevel position
without experience. “How do I get a job to gain experience when I can’t get a job without experience?” This is
how: do an internship or two! Most colleges even have a course where you can obtain credit for doing it! Not
only will you earn credits towards graduation, but you’ll gain the necessary experience to put on your résumé
and discuss in future interviews. Having completed four internships throughout my college career, I can’t say
they were all great. However, I don’t regret a single one. The first one showed me the type of field I didn’t want
t work in. The second confirmed that I was heading in the right direction with my career. My third and fourth
internships introduced me to completely different areas of higher education which broadened my knowledge and
narrowed my search simultaneously.
My takeaway is that sometimes you have to learn what you don’t want in order to fin out what you do
want. The more informed you are about career options through real life conversations and experiences, the
better prepared you will be for your future and the more confiden you will be in your career decisions.
74
Always explore your options because even if you learn you hate it, at least you’re one step close to finding
what you love.
Conclusion
In the text, the authors told true-to-life stories about their own academic, personal, and lifecareer successes.
When reading FAS: WoW, you explored the following guiding questions:
• How do you demonstrate college readiness through the use of effective study skills and campus
resources?
• How do you apply basic technological and information management skills for academic and
lifelong career development?
• How do you demonstrate the use of critical and creative thinking skills to solve problems and
draw conclusions?
• How do you demonstrate basic awareness of self in connection with academic and personal
goals?
• How do you identify and demonstrate knowledge of the implications of choices related to
wellness?
• How do you demonstrate basic knowledge of cultural diversity?
Now that you’ve read FAS: WoW, it’s time to pay it forward by composing your own Words of
Wisdom story to share with college students of the future. Reflect on the lessons learned during your own
college experience this term and use the guiding questions to develop a true-to-life story that can help other
college students connect the dots between being a college student and being a successful college student.
Submit your story to be considered in the next edition of Foundations of Academic Success: Words of
Wisdom by emailing your name, institution, and a draft of your short story to [email protected].
Submissions will be reviewed as they are received, and you will be contacted directly if your submission is
reviewed and selected for publication.
The options for textbooks focusing on college student success in college are overwhelming; many
textbooks exist at varying levels of rigor and cost (some well over $100). The FAS: WoW series of
textbooks provides college students open access textbooks that are student-centered and readable (dare I
even say enjoyable). FAS: WoW supports the open access textbook philosophy to help students reduce the
cost of attending colleges and universities.
75
For a long time, my plan had always been to be a kindergarten teacher. But when I began my
undergraduate degree I fell into that ever-growing pool of college students who changed their major three
times before graduation. I was swayed by family members, my peers, and the economy, but I eventually
realized that I was investing my education in the wrong areas for the wrong reasons. It shouldn’t just be
about salaries and job security. I needed to fin that personal attachment.
At eighteen, it’s hard to see your entire life spread out before you. College may feel like a freefor-all at
times, but the reality is that it’s one of the most defining times of our lives. It should never be squandered. I
started to imagine my life beyond college—what I found important and the type of lifestyle I wanted in the
end. I started thinking about the classes that I was actually interested in—the ones that I looked forward to
each week and arrived early to just so I could get a seat up front.
A turning point for me was when I took the advice of a campus mentor and enrolled in a career exploration
course. I learned more about myself in that class than I had in my entire three years at college prior to
taking it. It showed me that my passion was something I had always thought about but never thought about
as a career. In high school, I could sit in the Guidance Offi for hours on end. I enjoyed listening to others—
hearing and helping people work through their struggles.
I had seen firsthand how detrimental the absence of career classes can be to someone’s future. Through this
realization and my participation in my career exploration class, I saw a viable future in the Higher
Education Administration field. As I dove deeper, I was opened to an incredible amount of unique and
diverse opportunities to work with students. My main approach was to get a taste anything to do with
student services: I shadowed a career counselor in a career services office attended graduate school fairs
and informational sessions, discussed the Higher Education Administration Program with several staff at
my college, and most importantly, I talked with my internship coordinator (my mentor). From there, I
completed an internship in my prospective field, which gave me a wealth of insight and skills that directly
related to my future career goals.
From where I sit now—my former personal and professional struggles in tow—I offer up some pieces of
advice that were crucial to getting me where I am today. Whether you’re an undecided major who is
looking for guidance or a student with a clearly defined career path, I suggest the following:
61. Find a mentor—For me, everything began there. Without my mentor, I wouldn’t have done any of the other
items I’m about to suggest. Finding the right mentor is crucial. Look for someone who can complement your
personality (typically someone who’s the opposite of you). My advice would be to look beyond your direct
supervisor for mentorship. It’s important to create an open forum with your mentor, because there may be a
conflict of interest as you discuss work issues and other job opportunities. Potential mentors to consider are an
instructor on campus, your academic advisor, a professional currently working in your prospective field,
someone you admire in your community, or anyone in your network of friends or family that you feel
comfortable discussing your future goals with.
62. Enroll in a Career Exploration/Planning course, or something similar—Even if you do not see the
52
Learn What You Don’t Want 53
effects of this course immediately (such as dramatically changing your major), you will notice the impact down
the road. Making educated career choices and learning job readiness skills will always pay off in the end.
Through my career exploration class, I learned how to relate my personality and values to potential career fields.
76
These self-assessments changed my entire thought process, and I see that influence daily. Beyond changing the
way you think, the knowledge you gain about effective job search strategies is invaluable. Learning how to write
purposeful résumés and cover letters, finding the right approach to the interview process, and recognizing your
strengths and weaknesses are just a few of the benefits you can gain from these type of courses.
63. Complete a Job Shadow and/or Informational Interview—No amount of online research is going to give you the
same experience as seeing a job at the front line. In a job shadow or an informational interview, you’re able to
explore options with no commitment and see how your in-class experience can carry over to a real world setting.
Additionally, you’re expanding your professional network by having that personal involvement. You never know
how the connections you make might benefit you in the future. My only regret about job shadowing in college is
that I didn’t do it sooner.
64. Do an Internship—A main source of frustration for recent grads is the inability to secure an entrylevel position
without experience. “How do I get a job to gain experience when I can’t get a job without experience?” This is
how: do an internship or two! Most colleges even have a course where you can obtain credit for doing it! Not
only will you earn credits towards graduation, but you’ll gain the necessary experience to put on your résumé
and discuss in future interviews. Having completed four internships throughout my college career, I can’t say
they were all great. However, I don’t regret a single one. The first one showed me the type of field I didn’t want
t work in. The second confirmed that I was heading in the right direction with my career. My third and fourth
internships introduced me to completely different areas of higher education which broadened my knowledge and
narrowed my search simultaneously.
My takeaway is that sometimes you have to learn what you don’t want in order to fin out what you do
want. The more informed you are about career options through real life conversations and experiences, the
better prepared you will be for your future and the more confiden you will be in your career decisions.
Always explore your options because even if you learn you hate it, at least you’re one step close to finding
what you love.
Conclusion
In the text, the authors told true-to-life stories about their own academic, personal, and lifecareer successes.
When reading FAS: WoW, you explored the following guiding questions:
• How do you demonstrate college readiness through the use of effective study skills and campus
resources?
• How do you apply basic technological and information management skills for academic and
lifelong career development?
• How do you demonstrate the use of critical and creative thinking skills to solve problems and
draw conclusions?
• How do you demonstrate basic awareness of self in connection with academic and personal
goals?
• How do you identify and demonstrate knowledge of the implications of choices related to
wellness?
• How do you demonstrate basic knowledge of cultural diversity?
Now that you’ve read FAS: WoW, it’s time to pay it forward by composing your own Words of
Wisdom story to share with college students of the future. Reflect on the lessons learned during your own
college experience this term and use the guiding questions to develop a true-to-life story that can help other
college students connect the dots between being a college student and being a successful college student.
Submit your story to be considered in the next edition of Foundations of Academic Success: Words of
Wisdom by emailing your name, institution, and a draft of your short story to [email protected].
77
Submissions will be reviewed as they are received, and you will be contacted directly if your submission is
reviewed and selected for publication.
The options for textbooks focusing on college student success in college are overwhelming; many
textbooks exist at varying levels of rigor and cost (some well over $100). The FAS: WoW series of
textbooks provides college students open access textbooks that are student-centered and readable (dare I
even say enjoyable). FAS: WoW supports the open access textbook philosophy to help students reduce the
cost of attending colleges and universities.
For a long time, my plan had always been to be a kindergarten teacher. But when I began my
undergraduate degree I fell into that ever-growing pool of college students who changed their major three
times before graduation. I was swayed by family members, my peers, and the economy, but I eventually
realized that I was investing my education in the wrong areas for the wrong reasons. It shouldn’t just be
about salaries and job security. I needed to fin that personal attachment.
At eighteen, it’s hard to see your entire life spread out before you. College may feel like a freefor-all at
times, but the reality is that it’s one of the most defining times of our lives. It should never be squandered. I
started to imagine my life beyond college—what I found important and the type of lifestyle I wanted in the
end. I started thinking about the classes that I was actually interested in—the ones that I looked forward to
each week and arrived early to just so I could get a seat up front.
A turning point for me was when I took the advice of a campus mentor and enrolled in a career exploration
course. I learned more about myself in that class than I had in my entire three years at college prior to
taking it. It showed me that my passion was something I had always thought about but never thought about
as a career. In high school, I could sit in the Guidance Offi for hours on end. I enjoyed listening to others—
hearing and helping people work through their struggles.
I had seen firsthand how detrimental the absence of career classes can be to someone’s future. Through this
realization and my participation in my career exploration class, I saw a viable future in the Higher
Education Administration field. As I dove deeper, I was opened to an incredible amount of unique and
diverse opportunities to work with students. My main approach was to get a taste anything to do with
student services: I shadowed a career counselor in a career services office attended graduate school fairs
and informational sessions, discussed the Higher Education Administration Program with several staff at
78
my college, and most importantly, I talked with my internship coordinator (my mentor). From there, I
completed an internship in my prospective field, which gave me a wealth of insight and skills that directly
related to my future career goals.
From where I sit now—my former personal and professional struggles in tow—I offer up some pieces of
advice that were crucial to getting me where I am today. Whether you’re an undecided major who is
looking for guidance or a student with a clearly defined career path, I suggest the following:
63. Find a mentor—For me, everything began there. Without my mentor, I wouldn’t have done any of the other
items I’m about to suggest. Finding the right mentor is crucial. Look for someone who can complement your
personality (typically someone who’s the opposite of you). My advice would be to look beyond your direct
supervisor for mentorship. It’s important to create an open forum with your mentor, because there may be a
conflict of interest as you discuss work issues and other job opportunities. Potential mentors to consider are an
instructor on campus, your academic advisor, a professional currently working in your prospective field,
someone you admire in your community, or anyone in your network of friends or family that you feel
comfortable discussing your future goals with.
64. Enroll in a Career Exploration/Planning course, or something similar—Even if you do not see the
52
Learn What You Don’t Want 53
effects of this course immediately (such as dramatically changing your major), you will notice the impact down
the road. Making educated career choices and learning job readiness skills will always pay off in the end.
Through my career exploration class, I learned how to relate my personality and values to potential career fields.
These self-assessments changed my entire thought process, and I see that influence daily. Beyond changing the
way you think, the knowledge you gain about effective job search strategies is invaluable. Learning how to write
purposeful résumés and cover letters, finding the right approach to the interview process, and recognizing your
strengths and weaknesses are just a few of the benefits you can gain from these type of courses.
65. Complete a Job Shadow and/or Informational Interview—No amount of online research is going to give you the
same experience as seeing a job at the front line. In a job shadow or an informational interview, you’re able to
explore options with no commitment and see how your in-class experience can carry over to a real world setting.
Additionally, you’re expanding your professional network by having that personal involvement. You never know
how the connections you make might benefit you in the future. My only regret about job shadowing in college is
that I didn’t do it sooner.
66. Do an Internship—A main source of frustration for recent grads is the inability to secure an entrylevel position
without experience. “How do I get a job to gain experience when I can’t get a job without experience?” This is
how: do an internship or two! Most colleges even have a course where you can obtain credit for doing it! Not
only will you earn credits towards graduation, but you’ll gain the necessary experience to put on your résumé
and discuss in future interviews. Having completed four internships throughout my college career, I can’t say
they were all great. However, I don’t regret a single one. The first one showed me the type of field I didn’t want
t work in. The second confirmed that I was heading in the right direction with my career. My third and fourth
internships introduced me to completely different areas of higher education which broadened my knowledge and
narrowed my search simultaneously.
My takeaway is that sometimes you have to learn what you don’t want in order to fin out what you do
want. The more informed you are about career options through real life conversations and experiences, the
better prepared you will be for your future and the more confiden you will be in your career decisions.
79
Always explore your options because even if you learn you hate it, at least you’re one step close to finding
what you love.
Conclusion
In the text, the authors told true-to-life stories about their own academic, personal, and lifecareer successes.
When reading FAS: WoW, you explored the following guiding questions:
• How do you demonstrate college readiness through the use of effective study skills and campus
resources?
• How do you apply basic technological and information management skills for academic and
lifelong career development?
• How do you demonstrate the use of critical and creative thinking skills to solve problems and
draw conclusions?
• How do you demonstrate basic awareness of self in connection with academic and personal
goals?
• How do you identify and demonstrate knowledge of the implications of choices related to
wellness?
• How do you demonstrate basic knowledge of cultural diversity?
Now that you’ve read FAS: WoW, it’s time to pay it forward by composing your own Words of
Wisdom story to share with college students of the future. Reflect on the lessons learned during your own
college experience this term and use the guiding questions to develop a true-to-life story that can help other
college students connect the dots between being a college student and being a successful college student.
Submit your story to be considered in the next edition of Foundations of Academic Success: Words of
Wisdom by emailing your name, institution, and a draft of your short story to [email protected].
Submissions will be reviewed as they are received, and you will be contacted directly if your submission is
reviewed and selected for publication.
The options for textbooks focusing on college student success in college are overwhelming; many
textbooks exist at varying levels of rigor and cost (some well over $100). The FAS: WoW series of
textbooks provides college students open access textbooks that are student-centered and readable (dare I
even say enjoyable). FAS: WoW supports the open access textbook philosophy to help students reduce the
cost of attending colleges and universities.
80
For a long time, my plan had always been to be a kindergarten teacher. But when I began my
undergraduate degree I fell into that ever-growing pool of college students who changed their major three
times before graduation. I was swayed by family members, my peers, and the economy, but I eventually
realized that I was investing my education in the wrong areas for the wrong reasons. It shouldn’t just be
about salaries and job security. I needed to fin that personal attachment.
At eighteen, it’s hard to see your entire life spread out before you. College may feel like a freefor-all at
times, but the reality is that it’s one of the most defining times of our lives. It should never be squandered. I
started to imagine my life beyond college—what I found important and the type of lifestyle I wanted in the
end. I started thinking about the classes that I was actually interested in—the ones that I looked forward to
each week and arrived early to just so I could get a seat up front.
A turning point for me was when I took the advice of a campus mentor and enrolled in a career exploration
course. I learned more about myself in that class than I had in my entire three years at college prior to
taking it. It showed me that my passion was something I had always thought about but never thought about
as a career. In high school, I could sit in the Guidance Offi for hours on end. I enjoyed listening to others—
hearing and helping people work through their struggles.
I had seen firsthand how detrimental the absence of career classes can be to someone’s future. Through this
realization and my participation in my career exploration class, I saw a viable future in the Higher
Education Administration field. As I dove deeper, I was opened to an incredible amount of unique and
diverse opportunities to work with students. My main approach was to get a taste anything to do with
student services: I shadowed a career counselor in a career services office attended graduate school fairs
and informational sessions, discussed the Higher Education Administration Program with several staff at
my college, and most importantly, I talked with my internship coordinator (my mentor). From there, I
completed an internship in my prospective field, which gave me a wealth of insight and skills that directly
related to my future career goals.
From where I sit now—my former personal and professional struggles in tow—I offer up some pieces of
advice that were crucial to getting me where I am today. Whether you’re an undecided major who is
looking for guidance or a student with a clearly defined career path, I suggest the following:
65. Find a mentor—For me, everything began there. Without my mentor, I wouldn’t have done any of the other
items I’m about to suggest. Finding the right mentor is crucial. Look for someone who can complement your
personality (typically someone who’s the opposite of you). My advice would be to look beyond your direct
supervisor for mentorship. It’s important to create an open forum with your mentor, because there may be a
conflict of interest as you discuss work issues and other job opportunities. Potential mentors to consider are an
instructor on campus, your academic advisor, a professional currently working in your prospective field,
someone you admire in your community, or anyone in your network of friends or family that you feel
comfortable discussing your future goals with.
66. Enroll in a Career Exploration/Planning course, or something similar—Even if you do not see the
52
Learn What You Don’t Want 53
effects of this course immediately (such as dramatically changing your major), you will notice the impact down
the road. Making educated career choices and learning job readiness skills will always pay off in the end.
Through my career exploration class, I learned how to relate my personality and values to potential career fields.
81
These self-assessments changed my entire thought process, and I see that influence daily. Beyond changing the
way you think, the knowledge you gain about effective job search strategies is invaluable. Learning how to write
purposeful résumés and cover letters, finding the right approach to the interview process, and recognizing your
strengths and weaknesses are just a few of the benefits you can gain from these type of courses.
67. Complete a Job Shadow and/or Informational Interview—No amount of online research is going to give you the
same experience as seeing a job at the front line. In a job shadow or an informational interview, you’re able to
explore options with no commitment and see how your in-class experience can carry over to a real world setting.
Additionally, you’re expanding your professional network by having that personal involvement. You never know
how the connections you make might benefit you in the future. My only regret about job shadowing in college is
that I didn’t do it sooner.
68. Do an Internship—A main source of frustration for recent grads is the inability to secure an entrylevel position
without experience. “How do I get a job to gain experience when I can’t get a job without experience?” This is
how: do an internship or two! Most colleges even have a course where you can obtain credit for doing it! Not
only will you earn credits towards graduation, but you’ll gain the necessary experience to put on your résumé
and discuss in future interviews. Having completed four internships throughout my college career, I can’t say
they were all great. However, I don’t regret a single one. The first one showed me the type of field I didn’t want
t work in. The second confirmed that I was heading in the right direction with my career. My third and fourth
internships introduced me to completely different areas of higher education which broadened my knowledge and
narrowed my search simultaneously.
My takeaway is that sometimes you have to learn what you don’t want in order to fin out what you do
want. The more informed you are about career options through real life conversations and experiences, the
better prepared you will be for your future and the more confiden you will be in your career decisions.
Always explore your options because even if you learn you hate it, at least you’re one step close to finding
what you love.
Conclusion
In the text, the authors told true-to-life stories about their own academic, personal, and lifecareer successes.
When reading FAS: WoW, you explored the following guiding questions:
• How do you demonstrate college readiness through the use of effective study skills and campus
resources?
• How do you apply basic technological and information management skills for academic and
lifelong career development?
• How do you demonstrate the use of critical and creative thinking skills to solve problems and
draw conclusions?
• How do you demonstrate basic awareness of self in connection with academic and personal
goals?
• How do you identify and demonstrate knowledge of the implications of choices related to
wellness?
• How do you demonstrate basic knowledge of cultural diversity?
Now that you’ve read FAS: WoW, it’s time to pay it forward by composing your own Words of
Wisdom story to share with college students of the future. Reflect on the lessons learned during your own
college experience this term and use the guiding questions to develop a true-to-life story that can help other
college students connect the dots between being a college student and being a successful college student.
Submit your story to be considered in the next edition of Foundations of Academic Success: Words of
Wisdom by emailing your name, institution, and a draft of your short story to [email protected].
82
Submissions will be reviewed as they are received, and you will be contacted directly if your submission is
reviewed and selected for publication.
The options for textbooks focusing on college student success in college are overwhelming; many
textbooks exist at varying levels of rigor and cost (some well over $100). The FAS: WoW series of
textbooks provides college students open access textbooks that are student-centered and readable (dare I
even say enjoyable). FAS: WoW supports the open access textbook philosophy to help students reduce the
cost of attending colleges and universities.
For a long time, my plan had always been to be a kindergarten teacher. But when I began my
undergraduate degree I fell into that ever-growing pool of college students who changed their major three
times before graduation. I was swayed by family members, my peers, and the economy, but I eventually
realized that I was investing my education in the wrong areas for the wrong reasons. It shouldn’t just be
about salaries and job security. I needed to fin that personal attachment.
At eighteen, it’s hard to see your entire life spread out before you. College may feel like a freefor-all at
times, but the reality is that it’s one of the most defining times of our lives. It should never be squandered. I
started to imagine my life beyond college—what I found important and the type of lifestyle I wanted in the
end. I started thinking about the classes that I was actually interested in—the ones that I looked forward to
each week and arrived early to just so I could get a seat up front.
A turning point for me was when I took the advice of a campus mentor and enrolled in a career exploration
course. I learned more about myself in that class than I had in my entire three years at college prior to
taking it. It showed me that my passion was something I had always thought about but never thought about
as a career. In high school, I could sit in the Guidance Offi for hours on end. I enjoyed listening to others—
hearing and helping people work through their struggles.
I had seen firsthand how detrimental the absence of career classes can be to someone’s future. Through this
realization and my participation in my career exploration class, I saw a viable future in the Higher
Education Administration field. As I dove deeper, I was opened to an incredible amount of unique and
diverse opportunities to work with students. My main approach was to get a taste anything to do with
student services: I shadowed a career counselor in a career services office attended graduate school fairs
and informational sessions, discussed the Higher Education Administration Program with several staff at
83
my college, and most importantly, I talked with my internship coordinator (my mentor). From there, I
completed an internship in my prospective field, which gave me a wealth of insight and skills that directly
related to my future career goals.
From where I sit now—my former personal and professional struggles in tow—I offer up some pieces of
advice that were crucial to getting me where I am today. Whether you’re an undecided major who is
looking for guidance or a student with a clearly defined career path, I suggest the following:
67. Find a mentor—For me, everything began there. Without my mentor, I wouldn’t have done any of the other
items I’m about to suggest. Finding the right mentor is crucial. Look for someone who can complement your
personality (typically someone who’s the opposite of you). My advice would be to look beyond your direct
supervisor for mentorship. It’s important to create an open forum with your mentor, because there may be a
conflict of interest as you discuss work issues and other job opportunities. Potential mentors to consider are an
instructor on campus, your academic advisor, a professional currently working in your prospective field,
someone you admire in your community, or anyone in your network of friends or family that you feel
comfortable discussing your future goals with.
68. Enroll in a Career Exploration/Planning course, or something similar—Even if you do not see the
52
Learn What You Don’t Want 53
effects of this course immediately (such as dramatically changing your major), you will notice the impact down
the road. Making educated career choices and learning job readiness skills will always pay off in the end.
Through my career exploration class, I learned how to relate my personality and values to potential career fields.
These self-assessments changed my entire thought process, and I see that influence daily. Beyond changing the
way you think, the knowledge you gain about effective job search strategies is invaluable. Learning how to write
purposeful résumés and cover letters, finding the right approach to the interview process, and recognizing your
strengths and weaknesses are just a few of the benefits you can gain from these type of courses.
69. Complete a Job Shadow and/or Informational Interview—No amount of online research is going to give you the
same experience as seeing a job at the front line. In a job shadow or an informational interview, you’re able to
explore options with no commitment and see how your in-class experience can carry over to a real world setting.
Additionally, you’re expanding your professional network by having that personal involvement. You never know
how the connections you make might benefit you in the future. My only regret about job shadowing in college is
that I didn’t do it sooner.
70. Do an Internship—A main source of frustration for recent grads is the inability to secure an entrylevel position
without experience. “How do I get a job to gain experience when I can’t get a job without experience?” This is
how: do an internship or two! Most colleges even have a course where you can obtain credit for doing it! Not
only will you earn credits towards graduation, but you’ll gain the necessary experience to put on your résumé
and discuss in future interviews. Having completed four internships throughout my college career, I can’t say
they were all great. However, I don’t regret a single one. The first one showed me the type of field I didn’t want
t work in. The second confirmed that I was heading in the right direction with my career. My third and fourth
internships introduced me to completely different areas of higher education which broadened my knowledge and
narrowed my search simultaneously.
My takeaway is that sometimes you have to learn what you don’t want in order to fin out what you do
want. The more informed you are about career options through real life conversations and experiences, the
better prepared you will be for your future and the more confiden you will be in your career decisions.
84
Always explore your options because even if you learn you hate it, at least you’re one step close to finding
what you love.
Conclusion
In the text, the authors told true-to-life stories about their own academic, personal, and lifecareer successes.
When reading FAS: WoW, you explored the following guiding questions:
• How do you demonstrate college readiness through the use of effective study skills and campus
resources?
• How do you apply basic technological and information management skills for academic and
lifelong career development?
• How do you demonstrate the use of critical and creative thinking skills to solve problems and
draw conclusions?
• How do you demonstrate basic awareness of self in connection with academic and personal
goals?
• How do you identify and demonstrate knowledge of the implications of choices related to
wellness?
• How do you demonstrate basic knowledge of cultural diversity?
Now that you’ve read FAS: WoW, it’s time to pay it forward by composing your own Words of
Wisdom story to share with college students of the future. Reflect on the lessons learned during your own
college experience this term and use the guiding questions to develop a true-to-life story that can help other
college students connect the dots between being a college student and being a successful college student.
Submit your story to be considered in the next edition of Foundations of Academic Success: Words of
Wisdom by emailing your name, institution, and a draft of your short story to [email protected].
Submissions will be reviewed as they are received, and you will be contacted directly if your submission is
reviewed and selected for publication.
The options for textbooks focusing on college student success in college are overwhelming; many
textbooks exist at varying levels of rigor and cost (some well over $100). The FAS: WoW series of
textbooks provides college students open access textbooks that are student-centered and readable (dare I
even say enjoyable). FAS: WoW supports the open access textbook philosophy to help students reduce the
cost of attending colleges and universities.
85
For a long time, my plan had always been to be a kindergarten teacher. But when I began my
undergraduate degree I fell into that ever-growing pool of college students who changed their major three
times before graduation. I was swayed by family members, my peers, and the economy, but I eventually
realized that I was investing my education in the wrong areas for the wrong reasons. It shouldn’t just be
about salaries and job security. I needed to fin that personal attachment.
At eighteen, it’s hard to see your entire life spread out before you. College may feel like a freefor-all at
times, but the reality is that it’s one of the most defining times of our lives. It should never be squandered. I
started to imagine my life beyond college—what I found important and the type of lifestyle I wanted in the
end. I started thinking about the classes that I was actually interested in—the ones that I looked forward to
each week and arrived early to just so I could get a seat up front.
A turning point for me was when I took the advice of a campus mentor and enrolled in a career exploration
course. I learned more about myself in that class than I had in my entire three years at college prior to
taking it. It showed me that my passion was something I had always thought about but never thought about
as a career. In high school, I could sit in the Guidance Offi for hours on end. I enjoyed listening to others—
hearing and helping people work through their struggles.
I had seen firsthand how detrimental the absence of career classes can be to someone’s future. Through this
realization and my participation in my career exploration class, I saw a viable future in the Higher
Education Administration field. As I dove deeper, I was opened to an incredible amount of unique and
diverse opportunities to work with students. My main approach was to get a taste anything to do with
student services: I shadowed a career counselor in a career services office attended graduate school fairs
and informational sessions, discussed the Higher Education Administration Program with several staff at
my college, and most importantly, I talked with my internship coordinator (my mentor). From there, I
completed an internship in my prospective field, which gave me a wealth of insight and skills that directly
related to my future career goals.
From where I sit now—my former personal and professional struggles in tow—I offer up some pieces of
advice that were crucial to getting me where I am today. Whether you’re an undecided major who is
looking for guidance or a student with a clearly defined career path, I suggest the following:
69. Find a mentor—For me, everything began there. Without my mentor, I wouldn’t have done any of the other
items I’m about to suggest. Finding the right mentor is crucial. Look for someone who can complement your
personality (typically someone who’s the opposite of you). My advice would be to look beyond your direct
supervisor for mentorship. It’s important to create an open forum with your mentor, because there may be a
conflict of interest as you discuss work issues and other job opportunities. Potential mentors to consider are an
instructor on campus, your academic advisor, a professional currently working in your prospective field,
someone you admire in your community, or anyone in your network of friends or family that you feel
comfortable discussing your future goals with.
70. Enroll in a Career Exploration/Planning course, or something similar—Even if you do not see the
52
Learn What You Don’t Want 53
effects of this course immediately (such as dramatically changing your major), you will notice the impact down
the road. Making educated career choices and learning job readiness skills will always pay off in the end.
Through my career exploration class, I learned how to relate my personality and values to potential career fields.
86
These self-assessments changed my entire thought process, and I see that influence daily. Beyond changing the
way you think, the knowledge you gain about effective job search strategies is invaluable. Learning how to write
purposeful résumés and cover letters, finding the right approach to the interview process, and recognizing your
strengths and weaknesses are just a few of the benefits you can gain from these type of courses.
71. Complete a Job Shadow and/or Informational Interview—No amount of online research is going to give you the
same experience as seeing a job at the front line. In a job shadow or an informational interview, you’re able to
explore options with no commitment and see how your in-class experience can carry over to a real world setting.
Additionally, you’re expanding your professional network by having that personal involvement. You never know
how the connections you make might benefit you in the future. My only regret about job shadowing in college is
that I didn’t do it sooner.
72. Do an Internship—A main source of frustration for recent grads is the inability to secure an entrylevel position
without experience. “How do I get a job to gain experience when I can’t get a job without experience?” This is
how: do an internship or two! Most colleges even have a course where you can obtain credit for doing it! Not
only will you earn credits towards graduation, but you’ll gain the necessary experience to put on your résumé
and discuss in future interviews. Having completed four internships throughout my college career, I can’t say
they were all great. However, I don’t regret a single one. The first one showed me the type of field I didn’t want
t work in. The second confirmed that I was heading in the right direction with my career. My third and fourth
internships introduced me to completely different areas of higher education which broadened my knowledge and
narrowed my search simultaneously.
My takeaway is that sometimes you have to learn what you don’t want in order to fin out what you do
want. The more informed you are about career options through real life conversations and experiences, the
better prepared you will be for your future and the more confiden you will be in your career decisions.
Always explore your options because even if you learn you hate it, at least you’re one step close to finding
what you love.
Conclusion
In the text, the authors told true-to-life stories about their own academic, personal, and lifecareer successes.
When reading FAS: WoW, you explored the following guiding questions:
• How do you demonstrate college readiness through the use of effective study skills and campus
resources?
• How do you apply basic technological and information management skills for academic and
lifelong career development?
• How do you demonstrate the use of critical and creative thinking skills to solve problems and
draw conclusions?
• How do you demonstrate basic awareness of self in connection with academic and personal
goals?
• How do you identify and demonstrate knowledge of the implications of choices related to
wellness?
• How do you demonstrate basic knowledge of cultural diversity?
Now that you’ve read FAS: WoW, it’s time to pay it forward by composing your own Words of
Wisdom story to share with college students of the future. Reflect on the lessons learned during your own
college experience this term and use the guiding questions to develop a true-to-life story that can help other
college students connect the dots between being a college student and being a successful college student.
Submit your story to be considered in the next edition of Foundations of Academic Success: Words of
Wisdom by emailing your name, institution, and a draft of your short story to [email protected].
87
Submissions will be reviewed as they are received, and you will be contacted directly if your submission is
reviewed and selected for publication.
The options for textbooks focusing on college student success in college are overwhelming; many
textbooks exist at varying levels of rigor and cost (some well over $100). The FAS: WoW series of
textbooks provides college students open access textbooks that are student-centered and readable (dare I
even say enjoyable). FAS: WoW supports the open access textbook philosophy to help students reduce the
cost of attending colleges and universities. For a long time, my plan had always been to be a kindergarten
teacher. But when I began my undergraduate degree I fell into that ever-growing pool of college students
who changed their major three times before graduation. I was swayed by family members, my peers, and
the economy, but I eventually realized that I was investing my education in the wrong areas for the wrong
reasons. It shouldn’t just be about salaries and job security. I needed to fin that personal attachment.
At eighteen, it’s hard to see your entire life spread out before you. College may feel like a freefor-all at
times, but the reality is that it’s one of the most defining times of our lives. It should never be squandered. I
started to imagine my life beyond college—what I found important and the type of lifestyle I wanted in the
end. I started thinking about the classes that I was actually interested in—the ones that I looked forward to
each week and arrived early to just so I could get a seat up front.
A turning point for me was when I took the advice of a campus mentor and enrolled in a career exploration
course. I learned more about myself in that class than I had in my entire three years at college prior to
taking it. It showed me that my passion was something I had always thought about but never thought about
as a career. In high school, I could sit in the Guidance Offi for hours on end. I enjoyed listening to others—
hearing and helping people work through their struggles.
I had seen firsthand how detrimental the absence of career classes can be to someone’s future. Through this
realization and my participation in my career exploration class, I saw a viable future in the Higher
Education Administration field. As I dove deeper, I was opened to an incredible amount of unique and
diverse opportunities to work with students. My main approach was to get a taste anything to do with
student services: I shadowed a career counselor in a career services office attended graduate school fairs
and informational sessions, discussed the Higher Education Administration Program with several staff at
my college, and most importantly, I talked with my internship coordinator (my mentor). From there, I
completed an internship in my prospective field, which gave me a wealth of insight and skills that directly
related to my future career goals.
From where I sit now—my former personal and professional struggles in tow—I offer up some pieces of
advice that were crucial to getting me where I am today. Whether you’re an undecided major who is
looking for guidance or a student with a clearly defined career path, I suggest the following:
71. Find a mentor—For me, everything began there. Without my mentor, I wouldn’t have done any of the other
items I’m about to suggest. Finding the right mentor is crucial. Look for someone who can complement your
personality (typically someone who’s the opposite of you). My advice would be to look beyond your direct
supervisor for mentorship. It’s important to create an open forum with your mentor, because there may be a
conflict of interest as you discuss work issues and other job opportunities. Potential mentors to consider are an
instructor on campus, your academic advisor, a professional currently working in your prospective field,
someone you admire in your community, or anyone in your network of friends or family that you feel
comfortable discussing your future goals with.
72. Enroll in a Career Exploration/Planning course, or something similar—Even if you do not see the
52
88
Learn What You Don’t Want 53
effects of this course immediately (such as dramatically changing your major), you will notice the impact down
the road. Making educated career choices and learning job readiness skills will always pay off in the end.
Through my career exploration class, I learned how to relate my personality and values to potential career fields.
These self-assessments changed my entire thought process, and I see that influence daily. Beyond changing the
way you think, the knowledge you gain about effective job search strategies is invaluable. Learning how to write
purposeful résumés and cover letters, finding the right approach to the interview process, and recognizing your
strengths and weaknesses are just a few of the benefits you can gain from these type of courses.
73. Complete a Job Shadow and/or Informational Interview—No amount of online research is going to give you the
same experience as seeing a job at the front line. In a job shadow or an informational interview, you’re able to
explore options with no commitment and see how your in-class experience can carry over to a real world setting.
Additionally, you’re expanding your professional network by having that personal involvement. You never know
how the connections you make might benefit you in the future. My only regret about job shadowing in college is
that I didn’t do it sooner.
74. Do an Internship—A main source of frustration for recent grads is the inability to secure an entrylevel position
without experience. “How do I get a job to gain experience when I can’t get a job without experience?” This is
how: do an internship or two! Most colleges even have a course where you can obtain credit for doing it! Not
only will you earn credits towards graduation, but you’ll gain the necessary experience to put on your résumé
and discuss in future interviews. Having completed four internships throughout my college career, I can’t say
they were all great. However, I don’t regret a single one. The first one showed me the type of field I didn’t want
t work in. The second confirmed that I was heading in the right direction with my career. My third and fourth
internships introduced me to completely different areas of higher education which broadened my knowledge and
narrowed my search simultaneously.
My takeaway is that sometimes you have to learn what you don’t want in order to fin out what you do
want. The more informed you are about career options through real life conversations and experiences, the
better prepared you will be for your future and the more confiden you will be in your career decisions.
Always explore your options because even if you learn you hate it, at least you’re one step close to finding
what you love.
Conclusion
In the text, the authors told true-to-life stories about their own academic, personal, and lifecareer successes.
When reading FAS: WoW, you explored the following guiding questions:
• How do you demonstrate college readiness through the use of effective study skills and campus
resources?
• How do you apply basic technological and information management skills for academic and
lifelong career development?
• How do you demonstrate the use of critical and creative thinking skills to solve problems and
draw conclusions?
• How do you demonstrate basic awareness of self in connection with academic and personal
goals?
• How do you identify and demonstrate knowledge of the implications of choices related to
wellness?
• How do you demonstrate basic knowledge of cultural diversity?
89
Now that you’ve read FAS: WoW, it’s time to pay it forward by composing your own Words of
Wisdom story to share with college students of the future. Reflect on the lessons learned during your own
college experience this term and use the guiding questions to develop a true-to-life story that can help other
college students connect the dots between being a college student and being a successful college student.
Submit your story to be considered in the next edition of Foundations of Academic Success: Words of
Wisdom by emailing your name, institution, and a draft of your short story to [email protected].
Submissions will be reviewed as they are received, and you will be contacted directly if your submission is
reviewed and selected for publication.
The options for textbooks focusing on college student success in college are overwhelming; many
textbooks exist at varying levels of rigor and cost (some well over $100). The FAS: WoW series of
textbooks provides college students open access textbooks that are student-centered and readable (dare I
even say enjoyable). FAS: WoW supports the open access textbook philosophy to help students reduce the
cost of attending colleges and universities.
For a long time, my plan had always been to be a kindergarten teacher. But when I began my
undergraduate degree I fell into that ever-growing pool of college students who changed their major three
times before graduation. I was swayed by family members, my peers, and the economy, but I eventually
realized that I was investing my education in the wrong areas for the wrong reasons. It shouldn’t just be
about salaries and job security. I needed to fin that personal attachment.
At eighteen, it’s hard to see your entire life spread out before you. College may feel like a freefor-all at
times, but the reality is that it’s one of the most defining times of our lives. It should never be squandered. I
started to imagine my life beyond college—what I found important and the type of lifestyle I wanted in the
end. I started thinking about the classes that I was actually interested in—the ones that I looked forward to
each week and arrived early to just so I could get a seat up front.
A turning point for me was when I took the advice of a campus mentor and enrolled in a career exploration
course. I learned more about myself in that class than I had in my entire three years at college prior to
taking it. It showed me that my passion was something I had always thought about but never thought about
as a career. In high school, I could sit in the Guidance Offi for hours on end. I enjoyed listening to others—
hearing and helping people work through their struggles.
90
I had seen firsthand how detrimental the absence of career classes can be to someone’s future. Through this
realization and my participation in my career exploration class, I saw a viable future in the Higher
Education Administration field. As I dove deeper, I was opened to an incredible amount of unique and
diverse opportunities to work with students. My main approach was to get a taste anything to do with
student services: I shadowed a career counselor in a career services office attended graduate school fairs
and informational sessions, discussed the Higher Education Administration Program with several staff at
my college, and most importantly, I talked with my internship coordinator (my mentor). From there, I
completed an internship in my prospective field, which gave me a wealth of insight and skills that directly
related to my future career goals.
From where I sit now—my former personal and professional struggles in tow—I offer up some pieces of
advice that were crucial to getting me where I am today. Whether you’re an undecided major who is
looking for guidance or a student with a clearly defined career path, I suggest the following:
73. Find a mentor—For me, everything began there. Without my mentor, I wouldn’t have done any of the other
items I’m about to suggest. Finding the right mentor is crucial. Look for someone who can complement your
personality (typically someone who’s the opposite of you). My advice would be to look beyond your direct
supervisor for mentorship. It’s important to create an open forum with your mentor, because there may be a
conflict of interest as you discuss work issues and other job opportunities. Potential mentors to consider are an
instructor on campus, your academic advisor, a professional currently working in your prospective field,
someone you admire in your community, or anyone in your network of friends or family that you feel
comfortable discussing your future goals with.
74. Enroll in a Career Exploration/Planning course, or something similar—Even if you do not see the
52
Learn What You Don’t Want 53
effects of this course immediately (such as dramatically changing your major), you will notice the impact down
the road. Making educated career choices and learning job readiness skills will always pay off in the end.
Through my career exploration class, I learned how to relate my personality and values to potential career fields.
These self-assessments changed my entire thought process, and I see that influence daily. Beyond changing the
way you think, the knowledge you gain about effective job search strategies is invaluable. Learning how to write
purposeful résumés and cover letters, finding the right approach to the interview process, and recognizing your
strengths and weaknesses are just a few of the benefits you can gain from these type of courses.
75. Complete a Job Shadow and/or Informational Interview—No amount of online research is going to give you the
same experience as seeing a job at the front line. In a job shadow or an informational interview, you’re able to
explore options with no commitment and see how your in-class experience can carry over to a real world setting.
Additionally, you’re expanding your professional network by having that personal involvement. You never know
how the connections you make might benefit you in the future. My only regret about job shadowing in college is
that I didn’t do it sooner.
76. Do an Internship—A main source of frustration for recent grads is the inability to secure an entrylevel position
without experience. “How do I get a job to gain experience when I can’t get a job without experience?” This is
how: do an internship or two! Most colleges even have a course where you can obtain credit for doing it! Not
only will you earn credits towards graduation, but you’ll gain the necessary experience to put on your résumé
and discuss in future interviews. Having completed four internships throughout my college career, I can’t say
they were all great. However, I don’t regret a single one. The first one showed me the type of field I didn’t want
t work in. The second confirmed that I was heading in the right direction with my career. My third and fourth
91
internships introduced me to completely different areas of higher education which broadened my knowledge and
narrowed my search simultaneously.
My takeaway is that sometimes you have to learn what you don’t want in order to fin out what you do
want. The more informed you are about career options through real life conversations and experiences, the
better prepared you will be for your future and the more confiden you will be in your career decisions.
Always explore your options because even if you learn you hate it, at least you’re one step close to finding
what you love.
Conclusion
In the text, the authors told true-to-life stories about their own academic, personal, and lifecareer successes.
When reading FAS: WoW, you explored the following guiding questions:
• How do you demonstrate college readiness through the use of effective study skills and campus
resources?
• How do you apply basic technological and information management skills for academic and
lifelong career development?
• How do you demonstrate the use of critical and creative thinking skills to solve problems and
draw conclusions?
• How do you demonstrate basic awareness of self in connection with academic and personal
goals?
• How do you identify and demonstrate knowledge of the implications of choices related to
wellness?
• How do you demonstrate basic knowledge of cultural diversity?
Now that you’ve read FAS: WoW, it’s time to pay it forward by composing your own Words of
Wisdom story to share with college students of the future. Reflect on the lessons learned during your own
college experience this term and use the guiding questions to develop a true-to-life story that can help other
college students connect the dots between being a college student and being a successful college student.
Submit your story to be considered in the next edition of Foundations of Academic Success: Words of
Wisdom by emailing your name, institution, and a draft of your short story to [email protected].
Submissions will be reviewed as they are received, and you will be contacted directly if your submission is
reviewed and selected for publication.
The options for textbooks focusing on college student success in college are overwhelming; many
textbooks exist at varying levels of rigor and cost (some well over $100). The FAS: WoW series of
textbooks provides college students open access textbooks that are student-centered and readable (dare I
even say enjoyable). FAS: WoW supports the open access textbook philosophy to help students reduce the
cost of attending colleges and universities.
92
For a long time, my plan had always been to be a kindergarten teacher. But when I began my
undergraduate degree I fell into that ever-growing pool of college students who changed their major three
times before graduation. I was swayed by family members, my peers, and the economy, but I eventually
realized that I was investing my education in the wrong areas for the wrong reasons. It shouldn’t just be
about salaries and job security. I needed to fin that personal attachment.
At eighteen, it’s hard to see your entire life spread out before you. College may feel like a freefor-all at
times, but the reality is that it’s one of the most defining times of our lives. It should never be squandered. I
started to imagine my life beyond college—what I found important and the type of lifestyle I wanted in the
end. I started thinking about the classes that I was actually interested in—the ones that I looked forward to
each week and arrived early to just so I could get a seat up front.
A turning point for me was when I took the advice of a campus mentor and enrolled in a career exploration
course. I learned more about myself in that class than I had in my entire three years at college prior to
taking it. It showed me that my passion was something I had always thought about but never thought about
as a career. In high school, I could sit in the Guidance Offi for hours on end. I enjoyed listening to others—
hearing and helping people work through their struggles.
I had seen firsthand how detrimental the absence of career classes can be to someone’s future. Through this
realization and my participation in my career exploration class, I saw a viable future in the Higher
Education Administration field. As I dove deeper, I was opened to an incredible amount of unique and
diverse opportunities to work with students. My main approach was to get a taste anything to do with
student services: I shadowed a career counselor in a career services office attended graduate school fairs
and informational sessions, discussed the Higher Education Administration Program with several staff at
my college, and most importantly, I talked with my internship coordinator (my mentor). From there, I
completed an internship in my prospective field, which gave me a wealth of insight and skills that directly
related to my future career goals.
From where I sit now—my former personal and professional struggles in tow—I offer up some pieces of
advice that were crucial to getting me where I am today. Whether you’re an undecided major who is
looking for guidance or a student with a clearly defined career path, I suggest the following:
75. Find a mentor—For me, everything began there. Without my mentor, I wouldn’t have done any of the other
items I’m about to suggest. Finding the right mentor is crucial. Look for someone who can complement your
personality (typically someone who’s the opposite of you). My advice would be to look beyond your direct
supervisor for mentorship. It’s important to create an open forum with your mentor, because there may be a
conflict of interest as you discuss work issues and other job opportunities. Potential mentors to consider are an
instructor on campus, your academic advisor, a professional currently working in your prospective field,
someone you admire in your community, or anyone in your network of friends or family that you feel
comfortable discussing your future goals with.
76. Enroll in a Career Exploration/Planning course, or something similar—Even if you do not see the
52
Learn What You Don’t Want 53
effects of this course immediately (such as dramatically changing your major), you will notice the impact down
the road. Making educated career choices and learning job readiness skills will always pay off in the end.
Through my career exploration class, I learned how to relate my personality and values to potential career fields.
93
These self-assessments changed my entire thought process, and I see that influence daily. Beyond changing the
way you think, the knowledge you gain about effective job search strategies is invaluable. Learning how to write
purposeful résumés and cover letters, finding the right approach to the interview process, and recognizing your
strengths and weaknesses are just a few of the benefits you can gain from these type of courses.
77. Complete a Job Shadow and/or Informational Interview—No amount of online research is going to give you the
same experience as seeing a job at the front line. In a job shadow or an informational interview, you’re able to
explore options with no commitment and see how your in-class experience can carry over to a real world setting.
Additionally, you’re expanding your professional network by having that personal involvement. You never know
how the connections you make might benefit you in the future. My only regret about job shadowing in college is
that I didn’t do it sooner.
78. Do an Internship—A main source of frustration for recent grads is the inability to secure an entrylevel position
without experience. “How do I get a job to gain experience when I can’t get a job without experience?” This is
how: do an internship or two! Most colleges even have a course where you can obtain credit for doing it! Not
only will you earn credits towards graduation, but you’ll gain the necessary experience to put on your résumé
and discuss in future interviews. Having completed four internships throughout my college career, I can’t say
they were all great. However, I don’t regret a single one. The first one showed me the type of field I didn’t want
t work in. The second confirmed that I was heading in the right direction with my career. My third and fourth
internships introduced me to completely different areas of higher education which broadened my knowledge and
narrowed my search simultaneously.
My takeaway is that sometimes you have to learn what you don’t want in order to fin out what you do
want. The more informed you are about career options through real life conversations and experiences, the
better prepared you will be for your future and the more confiden you will be in your career decisions.
Always explore your options because even if you learn you hate it, at least you’re one step close to finding
what you love.
Conclusion
In the text, the authors told true-to-life stories about their own academic, personal, and lifecareer successes.
When reading FAS: WoW, you explored the following guiding questions:
• How do you demonstrate college readiness through the use of effective study skills and campus
resources?
• How do you apply basic technological and information management skills for academic and
lifelong career development?
• How do you demonstrate the use of critical and creative thinking skills to solve problems and
draw conclusions?
• How do you demonstrate basic awareness of self in connection with academic and personal
goals?
• How do you identify and demonstrate knowledge of the implications of choices related to
wellness?
• How do you demonstrate basic knowledge of cultural diversity?
Now that you’ve read FAS: WoW, it’s time to pay it forward by composing your own Words of
Wisdom story to share with college students of the future. Reflect on the lessons learned during your own
college experience this term and use the guiding questions to develop a true-to-life story that can help other
college students connect the dots between being a college student and being a successful college student.
Submit your story to be considered in the next edition of Foundations of Academic Success: Words of
Wisdom by emailing your name, institution, and a draft of your short story to [email protected].
94
Submissions will be reviewed as they are received, and you will be contacted directly if your submission is
reviewed and selected for publication.
The options for textbooks focusing on college student success in college are overwhelming; many
textbooks exist at varying levels of rigor and cost (some well over $100). The FAS: WoW series of
textbooks provides college students open access textbooks that are student-centered and readable (dare I
even say enjoyable). FAS: WoW supports the open access textbook philosophy to help students reduce the
cost of attending colleges and universities.
For a long time, my plan had always been to be a kindergarten teacher. But when I began my
undergraduate degree I fell into that ever-growing pool of college students who changed their major three
times before graduation. I was swayed by family members, my peers, and the economy, but I eventually
realized that I was investing my education in the wrong areas for the wrong reasons. It shouldn’t just be
about salaries and job security. I needed to fin that personal attachment.
At eighteen, it’s hard to see your entire life spread out before you. College may feel like a freefor-all at
times, but the reality is that it’s one of the most defining times of our lives. It should never be squandered. I
started to imagine my life beyond college—what I found important and the type of lifestyle I wanted in the
end. I started thinking about the classes that I was actually interested in—the ones that I looked forward to
each week and arrived early to just so I could get a seat up front.
A turning point for me was when I took the advice of a campus mentor and enrolled in a career exploration
course. I learned more about myself in that class than I had in my entire three years at college prior to
taking it. It showed me that my passion was something I had always thought about but never thought about
as a career. In high school, I could sit in the Guidance Offi for hours on end. I enjoyed listening to others—
hearing and helping people work through their struggles.
I had seen firsthand how detrimental the absence of career classes can be to someone’s future. Through this
realization and my participation in my career exploration class, I saw a viable future in the Higher
Education Administration field. As I dove deeper, I was opened to an incredible amount of unique and
diverse opportunities to work with students. My main approach was to get a taste anything to do with
student services: I shadowed a career counselor in a career services office attended graduate school fairs
and informational sessions, discussed the Higher Education Administration Program with several staff at
95
my college, and most importantly, I talked with my internship coordinator (my mentor). From there, I
completed an internship in my prospective field, which gave me a wealth of insight and skills that directly
related to my future career goals.
From where I sit now—my former personal and professional struggles in tow—I offer up some pieces of
advice that were crucial to getting me where I am today. Whether you’re an undecided major who is
looking for guidance or a student with a clearly defined career path, I suggest the following:
77. Find a mentor—For me, everything began there. Without my mentor, I wouldn’t have done any of the other
items I’m about to suggest. Finding the right mentor is crucial. Look for someone who can complement your
personality (typically someone who’s the opposite of you). My advice would be to look beyond your direct
supervisor for mentorship. It’s important to create an open forum with your mentor, because there may be a
conflict of interest as you discuss work issues and other job opportunities. Potential mentors to consider are an
instructor on campus, your academic advisor, a professional currently working in your prospective field,
someone you admire in your community, or anyone in your network of friends or family that you feel
comfortable discussing your future goals with.
78. Enroll in a Career Exploration/Planning course, or something similar—Even if you do not see the
52
Learn What You Don’t Want 53
effects of this course immediately (such as dramatically changing your major), you will notice the impact down
the road. Making educated career choices and learning job readiness skills will always pay off in the end.
Through my career exploration class, I learned how to relate my personality and values to potential career fields.
These self-assessments changed my entire thought process, and I see that influence daily. Beyond changing the
way you think, the knowledge you gain about effective job search strategies is invaluable. Learning how to write
purposeful résumés and cover letters, finding the right approach to the interview process, and recognizing your
strengths and weaknesses are just a few of the benefits you can gain from these type of courses.
79. Complete a Job Shadow and/or Informational Interview—No amount of online research is going to give you the
same experience as seeing a job at the front line. In a job shadow or an informational interview, you’re able to
explore options with no commitment and see how your in-class experience can carry over to a real world setting.
Additionally, you’re expanding your professional network by having that personal involvement. You never know
how the connections you make might benefit you in the future. My only regret about job shadowing in college is
that I didn’t do it sooner.
80. Do an Internship—A main source of frustration for recent grads is the inability to secure an entrylevel position
without experience. “How do I get a job to gain experience when I can’t get a job without experience?” This is
how: do an internship or two! Most colleges even have a course where you can obtain credit for doing it! Not
only will you earn credits towards graduation, but you’ll gain the necessary experience to put on your résumé
and discuss in future interviews. Having completed four internships throughout my college career, I can’t say
they were all great. However, I don’t regret a single one. The first one showed me the type of field I didn’t want
t work in. The second confirmed that I was heading in the right direction with my career. My third and fourth
internships introduced me to completely different areas of higher education which broadened my knowledge and
narrowed my search simultaneously.
My takeaway is that sometimes you have to learn what you don’t want in order to fin out what you do
want. The more informed you are about career options through real life conversations and experiences, the
better prepared you will be for your future and the more confiden you will be in your career decisions.
96
Always explore your options because even if you learn you hate it, at least you’re one step close to finding
what you love.
Conclusion
In the text, the authors told true-to-life stories about their own academic, personal, and lifecareer successes.
When reading FAS: WoW, you explored the following guiding questions:
• How do you demonstrate college readiness through the use of effective study skills and campus
resources?
• How do you apply basic technological and information management skills for academic and
lifelong career development?
• How do you demonstrate the use of critical and creative thinking skills to solve problems and
draw conclusions?
• How do you demonstrate basic awareness of self in connection with academic and personal
goals?
• How do you identify and demonstrate knowledge of the implications of choices related to
wellness?
• How do you demonstrate basic knowledge of cultural diversity?
Now that you’ve read FAS: WoW, it’s time to pay it forward by composing your own Words of
Wisdom story to share with college students of the future. Reflect on the lessons learned during your own
college experience this term and use the guiding questions to develop a true-to-life story that can help other
college students connect the dots between being a college student and being a successful college student.
Submit your story to be considered in the next edition of Foundations of Academic Success: Words of
Wisdom by emailing your name, institution, and a draft of your short story to [email protected].
Submissions will be reviewed as they are received, and you will be contacted directly if your submission is
reviewed and selected for publication.
The options for textbooks focusing on college student success in college are overwhelming; many
textbooks exist at varying levels of rigor and cost (some well over $100). The FAS: WoW series of
textbooks provides college students open access textbooks that are student-centered and readable (dare I
even say enjoyable). FAS: WoW supports the open access textbook philosophy to help students reduce the
cost of attending colleges and universities.
97
For a long time, my plan had always been to be a kindergarten teacher. But when I began my
undergraduate degree I fell into that ever-growing pool of college students who changed their major three
times before graduation. I was swayed by family members, my peers, and the economy, but I eventually
realized that I was investing my education in the wrong areas for the wrong reasons. It shouldn’t just be
about salaries and job security. I needed to fin that personal attachment.
At eighteen, it’s hard to see your entire life spread out before you. College may feel like a freefor-all at
times, but the reality is that it’s one of the most defining times of our lives. It should never be squandered. I
started to imagine my life beyond college—what I found important and the type of lifestyle I wanted in the
end. I started thinking about the classes that I was actually interested in—the ones that I looked forward to
each week and arrived early to just so I could get a seat up front.
A turning point for me was when I took the advice of a campus mentor and enrolled in a career exploration
course. I learned more about myself in that class than I had in my entire three years at college prior to
taking it. It showed me that my passion was something I had always thought about but never thought about
as a career. In high school, I could sit in the Guidance Offi for hours on end. I enjoyed listening to others—
hearing and helping people work through their struggles.
I had seen firsthand how detrimental the absence of career classes can be to someone’s future. Through this
realization and my participation in my career exploration class, I saw a viable future in the Higher
Education Administration field. As I dove deeper, I was opened to an incredible amount of unique and
diverse opportunities to work with students. My main approach was to get a taste anything to do with
student services: I shadowed a career counselor in a career services office attended graduate school fairs
and informational sessions, discussed the Higher Education Administration Program with several staff at
my college, and most importantly, I talked with my internship coordinator (my mentor). From there, I
completed an internship in my prospective field, which gave me a wealth of insight and skills that directly
related to my future career goals.
From where I sit now—my former personal and professional struggles in tow—I offer up some pieces of
advice that were crucial to getting me where I am today. Whether you’re an undecided major who is
looking for guidance or a student with a clearly defined career path, I suggest the following:
79. Find a mentor—For me, everything began there. Without my mentor, I wouldn’t have done any of the other
items I’m about to suggest. Finding the right mentor is crucial. Look for someone who can complement your
personality (typically someone who’s the opposite of you). My advice would be to look beyond your direct
supervisor for mentorship. It’s important to create an open forum with your mentor, because there may be a
conflict of interest as you discuss work issues and other job opportunities. Potential mentors to consider are an
instructor on campus, your academic advisor, a professional currently working in your prospective field,
someone you admire in your community, or anyone in your network of friends or family that you feel
comfortable discussing your future goals with.
80. Enroll in a Career Exploration/Planning course, or something similar—Even if you do not see the
52
Learn What You Don’t Want 53
effects of this course immediately (such as dramatically changing your major), you will notice the impact down
the road. Making educated career choices and learning job readiness skills will always pay off in the end.
Through my career exploration class, I learned how to relate my personality and values to potential career fields.
98
These self-assessments changed my entire thought process, and I see that influence daily. Beyond changing the
way you think, the knowledge you gain about effective job search strategies is invaluable. Learning how to write
purposeful résumés and cover letters, finding the right approach to the interview process, and recognizing your
strengths and weaknesses are just a few of the benefits you can gain from these type of courses.
81. Complete a Job Shadow and/or Informational Interview—No amount of online research is going to give you the
same experience as seeing a job at the front line. In a job shadow or an informational interview, you’re able to
explore options with no commitment and see how your in-class experience can carry over to a real world setting.
Additionally, you’re expanding your professional network by having that personal involvement. You never know
how the connections you make might benefit you in the future. My only regret about job shadowing in college is
that I didn’t do it sooner.
82. Do an Internship—A main source of frustration for recent grads is the inability to secure an entrylevel position
without experience. “How do I get a job to gain experience when I can’t get a job without experience?” This is
how: do an internship or two! Most colleges even have a course where you can obtain credit for doing it! Not
only will you earn credits towards graduation, but you’ll gain the necessary experience to put on your résumé
and discuss in future interviews. Having completed four internships throughout my college career, I can’t say
they were all great. However, I don’t regret a single one. The first one showed me the type of field I didn’t want
t work in. The second confirmed that I was heading in the right direction with my career. My third and fourth
internships introduced me to completely different areas of higher education which broadened my knowledge and
narrowed my search simultaneously.
My takeaway is that sometimes you have to learn what you don’t want in order to fin out what you do
want. The more informed you are about career options through real life conversations and experiences, the
better prepared you will be for your future and the more confiden you will be in your career decisions.
Always explore your options because even if you learn you hate it, at least you’re one step close to finding
what you love.
Conclusion
In the text, the authors told true-to-life stories about their own academic, personal, and lifecareer successes.
When reading FAS: WoW, you explored the following guiding questions:
• How do you demonstrate college readiness through the use of effective study skills and campus
resources?
• How do you apply basic technological and information management skills for academic and
lifelong career development?
• How do you demonstrate the use of critical and creative thinking skills to solve problems and
draw conclusions?
• How do you demonstrate basic awareness of self in connection with academic and personal
goals?
• How do you identify and demonstrate knowledge of the implications of choices related to
wellness?
• How do you demonstrate basic knowledge of cultural diversity?
Now that you’ve read FAS: WoW, it’s time to pay it forward by composing your own Words of
Wisdom story to share with college students of the future. Reflect on the lessons learned during your own
college experience this term and use the guiding questions to develop a true-to-life story that can help other
college students connect the dots between being a college student and being a successful college student.
Submit your story to be considered in the next edition of Foundations of Academic Success: Words of
Wisdom by emailing your name, institution, and a draft of your short story to [email protected].
99
Submissions will be reviewed as they are received, and you will be contacted directly if your submission is
reviewed and selected for publication.
The options for textbooks focusing on college student success in college are overwhelming; many
textbooks exist at varying levels of rigor and cost (some well over $100). The FAS: WoW series of
textbooks provides college students open access textbooks that are student-centered and readable (dare I
even say enjoyable). FAS: WoW supports the open access textbook philosophy to help students reduce the
cost of attending colleges and universities.
For a long time, my plan had always been to be a kindergarten teacher. But when I began my
undergraduate degree I fell into that ever-growing pool of college students who changed their major three
times before graduation. I was swayed by family members, my peers, and the economy, but I eventually
realized that I was investing my education in the wrong areas for the wrong reasons. It shouldn’t just be
about salaries and job security. I needed to fin that personal attachment.
At eighteen, it’s hard to see your entire life spread out before you. College may feel like a freefor-all at
times, but the reality is that it’s one of the most defining times of our lives. It should never be squandered. I
started to imagine my life beyond college—what I found important and the type of lifestyle I wanted in the
end. I started thinking about the classes that I was actually interested in—the ones that I looked forward to
each week and arrived early to just so I could get a seat up front.
A turning point for me was when I took the advice of a campus mentor and enrolled in a career exploration
course. I learned more about myself in that class than I had in my entire three years at college prior to
taking it. It showed me that my passion was something I had always thought about but never thought about
as a career. In high school, I could sit in the Guidance Offi for hours on end. I enjoyed listening to others—
hearing and helping people work through their struggles.
I had seen firsthand how detrimental the absence of career classes can be to someone’s future. Through this
realization and my participation in my career exploration class, I saw a viable future in the Higher
Education Administration field. As I dove deeper, I was opened to an incredible amount of unique and
diverse opportunities to work with students. My main approach was to get a taste anything to do with
student services: I shadowed a career counselor in a career services office attended graduate school fairs
and informational sessions, discussed the Higher Education Administration Program with several staff at
100
my college, and most importantly, I talked with my internship coordinator (my mentor). From there, I
completed an internship in my prospective field, which gave me a wealth of insight and skills that directly
related to my future career goals.
From where I sit now—my former personal and professional struggles in tow—I offer up some pieces of
advice that were crucial to getting me where I am today. Whether you’re an undecided major who is
looking for guidance or a student with a clearly defined career path, I suggest the following:
81. Find a mentor—For me, everything began there. Without my mentor, I wouldn’t have done any of the other
items I’m about to suggest. Finding the right mentor is crucial. Look for someone who can complement your
personality (typically someone who’s the opposite of you). My advice would be to look beyond your direct
supervisor for mentorship. It’s important to create an open forum with your mentor, because there may be a
conflict of interest as you discuss work issues and other job opportunities. Potential mentors to consider are an
instructor on campus, your academic advisor, a professional currently working in your prospective field,
someone you admire in your community, or anyone in your network of friends or family that you feel
comfortable discussing your future goals with.
82. Enroll in a Career Exploration/Planning course, or something similar—Even if you do not see the
52
Learn What You Don’t Want 53
effects of this course immediately (such as dramatically changing your major), you will notice the impact down
the road. Making educated career choices and learning job readiness skills will always pay off in the end.
Through my career exploration class, I learned how to relate my personality and values to potential career fields.
These self-assessments changed my entire thought process, and I see that influence daily. Beyond changing the
way you think, the knowledge you gain about effective job search strategies is invaluable. Learning how to write
purposeful résumés and cover letters, finding the right approach to the interview process, and recognizing your
strengths and weaknesses are just a few of the benefits you can gain from these type of courses.
83. Complete a Job Shadow and/or Informational Interview—No amount of online research is going to give you the
same experience as seeing a job at the front line. In a job shadow or an informational interview, you’re able to
explore options with no commitment and see how your in-class experience can carry over to a real world setting.
Additionally, you’re expanding your professional network by having that personal involvement. You never know
how the connections you make might benefit you in the future. My only regret about job shadowing in college is
that I didn’t do it sooner.
84. Do an Internship—A main source of frustration for recent grads is the inability to secure an entrylevel position
without experience. “How do I get a job to gain experience when I can’t get a job without experience?” This is
how: do an internship or two! Most colleges even have a course where you can obtain credit for doing it! Not
only will you earn credits towards graduation, but you’ll gain the necessary experience to put on your résumé
and discuss in future interviews. Having completed four internships throughout my college career, I can’t say
they were all great. However, I don’t regret a single one. The first one showed me the type of field I didn’t want
t work in. The second confirmed that I was heading in the right direction with my career. My third and fourth
internships introduced me to completely different areas of higher education which broadened my knowledge and
narrowed my search simultaneously.
My takeaway is that sometimes you have to learn what you don’t want in order to fin out what you do
want. The more informed you are about career options through real life conversations and experiences, the
better prepared you will be for your future and the more confiden you will be in your career decisions.
101
Always explore your options because even if you learn you hate it, at least you’re one step close to finding
what you love.
Conclusion
In the text, the authors told true-to-life stories about their own academic, personal, and lifecareer successes.
When reading FAS: WoW, you explored the following guiding questions:
• How do you demonstrate college readiness through the use of effective study skills and campus
resources?
• How do you apply basic technological and information management skills for academic and
lifelong career development?
• How do you demonstrate the use of critical and creative thinking skills to solve problems and
draw conclusions?
• How do you demonstrate basic awareness of self in connection with academic and personal
goals?
• How do you identify and demonstrate knowledge of the implications of choices related to
wellness?
• How do you demonstrate basic knowledge of cultural diversity?
Now that you’ve read FAS: WoW, it’s time to pay it forward by composing your own Words of
Wisdom story to share with college students of the future. Reflect on the lessons learned during your own
college experience this term and use the guiding questions to develop a true-to-life story that can help other
college students connect the dots between being a college student and being a successful college student.
Submit your story to be considered in the next edition of Foundations of Academic Success: Words of
Wisdom by emailing your name, institution, and a draft of your short story to [email protected].
Submissions will be reviewed as they are received, and you will be contacted directly if your submission is
reviewed and selected for publication.
The options for textbooks focusing on college student success in college are overwhelming; many
textbooks exist at varying levels of rigor and cost (some well over $100). The FAS: WoW series of
textbooks provides college students open access textbooks that are student-centered and readable (dare I
even say enjoyable). FAS: WoW supports the open access textbook philosophy to help students reduce the
cost of attending colleges and universities.
102
For a long time, my plan had always been to be a kindergarten teacher. But when I began my
undergraduate degree I fell into that ever-growing pool of college students who changed their major three
times before graduation. I was swayed by family members, my peers, and the economy, but I eventually
realized that I was investing my education in the wrong areas for the wrong reasons. It shouldn’t just be
about salaries and job security. I needed to fin that personal attachment.
At eighteen, it’s hard to see your entire life spread out before you. College may feel like a freefor-all at
times, but the reality is that it’s one of the most defining times of our lives. It should never be squandered. I
started to imagine my life beyond college—what I found important and the type of lifestyle I wanted in the
end. I started thinking about the classes that I was actually interested in—the ones that I looked forward to
each week and arrived early to just so I could get a seat up front.
A turning point for me was when I took the advice of a campus mentor and enrolled in a career exploration
course. I learned more about myself in that class than I had in my entire three years at college prior to
taking it. It showed me that my passion was something I had always thought about but never thought about
as a career. In high school, I could sit in the Guidance Offi for hours on end. I enjoyed listening to others—
hearing and helping people work through their struggles.
I had seen firsthand how detrimental the absence of career classes can be to someone’s future. Through this
realization and my participation in my career exploration class, I saw a viable future in the Higher
Education Administration field. As I dove deeper, I was opened to an incredible amount of unique and
diverse opportunities to work with students. My main approach was to get a taste anything to do with
student services: I shadowed a career counselor in a career services office attended graduate school fairs
and informational sessions, discussed the Higher Education Administration Program with several staff at
my college, and most importantly, I talked with my internship coordinator (my mentor). From there, I
completed an internship in my prospective field, which gave me a wealth of insight and skills that directly
related to my future career goals.
From where I sit now—my former personal and professional struggles in tow—I offer up some pieces of
advice that were crucial to getting me where I am today. Whether you’re an undecided major who is
looking for guidance or a student with a clearly defined career path, I suggest the following:
83. Find a mentor—For me, everything began there. Without my mentor, I wouldn’t have done any of the other
items I’m about to suggest. Finding the right mentor is crucial. Look for someone who can complement your
personality (typically someone who’s the opposite of you). My advice would be to look beyond your direct
supervisor for mentorship. It’s important to create an open forum with your mentor, because there may be a
conflict of interest as you discuss work issues and other job opportunities. Potential mentors to consider are an
instructor on campus, your academic advisor, a professional currently working in your prospective field,
someone you admire in your community, or anyone in your network of friends or family that you feel
comfortable discussing your future goals with.
84. Enroll in a Career Exploration/Planning course, or something similar—Even if you do not see the
52
Learn What You Don’t Want 53
effects of this course immediately (such as dramatically changing your major), you will notice the impact down
the road. Making educated career choices and learning job readiness skills will always pay off in the end.
Through my career exploration class, I learned how to relate my personality and values to potential career fields.
103
These self-assessments changed my entire thought process, and I see that influence daily. Beyond changing the
way you think, the knowledge you gain about effective job search strategies is invaluable. Learning how to write
purposeful résumés and cover letters, finding the right approach to the interview process, and recognizing your
strengths and weaknesses are just a few of the benefits you can gain from these type of courses.
85. Complete a Job Shadow and/or Informational Interview—No amount of online research is going to give you the
same experience as seeing a job at the front line. In a job shadow or an informational interview, you’re able to
explore options with no commitment and see how your in-class experience can carry over to a real world setting.
Additionally, you’re expanding your professional network by having that personal involvement. You never know
how the connections you make might benefit you in the future. My only regret about job shadowing in college is
that I didn’t do it sooner.
86. Do an Internship—A main source of frustration for recent grads is the inability to secure an entrylevel position
without experience. “How do I get a job to gain experience when I can’t get a job without experience?” This is
how: do an internship or two! Most colleges even have a course where you can obtain credit for doing it! Not
only will you earn credits towards graduation, but you’ll gain the necessary experience to put on your résumé
and discuss in future interviews. Having completed four internships throughout my college career, I can’t say
they were all great. However, I don’t regret a single one. The first one showed me the type of field I didn’t want
t work in. The second confirmed that I was heading in the right direction with my career. My third and fourth
internships introduced me to completely different areas of higher education which broadened my knowledge and
narrowed my search simultaneously.
My takeaway is that sometimes you have to learn what you don’t want in order to fin out what you do
want. The more informed you are about career options through real life conversations and experiences, the
better prepared you will be for your future and the more confiden you will be in your career decisions.
Always explore your options because even if you learn you hate it, at least you’re one step close to finding
what you love.
Conclusion
In the text, the authors told true-to-life stories about their own academic, personal, and lifecareer successes.
When reading FAS: WoW, you explored the following guiding questions:
• How do you demonstrate college readiness through the use of effective study skills and campus
resources?
• How do you apply basic technological and information management skills for academic and
lifelong career development?
• How do you demonstrate the use of critical and creative thinking skills to solve problems and
draw conclusions?
• How do you demonstrate basic awareness of self in connection with academic and personal
goals?
• How do you identify and demonstrate knowledge of the implications of choices related to
wellness?
• How do you demonstrate basic knowledge of cultural diversity?
Now that you’ve read FAS: WoW, it’s time to pay it forward by composing your own Words of
Wisdom story to share with college students of the future. Reflect on the lessons learned during your own
college experience this term and use the guiding questions to develop a true-to-life story that can help other
college students connect the dots between being a college student and being a successful college student.
Submit your story to be considered in the next edition of Foundations of Academic Success: Words of
Wisdom by emailing your name, institution, and a draft of your short story to [email protected].
104
Submissions will be reviewed as they are received, and you will be contacted directly if your submission is
reviewed and selected for publication.
The options for textbooks focusing on college student success in college are overwhelming; many
textbooks exist at varying levels of rigor and cost (some well over $100). The FAS: WoW series of
textbooks provides college students open access textbooks that are student-centered and readable (dare I
even say enjoyable). FAS: WoW supports the open access textbook philosophy to help students reduce the
cost of attending colleges and universities.
For a long time, my plan had always been to be a kindergarten teacher. But when I began my
undergraduate degree I fell into that ever-growing pool of college students who changed their major three
times before graduation. I was swayed by family members, my peers, and the economy, but I eventually
realized that I was investing my education in the wrong areas for the wrong reasons. It shouldn’t just be
about salaries and job security. I needed to fin that personal attachment.
At eighteen, it’s hard to see your entire life spread out before you. College may feel like a freefor-all at
times, but the reality is that it’s one of the most defining times of our lives. It should never be squandered. I
started to imagine my life beyond college—what I found important and the type of lifestyle I wanted in the
end. I started thinking about the classes that I was actually interested in—the ones that I looked forward to
each week and arrived early to just so I could get a seat up front.
A turning point for me was when I took the advice of a campus mentor and enrolled in a career exploration
course. I learned more about myself in that class than I had in my entire three years at college prior to
taking it. It showed me that my passion was something I had always thought about but never thought about
as a career. In high school, I could sit in the Guidance Offi for hours on end. I enjoyed listening to others—
hearing and helping people work through their struggles.
I had seen firsthand how detrimental the absence of career classes can be to someone’s future. Through this
realization and my participation in my career exploration class, I saw a viable future in the Higher
Education Administration field. As I dove deeper, I was opened to an incredible amount of unique and
diverse opportunities to work with students. My main approach was to get a taste anything to do with
student services: I shadowed a career counselor in a career services office attended graduate school fairs
and informational sessions, discussed the Higher Education Administration Program with several staff at
105
my college, and most importantly, I talked with my internship coordinator (my mentor). From there, I
completed an internship in my prospective field, which gave me a wealth of insight and skills that directly
related to my future career goals.
From where I sit now—my former personal and professional struggles in tow—I offer up some pieces of
advice that were crucial to getting me where I am today. Whether you’re an undecided major who is
looking for guidance or a student with a clearly defined career path, I suggest the following:
85. Find a mentor—For me, everything began there. Without my mentor, I wouldn’t have done any of the other
items I’m about to suggest. Finding the right mentor is crucial. Look for someone who can complement your
personality (typically someone who’s the opposite of you). My advice would be to look beyond your direct
supervisor for mentorship. It’s important to create an open forum with your mentor, because there may be a
conflict of interest as you discuss work issues and other job opportunities. Potential mentors to consider are an
instructor on campus, your academic advisor, a professional currently working in your prospective field,
someone you admire in your community, or anyone in your network of friends or family that you feel
comfortable discussing your future goals with.
86. Enroll in a Career Exploration/Planning course, or something similar—Even if you do not see the
52
Learn What You Don’t Want 53
effects of this course immediately (such as dramatically changing your major), you will notice the impact down
the road. Making educated career choices and learning job readiness skills will always pay off in the end.
Through my career exploration class, I learned how to relate my personality and values to potential career fields.
These self-assessments changed my entire thought process, and I see that influence daily. Beyond changing the
way you think, the knowledge you gain about effective job search strategies is invaluable. Learning how to write
purposeful résumés and cover letters, finding the right approach to the interview process, and recognizing your
strengths and weaknesses are just a few of the benefits you can gain from these type of courses.
87. Complete a Job Shadow and/or Informational Interview—No amount of online research is going to give you the
same experience as seeing a job at the front line. In a job shadow or an informational interview, you’re able to
explore options with no commitment and see how your in-class experience can carry over to a real world setting.
Additionally, you’re expanding your professional network by having that personal involvement. You never know
how the connections you make might benefit you in the future. My only regret about job shadowing in college is
that I didn’t do it sooner.
88. Do an Internship—A main source of frustration for recent grads is the inability to secure an entrylevel position
without experience. “How do I get a job to gain experience when I can’t get a job without experience?” This is
how: do an internship or two! Most colleges even have a course where you can obtain credit for doing it! Not
only will you earn credits towards graduation, but you’ll gain the necessary experience to put on your résumé
and discuss in future interviews. Having completed four internships throughout my college career, I can’t say
they were all great. However, I don’t regret a single one. The first one showed me the type of field I didn’t want
t work in. The second confirmed that I was heading in the right direction with my career. My third and fourth
internships introduced me to completely different areas of higher education which broadened my knowledge and
narrowed my search simultaneously.
My takeaway is that sometimes you have to learn what you don’t want in order to fin out what you do
want. The more informed you are about career options through real life conversations and experiences, the
better prepared you will be for your future and the more confiden you will be in your career decisions.
106
Always explore your options because even if you learn you hate it, at least you’re one step close to finding
what you love.
Conclusion
In the text, the authors told true-to-life stories about their own academic, personal, and lifecareer successes.
When reading FAS: WoW, you explored the following guiding questions:
• How do you demonstrate college readiness through the use of effective study skills and campus
resources?
• How do you apply basic technological and information management skills for academic and
lifelong career development?
• How do you demonstrate the use of critical and creative thinking skills to solve problems and
draw conclusions?
• How do you demonstrate basic awareness of self in connection with academic and personal
goals?
• How do you identify and demonstrate knowledge of the implications of choices related to
wellness?
• How do you demonstrate basic knowledge of cultural diversity?
Now that you’ve read FAS: WoW, it’s time to pay it forward by composing your own Words of
Wisdom story to share with college students of the future. Reflect on the lessons learned during your own
college experience this term and use the guiding questions to develop a true-to-life story that can help other
college students connect the dots between being a college student and being a successful college student.
Submit your story to be considered in the next edition of Foundations of Academic Success: Words of
Wisdom by emailing your name, institution, and a draft of your short story to [email protected].
Submissions will be reviewed as they are received, and you will be contacted directly if your submission is
reviewed and selected for publication.
The options for textbooks focusing on college student success in college are overwhelming; many
textbooks exist at varying levels of rigor and cost (some well over $100). The FAS: WoW series of
textbooks provides college students open access textbooks that are student-centered and readable (dare I
even say enjoyable). FAS: WoW supports the open access textbook philosophy to help students reduce the
cost of attending colleges and universities.
107
For a long time, my plan had always been to be a kindergarten teacher. But when I began my
undergraduate degree I fell into that ever-growing pool of college students who changed their major three
times before graduation. I was swayed by family members, my peers, and the economy, but I eventually
realized that I was investing my education in the wrong areas for the wrong reasons. It shouldn’t just be
about salaries and job security. I needed to fin that personal attachment.
At eighteen, it’s hard to see your entire life spread out before you. College may feel like a freefor-all at
times, but the reality is that it’s one of the most defining times of our lives. It should never be squandered. I
started to imagine my life beyond college—what I found important and the type of lifestyle I wanted in the
end. I started thinking about the classes that I was actually interested in—the ones that I looked forward to
each week and arrived early to just so I could get a seat up front.
A turning point for me was when I took the advice of a campus mentor and enrolled in a career exploration
course. I learned more about myself in that class than I had in my entire three years at college prior to
taking it. It showed me that my passion was something I had always thought about but never thought about
as a career. In high school, I could sit in the Guidance Offi for hours on end. I enjoyed listening to others—
hearing and helping people work through their struggles.
I had seen firsthand how detrimental the absence of career classes can be to someone’s future. Through this
realization and my participation in my career exploration class, I saw a viable future in the Higher
Education Administration field. As I dove deeper, I was opened to an incredible amount of unique and
diverse opportunities to work with students. My main approach was to get a taste anything to do with
student services: I shadowed a career counselor in a career services office attended graduate school fairs
and informational sessions, discussed the Higher Education Administration Program with several staff at
my college, and most importantly, I talked with my internship coordinator (my mentor). From there, I
completed an internship in my prospective field, which gave me a wealth of insight and skills that directly
related to my future career goals.
From where I sit now—my former personal and professional struggles in tow—I offer up some pieces of
advice that were crucial to getting me where I am today. Whether you’re an undecided major who is
looking for guidance or a student with a clearly defined career path, I suggest the following:
87. Find a mentor—For me, everything began there. Without my mentor, I wouldn’t have done any of the other
items I’m about to suggest. Finding the right mentor is crucial. Look for someone who can complement your
personality (typically someone who’s the opposite of you). My advice would be to look beyond your direct
supervisor for mentorship. It’s important to create an open forum with your mentor, because there may be a
conflict of interest as you discuss work issues and other job opportunities. Potential mentors to consider are an
instructor on campus, your academic advisor, a professional currently working in your prospective field,
someone you admire in your community, or anyone in your network of friends or family that you feel
comfortable discussing your future goals with.
88. Enroll in a Career Exploration/Planning course, or something similar—Even if you do not see the
52
Learn What You Don’t Want 53
effects of this course immediately (such as dramatically changing your major), you will notice the impact down
the road. Making educated career choices and learning job readiness skills will always pay off in the end.
Through my career exploration class, I learned how to relate my personality and values to potential career fields.
108
These self-assessments changed my entire thought process, and I see that influence daily. Beyond changing the
way you think, the knowledge you gain about effective job search strategies is invaluable. Learning how to write
purposeful résumés and cover letters, finding the right approach to the interview process, and recognizing your
strengths and weaknesses are just a few of the benefits you can gain from these type of courses.
89. Complete a Job Shadow and/or Informational Interview—No amount of online research is going to give you the
same experience as seeing a job at the front line. In a job shadow or an informational interview, you’re able to
explore options with no commitment and see how your in-class experience can carry over to a real world setting.
Additionally, you’re expanding your professional network by having that personal involvement. You never know
how the connections you make might benefit you in the future. My only regret about job shadowing in college is
that I didn’t do it sooner.
90. Do an Internship—A main source of frustration for recent grads is the inability to secure an entrylevel position
without experience. “How do I get a job to gain experience when I can’t get a job without experience?” This is
how: do an internship or two! Most colleges even have a course where you can obtain credit for doing it! Not
only will you earn credits towards graduation, but you’ll gain the necessary experience to put on your résumé
and discuss in future interviews. Having completed four internships throughout my college career, I can’t say
they were all great. However, I don’t regret a single one. The first one showed me the type of field I didn’t want
t work in. The second confirmed that I was heading in the right direction with my career. My third and fourth
internships introduced me to completely different areas of higher education which broadened my knowledge and
narrowed my search simultaneously.
My takeaway is that sometimes you have to learn what you don’t want in order to fin out what you do
want. The more informed you are about career options through real life conversations and experiences, the
better prepared you will be for your future and the more confiden you will be in your career decisions.
Always explore your options because even if you learn you hate it, at least you’re one step close to finding
what you love.
Conclusion
In the text, the authors told true-to-life stories about their own academic, personal, and lifecareer successes.
When reading FAS: WoW, you explored the following guiding questions:
• How do you demonstrate college readiness through the use of effective study skills and campus
resources?
• How do you apply basic technological and information management skills for academic and
lifelong career development?
• How do you demonstrate the use of critical and creative thinking skills to solve problems and
draw conclusions?
• How do you demonstrate basic awareness of self in connection with academic and personal
goals?
• How do you identify and demonstrate knowledge of the implications of choices related to
wellness?
• How do you demonstrate basic knowledge of cultural diversity?
Now that you’ve read FAS: WoW, it’s time to pay it forward by composing your own Words of
Wisdom story to share with college students of the future. Reflect on the lessons learned during your own
college experience this term and use the guiding questions to develop a true-to-life story that can help other
college students connect the dots between being a college student and being a successful college student.
Submit your story to be considered in the next edition of Foundations of Academic Success: Words of
Wisdom by emailing your name, institution, and a draft of your short story to [email protected].
109
Submissions will be reviewed as they are received, and you will be contacted directly if your submission is
reviewed and selected for publication.
The options for textbooks focusing on college student success in college are overwhelming; many
textbooks exist at varying levels of rigor and cost (some well over $100). The FAS: WoW series of
textbooks provides college students open access textbooks that are student-centered and readable (dare I
even say enjoyable). FAS: WoW supports the open access textbook philosophy to help students reduce the
cost of attending colleges and universities.
For a long time, my plan had always been to be a kindergarten teacher. But when I began my
undergraduate degree I fell into that ever-growing pool of college students who changed their major three
times before graduation. I was swayed by family members, my peers, and the economy, but I eventually
realized that I was investing my education in the wrong areas for the wrong reasons. It shouldn’t just be
about salaries and job security. I needed to fin that personal attachment.
At eighteen, it’s hard to see your entire life spread out before you. College may feel like a freefor-all at
times, but the reality is that it’s one of the most defining times of our lives. It should never be squandered. I
started to imagine my life beyond college—what I found important and the type of lifestyle I wanted in the
end. I started thinking about the classes that I was actually interested in—the ones that I looked forward to
each week and arrived early to just so I could get a seat up front.
A turning point for me was when I took the advice of a campus mentor and enrolled in a career exploration
course. I learned more about myself in that class than I had in my entire three years at college prior to
taking it. It showed me that my passion was something I had always thought about but never thought about
as a career. In high school, I could sit in the Guidance Offi for hours on end. I enjoyed listening to others—
hearing and helping people work through their struggles.
I had seen firsthand how detrimental the absence of career classes can be to someone’s future. Through this
realization and my participation in my career exploration class, I saw a viable future in the Higher
Education Administration field. As I dove deeper, I was opened to an incredible amount of unique and
diverse opportunities to work with students. My main approach was to get a taste anything to do with
student services: I shadowed a career counselor in a career services office attended graduate school fairs
and informational sessions, discussed the Higher Education Administration Program with several staff at
110
my college, and most importantly, I talked with my internship coordinator (my mentor). From there, I
completed an internship in my prospective field, which gave me a wealth of insight and skills that directly
related to my future career goals.
From where I sit now—my former personal and professional struggles in tow—I offer up some pieces of
advice that were crucial to getting me where I am today. Whether you’re an undecided major who is
looking for guidance or a student with a clearly defined career path, I suggest the following:
89. Find a mentor—For me, everything began there. Without my mentor, I wouldn’t have done any of the other
items I’m about to suggest. Finding the right mentor is crucial. Look for someone who can complement your
personality (typically someone who’s the opposite of you). My advice would be to look beyond your direct
supervisor for mentorship. It’s important to create an open forum with your mentor, because there may be a
conflict of interest as you discuss work issues and other job opportunities. Potential mentors to consider are an
instructor on campus, your academic advisor, a professional currently working in your prospective field,
someone you admire in your community, or anyone in your network of friends or family that you feel
comfortable discussing your future goals with.
90. Enroll in a Career Exploration/Planning course, or something similar—Even if you do not see the
52
Learn What You Don’t Want 53
effects of this course immediately (such as dramatically changing your major), you will notice the impact down
the road. Making educated career choices and learning job readiness skills will always pay off in the end.
Through my career exploration class, I learned how to relate my personality and values to potential career fields.
These self-assessments changed my entire thought process, and I see that influence daily. Beyond changing the
way you think, the knowledge you gain about effective job search strategies is invaluable. Learning how to write
purposeful résumés and cover letters, finding the right approach to the interview process, and recognizing your
strengths and weaknesses are just a few of the benefits you can gain from these type of courses.
91. Complete a Job Shadow and/or Informational Interview—No amount of online research is going to give you the
same experience as seeing a job at the front line. In a job shadow or an informational interview, you’re able to
explore options with no commitment and see how your in-class experience can carry over to a real world setting.
Additionally, you’re expanding your professional network by having that personal involvement. You never know
how the connections you make might benefit you in the future. My only regret about job shadowing in college is
that I didn’t do it sooner.
92. Do an Internship—A main source of frustration for recent grads is the inability to secure an entrylevel position
without experience. “How do I get a job to gain experience when I can’t get a job without experience?” This is
how: do an internship or two! Most colleges even have a course where you can obtain credit for doing it! Not
only will you earn credits towards graduation, but you’ll gain the necessary experience to put on your résumé
and discuss in future interviews. Having completed four internships throughout my college career, I can’t say
they were all great. However, I don’t regret a single one. The first one showed me the type of field I didn’t want
t work in. The second confirmed that I was heading in the right direction with my career. My third and fourth
internships introduced me to completely different areas of higher education which broadened my knowledge and
narrowed my search simultaneously.
My takeaway is that sometimes you have to learn what you don’t want in order to fin out what you do
want. The more informed you are about career options through real life conversations and experiences, the
better prepared you will be for your future and the more confiden you will be in your career decisions.
111
Always explore your options because even if you learn you hate it, at least you’re one step close to finding
what you love.
Conclusion
In the text, the authors told true-to-life stories about their own academic, personal, and lifecareer successes.
When reading FAS: WoW, you explored the following guiding questions:
• How do you demonstrate college readiness through the use of effective study skills and campus
resources?
• How do you apply basic technological and information management skills for academic and
lifelong career development?
• How do you demonstrate the use of critical and creative thinking skills to solve problems and
draw conclusions?
• How do you demonstrate basic awareness of self in connection with academic and personal
goals?
• How do you identify and demonstrate knowledge of the implications of choices related to
wellness?
• How do you demonstrate basic knowledge of cultural diversity?
Now that you’ve read FAS: WoW, it’s time to pay it forward by composing your own Words of
Wisdom story to share with college students of the future. Reflect on the lessons learned during your own
college experience this term and use the guiding questions to develop a true-to-life story that can help other
college students connect the dots between being a college student and being a successful college student.
Submit your story to be considered in the next edition of Foundations of Academic Success: Words of
Wisdom by emailing your name, institution, and a draft of your short story to [email protected].
Submissions will be reviewed as they are received, and you will be contacted directly if your submission is
reviewed and selected for publication.
The options for textbooks focusing on college student success in college are overwhelming; many
textbooks exist at varying levels of rigor and cost (some well over $100). The FAS: WoW series of
textbooks provides college students open access textbooks that are student-centered and readable (dare I
even say enjoyable). FAS: WoW supports the open access textbook philosophy to help students reduce the
cost of attending colleges and universities.
112
For a long time, my plan had always been to be a kindergarten teacher. But when I began my
undergraduate degree I fell into that ever-growing pool of college students who changed their major three
times before graduation. I was swayed by family members, my peers, and the economy, but I eventually
realized that I was investing my education in the wrong areas for the wrong reasons. It shouldn’t just be
about salaries and job security. I needed to fin that personal attachment.
At eighteen, it’s hard to see your entire life spread out before you. College may feel like a freefor-all at
times, but the reality is that it’s one of the most defining times of our lives. It should never be squandered. I
started to imagine my life beyond college—what I found important and the type of lifestyle I wanted in the
end. I started thinking about the classes that I was actually interested in—the ones that I looked forward to
each week and arrived early to just so I could get a seat up front.
A turning point for me was when I took the advice of a campus mentor and enrolled in a career exploration
course. I learned more about myself in that class than I had in my entire three years at college prior to
taking it. It showed me that my passion was something I had always thought about but never thought about
as a career. In high school, I could sit in the Guidance Offi for hours on end. I enjoyed listening to others—
hearing and helping people work through their struggles.
I had seen firsthand how detrimental the absence of career classes can be to someone’s future. Through this
realization and my participation in my career exploration class, I saw a viable future in the Higher
Education Administration field. As I dove deeper, I was opened to an incredible amount of unique and
diverse opportunities to work with students. My main approach was to get a taste anything to do with
student services: I shadowed a career counselor in a career services office attended graduate school fairs
and informational sessions, discussed the Higher Education Administration Program with several staff at
my college, and most importantly, I talked with my internship coordinator (my mentor). From there, I
completed an internship in my prospective field, which gave me a wealth of insight and skills that directly
related to my future career goals.
From where I sit now—my former personal and professional struggles in tow—I offer up some pieces of
advice that were crucial to getting me where I am today. Whether you’re an undecided major who is
looking for guidance or a student with a clearly defined career path, I suggest the following:
91. Find a mentor—For me, everything began there. Without my mentor, I wouldn’t have done any of the other
items I’m about to suggest. Finding the right mentor is crucial. Look for someone who can complement your
personality (typically someone who’s the opposite of you). My advice would be to look beyond your direct
supervisor for mentorship. It’s important to create an open forum with your mentor, because there may be a
conflict of interest as you discuss work issues and other job opportunities. Potential mentors to consider are an
instructor on campus, your academic advisor, a professional currently working in your prospective field,
someone you admire in your community, or anyone in your network of friends or family that you feel
comfortable discussing your future goals with.
92. Enroll in a Career Exploration/Planning course, or something similar—Even if you do not see the
52
Learn What You Don’t Want 53
effects of this course immediately (such as dramatically changing your major), you will notice the impact down
the road. Making educated career choices and learning job readiness skills will always pay off in the end.
Through my career exploration class, I learned how to relate my personality and values to potential career fields.
113
These self-assessments changed my entire thought process, and I see that influence daily. Beyond changing the
way you think, the knowledge you gain about effective job search strategies is invaluable. Learning how to write
purposeful résumés and cover letters, finding the right approach to the interview process, and recognizing your
strengths and weaknesses are just a few of the benefits you can gain from these type of courses.
93. Complete a Job Shadow and/or Informational Interview—No amount of online research is going to give you the
same experience as seeing a job at the front line. In a job shadow or an informational interview, you’re able to
explore options with no commitment and see how your in-class experience can carry over to a real world setting.
Additionally, you’re expanding your professional network by having that personal involvement. You never know
how the connections you make might benefit you in the future. My only regret about job shadowing in college is
that I didn’t do it sooner.
94. Do an Internship—A main source of frustration for recent grads is the inability to secure an entrylevel position
without experience. “How do I get a job to gain experience when I can’t get a job without experience?” This is
how: do an internship or two! Most colleges even have a course where you can obtain credit for doing it! Not
only will you earn credits towards graduation, but you’ll gain the necessary experience to put on your résumé
and discuss in future interviews. Having completed four internships throughout my college career, I can’t say
they were all great. However, I don’t regret a single one. The first one showed me the type of field I didn’t want
t work in. The second confirmed that I was heading in the right direction with my career. My third and fourth
internships introduced me to completely different areas of higher education which broadened my knowledge and
narrowed my search simultaneously.
My takeaway is that sometimes you have to learn what you don’t want in order to fin out what you do
want. The more informed you are about career options through real life conversations and experiences, the
better prepared you will be for your future and the more confiden you will be in your career decisions.
Always explore your options because even if you learn you hate it, at least you’re one step close to finding
what you love.
Conclusion
In the text, the authors told true-to-life stories about their own academic, personal, and lifecareer successes.
When reading FAS: WoW, you explored the following guiding questions:
• How do you demonstrate college readiness through the use of effective study skills and campus
resources?
• How do you apply basic technological and information management skills for academic and
lifelong career development?
• How do you demonstrate the use of critical and creative thinking skills to solve problems and
draw conclusions?
• How do you demonstrate basic awareness of self in connection with academic and personal
goals?
• How do you identify and demonstrate knowledge of the implications of choices related to
wellness?
• How do you demonstrate basic knowledge of cultural diversity?
Now that you’ve read FAS: WoW, it’s time to pay it forward by composing your own Words of
Wisdom story to share with college students of the future. Reflect on the lessons learned during your own
college experience this term and use the guiding questions to develop a true-to-life story that can help other
college students connect the dots between being a college student and being a successful college student.
Submit your story to be considered in the next edition of Foundations of Academic Success: Words of
Wisdom by emailing your name, institution, and a draft of your short story to [email protected].
114
Submissions will be reviewed as they are received, and you will be contacted directly if your submission is
reviewed and selected for publication.
The options for textbooks focusing on college student success in college are overwhelming; many
textbooks exist at varying levels of rigor and cost (some well over $100). The FAS: WoW series of
textbooks provides college students open access textbooks that are student-centered and readable (dare I
even say enjoyable). FAS: WoW supports the open access textbook philosophy to help students reduce the
cost of attending colleges and universities.
For a long time, my plan had always been to be a kindergarten teacher. But when I began my
undergraduate degree I fell into that ever-growing pool of college students who changed their major three
times before graduation. I was swayed by family members, my peers, and the economy, but I eventually
realized that I was investing my education in the wrong areas for the wrong reasons. It shouldn’t just be
about salaries and job security. I needed to fin that personal attachment.
At eighteen, it’s hard to see your entire life spread out before you. College may feel like a freefor-all at
times, but the reality is that it’s one of the most defining times of our lives. It should never be squandered. I
started to imagine my life beyond college—what I found important and the type of lifestyle I wanted in the
end. I started thinking about the classes that I was actually interested in—the ones that I looked forward to
each week and arrived early to just so I could get a seat up front.
A turning point for me was when I took the advice of a campus mentor and enrolled in a career exploration
course. I learned more about myself in that class than I had in my entire three years at college prior to
taking it. It showed me that my passion was something I had always thought about but never thought about
as a career. In high school, I could sit in the Guidance Offi for hours on end. I enjoyed listening to others—
hearing and helping people work through their struggles.
I had seen firsthand how detrimental the absence of career classes can be to someone’s future. Through this
realization and my participation in my career exploration class, I saw a viable future in the Higher
Education Administration field. As I dove deeper, I was opened to an incredible amount of unique and
diverse opportunities to work with students. My main approach was to get a taste anything to do with
student services: I shadowed a career counselor in a career services office attended graduate school fairs
and informational sessions, discussed the Higher Education Administration Program with several staff at
115
my college, and most importantly, I talked with my internship coordinator (my mentor). From there, I
completed an internship in my prospective field, which gave me a wealth of insight and skills that directly
related to my future career goals.
From where I sit now—my former personal and professional struggles in tow—I offer up some pieces of
advice that were crucial to getting me where I am today. Whether you’re an undecided major who is
looking for guidance or a student with a clearly defined career path, I suggest the following:
93. Find a mentor—For me, everything began there. Without my mentor, I wouldn’t have done any of the other
items I’m about to suggest. Finding the right mentor is crucial. Look for someone who can complement your
personality (typically someone who’s the opposite of you). My advice would be to look beyond your direct
supervisor for mentorship. It’s important to create an open forum with your mentor, because there may be a
conflict of interest as you discuss work issues and other job opportunities. Potential mentors to consider are an
instructor on campus, your academic advisor, a professional currently working in your prospective field,
someone you admire in your community, or anyone in your network of friends or family that you feel
comfortable discussing your future goals with.
94. Enroll in a Career Exploration/Planning course, or something similar—Even if you do not see the
52
Learn What You Don’t Want 53
effects of this course immediately (such as dramatically changing your major), you will notice the impact down
the road. Making educated career choices and learning job readiness skills will always pay off in the end.
Through my career exploration class, I learned how to relate my personality and values to potential career fields.
These self-assessments changed my entire thought process, and I see that influence daily. Beyond changing the
way you think, the knowledge you gain about effective job search strategies is invaluable. Learning how to write
purposeful résumés and cover letters, finding the right approach to the interview process, and recognizing your
strengths and weaknesses are just a few of the benefits you can gain from these type of courses.
95. Complete a Job Shadow and/or Informational Interview—No amount of online research is going to give you the
same experience as seeing a job at the front line. In a job shadow or an informational interview, you’re able to
explore options with no commitment and see how your in-class experience can carry over to a real world setting.
Additionally, you’re expanding your professional network by having that personal involvement. You never know
how the connections you make might benefit you in the future. My only regret about job shadowing in college is
that I didn’t do it sooner.
96. Do an Internship—A main source of frustration for recent grads is the inability to secure an entrylevel position
without experience. “How do I get a job to gain experience when I can’t get a job without experience?” This is
how: do an internship or two! Most colleges even have a course where you can obtain credit for doing it! Not
only will you earn credits towards graduation, but you’ll gain the necessary experience to put on your résumé
and discuss in future interviews. Having completed four internships throughout my college career, I can’t say
they were all great. However, I don’t regret a single one. The first one showed me the type of field I didn’t want
t work in. The second confirmed that I was heading in the right direction with my career. My third and fourth
internships introduced me to completely different areas of higher education which broadened my knowledge and
narrowed my search simultaneously.
My takeaway is that sometimes you have to learn what you don’t want in order to fin out what you do
want. The more informed you are about career options through real life conversations and experiences, the
better prepared you will be for your future and the more confiden you will be in your career decisions.
116
Always explore your options because even if you learn you hate it, at least you’re one step close to finding
what you love.
Conclusion
In the text, the authors told true-to-life stories about their own academic, personal, and lifecareer successes.
When reading FAS: WoW, you explored the following guiding questions:
• How do you demonstrate college readiness through the use of effective study skills and campus
resources?
• How do you apply basic technological and information management skills for academic and
lifelong career development?
• How do you demonstrate the use of critical and creative thinking skills to solve problems and
draw conclusions?
• How do you demonstrate basic awareness of self in connection with academic and personal
goals?
• How do you identify and demonstrate knowledge of the implications of choices related to
wellness?
• How do you demonstrate basic knowledge of cultural diversity?
Now that you’ve read FAS: WoW, it’s time to pay it forward by composing your own Words of
Wisdom story to share with college students of the future. Reflect on the lessons learned during your own
college experience this term and use the guiding questions to develop a true-to-life story that can help other
college students connect the dots between being a college student and being a successful college student.
Submit your story to be considered in the next edition of Foundations of Academic Success: Words of
Wisdom by emailing your name, institution, and a draft of your short story to [email protected].
Submissions will be reviewed as they are received, and you will be contacted directly if your submission is
reviewed and selected for publication.
The options for textbooks focusing on college student success in college are overwhelming; many
textbooks exist at varying levels of rigor and cost (some well over $100). The FAS: WoW series of
textbooks provides college students open access textbooks that are student-centered and readable (dare I
even say enjoyable). FAS: WoW supports the open access textbook philosophy to help students reduce the
cost of attending colleges and universities.
117
For a long time, my plan had always been to be a kindergarten teacher. But when I began my
undergraduate degree I fell into that ever-growing pool of college students who changed their major three
times before graduation. I was swayed by family members, my peers, and the economy, but I eventually
realized that I was investing my education in the wrong areas for the wrong reasons. It shouldn’t just be
about salaries and job security. I needed to fin that personal attachment.
At eighteen, it’s hard to see your entire life spread out before you. College may feel like a freefor-all at
times, but the reality is that it’s one of the most defining times of our lives. It should never be squandered. I
started to imagine my life beyond college—what I found important and the type of lifestyle I wanted in the
end. I started thinking about the classes that I was actually interested in—the ones that I looked forward to
each week and arrived early to just so I could get a seat up front.
A turning point for me was when I took the advice of a campus mentor and enrolled in a career exploration
course. I learned more about myself in that class than I had in my entire three years at college prior to
taking it. It showed me that my passion was something I had always thought about but never thought about
as a career. In high school, I could sit in the Guidance Offi for hours on end. I enjoyed listening to others—
hearing and helping people work through their struggles.
I had seen firsthand how detrimental the absence of career classes can be to someone’s future. Through this
realization and my participation in my career exploration class, I saw a viable future in the Higher
Education Administration field. As I dove deeper, I was opened to an incredible amount of unique and
diverse opportunities to work with students. My main approach was to get a taste anything to do with
student services: I shadowed a career counselor in a career services office attended graduate school fairs
and informational sessions, discussed the Higher Education Administration Program with several staff at
my college, and most importantly, I talked with my internship coordinator (my mentor). From there, I
completed an internship in my prospective field, which gave me a wealth of insight and skills that directly
related to my future career goals.
From where I sit now—my former personal and professional struggles in tow—I offer up some pieces of
advice that were crucial to getting me where I am today. Whether you’re an undecided major who is
looking for guidance or a student with a clearly defined career path, I suggest the following:
95. Find a mentor—For me, everything began there. Without my mentor, I wouldn’t have done any of the other
items I’m about to suggest. Finding the right mentor is crucial. Look for someone who can complement your
personality (typically someone who’s the opposite of you). My advice would be to look beyond your direct
supervisor for mentorship. It’s important to create an open forum with your mentor, because there may be a
conflict of interest as you discuss work issues and other job opportunities. Potential mentors to consider are an
instructor on campus, your academic advisor, a professional currently working in your prospective field,
someone you admire in your community, or anyone in your network of friends or family that you feel
comfortable discussing your future goals with.
96. Enroll in a Career Exploration/Planning course, or something similar—Even if you do not see the
52
Learn What You Don’t Want 53
effects of this course immediately (such as dramatically changing your major), you will notice the impact down
the road. Making educated career choices and learning job readiness skills will always pay off in the end.
Through my career exploration class, I learned how to relate my personality and values to potential career fields.
118
These self-assessments changed my entire thought process, and I see that influence daily. Beyond changing the
way you think, the knowledge you gain about effective job search strategies is invaluable. Learning how to write
purposeful résumés and cover letters, finding the right approach to the interview process, and recognizing your
strengths and weaknesses are just a few of the benefits you can gain from these type of courses.
97. Complete a Job Shadow and/or Informational Interview—No amount of online research is going to give you the
same experience as seeing a job at the front line. In a job shadow or an informational interview, you’re able to
explore options with no commitment and see how your in-class experience can carry over to a real world setting.
Additionally, you’re expanding your professional network by having that personal involvement. You never know
how the connections you make might benefit you in the future. My only regret about job shadowing in college is
that I didn’t do it sooner.
98. Do an Internship—A main source of frustration for recent grads is the inability to secure an entrylevel position
without experience. “How do I get a job to gain experience when I can’t get a job without experience?” This is
how: do an internship or two! Most colleges even have a course where you can obtain credit for doing it! Not
only will you earn credits towards graduation, but you’ll gain the necessary experience to put on your résumé
and discuss in future interviews. Having completed four internships throughout my college career, I can’t say
they were all great. However, I don’t regret a single one. The first one showed me the type of field I didn’t want
t work in. The second confirmed that I was heading in the right direction with my career. My third and fourth
internships introduced me to completely different areas of higher education which broadened my knowledge and
narrowed my search simultaneously.
My takeaway is that sometimes you have to learn what you don’t want in order to fin out what you do
want. The more informed you are about career options through real life conversations and experiences, the
better prepared you will be for your future and the more confiden you will be in your career decisions.
Always explore your options because even if you learn you hate it, at least you’re one step close to finding
what you love.
Conclusion
In the text, the authors told true-to-life stories about their own academic, personal, and lifecareer successes.
When reading FAS: WoW, you explored the following guiding questions:
• How do you demonstrate college readiness through the use of effective study skills and campus
resources?
• How do you apply basic technological and information management skills for academic and
lifelong career development?
• How do you demonstrate the use of critical and creative thinking skills to solve problems and
draw conclusions?
• How do you demonstrate basic awareness of self in connection with academic and personal
goals?
• How do you identify and demonstrate knowledge of the implications of choices related to
wellness?
• How do you demonstrate basic knowledge of cultural diversity?
Now that you’ve read FAS: WoW, it’s time to pay it forward by composing your own Words of
Wisdom story to share with college students of the future. Reflect on the lessons learned during your own
college experience this term and use the guiding questions to develop a true-to-life story that can help other
college students connect the dots between being a college student and being a successful college student.
Submit your story to be considered in the next edition of Foundations of Academic Success: Words of
Wisdom by emailing your name, institution, and a draft of your short story to [email protected].
119
Submissions will be reviewed as they are received, and you will be contacted directly if your submission is
reviewed and selected for publication.
The options for textbooks focusing on college student success in college are overwhelming; many
textbooks exist at varying levels of rigor and cost (some well over $100). The FAS: WoW series of
textbooks provides college students open access textbooks that are student-centered and readable (dare I
even say enjoyable). FAS: WoW supports the open access textbook philosophy to help students reduce the
cost of attending colleges and universities.
For a long time, my plan had always been to be a kindergarten teacher. But when I began my
undergraduate degree I fell into that ever-growing pool of college students who changed their major three
times before graduation. I was swayed by family members, my peers, and the economy, but I eventually
realized that I was investing my education in the wrong areas for the wrong reasons. It shouldn’t just be
about salaries and job security. I needed to fin that personal attachment.
At eighteen, it’s hard to see your entire life spread out before you. College may feel like a freefor-all at
times, but the reality is that it’s one of the most defining times of our lives. It should never be squandered. I
started to imagine my life beyond college—what I found important and the type of lifestyle I wanted in the
end. I started thinking about the classes that I was actually interested in—the ones that I looked forward to
each week and arrived early to just so I could get a seat up front.
A turning point for me was when I took the advice of a campus mentor and enrolled in a career exploration
course. I learned more about myself in that class than I had in my entire three years at college prior to
taking it. It showed me that my passion was something I had always thought about but never thought about
as a career. In high school, I could sit in the Guidance Offi for hours on end. I enjoyed listening to others—
hearing and helping people work through their struggles.
I had seen firsthand how detrimental the absence of career classes can be to someone’s future. Through this
realization and my participation in my career exploration class, I saw a viable future in the Higher
Education Administration field. As I dove deeper, I was opened to an incredible amount of unique and
diverse opportunities to work with students. My main approach was to get a taste anything to do with
student services: I shadowed a career counselor in a career services office attended graduate school fairs
and informational sessions, discussed the Higher Education Administration Program with several staff at
120
my college, and most importantly, I talked with my internship coordinator (my mentor). From there, I
completed an internship in my prospective field, which gave me a wealth of insight and skills that directly
related to my future career goals.
From where I sit now—my former personal and professional struggles in tow—I offer up some pieces of
advice that were crucial to getting me where I am today. Whether you’re an undecided major who is
looking for guidance or a student with a clearly defined career path, I suggest the following:
97. Find a mentor—For me, everything began there. Without my mentor, I wouldn’t have done any of the other
items I’m about to suggest. Finding the right mentor is crucial. Look for someone who can complement your
personality (typically someone who’s the opposite of you). My advice would be to look beyond your direct
supervisor for mentorship. It’s important to create an open forum with your mentor, because there may be a
conflict of interest as you discuss work issues and other job opportunities. Potential mentors to consider are an
instructor on campus, your academic advisor, a professional currently working in your prospective field,
someone you admire in your community, or anyone in your network of friends or family that you feel
comfortable discussing your future goals with.
98. Enroll in a Career Exploration/Planning course, or something similar—Even if you do not see the
52
Learn What You Don’t Want 53
effects of this course immediately (such as dramatically changing your major), you will notice the impact down
the road. Making educated career choices and learning job readiness skills will always pay off in the end.
Through my career exploration class, I learned how to relate my personality and values to potential career fields.
These self-assessments changed my entire thought process, and I see that influence daily. Beyond changing the
way you think, the knowledge you gain about effective job search strategies is invaluable. Learning how to write
purposeful résumés and cover letters, finding the right approach to the interview process, and recognizing your
strengths and weaknesses are just a few of the benefits you can gain from these type of courses.
99. Complete a Job Shadow and/or Informational Interview—No amount of online research is going to give you the
same experience as seeing a job at the front line. In a job shadow or an informational interview, you’re able to
explore options with no commitment and see how your in-class experience can carry over to a real world setting.
Additionally, you’re expanding your professional network by having that personal involvement. You never know
how the connections you make might benefit you in the future. My only regret about job shadowing in college is
that I didn’t do it sooner.
100. Do an Internship—A main source of frustration for recent grads is the inability to secure an entrylevel
position without experience. “How do I get a job to gain experience when I can’t get a job without experience?”
This is how: do an internship or two! Most colleges even have a course where you can obtain credit for doing it!
Not only will you earn credits towards graduation, but you’ll gain the necessary experience to put on your
résumé and discuss in future interviews. Having completed four internships throughout my college career, I
can’t say they were all great. However, I don’t regret a single one. The first one showed me the type of field I
didn’t want t work in. The second confirmed that I was heading in the right direction with my career. My third
and fourth internships introduced me to completely different areas of higher education which broadened my
knowledge and narrowed my search simultaneously.
My takeaway is that sometimes you have to learn what you don’t want in order to fin out what you do
want. The more informed you are about career options through real life conversations and experiences, the
better prepared you will be for your future and the more confiden you will be in your career decisions.
121
Always explore your options because even if you learn you hate it, at least you’re one step close to finding
what you love.
Conclusion
In the text, the authors told true-to-life stories about their own academic, personal, and lifecareer successes.
When reading FAS: WoW, you explored the following guiding questions:
• How do you demonstrate college readiness through the use of effective study skills and campus
resources?
• How do you apply basic technological and information management skills for academic and
lifelong career development?
• How do you demonstrate the use of critical and creative thinking skills to solve problems and
draw conclusions?
• How do you demonstrate basic awareness of self in connection with academic and personal
goals?
• How do you identify and demonstrate knowledge of the implications of choices related to
wellness?
• How do you demonstrate basic knowledge of cultural diversity?
Now that you’ve read FAS: WoW, it’s time to pay it forward by composing your own Words of
Wisdom story to share with college students of the future. Reflect on the lessons learned during your own
college experience this term and use the guiding questions to develop a true-to-life story that can help other
college students connect the dots between being a college student and being a successful college student.
Submit your story to be considered in the next edition of Foundations of Academic Success: Words of
Wisdom by emailing your name, institution, and a draft of your short story to [email protected].
Submissions will be reviewed as they are received, and you will be contacted directly if your submission is
reviewed and selected for publication.
The options for textbooks focusing on college student success in college are overwhelming; many
textbooks exist at varying levels of rigor and cost (some well over $100). The FAS: WoW series of
textbooks provides college students open access textbooks that are student-centered and readable (dare I
even say enjoyable). FAS: WoW supports the open access textbook philosophy to help students reduce the
cost of attending colleges and universities.
122
For a long time, my plan had always been to be a kindergarten teacher. But when I began my
undergraduate degree I fell into that ever-growing pool of college students who changed their major three
times before graduation. I was swayed by family members, my peers, and the economy, but I eventually
realized that I was investing my education in the wrong areas for the wrong reasons. It shouldn’t just be
about salaries and job security. I needed to fin that personal attachment.
At eighteen, it’s hard to see your entire life spread out before you. College may feel like a freefor-all at
times, but the reality is that it’s one of the most defining times of our lives. It should never be squandered. I
started to imagine my life beyond college—what I found important and the type of lifestyle I wanted in the
end. I started thinking about the classes that I was actually interested in—the ones that I looked forward to
each week and arrived early to just so I could get a seat up front.
A turning point for me was when I took the advice of a campus mentor and enrolled in a career exploration
course. I learned more about myself in that class than I had in my entire three years at college prior to
taking it. It showed me that my passion was something I had always thought about but never thought about
as a career. In high school, I could sit in the Guidance Offi for hours on end. I enjoyed listening to others—
hearing and helping people work through their struggles.
I had seen firsthand how detrimental the absence of career classes can be to someone’s future. Through this
realization and my participation in my career exploration class, I saw a viable future in the Higher
Education Administration field. As I dove deeper, I was opened to an incredible amount of unique and
diverse opportunities to work with students. My main approach was to get a taste anything to do with
student services: I shadowed a career counselor in a career services office attended graduate school fairs
and informational sessions, discussed the Higher Education Administration Program with several staff at
my college, and most importantly, I talked with my internship coordinator (my mentor). From there, I
completed an internship in my prospective field, which gave me a wealth of insight and skills that directly
related to my future career goals.
From where I sit now—my former personal and professional struggles in tow—I offer up some pieces of
advice that were crucial to getting me where I am today. Whether you’re an undecided major who is
looking for guidance or a student with a clearly defined career path, I suggest the following:
99. Find a mentor—For me, everything began there. Without my mentor, I wouldn’t have done any of the other
items I’m about to suggest. Finding the right mentor is crucial. Look for someone who can complement your
personality (typically someone who’s the opposite of you). My advice would be to look beyond your direct
supervisor for mentorship. It’s important to create an open forum with your mentor, because there may be a
conflict of interest as you discuss work issues and other job opportunities. Potential mentors to consider are an
instructor on campus, your academic advisor, a professional currently working in your prospective field,
someone you admire in your community, or anyone in your network of friends or family that you feel
comfortable discussing your future goals with.
100. Enroll in a Career Exploration/Planning course, or something similar—Even if you do not see the
52
Learn What You Don’t Want 53
effects of this course immediately (such as dramatically changing your major), you will notice the impact down
the road. Making educated career choices and learning job readiness skills will always pay off in the end.
Through my career exploration class, I learned how to relate my personality and values to potential career fields.
123
These self-assessments changed my entire thought process, and I see that influence daily. Beyond changing the
way you think, the knowledge you gain about effective job search strategies is invaluable. Learning how to write
purposeful résumés and cover letters, finding the right approach to the interview process, and recognizing your
strengths and weaknesses are just a few of the benefits you can gain from these type of courses.
101. Complete a Job Shadow and/or Informational Interview—No amount of online research is going to give you
the same experience as seeing a job at the front line. In a job shadow or an informational interview, you’re able
to explore options with no commitment and see how your in-class experience can carry over to a real world
setting. Additionally, you’re expanding your professional network by having that personal involvement. You
never know how the connections you make might benefit you in the future. My only regret about job shadowing
in college is that I didn’t do it sooner.
102. Do an Internship—A main source of frustration for recent grads is the inability to secure an entrylevel
position without experience. “How do I get a job to gain experience when I can’t get a job without experience?”
This is how: do an internship or two! Most colleges even have a course where you can obtain credit for doing it!
Not only will you earn credits towards graduation, but you’ll gain the necessary experience to put on your
résumé and discuss in future interviews. Having completed four internships throughout my college career, I
can’t say they were all great. However, I don’t regret a single one. The first one showed me the type of field I
didn’t want t work in. The second confirmed that I was heading in the right direction with my career. My third
and fourth internships introduced me to completely different areas of higher education which broadened my
knowledge and narrowed my search simultaneously.
My takeaway is that sometimes you have to learn what you don’t want in order to fin out what you do
want. The more informed you are about career options through real life conversations and experiences, the
better prepared you will be for your future and the more confiden you will be in your career decisions.
Always explore your options because even if you learn you hate it, at least you’re one step close to finding
what you love.
Conclusion
In the text, the authors told true-to-life stories about their own academic, personal, and lifecareer successes.
When reading FAS: WoW, you explored the following guiding questions:
• How do you demonstrate college readiness through the use of effective study skills and campus
resources?
• How do you apply basic technological and information management skills for academic and
lifelong career development?
• How do you demonstrate the use of critical and creative thinking skills to solve problems and
draw conclusions?
• How do you demonstrate basic awareness of self in connection with academic and personal
goals?
• How do you identify and demonstrate knowledge of the implications of choices related to
wellness?
• How do you demonstrate basic knowledge of cultural diversity?
Now that you’ve read FAS: WoW, it’s time to pay it forward by composing your own Words of
Wisdom story to share with college students of the future. Reflect on the lessons learned during your own
college experience this term and use the guiding questions to develop a true-to-life story that can help other
college students connect the dots between being a college student and being a successful college student.
Submit your story to be considered in the next edition of Foundations of Academic Success: Words of
Wisdom by emailing your name, institution, and a draft of your short story to [email protected].
124
Submissions will be reviewed as they are received, and you will be contacted directly if your submission is
reviewed and selected for publication.
The options for textbooks focusing on college student success in college are overwhelming; many
textbooks exist at varying levels of rigor and cost (some well over $100). The FAS: WoW series of
textbooks provides college students open access textbooks that are student-centered and readable (dare I
even say enjoyable). FAS: WoW supports the open access textbook philosophy to help students reduce the
cost of attending colleges and universities.
For a long time, my plan had always been to be a kindergarten teacher. But when I began my
undergraduate degree I fell into that ever-growing pool of college students who changed their major three
times before graduation. I was swayed by family members, my peers, and the economy, but I eventually
realized that I was investing my education in the wrong areas for the wrong reasons. It shouldn’t just be
about salaries and job security. I needed to fin that personal attachment.
At eighteen, it’s hard to see your entire life spread out before you. College may feel like a freefor-all at
times, but the reality is that it’s one of the most defining times of our lives. It should never be squandered. I
started to imagine my life beyond college—what I found important and the type of lifestyle I wanted in the
end. I started thinking about the classes that I was actually interested in—the ones that I looked forward to
each week and arrived early to just so I could get a seat up front.
A turning point for me was when I took the advice of a campus mentor and enrolled in a career exploration
course. I learned more about myself in that class than I had in my entire three years at college prior to
taking it. It showed me that my passion was something I had always thought about but never thought about
as a career. In high school, I could sit in the Guidance Offi for hours on end. I enjoyed listening to others—
hearing and helping people work through their struggles.
I had seen firsthand how detrimental the absence of career classes can be to someone’s future. Through this
realization and my participation in my career exploration class, I saw a viable future in the Higher
Education Administration field. As I dove deeper, I was opened to an incredible amount of unique and
diverse opportunities to work with students. My main approach was to get a taste anything to do with
student services: I shadowed a career counselor in a career services office attended graduate school fairs
and informational sessions, discussed the Higher Education Administration Program with several staff at
125
my college, and most importantly, I talked with my internship coordinator (my mentor). From there, I
completed an internship in my prospective field, which gave me a wealth of insight and skills that directly
related to my future career goals.
From where I sit now—my former personal and professional struggles in tow—I offer up some pieces of
advice that were crucial to getting me where I am today. Whether you’re an undecided major who is
looking for guidance or a student with a clearly defined career path, I suggest the following:
101. Find a mentor—For me, everything began there. Without my mentor, I wouldn’t have done any of the other
items I’m about to suggest. Finding the right mentor is crucial. Look for someone who can complement your
personality (typically someone who’s the opposite of you). My advice would be to look beyond your direct
supervisor for mentorship. It’s important to create an open forum with your mentor, because there may be a
conflict of interest as you discuss work issues and other job opportunities. Potential mentors to consider are an
instructor on campus, your academic advisor, a professional currently working in your prospective field,
someone you admire in your community, or anyone in your network of friends or family that you feel
comfortable discussing your future goals with.
102. Enroll in a Career Exploration/Planning course, or something similar—Even if you do not see the
52
Learn What You Don’t Want 53
effects of this course immediately (such as dramatically changing your major), you will notice the impact down
the road. Making educated career choices and learning job readiness skills will always pay off in the end.
Through my career exploration class, I learned how to relate my personality and values to potential career fields.
These self-assessments changed my entire thought process, and I see that influence daily. Beyond changing the
way you think, the knowledge you gain about effective job search strategies is invaluable. Learning how to write
purposeful résumés and cover letters, finding the right approach to the interview process, and recognizing your
strengths and weaknesses are just a few of the benefits you can gain from these type of courses.
103. Complete a Job Shadow and/or Informational Interview—No amount of online research is going to give you
the same experience as seeing a job at the front line. In a job shadow or an informational interview, you’re able
to explore options with no commitment and see how your in-class experience can carry over to a real world
setting. Additionally, you’re expanding your professional network by having that personal involvement. You
never know how the connections you make might benefit you in the future. My only regret about job shadowing
in college is that I didn’t do it sooner.
104. Do an Internship—A main source of frustration for recent grads is the inability to secure an entrylevel
position without experience. “How do I get a job to gain experience when I can’t get a job without experience?”
This is how: do an internship or two! Most colleges even have a course where you can obtain credit for doing it!
Not only will you earn credits towards graduation, but you’ll gain the necessary experience to put on your
résumé and discuss in future interviews. Having completed four internships throughout my college career, I
can’t say they were all great. However, I don’t regret a single one. The first one showed me the type of field I
didn’t want t work in. The second confirmed that I was heading in the right direction with my career. My third
and fourth internships introduced me to completely different areas of higher education which broadened my
knowledge and narrowed my search simultaneously.
My takeaway is that sometimes you have to learn what you don’t want in order to fin out what you do
want. The more informed you are about career options through real life conversations and experiences, the
better prepared you will be for your future and the more confiden you will be in your career decisions.
126
Always explore your options because even if you learn you hate it, at least you’re one step close to finding
what you love.
Conclusion
In the text, the authors told true-to-life stories about their own academic, personal, and lifecareer successes.
When reading FAS: WoW, you explored the following guiding questions:
• How do you demonstrate college readiness through the use of effective study skills and campus
resources?
• How do you apply basic technological and information management skills for academic and
lifelong career development?
• How do you demonstrate the use of critical and creative thinking skills to solve problems and
draw conclusions?
• How do you demonstrate basic awareness of self in connection with academic and personal
goals?
• How do you identify and demonstrate knowledge of the implications of choices related to
wellness?
• How do you demonstrate basic knowledge of cultural diversity?
Now that you’ve read FAS: WoW, it’s time to pay it forward by composing your own Words of
Wisdom story to share with college students of the future. Reflect on the lessons learned during your own
college experience this term and use the guiding questions to develop a true-to-life story that can help other
college students connect the dots between being a college student and being a successful college student.
Submit your story to be considered in the next edition of Foundations of Academic Success: Words of
Wisdom by emailing your name, institution, and a draft of your short story to [email protected].
Submissions will be reviewed as they are received, and you will be contacted directly if your submission is
reviewed and selected for publication.
The options for textbooks focusing on college student success in college are overwhelming; many
textbooks exist at varying levels of rigor and cost (some well over $100). The FAS: WoW series of
textbooks provides college students open access textbooks that are student-centered and readable (dare I
even say enjoyable). FAS: WoW supports the open access textbook philosophy to help students reduce the
cost of attending colleges and universities.
127
For a long time, my plan had always been to be a kindergarten teacher. But when I began my
undergraduate degree I fell into that ever-growing pool of college students who changed their major three
times before graduation. I was swayed by family members, my peers, and the economy, but I eventually
realized that I was investing my education in the wrong areas for the wrong reasons. It shouldn’t just be
about salaries and job security. I needed to fin that personal attachment.
At eighteen, it’s hard to see your entire life spread out before you. College may feel like a freefor-all at
times, but the reality is that it’s one of the most defining times of our lives. It should never be squandered. I
started to imagine my life beyond college—what I found important and the type of lifestyle I wanted in the
end. I started thinking about the classes that I was actually interested in—the ones that I looked forward to
each week and arrived early to just so I could get a seat up front.
A turning point for me was when I took the advice of a campus mentor and enrolled in a career exploration
course. I learned more about myself in that class than I had in my entire three years at college prior to
taking it. It showed me that my passion was something I had always thought about but never thought about
as a career. In high school, I could sit in the Guidance Offi for hours on end. I enjoyed listening to others—
hearing and helping people work through their struggles.
I had seen firsthand how detrimental the absence of career classes can be to someone’s future. Through this
realization and my participation in my career exploration class, I saw a viable future in the Higher
Education Administration field. As I dove deeper, I was opened to an incredible amount of unique and
diverse opportunities to work with students. My main approach was to get a taste anything to do with
student services: I shadowed a career counselor in a career services office attended graduate school fairs
and informational sessions, discussed the Higher Education Administration Program with several staff at
my college, and most importantly, I talked with my internship coordinator (my mentor). From there, I
completed an internship in my prospective field, which gave me a wealth of insight and skills that directly
related to my future career goals.
From where I sit now—my former personal and professional struggles in tow—I offer up some pieces of
advice that were crucial to getting me where I am today. Whether you’re an undecided major who is
looking for guidance or a student with a clearly defined career path, I suggest the following:
103. Find a mentor—For me, everything began there. Without my mentor, I wouldn’t have done any of the other
items I’m about to suggest. Finding the right mentor is crucial. Look for someone who can complement your
personality (typically someone who’s the opposite of you). My advice would be to look beyond your direct
supervisor for mentorship. It’s important to create an open forum with your mentor, because there may be a
conflict of interest as you discuss work issues and other job opportunities. Potential mentors to consider are an
instructor on campus, your academic advisor, a professional currently working in your prospective field,
someone you admire in your community, or anyone in your network of friends or family that you feel
comfortable discussing your future goals with.
104. Enroll in a Career Exploration/Planning course, or something similar—Even if you do not see the
52
Learn What You Don’t Want 53
effects of this course immediately (such as dramatically changing your major), you will notice the impact down
the road. Making educated career choices and learning job readiness skills will always pay off in the end.
Through my career exploration class, I learned how to relate my personality and values to potential career fields.
128
These self-assessments changed my entire thought process, and I see that influence daily. Beyond changing the
way you think, the knowledge you gain about effective job search strategies is invaluable. Learning how to write
purposeful résumés and cover letters, finding the right approach to the interview process, and recognizing your
strengths and weaknesses are just a few of the benefits you can gain from these type of courses.
105. Complete a Job Shadow and/or Informational Interview—No amount of online research is going to give you
the same experience as seeing a job at the front line. In a job shadow or an informational interview, you’re able
to explore options with no commitment and see how your in-class experience can carry over to a real world
setting. Additionally, you’re expanding your professional network by having that personal involvement. You
never know how the connections you make might benefit you in the future. My only regret about job shadowing
in college is that I didn’t do it sooner.
106. Do an Internship—A main source of frustration for recent grads is the inability to secure an entrylevel
position without experience. “How do I get a job to gain experience when I can’t get a job without experience?”
This is how: do an internship or two! Most colleges even have a course where you can obtain credit for doing it!
Not only will you earn credits towards graduation, but you’ll gain the necessary experience to put on your
résumé and discuss in future interviews. Having completed four internships throughout my college career, I
can’t say they were all great. However, I don’t regret a single one. The first one showed me the type of field I
didn’t want t work in. The second confirmed that I was heading in the right direction with my career. My third
and fourth internships introduced me to completely different areas of higher education which broadened my
knowledge and narrowed my search simultaneously.
My takeaway is that sometimes you have to learn what you don’t want in order to fin out what you do
want. The more informed you are about career options through real life conversations and experiences, the
better prepared you will be for your future and the more confiden you will be in your career decisions.
Always explore your options because even if you learn you hate it, at least you’re one step close to finding
what you love.
Conclusion
In the text, the authors told true-to-life stories about their own academic, personal, and lifecareer successes.
When reading FAS: WoW, you explored the following guiding questions:
• How do you demonstrate college readiness through the use of effective study skills and campus
resources?
• How do you apply basic technological and information management skills for academic and
lifelong career development?
• How do you demonstrate the use of critical and creative thinking skills to solve problems and
draw conclusions?
• How do you demonstrate basic awareness of self in connection with academic and personal
goals?
• How do you identify and demonstrate knowledge of the implications of choices related to
wellness?
• How do you demonstrate basic knowledge of cultural diversity?
Now that you’ve read FAS: WoW, it’s time to pay it forward by composing your own Words of
Wisdom story to share with college students of the future. Reflect on the lessons learned during your own
college experience this term and use the guiding questions to develop a true-to-life story that can help other
college students connect the dots between being a college student and being a successful college student.
Submit your story to be considered in the next edition of Foundations of Academic Success: Words of
Wisdom by emailing your name, institution, and a draft of your short story to [email protected].
129
Submissions will be reviewed as they are received, and you will be contacted directly if your submission is
reviewed and selected for publication.
The options for textbooks focusing on college student success in college are overwhelming; many
textbooks exist at varying levels of rigor and cost (some well over $100). The FAS: WoW series of
textbooks provides college students open access textbooks that are student-centered and readable (dare I
even say enjoyable). FAS: WoW supports the open access textbook philosophy to help students reduce the
cost of attending colleges and universities.
For a long time, my plan had always been to be a kindergarten teacher. But when I began my
undergraduate degree I fell into that ever-growing pool of college students who changed their major three
times before graduation. I was swayed by family members, my peers, and the economy, but I eventually
realized that I was investing my education in the wrong areas for the wrong reasons. It shouldn’t just be
about salaries and job security. I needed to fin that personal attachment.
At eighteen, it’s hard to see your entire life spread out before you. College may feel like a freefor-all at
times, but the reality is that it’s one of the most defining times of our lives. It should never be squandered. I
started to imagine my life beyond college—what I found important and the type of lifestyle I wanted in the
end. I started thinking about the classes that I was actually interested in—the ones that I looked forward to
each week and arrived early to just so I could get a seat up front.
A turning point for me was when I took the advice of a campus mentor and enrolled in a career exploration
course. I learned more about myself in that class than I had in my entire three years at college prior to
taking it. It showed me that my passion was something I had always thought about but never thought about
as a career. In high school, I could sit in the Guidance Offi for hours on end. I enjoyed listening to others—
hearing and helping people work through their struggles.
I had seen firsthand how detrimental the absence of career classes can be to someone’s future. Through this
realization and my participation in my career exploration class, I saw a viable future in the Higher
Education Administration field. As I dove deeper, I was opened to an incredible amount of unique and
diverse opportunities to work with students. My main approach was to get a taste anything to do with
student services: I shadowed a career counselor in a career services office attended graduate school fairs
and informational sessions, discussed the Higher Education Administration Program with several staff at
130
my college, and most importantly, I talked with my internship coordinator (my mentor). From there, I
completed an internship in my prospective field, which gave me a wealth of insight and skills that directly
related to my future career goals.
From where I sit now—my former personal and professional struggles in tow—I offer up some pieces of
advice that were crucial to getting me where I am today. Whether you’re an undecided major who is
looking for guidance or a student with a clearly defined career path, I suggest the following:
105. Find a mentor—For me, everything began there. Without my mentor, I wouldn’t have done any of the other
items I’m about to suggest. Finding the right mentor is crucial. Look for someone who can complement your
personality (typically someone who’s the opposite of you). My advice would be to look beyond your direct
supervisor for mentorship. It’s important to create an open forum with your mentor, because there may be a
conflict of interest as you discuss work issues and other job opportunities. Potential mentors to consider are an
instructor on campus, your academic advisor, a professional currently working in your prospective field,
someone you admire in your community, or anyone in your network of friends or family that you feel
comfortable discussing your future goals with.
106. Enroll in a Career Exploration/Planning course, or something similar—Even if you do not see the
52
Learn What You Don’t Want 53
effects of this course immediately (such as dramatically changing your major), you will notice the impact down
the road. Making educated career choices and learning job readiness skills will always pay off in the end.
Through my career exploration class, I learned how to relate my personality and values to potential career fields.
These self-assessments changed my entire thought process, and I see that influence daily. Beyond changing the
way you think, the knowledge you gain about effective job search strategies is invaluable. Learning how to write
purposeful résumés and cover letters, finding the right approach to the interview process, and recognizing your
strengths and weaknesses are just a few of the benefits you can gain from these type of courses.
107. Complete a Job Shadow and/or Informational Interview—No amount of online research is going to give you
the same experience as seeing a job at the front line. In a job shadow or an informational interview, you’re able
to explore options with no commitment and see how your in-class experience can carry over to a real world
setting. Additionally, you’re expanding your professional network by having that personal involvement. You
never know how the connections you make might benefit you in the future. My only regret about job shadowing
in college is that I didn’t do it sooner.
108. Do an Internship—A main source of frustration for recent grads is the inability to secure an entrylevel
position without experience. “How do I get a job to gain experience when I can’t get a job without experience?”
This is how: do an internship or two! Most colleges even have a course where you can obtain credit for doing it!
Not only will you earn credits towards graduation, but you’ll gain the necessary experience to put on your
résumé and discuss in future interviews. Having completed four internships throughout my college career, I
can’t say they were all great. However, I don’t regret a single one. The first one showed me the type of field I
didn’t want t work in. The second confirmed that I was heading in the right direction with my career. My third
and fourth internships introduced me to completely different areas of higher education which broadened my
knowledge and narrowed my search simultaneously.
My takeaway is that sometimes you have to learn what you don’t want in order to fin out what you do
want. The more informed you are about career options through real life conversations and experiences, the
better prepared you will be for your future and the more confiden you will be in your career decisions.
131
Always explore your options because even if you learn you hate it, at least you’re one step close to finding
what you love.
Conclusion
In the text, the authors told true-to-life stories about their own academic, personal, and lifecareer successes.
When reading FAS: WoW, you explored the following guiding questions:
• How do you demonstrate college readiness through the use of effective study skills and campus
resources?
• How do you apply basic technological and information management skills for academic and
lifelong career development?
• How do you demonstrate the use of critical and creative thinking skills to solve problems and
draw conclusions?
• How do you demonstrate basic awareness of self in connection with academic and personal
goals?
• How do you identify and demonstrate knowledge of the implications of choices related to
wellness?
• How do you demonstrate basic knowledge of cultural diversity?
Now that you’ve read FAS: WoW, it’s time to pay it forward by composing your own Words of
Wisdom story to share with college students of the future. Reflect on the lessons learned during your own
college experience this term and use the guiding questions to develop a true-to-life story that can help other
college students connect the dots between being a college student and being a successful college student.
Submit your story to be considered in the next edition of Foundations of Academic Success: Words of
Wisdom by emailing your name, institution, and a draft of your short story to [email protected].
Submissions will be reviewed as they are received, and you will be contacted directly if your submission is
reviewed and selected for publication.
The options for textbooks focusing on college student success in college are overwhelming; many
textbooks exist at varying levels of rigor and cost (some well over $100). The FAS: WoW series of
textbooks provides college students open access textbooks that are student-centered and readable (dare I
even say enjoyable). FAS: WoW supports the open access textbook philosophy to help students reduce the
cost of attending colleges and universities.
132
For a long time, my plan had always been to be a kindergarten teacher. But when I began my
undergraduate degree I fell into that ever-growing pool of college students who changed their major three
times before graduation. I was swayed by family members, my peers, and the economy, but I eventually
realized that I was investing my education in the wrong areas for the wrong reasons. It shouldn’t just be
about salaries and job security. I needed to fin that personal attachment.
At eighteen, it’s hard to see your entire life spread out before you. College may feel like a freefor-all at
times, but the reality is that it’s one of the most defining times of our lives. It should never be squandered. I
started to imagine my life beyond college—what I found important and the type of lifestyle I wanted in the
end. I started thinking about the classes that I was actually interested in—the ones that I looked forward to
each week and arrived early to just so I could get a seat up front.
A turning point for me was when I took the advice of a campus mentor and enrolled in a career exploration
course. I learned more about myself in that class than I had in my entire three years at college prior to
taking it. It showed me that my passion was something I had always thought about but never thought about
as a career. In high school, I could sit in the Guidance Offi for hours on end. I enjoyed listening to others—
hearing and helping people work through their struggles.
I had seen firsthand how detrimental the absence of career classes can be to someone’s future. Through this
realization and my participation in my career exploration class, I saw a viable future in the Higher
Education Administration field. As I dove deeper, I was opened to an incredible amount of unique and
diverse opportunities to work with students. My main approach was to get a taste anything to do with
student services: I shadowed a career counselor in a career services office attended graduate school fairs
and informational sessions, discussed the Higher Education Administration Program with several staff at
my college, and most importantly, I talked with my internship coordinator (my mentor). From there, I
completed an internship in my prospective field, which gave me a wealth of insight and skills that directly
related to my future career goals.
From where I sit now—my former personal and professional struggles in tow—I offer up some pieces of
advice that were crucial to getting me where I am today. Whether you’re an undecided major who is
looking for guidance or a student with a clearly defined career path, I suggest the following:
107. Find a mentor—For me, everything began there. Without my mentor, I wouldn’t have done any of the other
items I’m about to suggest. Finding the right mentor is crucial. Look for someone who can complement your
personality (typically someone who’s the opposite of you). My advice would be to look beyond your direct
supervisor for mentorship. It’s important to create an open forum with your mentor, because there may be a
conflict of interest as you discuss work issues and other job opportunities. Potential mentors to consider are an
instructor on campus, your academic advisor, a professional currently working in your prospective field,
someone you admire in your community, or anyone in your network of friends or family that you feel
comfortable discussing your future goals with.
108. Enroll in a Career Exploration/Planning course, or something similar—Even if you do not see the
52
Learn What You Don’t Want 53
effects of this course immediately (such as dramatically changing your major), you will notice the impact down
the road. Making educated career choices and learning job readiness skills will always pay off in the end.
Through my career exploration class, I learned how to relate my personality and values to potential career fields.
133
These self-assessments changed my entire thought process, and I see that influence daily. Beyond changing the
way you think, the knowledge you gain about effective job search strategies is invaluable. Learning how to write
purposeful résumés and cover letters, finding the right approach to the interview process, and recognizing your
strengths and weaknesses are just a few of the benefits you can gain from these type of courses.
109. Complete a Job Shadow and/or Informational Interview—No amount of online research is going to give you
the same experience as seeing a job at the front line. In a job shadow or an informational interview, you’re able
to explore options with no commitment and see how your in-class experience can carry over to a real world
setting. Additionally, you’re expanding your professional network by having that personal involvement. You
never know how the connections you make might benefit you in the future. My only regret about job shadowing
in college is that I didn’t do it sooner.
110. Do an Internship—A main source of frustration for recent grads is the inability to secure an entrylevel
position without experience. “How do I get a job to gain experience when I can’t get a job without experience?”
This is how: do an internship or two! Most colleges even have a course where you can obtain credit for doing it!
Not only will you earn credits towards graduation, but you’ll gain the necessary experience to put on your
résumé and discuss in future interviews. Having completed four internships throughout my college career, I
can’t say they were all great. However, I don’t regret a single one. The first one showed me the type of field I
didn’t want t work in. The second confirmed that I was heading in the right direction with my career. My third
and fourth internships introduced me to completely different areas of higher education which broadened my
knowledge and narrowed my search simultaneously.
My takeaway is that sometimes you have to learn what you don’t want in order to fin out what you do
want. The more informed you are about career options through real life conversations and experiences, the
better prepared you will be for your future and the more confiden you will be in your career decisions.
Always explore your options because even if you learn you hate it, at least you’re one step close to finding
what you love.
Conclusion
In the text, the authors told true-to-life stories about their own academic, personal, and lifecareer successes.
When reading FAS: WoW, you explored the following guiding questions:
• How do you demonstrate college readiness through the use of effective study skills and campus
resources?
• How do you apply basic technological and information management skills for academic and
lifelong career development?
• How do you demonstrate the use of critical and creative thinking skills to solve problems and
draw conclusions?
• How do you demonstrate basic awareness of self in connection with academic and personal
goals?
• How do you identify and demonstrate knowledge of the implications of choices related to
wellness?
• How do you demonstrate basic knowledge of cultural diversity?
Now that you’ve read FAS: WoW, it’s time to pay it forward by composing your own Words of
Wisdom story to share with college students of the future. Reflect on the lessons learned during your own
college experience this term and use the guiding questions to develop a true-to-life story that can help other
college students connect the dots between being a college student and being a successful college student.
Submit your story to be considered in the next edition of Foundations of Academic Success: Words of
Wisdom by emailing your name, institution, and a draft of your short story to [email protected].
134
Submissions will be reviewed as they are received, and you will be contacted directly if your submission is
reviewed and selected for publication.
The options for textbooks focusing on college student success in college are overwhelming; many
textbooks exist at varying levels of rigor and cost (some well over $100). The FAS: WoW series of
textbooks provides college students open access textbooks that are student-centered and readable (dare I
even say enjoyable). FAS: WoW supports the open access textbook philosophy to help students reduce the
cost of attending colleges and universities.
For a long time, my plan had always been to be a kindergarten teacher. But when I began my
undergraduate degree I fell into that ever-growing pool of college students who changed their major three
times before graduation. I was swayed by family members, my peers, and the economy, but I eventually
realized that I was investing my education in the wrong areas for the wrong reasons. It shouldn’t just be
about salaries and job security. I needed to fin that personal attachment.
At eighteen, it’s hard to see your entire life spread out before you. College may feel like a freefor-all at
times, but the reality is that it’s one of the most defining times of our lives. It should never be squandered. I
started to imagine my life beyond college—what I found important and the type of lifestyle I wanted in the
end. I started thinking about the classes that I was actually interested in—the ones that I looked forward to
each week and arrived early to just so I could get a seat up front.
A turning point for me was when I took the advice of a campus mentor and enrolled in a career exploration
course. I learned more about myself in that class than I had in my entire three years at college prior to
taking it. It showed me that my passion was something I had always thought about but never thought about
as a career. In high school, I could sit in the Guidance Offi for hours on end. I enjoyed listening to others—
hearing and helping people work through their struggles.
I had seen firsthand how detrimental the absence of career classes can be to someone’s future. Through this
realization and my participation in my career exploration class, I saw a viable future in the Higher
Education Administration field. As I dove deeper, I was opened to an incredible amount of unique and
diverse opportunities to work with students. My main approach was to get a taste anything to do with
student services: I shadowed a career counselor in a career services office attended graduate school fairs
and informational sessions, discussed the Higher Education Administration Program with several staff at
135
my college, and most importantly, I talked with my internship coordinator (my mentor). From there, I
completed an internship in my prospective field, which gave me a wealth of insight and skills that directly
related to my future career goals.
From where I sit now—my former personal and professional struggles in tow—I offer up some pieces of
advice that were crucial to getting me where I am today. Whether you’re an undecided major who is
looking for guidance or a student with a clearly defined career path, I suggest the following:
109. Find a mentor—For me, everything began there. Without my mentor, I wouldn’t have done any of the other
items I’m about to suggest. Finding the right mentor is crucial. Look for someone who can complement your
personality (typically someone who’s the opposite of you). My advice would be to look beyond your direct
supervisor for mentorship. It’s important to create an open forum with your mentor, because there may be a
conflict of interest as you discuss work issues and other job opportunities. Potential mentors to consider are an
instructor on campus, your academic advisor, a professional currently working in your prospective field,
someone you admire in your community, or anyone in your network of friends or family that you feel
comfortable discussing your future goals with.
110. Enroll in a Career Exploration/Planning course, or something similar—Even if you do not see the
52
Learn What You Don’t Want 53
effects of this course immediately (such as dramatically changing your major), you will notice the impact down
the road. Making educated career choices and learning job readiness skills will always pay off in the end.
Through my career exploration class, I learned how to relate my personality and values to potential career fields.
These self-assessments changed my entire thought process, and I see that influence daily. Beyond changing the
way you think, the knowledge you gain about effective job search strategies is invaluable. Learning how to write
purposeful résumés and cover letters, finding the right approach to the interview process, and recognizing your
strengths and weaknesses are just a few of the benefits you can gain from these type of courses.
111. Complete a Job Shadow and/or Informational Interview—No amount of online research is going to give you
the same experience as seeing a job at the front line. In a job shadow or an informational interview, you’re able
to explore options with no commitment and see how your in-class experience can carry over to a real world
setting. Additionally, you’re expanding your professional network by having that personal involvement. You
never know how the connections you make might benefit you in the future. My only regret about job shadowing
in college is that I didn’t do it sooner.
112. Do an Internship—A main source of frustration for recent grads is the inability to secure an entrylevel
position without experience. “How do I get a job to gain experience when I can’t get a job without experience?”
This is how: do an internship or two! Most colleges even have a course where you can obtain credit for doing it!
Not only will you earn credits towards graduation, but you’ll gain the necessary experience to put on your
résumé and discuss in future interviews. Having completed four internships throughout my college career, I
can’t say they were all great. However, I don’t regret a single one. The first one showed me the type of field I
didn’t want t work in. The second confirmed that I was heading in the right direction with my career. My third
and fourth internships introduced me to completely different areas of higher education which broadened my
knowledge and narrowed my search simultaneously.
My takeaway is that sometimes you have to learn what you don’t want in order to fin out what you do
want. The more informed you are about career options through real life conversations and experiences, the
better prepared you will be for your future and the more confiden you will be in your career decisions.
136
Always explore your options because even if you learn you hate it, at least you’re one step close to finding
what you love.
Conclusion
In the text, the authors told true-to-life stories about their own academic, personal, and lifecareer successes.
When reading FAS: WoW, you explored the following guiding questions:
• How do you demonstrate college readiness through the use of effective study skills and campus
resources?
• How do you apply basic technological and information management skills for academic and
lifelong career development?
• How do you demonstrate the use of critical and creative thinking skills to solve problems and
draw conclusions?
• How do you demonstrate basic awareness of self in connection with academic and personal
goals?
• How do you identify and demonstrate knowledge of the implications of choices related to
wellness?
• How do you demonstrate basic knowledge of cultural diversity?
Now that you’ve read FAS: WoW, it’s time to pay it forward by composing your own Words of
Wisdom story to share with college students of the future. Reflect on the lessons learned during your own
college experience this term and use the guiding questions to develop a true-to-life story that can help other
college students connect the dots between being a college student and being a successful college student.
Submit your story to be considered in the next edition of Foundations of Academic Success: Words of
Wisdom by emailing your name, institution, and a draft of your short story to [email protected].
Submissions will be reviewed as they are received, and you will be contacted directly if your submission is
reviewed and selected for publication.
The options for textbooks focusing on college student success in college are overwhelming; many
textbooks exist at varying levels of rigor and cost (some well over $100). The FAS: WoW series of
textbooks provides college students open access textbooks that are student-centered and readable (dare I
even say enjoyable). FAS: WoW supports the open access textbook philosophy to help students reduce the
cost of attending colleges and universities.
137
For a long time, my plan had always been to be a kindergarten teacher. But when I began my
undergraduate degree I fell into that ever-growing pool of college students who changed their major three
times before graduation. I was swayed by family members, my peers, and the economy, but I eventually
realized that I was investing my education in the wrong areas for the wrong reasons. It shouldn’t just be
about salaries and job security. I needed to fin that personal attachment.
At eighteen, it’s hard to see your entire life spread out before you. College may feel like a freefor-all at
times, but the reality is that it’s one of the most defining times of our lives. It should never be squandered. I
started to imagine my life beyond college—what I found important and the type of lifestyle I wanted in the
end. I started thinking about the classes that I was actually interested in—the ones that I looked forward to
each week and arrived early to just so I could get a seat up front.
A turning point for me was when I took the advice of a campus mentor and enrolled in a career exploration
course. I learned more about myself in that class than I had in my entire three years at college prior to
taking it. It showed me that my passion was something I had always thought about but never thought about
as a career. In high school, I could sit in the Guidance Offi for hours on end. I enjoyed listening to others—
hearing and helping people work through their struggles.
I had seen firsthand how detrimental the absence of career classes can be to someone’s future. Through this
realization and my participation in my career exploration class, I saw a viable future in the Higher
Education Administration field. As I dove deeper, I was opened to an incredible amount of unique and
diverse opportunities to work with students. My main approach was to get a taste anything to do with
student services: I shadowed a career counselor in a career services office attended graduate school fairs
and informational sessions, discussed the Higher Education Administration Program with several staff at
my college, and most importantly, I talked with my internship coordinator (my mentor). From there, I
completed an internship in my prospective field, which gave me a wealth of insight and skills that directly
related to my future career goals.
From where I sit now—my former personal and professional struggles in tow—I offer up some pieces of
advice that were crucial to getting me where I am today. Whether you’re an undecided major who is
looking for guidance or a student with a clearly defined career path, I suggest the following:
111. Find a mentor—For me, everything began there. Without my mentor, I wouldn’t have done any of the other
items I’m about to suggest. Finding the right mentor is crucial. Look for someone who can complement your
personality (typically someone who’s the opposite of you). My advice would be to look beyond your direct
supervisor for mentorship. It’s important to create an open forum with your mentor, because there may be a
conflict of interest as you discuss work issues and other job opportunities. Potential mentors to consider are an
instructor on campus, your academic advisor, a professional currently working in your prospective field,
someone you admire in your community, or anyone in your network of friends or family that you feel
comfortable discussing your future goals with.
112. Enroll in a Career Exploration/Planning course, or something similar—Even if you do not see the
52
Learn What You Don’t Want 53
effects of this course immediately (such as dramatically changing your major), you will notice the impact down
the road. Making educated career choices and learning job readiness skills will always pay off in the end.
Through my career exploration class, I learned how to relate my personality and values to potential career fields.
138
These self-assessments changed my entire thought process, and I see that influence daily. Beyond changing the
way you think, the knowledge you gain about effective job search strategies is invaluable. Learning how to write
purposeful résumés and cover letters, finding the right approach to the interview process, and recognizing your
strengths and weaknesses are just a few of the benefits you can gain from these type of courses.
113. Complete a Job Shadow and/or Informational Interview—No amount of online research is going to give you
the same experience as seeing a job at the front line. In a job shadow or an informational interview, you’re able
to explore options with no commitment and see how your in-class experience can carry over to a real world
setting. Additionally, you’re expanding your professional network by having that personal involvement. You
never know how the connections you make might benefit you in the future. My only regret about job shadowing
in college is that I didn’t do it sooner.
114. Do an Internship—A main source of frustration for recent grads is the inability to secure an entrylevel
position without experience. “How do I get a job to gain experience when I can’t get a job without experience?”
This is how: do an internship or two! Most colleges even have a course where you can obtain credit for doing it!
Not only will you earn credits towards graduation, but you’ll gain the necessary experience to put on your
résumé and discuss in future interviews. Having completed four internships throughout my college career, I
can’t say they were all great. However, I don’t regret a single one. The first one showed me the type of field I
didn’t want t work in. The second confirmed that I was heading in the right direction with my career. My third
and fourth internships introduced me to completely different areas of higher education which broadened my
knowledge and narrowed my search simultaneously.
My takeaway is that sometimes you have to learn what you don’t want in order to fin out what you do
want. The more informed you are about career options through real life conversations and experiences, the
better prepared you will be for your future and the more confiden you will be in your career decisions.
Always explore your options because even if you learn you hate it, at least you’re one step close to finding
what you love.
Conclusion
In the text, the authors told true-to-life stories about their own academic, personal, and lifecareer successes.
When reading FAS: WoW, you explored the following guiding questions:
• How do you demonstrate college readiness through the use of effective study skills and campus
resources?
• How do you apply basic technological and information management skills for academic and
lifelong career development?
• How do you demonstrate the use of critical and creative thinking skills to solve problems and
draw conclusions?
• How do you demonstrate basic awareness of self in connection with academic and personal
goals?
• How do you identify and demonstrate knowledge of the implications of choices related to
wellness?
• How do you demonstrate basic knowledge of cultural diversity?
Now that you’ve read FAS: WoW, it’s time to pay it forward by composing your own Words of
Wisdom story to share with college students of the future. Reflect on the lessons learned during your own
college experience this term and use the guiding questions to develop a true-to-life story that can help other
college students connect the dots between being a college student and being a successful college student.
Submit your story to be considered in the next edition of Foundations of Academic Success: Words of
Wisdom by emailing your name, institution, and a draft of your short story to [email protected].
139
Submissions will be reviewed as they are received, and you will be contacted directly if your submission is
reviewed and selected for publication.
The options for textbooks focusing on college student success in college are overwhelming; many
textbooks exist at varying levels of rigor and cost (some well over $100). The FAS: WoW series of
textbooks provides college students open access textbooks that are student-centered and readable (dare I
even say enjoyable). FAS: WoW supports the open access textbook philosophy to help students reduce the
cost of attending colleges and universities.
For a long time, my plan had always been to be a kindergarten teacher. But when I began my
undergraduate degree I fell into that ever-growing pool of college students who changed their major three
times before graduation. I was swayed by family members, my peers, and the economy, but I eventually
realized that I was investing my education in the wrong areas for the wrong reasons. It shouldn’t just be
about salaries and job security. I needed to fin that personal attachment.
At eighteen, it’s hard to see your entire life spread out before you. College may feel like a freefor-all at
times, but the reality is that it’s one of the most defining times of our lives. It should never be squandered. I
started to imagine my life beyond college—what I found important and the type of lifestyle I wanted in the
end. I started thinking about the classes that I was actually interested in—the ones that I looked forward to
each week and arrived early to just so I could get a seat up front.
A turning point for me was when I took the advice of a campus mentor and enrolled in a career exploration
course. I learned more about myself in that class than I had in my entire three years at college prior to
taking it. It showed me that my passion was something I had always thought about but never thought about
as a career. In high school, I could sit in the Guidance Offi for hours on end. I enjoyed listening to others—
hearing and helping people work through their struggles.
I had seen firsthand how detrimental the absence of career classes can be to someone’s future. Through this
realization and my participation in my career exploration class, I saw a viable future in the Higher
Education Administration field. As I dove deeper, I was opened to an incredible amount of unique and
diverse opportunities to work with students. My main approach was to get a taste anything to do with
student services: I shadowed a career counselor in a career services office attended graduate school fairs
and informational sessions, discussed the Higher Education Administration Program with several staff at
140
my college, and most importantly, I talked with my internship coordinator (my mentor). From there, I
completed an internship in my prospective field, which gave me a wealth of insight and skills that directly
related to my future career goals.
From where I sit now—my former personal and professional struggles in tow—I offer up some pieces of
advice that were crucial to getting me where I am today. Whether you’re an undecided major who is
looking for guidance or a student with a clearly defined career path, I suggest the following:
113. Find a mentor—For me, everything began there. Without my mentor, I wouldn’t have done any of the other
items I’m about to suggest. Finding the right mentor is crucial. Look for someone who can complement your
personality (typically someone who’s the opposite of you). My advice would be to look beyond your direct
supervisor for mentorship. It’s important to create an open forum with your mentor, because there may be a
conflict of interest as you discuss work issues and other job opportunities. Potential mentors to consider are an
instructor on campus, your academic advisor, a professional currently working in your prospective field,
someone you admire in your community, or anyone in your network of friends or family that you feel
comfortable discussing your future goals with.
114. Enroll in a Career Exploration/Planning course, or something similar—Even if you do not see the
52
Learn What You Don’t Want 53
effects of this course immediately (such as dramatically changing your major), you will notice the impact down
the road. Making educated career choices and learning job readiness skills will always pay off in the end.
Through my career exploration class, I learned how to relate my personality and values to potential career fields.
These self-assessments changed my entire thought process, and I see that influence daily. Beyond changing the
way you think, the knowledge you gain about effective job search strategies is invaluable. Learning how to write
purposeful résumés and cover letters, finding the right approach to the interview process, and recognizing your
strengths and weaknesses are just a few of the benefits you can gain from these type of courses.
115. Complete a Job Shadow and/or Informational Interview—No amount of online research is going to give you
the same experience as seeing a job at the front line. In a job shadow or an informational interview, you’re able
to explore options with no commitment and see how your in-class experience can carry over to a real world
setting. Additionally, you’re expanding your professional network by having that personal involvement. You
never know how the connections you make might benefit you in the future. My only regret about job shadowing
in college is that I didn’t do it sooner.
116. Do an Internship—A main source of frustration for recent grads is the inability to secure an entrylevel
position without experience. “How do I get a job to gain experience when I can’t get a job without experience?”
This is how: do an internship or two! Most colleges even have a course where you can obtain credit for doing it!
Not only will you earn credits towards graduation, but you’ll gain the necessary experience to put on your
résumé and discuss in future interviews. Having completed four internships throughout my college career, I
can’t say they were all great. However, I don’t regret a single one. The first one showed me the type of field I
didn’t want t work in. The second confirmed that I was heading in the right direction with my career. My third
and fourth internships introduced me to completely different areas of higher education which broadened my
knowledge and narrowed my search simultaneously.
My takeaway is that sometimes you have to learn what you don’t want in order to fin out what you do
want. The more informed you are about career options through real life conversations and experiences, the
better prepared you will be for your future and the more confiden you will be in your career decisions.
141
Always explore your options because even if you learn you hate it, at least you’re one step close to finding
what you love.
Conclusion
In the text, the authors told true-to-life stories about their own academic, personal, and lifecareer successes.
When reading FAS: WoW, you explored the following guiding questions:
• How do you demonstrate college readiness through the use of effective study skills and campus
resources?
• How do you apply basic technological and information management skills for academic and
lifelong career development?
• How do you demonstrate the use of critical and creative thinking skills to solve problems and
draw conclusions?
• How do you demonstrate basic awareness of self in connection with academic and personal
goals?
• How do you identify and demonstrate knowledge of the implications of choices related to
wellness?
• How do you demonstrate basic knowledge of cultural diversity?
Now that you’ve read FAS: WoW, it’s time to pay it forward by composing your own Words of
Wisdom story to share with college students of the future. Reflect on the lessons learned during your own
college experience this term and use the guiding questions to develop a true-to-life story that can help other
college students connect the dots between being a college student and being a successful college student.
Submit your story to be considered in the next edition of Foundations of Academic Success: Words of
Wisdom by emailing your name, institution, and a draft of your short story to [email protected].
Submissions will be reviewed as they are received, and you will be contacted directly if your submission is
reviewed and selected for publication.
The options for textbooks focusing on college student success in college are overwhelming; many
textbooks exist at varying levels of rigor and cost (some well over $100). The FAS: WoW series of
textbooks provides college students open access textbooks that are student-centered and readable (dare I
even say enjoyable). FAS: WoW supports the open access textbook philosophy to help students reduce the
cost of attending colleges and universities.
142
For a long time, my plan had always been to be a kindergarten teacher. But when I began my
undergraduate degree I fell into that ever-growing pool of college students who changed their major three
times before graduation. I was swayed by family members, my peers, and the economy, but I eventually
realized that I was investing my education in the wrong areas for the wrong reasons. It shouldn’t just be
about salaries and job security. I needed to fin that personal attachment.
At eighteen, it’s hard to see your entire life spread out before you. College may feel like a freefor-all at
times, but the reality is that it’s one of the most defining times of our lives. It should never be squandered. I
started to imagine my life beyond college—what I found important and the type of lifestyle I wanted in the
end. I started thinking about the classes that I was actually interested in—the ones that I looked forward to
each week and arrived early to just so I could get a seat up front.
A turning point for me was when I took the advice of a campus mentor and enrolled in a career exploration
course. I learned more about myself in that class than I had in my entire three years at college prior to
taking it. It showed me that my passion was something I had always thought about but never thought about
as a career. In high school, I could sit in the Guidance Offi for hours on end. I enjoyed listening to others—
hearing and helping people work through their struggles.
I had seen firsthand how detrimental the absence of career classes can be to someone’s future. Through this
realization and my participation in my career exploration class, I saw a viable future in the Higher
Education Administration field. As I dove deeper, I was opened to an incredible amount of unique and
diverse opportunities to work with students. My main approach was to get a taste anything to do with
student services: I shadowed a career counselor in a career services office attended graduate school fairs
and informational sessions, discussed the Higher Education Administration Program with several staff at
my college, and most importantly, I talked with my internship coordinator (my mentor). From there, I
completed an internship in my prospective field, which gave me a wealth of insight and skills that directly
related to my future career goals.
From where I sit now—my former personal and professional struggles in tow—I offer up some pieces of
advice that were crucial to getting me where I am today. Whether you’re an undecided major who is
looking for guidance or a student with a clearly defined career path, I suggest the following:
115. Find a mentor—For me, everything began there. Without my mentor, I wouldn’t have done any of the other
items I’m about to suggest. Finding the right mentor is crucial. Look for someone who can complement your
personality (typically someone who’s the opposite of you). My advice would be to look beyond your direct
supervisor for mentorship. It’s important to create an open forum with your mentor, because there may be a
conflict of interest as you discuss work issues and other job opportunities. Potential mentors to consider are an
instructor on campus, your academic advisor, a professional currently working in your prospective field,
someone you admire in your community, or anyone in your network of friends or family that you feel
comfortable discussing your future goals with.
116. Enroll in a Career Exploration/Planning course, or something similar—Even if you do not see the
52
Learn What You Don’t Want 53
effects of this course immediately (such as dramatically changing your major), you will notice the impact down
the road. Making educated career choices and learning job readiness skills will always pay off in the end.
Through my career exploration class, I learned how to relate my personality and values to potential career fields.
143
These self-assessments changed my entire thought process, and I see that influence daily. Beyond changing the
way you think, the knowledge you gain about effective job search strategies is invaluable. Learning how to write
purposeful résumés and cover letters, finding the right approach to the interview process, and recognizing your
strengths and weaknesses are just a few of the benefits you can gain from these type of courses.
117. Complete a Job Shadow and/or Informational Interview—No amount of online research is going to give you
the same experience as seeing a job at the front line. In a job shadow or an informational interview, you’re able
to explore options with no commitment and see how your in-class experience can carry over to a real world
setting. Additionally, you’re expanding your professional network by having that personal involvement. You
never know how the connections you make might benefit you in the future. My only regret about job shadowing
in college is that I didn’t do it sooner.
118. Do an Internship—A main source of frustration for recent grads is the inability to secure an entrylevel
position without experience. “How do I get a job to gain experience when I can’t get a job without experience?”
This is how: do an internship or two! Most colleges even have a course where you can obtain credit for doing it!
Not only will you earn credits towards graduation, but you’ll gain the necessary experience to put on your
résumé and discuss in future interviews. Having completed four internships throughout my college career, I
can’t say they were all great. However, I don’t regret a single one. The first one showed me the type of field I
didn’t want t work in. The second confirmed that I was heading in the right direction with my career. My third
and fourth internships introduced me to completely different areas of higher education which broadened my
knowledge and narrowed my search simultaneously.
My takeaway is that sometimes you have to learn what you don’t want in order to fin out what you do
want. The more informed you are about career options through real life conversations and experiences, the
better prepared you will be for your future and the more confiden you will be in your career decisions.
Always explore your options because even if you learn you hate it, at least you’re one step close to finding
what you love.
Conclusion
In the text, the authors told true-to-life stories about their own academic, personal, and lifecareer successes.
When reading FAS: WoW, you explored the following guiding questions:
• How do you demonstrate college readiness through the use of effective study skills and campus
resources?
• How do you apply basic technological and information management skills for academic and
lifelong career development?
• How do you demonstrate the use of critical and creative thinking skills to solve problems and
draw conclusions?
• How do you demonstrate basic awareness of self in connection with academic and personal
goals?
• How do you identify and demonstrate knowledge of the implications of choices related to
wellness?
• How do you demonstrate basic knowledge of cultural diversity?
Now that you’ve read FAS: WoW, it’s time to pay it forward by composing your own Words of
Wisdom story to share with college students of the future. Reflect on the lessons learned during your own
college experience this term and use the guiding questions to develop a true-to-life story that can help other
college students connect the dots between being a college student and being a successful college student.
Submit your story to be considered in the next edition of Foundations of Academic Success: Words of
Wisdom by emailing your name, institution, and a draft of your short story to [email protected].
144
Submissions will be reviewed as they are received, and you will be contacted directly if your submission is
reviewed and selected for publication.
The options for textbooks focusing on college student success in college are overwhelming; many
textbooks exist at varying levels of rigor and cost (some well over $100). The FAS: WoW series of
textbooks provides college students open access textbooks that are student-centered and readable (dare I
even say enjoyable). FAS: WoW supports the open access textbook philosophy to help students reduce the
cost of attending colleges and universities.
For a long time, my plan had always been to be a kindergarten teacher. But when I began my
undergraduate degree I fell into that ever-growing pool of college students who changed their major three
times before graduation. I was swayed by family members, my peers, and the economy, but I eventually
realized that I was investing my education in the wrong areas for the wrong reasons. It shouldn’t just be
about salaries and job security. I needed to fin that personal attachment.
At eighteen, it’s hard to see your entire life spread out before you. College may feel like a freefor-all at
times, but the reality is that it’s one of the most defining times of our lives. It should never be squandered. I
started to imagine my life beyond college—what I found important and the type of lifestyle I wanted in the
end. I started thinking about the classes that I was actually interested in—the ones that I looked forward to
each week and arrived early to just so I could get a seat up front.
A turning point for me was when I took the advice of a campus mentor and enrolled in a career exploration
course. I learned more about myself in that class than I had in my entire three years at college prior to
taking it. It showed me that my passion was something I had always thought about but never thought about
as a career. In high school, I could sit in the Guidance Offi for hours on end. I enjoyed listening to others—
hearing and helping people work through their struggles.
I had seen firsthand how detrimental the absence of career classes can be to someone’s future. Through this
realization and my participation in my career exploration class, I saw a viable future in the Higher
Education Administration field. As I dove deeper, I was opened to an incredible amount of unique and
diverse opportunities to work with students. My main approach was to get a taste anything to do with
student services: I shadowed a career counselor in a career services office attended graduate school fairs
and informational sessions, discussed the Higher Education Administration Program with several staff at
145
my college, and most importantly, I talked with my internship coordinator (my mentor). From there, I
completed an internship in my prospective field, which gave me a wealth of insight and skills that directly
related to my future career goals.
From where I sit now—my former personal and professional struggles in tow—I offer up some pieces of
advice that were crucial to getting me where I am today. Whether you’re an undecided major who is
looking for guidance or a student with a clearly defined career path, I suggest the following:
117. Find a mentor—For me, everything began there. Without my mentor, I wouldn’t have done any of the other
items I’m about to suggest. Finding the right mentor is crucial. Look for someone who can complement your
personality (typically someone who’s the opposite of you). My advice would be to look beyond your direct
supervisor for mentorship. It’s important to create an open forum with your mentor, because there may be a
conflict of interest as you discuss work issues and other job opportunities. Potential mentors to consider are an
instructor on campus, your academic advisor, a professional currently working in your prospective field,
someone you admire in your community, or anyone in your network of friends or family that you feel
comfortable discussing your future goals with.
118. Enroll in a Career Exploration/Planning course, or something similar—Even if you do not see the
52
Learn What You Don’t Want 53
effects of this course immediately (such as dramatically changing your major), you will notice the impact down
the road. Making educated career choices and learning job readiness skills will always pay off in the end.
Through my career exploration class, I learned how to relate my personality and values to potential career fields.
These self-assessments changed my entire thought process, and I see that influence daily. Beyond changing the
way you think, the knowledge you gain about effective job search strategies is invaluable. Learning how to write
purposeful résumés and cover letters, finding the right approach to the interview process, and recognizing your
strengths and weaknesses are just a few of the benefits you can gain from these type of courses.
119. Complete a Job Shadow and/or Informational Interview—No amount of online research is going to give you
the same experience as seeing a job at the front line. In a job shadow or an informational interview, you’re able
to explore options with no commitment and see how your in-class experience can carry over to a real world
setting. Additionally, you’re expanding your professional network by having that personal involvement. You
never know how the connections you make might benefit you in the future. My only regret about job shadowing
in college is that I didn’t do it sooner.
120. Do an Internship—A main source of frustration for recent grads is the inability to secure an entrylevel
position without experience. “How do I get a job to gain experience when I can’t get a job without experience?”
This is how: do an internship or two! Most colleges even have a course where you can obtain credit for doing it!
Not only will you earn credits towards graduation, but you’ll gain the necessary experience to put on your
résumé and discuss in future interviews. Having completed four internships throughout my college career, I
can’t say they were all great. However, I don’t regret a single one. The first one showed me the type of field I
didn’t want t work in. The second confirmed that I was heading in the right direction with my career. My third
and fourth internships introduced me to completely different areas of higher education which broadened my
knowledge and narrowed my search simultaneously.
My takeaway is that sometimes you have to learn what you don’t want in order to fin out what you do
want. The more informed you are about career options through real life conversations and experiences, the
better prepared you will be for your future and the more confiden you will be in your career decisions.
146
Always explore your options because even if you learn you hate it, at least you’re one step close to finding
what you love.
Conclusion
In the text, the authors told true-to-life stories about their own academic, personal, and lifecareer successes.
When reading FAS: WoW, you explored the following guiding questions:
• How do you demonstrate college readiness through the use of effective study skills and campus
resources?
• How do you apply basic technological and information management skills for academic and
lifelong career development?
• How do you demonstrate the use of critical and creative thinking skills to solve problems and
draw conclusions?
• How do you demonstrate basic awareness of self in connection with academic and personal
goals?
• How do you identify and demonstrate knowledge of the implications of choices related to
wellness?
• How do you demonstrate basic knowledge of cultural diversity?
Now that you’ve read FAS: WoW, it’s time to pay it forward by composing your own Words of
Wisdom story to share with college students of the future. Reflect on the lessons learned during your own
college experience this term and use the guiding questions to develop a true-to-life story that can help other
college students connect the dots between being a college student and being a successful college student.
Submit your story to be considered in the next edition of Foundations of Academic Success: Words of
Wisdom by emailing your name, institution, and a draft of your short story to [email protected].
Submissions will be reviewed as they are received, and you will be contacted directly if your submission is
reviewed and selected for publication.
The options for textbooks focusing on college student success in college are overwhelming; many
textbooks exist at varying levels of rigor and cost (some well over $100). The FAS: WoW series of
textbooks provides college students open access textbooks that are student-centered and readable (dare I
even say enjoyable). FAS: WoW supports the open access textbook philosophy to help students reduce the
cost of attending colleges and universities.
147
For a long time, my plan had always been to be a kindergarten teacher. But when I began my
undergraduate degree I fell into that ever-growing pool of college students who changed their major three
times before graduation. I was swayed by family members, my peers, and the economy, but I eventually
realized that I was investing my education in the wrong areas for the wrong reasons. It shouldn’t just be
about salaries and job security. I needed to fin that personal attachment.
At eighteen, it’s hard to see your entire life spread out before you. College may feel like a freefor-all at
times, but the reality is that it’s one of the most defining times of our lives. It should never be squandered. I
started to imagine my life beyond college—what I found important and the type of lifestyle I wanted in the
end. I started thinking about the classes that I was actually interested in—the ones that I looked forward to
each week and arrived early to just so I could get a seat up front.
A turning point for me was when I took the advice of a campus mentor and enrolled in a career exploration
course. I learned more about myself in that class than I had in my entire three years at college prior to
taking it. It showed me that my passion was something I had always thought about but never thought about
as a career. In high school, I could sit in the Guidance Offi for hours on end. I enjoyed listening to others—
hearing and helping people work through their struggles.
I had seen firsthand how detrimental the absence of career classes can be to someone’s future. Through this
realization and my participation in my career exploration class, I saw a viable future in the Higher
Education Administration field. As I dove deeper, I was opened to an incredible amount of unique and
diverse opportunities to work with students. My main approach was to get a taste anything to do with
student services: I shadowed a career counselor in a career services office attended graduate school fairs
and informational sessions, discussed the Higher Education Administration Program with several staff at
my college, and most importantly, I talked with my internship coordinator (my mentor). From there, I
completed an internship in my prospective field, which gave me a wealth of insight and skills that directly
related to my future career goals.
From where I sit now—my former personal and professional struggles in tow—I offer up some pieces of
advice that were crucial to getting me where I am today. Whether you’re an undecided major who is
looking for guidance or a student with a clearly defined career path, I suggest the following:
119. Find a mentor—For me, everything began there. Without my mentor, I wouldn’t have done any of the other
items I’m about to suggest. Finding the right mentor is crucial. Look for someone who can complement your
personality (typically someone who’s the opposite of you). My advice would be to look beyond your direct
supervisor for mentorship. It’s important to create an open forum with your mentor, because there may be a
conflict of interest as you discuss work issues and other job opportunities. Potential mentors to consider are an
instructor on campus, your academic advisor, a professional currently working in your prospective field,
someone you admire in your community, or anyone in your network of friends or family that you feel
comfortable discussing your future goals with.
120. Enroll in a Career Exploration/Planning course, or something similar—Even if you do not see the
52
Learn What You Don’t Want 53
effects of this course immediately (such as dramatically changing your major), you will notice the impact down
the road. Making educated career choices and learning job readiness skills will always pay off in the end.
Through my career exploration class, I learned how to relate my personality and values to potential career fields.
148
These self-assessments changed my entire thought process, and I see that influence daily. Beyond changing the
way you think, the knowledge you gain about effective job search strategies is invaluable. Learning how to write
purposeful résumés and cover letters, finding the right approach to the interview process, and recognizing your
strengths and weaknesses are just a few of the benefits you can gain from these type of courses.
121. Complete a Job Shadow and/or Informational Interview—No amount of online research is going to give you
the same experience as seeing a job at the front line. In a job shadow or an informational interview, you’re able
to explore options with no commitment and see how your in-class experience can carry over to a real world
setting. Additionally, you’re expanding your professional network by having that personal involvement. You
never know how the connections you make might benefit you in the future. My only regret about job shadowing
in college is that I didn’t do it sooner.
122. Do an Internship—A main source of frustration for recent grads is the inability to secure an entrylevel
position without experience. “How do I get a job to gain experience when I can’t get a job without experience?”
This is how: do an internship or two! Most colleges even have a course where you can obtain credit for doing it!
Not only will you earn credits towards graduation, but you’ll gain the necessary experience to put on your
résumé and discuss in future interviews. Having completed four internships throughout my college career, I
can’t say they were all great. However, I don’t regret a single one. The first one showed me the type of field I
didn’t want t work in. The second confirmed that I was heading in the right direction with my career. My third
and fourth internships introduced me to completely different areas of higher education which broadened my
knowledge and narrowed my search simultaneously.
My takeaway is that sometimes you have to learn what you don’t want in order to fin out what you do
want. The more informed you are about career options through real life conversations and experiences, the
better prepared you will be for your future and the more confiden you will be in your career decisions.
Always explore your options because even if you learn you hate it, at least you’re one step close to finding
what you love.
Conclusion
In the text, the authors told true-to-life stories about their own academic, personal, and lifecareer successes.
When reading FAS: WoW, you explored the following guiding questions:
• How do you demonstrate college readiness through the use of effective study skills and campus
resources?
• How do you apply basic technological and information management skills for academic and
lifelong career development?
• How do you demonstrate the use of critical and creative thinking skills to solve problems and
draw conclusions?
• How do you demonstrate basic awareness of self in connection with academic and personal
goals?
• How do you identify and demonstrate knowledge of the implications of choices related to
wellness?
• How do you demonstrate basic knowledge of cultural diversity?
Now that you’ve read FAS: WoW, it’s time to pay it forward by composing your own Words of
Wisdom story to share with college students of the future. Reflect on the lessons learned during your own
college experience this term and use the guiding questions to develop a true-to-life story that can help other
college students connect the dots between being a college student and being a successful college student.
Submit your story to be considered in the next edition of Foundations of Academic Success: Words of
Wisdom by emailing your name, institution, and a draft of your short story to [email protected].
149
Submissions will be reviewed as they are received, and you will be contacted directly if your submission is
reviewed and selected for publication.
The options for textbooks focusing on college student success in college are overwhelming; many
textbooks exist at varying levels of rigor and cost (some well over $100). The FAS: WoW series of
textbooks provides college students open access textbooks that are student-centered and readable (dare I
even say enjoyable). FAS: WoW supports the open access textbook philosophy to help students reduce the
cost of attending colleges and universities.
For a long time, my plan had always been to be a kindergarten teacher. But when I began my
undergraduate degree I fell into that ever-growing pool of college students who changed their major three
times before graduation. I was swayed by family members, my peers, and the economy, but I eventually
realized that I was investing my education in the wrong areas for the wrong reasons. It shouldn’t just be
about salaries and job security. I needed to fin that personal attachment.
At eighteen, it’s hard to see your entire life spread out before you. College may feel like a freefor-all at
times, but the reality is that it’s one of the most defining times of our lives. It should never be squandered. I
started to imagine my life beyond college—what I found important and the type of lifestyle I wanted in the
end. I started thinking about the classes that I was actually interested in—the ones that I looked forward to
each week and arrived early to just so I could get a seat up front.
A turning point for me was when I took the advice of a campus mentor and enrolled in a career exploration
course. I learned more about myself in that class than I had in my entire three years at college prior to
taking it. It showed me that my passion was something I had always thought about but never thought about
as a career. In high school, I could sit in the Guidance Offi for hours on end. I enjoyed listening to others—
hearing and helping people work through their struggles.
I had seen firsthand how detrimental the absence of career classes can be to someone’s future. Through this
realization and my participation in my career exploration class, I saw a viable future in the Higher
Education Administration field. As I dove deeper, I was opened to an incredible amount of unique and
diverse opportunities to work with students. My main approach was to get a taste anything to do with
student services: I shadowed a career counselor in a career services office attended graduate school fairs
and informational sessions, discussed the Higher Education Administration Program with several staff at
150
my college, and most importantly, I talked with my internship coordinator (my mentor). From there, I
completed an internship in my prospective field, which gave me a wealth of insight and skills that directly
related to my future career goals.
From where I sit now—my former personal and professional struggles in tow—I offer up some pieces of
advice that were crucial to getting me where I am today. Whether you’re an undecided major who is
looking for guidance or a student with a clearly defined career path, I suggest the following:
121. Find a mentor—For me, everything began there. Without my mentor, I wouldn’t have done any of the other
items I’m about to suggest. Finding the right mentor is crucial. Look for someone who can complement your
personality (typically someone who’s the opposite of you). My advice would be to look beyond your direct
supervisor for mentorship. It’s important to create an open forum with your mentor, because there may be a
conflict of interest as you discuss work issues and other job opportunities. Potential mentors to consider are an
instructor on campus, your academic advisor, a professional currently working in your prospective field,
someone you admire in your community, or anyone in your network of friends or family that you feel
comfortable discussing your future goals with.
122. Enroll in a Career Exploration/Planning course, or something similar—Even if you do not see the
52
Learn What You Don’t Want 53
effects of this course immediately (such as dramatically changing your major), you will notice the impact down
the road. Making educated career choices and learning job readiness skills will always pay off in the end.
Through my career exploration class, I learned how to relate my personality and values to potential career fields.
These self-assessments changed my entire thought process, and I see that influence daily. Beyond changing the
way you think, the knowledge you gain about effective job search strategies is invaluable. Learning how to write
purposeful résumés and cover letters, finding the right approach to the interview process, and recognizing your
strengths and weaknesses are just a few of the benefits you can gain from these type of courses.
123. Complete a Job Shadow and/or Informational Interview—No amount of online research is going to give you
the same experience as seeing a job at the front line. In a job shadow or an informational interview, you’re able
to explore options with no commitment and see how your in-class experience can carry over to a real world
setting. Additionally, you’re expanding your professional network by having that personal involvement. You
never know how the connections you make might benefit you in the future. My only regret about job shadowing
in college is that I didn’t do it sooner.
124. Do an Internship—A main source of frustration for recent grads is the inability to secure an entrylevel
position without experience. “How do I get a job to gain experience when I can’t get a job without experience?”
This is how: do an internship or two! Most colleges even have a course where you can obtain credit for doing it!
Not only will you earn credits towards graduation, but you’ll gain the necessary experience to put on your
résumé and discuss in future interviews. Having completed four internships throughout my college career, I
can’t say they were all great. However, I don’t regret a single one. The first one showed me the type of field I
didn’t want t work in. The second confirmed that I was heading in the right direction with my career. My third
and fourth internships introduced me to completely different areas of higher education which broadened my
knowledge and narrowed my search simultaneously.
My takeaway is that sometimes you have to learn what you don’t want in order to fin out what you do
want. The more informed you are about career options through real life conversations and experiences, the
better prepared you will be for your future and the more confiden you will be in your career decisions.
151
Always explore your options because even if you learn you hate it, at least you’re one step close to finding
what you love.
Conclusion
In the text, the authors told true-to-life stories about their own academic, personal, and lifecareer successes.
When reading FAS: WoW, you explored the following guiding questions:
• How do you demonstrate college readiness through the use of effective study skills and campus
resources?
• How do you apply basic technological and information management skills for academic and
lifelong career development?
• How do you demonstrate the use of critical and creative thinking skills to solve problems and
draw conclusions?
• How do you demonstrate basic awareness of self in connection with academic and personal
goals?
• How do you identify and demonstrate knowledge of the implications of choices related to
wellness?
• How do you demonstrate basic knowledge of cultural diversity?
Now that you’ve read FAS: WoW, it’s time to pay it forward by composing your own Words of
Wisdom story to share with college students of the future. Reflect on the lessons learned during your own
college experience this term and use the guiding questions to develop a true-to-life story that can help other
college students connect the dots between being a college student and being a successful college student.
Submit your story to be considered in the next edition of Foundations of Academic Success: Words of
Wisdom by emailing your name, institution, and a draft of your short story to [email protected].
Submissions will be reviewed as they are received, and you will be contacted directly if your submission is
reviewed and selected for publication.
The options for textbooks focusing on college student success in college are overwhelming; many
textbooks exist at varying levels of rigor and cost (some well over $100). The FAS: WoW series of
textbooks provides college students open access textbooks that are student-centered and readable (dare I
even say enjoyable). FAS: WoW supports the open access textbook philosophy to help students reduce the
cost of attending colleges and universities.
152
For a long time, my plan had always been to be a kindergarten teacher. But when I began my
undergraduate degree I fell into that ever-growing pool of college students who changed their major three
times before graduation. I was swayed by family members, my peers, and the economy, but I eventually
realized that I was investing my education in the wrong areas for the wrong reasons. It shouldn’t just be
about salaries and job security. I needed to fin that personal attachment.
At eighteen, it’s hard to see your entire life spread out before you. College may feel like a freefor-all at
times, but the reality is that it’s one of the most defining times of our lives. It should never be squandered. I
started to imagine my life beyond college—what I found important and the type of lifestyle I wanted in the
end. I started thinking about the classes that I was actually interested in—the ones that I looked forward to
each week and arrived early to just so I could get a seat up front.
A turning point for me was when I took the advice of a campus mentor and enrolled in a career exploration
course. I learned more about myself in that class than I had in my entire three years at college prior to
taking it. It showed me that my passion was something I had always thought about but never thought about
as a career. In high school, I could sit in the Guidance Offi for hours on end. I enjoyed listening to others—
hearing and helping people work through their struggles.
I had seen firsthand how detrimental the absence of career classes can be to someone’s future. Through this
realization and my participation in my career exploration class, I saw a viable future in the Higher
Education Administration field. As I dove deeper, I was opened to an incredible amount of unique and
diverse opportunities to work with students. My main approach was to get a taste anything to do with
student services: I shadowed a career counselor in a career services office attended graduate school fairs
and informational sessions, discussed the Higher Education Administration Program with several staff at
my college, and most importantly, I talked with my internship coordinator (my mentor). From there, I
completed an internship in my prospective field, which gave me a wealth of insight and skills that directly
related to my future career goals.
From where I sit now—my former personal and professional struggles in tow—I offer up some pieces of
advice that were crucial to getting me where I am today. Whether you’re an undecided major who is
looking for guidance or a student with a clearly defined career path, I suggest the following:
123. Find a mentor—For me, everything began there. Without my mentor, I wouldn’t have done any of the other
items I’m about to suggest. Finding the right mentor is crucial. Look for someone who can complement your
personality (typically someone who’s the opposite of you). My advice would be to look beyond your direct
supervisor for mentorship. It’s important to create an open forum with your mentor, because there may be a
conflict of interest as you discuss work issues and other job opportunities. Potential mentors to consider are an
instructor on campus, your academic advisor, a professional currently working in your prospective field,
someone you admire in your community, or anyone in your network of friends or family that you feel
comfortable discussing your future goals with.
124. Enroll in a Career Exploration/Planning course, or something similar—Even if you do not see the
52
Learn What You Don’t Want 53
effects of this course immediately (such as dramatically changing your major), you will notice the impact down
the road. Making educated career choices and learning job readiness skills will always pay off in the end.
Through my career exploration class, I learned how to relate my personality and values to potential career fields.
153
These self-assessments changed my entire thought process, and I see that influence daily. Beyond changing the
way you think, the knowledge you gain about effective job search strategies is invaluable. Learning how to write
purposeful résumés and cover letters, finding the right approach to the interview process, and recognizing your
strengths and weaknesses are just a few of the benefits you can gain from these type of courses.
125. Complete a Job Shadow and/or Informational Interview—No amount of online research is going to give you
the same experience as seeing a job at the front line. In a job shadow or an informational interview, you’re able
to explore options with no commitment and see how your in-class experience can carry over to a real world
setting. Additionally, you’re expanding your professional network by having that personal involvement. You
never know how the connections you make might benefit you in the future. My only regret about job shadowing
in college is that I didn’t do it sooner.
126. Do an Internship—A main source of frustration for recent grads is the inability to secure an entrylevel
position without experience. “How do I get a job to gain experience when I can’t get a job without experience?”
This is how: do an internship or two! Most colleges even have a course where you can obtain credit for doing it!
Not only will you earn credits towards graduation, but you’ll gain the necessary experience to put on your
résumé and discuss in future interviews. Having completed four internships throughout my college career, I
can’t say they were all great. However, I don’t regret a single one. The first one showed me the type of field I
didn’t want t work in. The second confirmed that I was heading in the right direction with my career. My third
and fourth internships introduced me to completely different areas of higher education which broadened my
knowledge and narrowed my search simultaneously.
My takeaway is that sometimes you have to learn what you don’t want in order to fin out what you do
want. The more informed you are about career options through real life conversations and experiences, the
better prepared you will be for your future and the more confiden you will be in your career decisions.
Always explore your options because even if you learn you hate it, at least you’re one step close to finding
what you love.
Conclusion
In the text, the authors told true-to-life stories about their own academic, personal, and lifecareer successes.
When reading FAS: WoW, you explored the following guiding questions:
• How do you demonstrate college readiness through the use of effective study skills and campus
resources?
• How do you apply basic technological and information management skills for academic and
lifelong career development?
• How do you demonstrate the use of critical and creative thinking skills to solve problems and
draw conclusions?
• How do you demonstrate basic awareness of self in connection with academic and personal
goals?
• How do you identify and demonstrate knowledge of the implications of choices related to
wellness?
• How do you demonstrate basic knowledge of cultural diversity?
Now that you’ve read FAS: WoW, it’s time to pay it forward by composing your own Words of
Wisdom story to share with college students of the future. Reflect on the lessons learned during your own
college experience this term and use the guiding questions to develop a true-to-life story that can help other
college students connect the dots between being a college student and being a successful college student.
Submit your story to be considered in the next edition of Foundations of Academic Success: Words of
Wisdom by emailing your name, institution, and a draft of your short story to [email protected].
154
Submissions will be reviewed as they are received, and you will be contacted directly if your submission is
reviewed and selected for publication.
The options for textbooks focusing on college student success in college are overwhelming; many
textbooks exist at varying levels of rigor and cost (some well over $100). The FAS: WoW series of
textbooks provides college students open access textbooks that are student-centered and readable (dare I
even say enjoyable). FAS: WoW supports the open access textbook philosophy to help students reduce the
cost of attending colleges and universities.
For a long time, my plan had always been to be a kindergarten teacher. But when I began my
undergraduate degree I fell into that ever-growing pool of college students who changed their major three
times before graduation. I was swayed by family members, my peers, and the economy, but I eventually
realized that I was investing my education in the wrong areas for the wrong reasons. It shouldn’t just be
about salaries and job security. I needed to fin that personal attachment.
At eighteen, it’s hard to see your entire life spread out before you. College may feel like a freefor-all at
times, but the reality is that it’s one of the most defining times of our lives. It should never be squandered. I
started to imagine my life beyond college—what I found important and the type of lifestyle I wanted in the
end. I started thinking about the classes that I was actually interested in—the ones that I looked forward to
each week and arrived early to just so I could get a seat up front.
A turning point for me was when I took the advice of a campus mentor and enrolled in a career exploration
course. I learned more about myself in that class than I had in my entire three years at college prior to
taking it. It showed me that my passion was something I had always thought about but never thought about
as a career. In high school, I could sit in the Guidance Offi for hours on end. I enjoyed listening to others—
hearing and helping people work through their struggles.
I had seen firsthand how detrimental the absence of career classes can be to someone’s future. Through this
realization and my participation in my career exploration class, I saw a viable future in the Higher
Education Administration field. As I dove deeper, I was opened to an incredible amount of unique and
diverse opportunities to work with students. My main approach was to get a taste anything to do with
student services: I shadowed a career counselor in a career services office attended graduate school fairs
and informational sessions, discussed the Higher Education Administration Program with several staff at
155
my college, and most importantly, I talked with my internship coordinator (my mentor). From there, I
completed an internship in my prospective field, which gave me a wealth of insight and skills that directly
related to my future career goals.
From where I sit now—my former personal and professional struggles in tow—I offer up some pieces of
advice that were crucial to getting me where I am today. Whether you’re an undecided major who is
looking for guidance or a student with a clearly defined career path, I suggest the following:
125. Find a mentor—For me, everything began there. Without my mentor, I wouldn’t have done any of the other
items I’m about to suggest. Finding the right mentor is crucial. Look for someone who can complement your
personality (typically someone who’s the opposite of you). My advice would be to look beyond your direct
supervisor for mentorship. It’s important to create an open forum with your mentor, because there may be a
conflict of interest as you discuss work issues and other job opportunities. Potential mentors to consider are an
instructor on campus, your academic advisor, a professional currently working in your prospective field,
someone you admire in your community, or anyone in your network of friends or family that you feel
comfortable discussing your future goals with.
126. Enroll in a Career Exploration/Planning course, or something similar—Even if you do not see the
52
Learn What You Don’t Want 53
effects of this course immediately (such as dramatically changing your major), you will notice the impact down
the road. Making educated career choices and learning job readiness skills will always pay off in the end.
Through my career exploration class, I learned how to relate my personality and values to potential career fields.
These self-assessments changed my entire thought process, and I see that influence daily. Beyond changing the
way you think, the knowledge you gain about effective job search strategies is invaluable. Learning how to write
purposeful résumés and cover letters, finding the right approach to the interview process, and recognizing your
strengths and weaknesses are just a few of the benefits you can gain from these type of courses.
127. Complete a Job Shadow and/or Informational Interview—No amount of online research is going to give you
the same experience as seeing a job at the front line. In a job shadow or an informational interview, you’re able
to explore options with no commitment and see how your in-class experience can carry over to a real world
setting. Additionally, you’re expanding your professional network by having that personal involvement. You
never know how the connections you make might benefit you in the future. My only regret about job shadowing
in college is that I didn’t do it sooner.
128. Do an Internship—A main source of frustration for recent grads is the inability to secure an entrylevel
position without experience. “How do I get a job to gain experience when I can’t get a job without experience?”
This is how: do an internship or two! Most colleges even have a course where you can obtain credit for doing it!
Not only will you earn credits towards graduation, but you’ll gain the necessary experience to put on your
résumé and discuss in future interviews. Having completed four internships throughout my college career, I
can’t say they were all great. However, I don’t regret a single one. The first one showed me the type of field I
didn’t want t work in. The second confirmed that I was heading in the right direction with my career. My third
and fourth internships introduced me to completely different areas of higher education which broadened my
knowledge and narrowed my search simultaneously.
My takeaway is that sometimes you have to learn what you don’t want in order to fin out what you do
want. The more informed you are about career options through real life conversations and experiences, the
better prepared you will be for your future and the more confiden you will be in your career decisions.
156
Always explore your options because even if you learn you hate it, at least you’re one step close to finding
what you love.
Conclusion
In the text, the authors told true-to-life stories about their own academic, personal, and lifecareer successes.
When reading FAS: WoW, you explored the following guiding questions:
• How do you demonstrate college readiness through the use of effective study skills and campus
resources?
• How do you apply basic technological and information management skills for academic and
lifelong career development?
• How do you demonstrate the use of critical and creative thinking skills to solve problems and
draw conclusions?
• How do you demonstrate basic awareness of self in connection with academic and personal
goals?
• How do you identify and demonstrate knowledge of the implications of choices related to
wellness?
• How do you demonstrate basic knowledge of cultural diversity?
Now that you’ve read FAS: WoW, it’s time to pay it forward by composing your own Words of
Wisdom story to share with college students of the future. Reflect on the lessons learned during your own
college experience this term and use the guiding questions to develop a true-to-life story that can help other
college students connect the dots between being a college student and being a successful college student.
Submit your story to be considered in the next edition of Foundations of Academic Success: Words of
Wisdom by emailing your name, institution, and a draft of your short story to [email protected].
Submissions will be reviewed as they are received, and you will be contacted directly if your submission is
reviewed and selected for publication.
The options for textbooks focusing on college student success in college are overwhelming; many
textbooks exist at varying levels of rigor and cost (some well over $100). The FAS: WoW series of
textbooks provides college students open access textbooks that are student-centered and readable (dare I
even say enjoyable). FAS: WoW supports the open access textbook philosophy to help students reduce the
cost of attending colleges and universities.
157
For a long time, my plan had always been to be a kindergarten teacher. But when I began my
undergraduate degree I fell into that ever-growing pool of college students who changed their major three
times before graduation. I was swayed by family members, my peers, and the economy, but I eventually
realized that I was investing my education in the wrong areas for the wrong reasons. It shouldn’t just be
about salaries and job security. I needed to fin that personal attachment.
At eighteen, it’s hard to see your entire life spread out before you. College may feel like a freefor-all at
times, but the reality is that it’s one of the most defining times of our lives. It should never be squandered. I
started to imagine my life beyond college—what I found important and the type of lifestyle I wanted in the
end. I started thinking about the classes that I was actually interested in—the ones that I looked forward to
each week and arrived early to just so I could get a seat up front.
A turning point for me was when I took the advice of a campus mentor and enrolled in a career exploration
course. I learned more about myself in that class than I had in my entire three years at college prior to
taking it. It showed me that my passion was something I had always thought about but never thought about
as a career. In high school, I could sit in the Guidance Offi for hours on end. I enjoyed listening to others—
hearing and helping people work through their struggles.
I had seen firsthand how detrimental the absence of career classes can be to someone’s future. Through this
realization and my participation in my career exploration class, I saw a viable future in the Higher
Education Administration field. As I dove deeper, I was opened to an incredible amount of unique and
diverse opportunities to work with students. My main approach was to get a taste anything to do with
student services: I shadowed a career counselor in a career services office attended graduate school fairs
and informational sessions, discussed the Higher Education Administration Program with several staff at
my college, and most importantly, I talked with my internship coordinator (my mentor). From there, I
completed an internship in my prospective field, which gave me a wealth of insight and skills that directly
related to my future career goals.
From where I sit now—my former personal and professional struggles in tow—I offer up some pieces of
advice that were crucial to getting me where I am today. Whether you’re an undecided major who is
looking for guidance or a student with a clearly defined career path, I suggest the following:
127. Find a mentor—For me, everything began there. Without my mentor, I wouldn’t have done any of the other
items I’m about to suggest. Finding the right mentor is crucial. Look for someone who can complement your
personality (typically someone who’s the opposite of you). My advice would be to look beyond your direct
supervisor for mentorship. It’s important to create an open forum with your mentor, because there may be a
conflict of interest as you discuss work issues and other job opportunities. Potential mentors to consider are an
instructor on campus, your academic advisor, a professional currently working in your prospective field,
someone you admire in your community, or anyone in your network of friends or family that you feel
comfortable discussing your future goals with.
128. Enroll in a Career Exploration/Planning course, or something similar—Even if you do not see the
52
Learn What You Don’t Want 53
effects of this course immediately (such as dramatically changing your major), you will notice the impact down
the road. Making educated career choices and learning job readiness skills will always pay off in the end.
Through my career exploration class, I learned how to relate my personality and values to potential career fields.
158
These self-assessments changed my entire thought process, and I see that influence daily. Beyond changing the
way you think, the knowledge you gain about effective job search strategies is invaluable. Learning how to write
purposeful résumés and cover letters, finding the right approach to the interview process, and recognizing your
strengths and weaknesses are just a few of the benefits you can gain from these type of courses.
129. Complete a Job Shadow and/or Informational Interview—No amount of online research is going to give you
the same experience as seeing a job at the front line. In a job shadow or an informational interview, you’re able
to explore options with no commitment and see how your in-class experience can carry over to a real world
setting. Additionally, you’re expanding your professional network by having that personal involvement. You
never know how the connections you make might benefit you in the future. My only regret about job shadowing
in college is that I didn’t do it sooner.
130. Do an Internship—A main source of frustration for recent grads is the inability to secure an entrylevel
position without experience. “How do I get a job to gain experience when I can’t get a job without experience?”
This is how: do an internship or two! Most colleges even have a course where you can obtain credit for doing it!
Not only will you earn credits towards graduation, but you’ll gain the necessary experience to put on your
résumé and discuss in future interviews. Having completed four internships throughout my college career, I
can’t say they were all great. However, I don’t regret a single one. The first one showed me the type of field I
didn’t want t work in. The second confirmed that I was heading in the right direction with my career. My third
and fourth internships introduced me to completely different areas of higher education which broadened my
knowledge and narrowed my search simultaneously.
My takeaway is that sometimes you have to learn what you don’t want in order to fin out what you do
want. The more informed you are about career options through real life conversations and experiences, the
better prepared you will be for your future and the more confiden you will be in your career decisions.
Always explore your options because even if you learn you hate it, at least you’re one step close to finding
what you love.
Conclusion
In the text, the authors told true-to-life stories about their own academic, personal, and lifecareer successes.
When reading FAS: WoW, you explored the following guiding questions:
• How do you demonstrate college readiness through the use of effective study skills and campus
resources?
• How do you apply basic technological and information management skills for academic and
lifelong career development?
• How do you demonstrate the use of critical and creative thinking skills to solve problems and
draw conclusions?
• How do you demonstrate basic awareness of self in connection with academic and personal
goals?
• How do you identify and demonstrate knowledge of the implications of choices related to
wellness?
• How do you demonstrate basic knowledge of cultural diversity?
Now that you’ve read FAS: WoW, it’s time to pay it forward by composing your own Words of
Wisdom story to share with college students of the future. Reflect on the lessons learned during your own
college experience this term and use the guiding questions to develop a true-to-life story that can help other
college students connect the dots between being a college student and being a successful college student.
Submit your story to be considered in the next edition of Foundations of Academic Success: Words of
Wisdom by emailing your name, institution, and a draft of your short story to [email protected].
159
Submissions will be reviewed as they are received, and you will be contacted directly if your submission is
reviewed and selected for publication.
The options for textbooks focusing on college student success in college are overwhelming; many
textbooks exist at varying levels of rigor and cost (some well over $100). The FAS: WoW series of
textbooks provides college students open access textbooks that are student-centered and readable (dare I
even say enjoyable). FAS: WoW supports the open access textbook philosophy to help students reduce the
cost of attending colleges and universities.
For a long time, my plan had always been to be a kindergarten teacher. But when I began my
undergraduate degree I fell into that ever-growing pool of college students who changed their major three
times before graduation. I was swayed by family members, my peers, and the economy, but I eventually
realized that I was investing my education in the wrong areas for the wrong reasons. It shouldn’t just be
about salaries and job security. I needed to fin that personal attachment.
At eighteen, it’s hard to see your entire life spread out before you. College may feel like a freefor-all at
times, but the reality is that it’s one of the most defining times of our lives. It should never be squandered. I
started to imagine my life beyond college—what I found important and the type of lifestyle I wanted in the
end. I started thinking about the classes that I was actually interested in—the ones that I looked forward to
each week and arrived early to just so I could get a seat up front.
A turning point for me was when I took the advice of a campus mentor and enrolled in a career exploration
course. I learned more about myself in that class than I had in my entire three years at college prior to
taking it. It showed me that my passion was something I had always thought about but never thought about
as a career. In high school, I could sit in the Guidance Offi for hours on end. I enjoyed listening to others—
hearing and helping people work through their struggles.
I had seen firsthand how detrimental the absence of career classes can be to someone’s future. Through this
realization and my participation in my career exploration class, I saw a viable future in the Higher
Education Administration field. As I dove deeper, I was opened to an incredible amount of unique and
diverse opportunities to work with students. My main approach was to get a taste anything to do with
student services: I shadowed a career counselor in a career services office attended graduate school fairs
and informational sessions, discussed the Higher Education Administration Program with several staff at
160
my college, and most importantly, I talked with my internship coordinator (my mentor). From there, I
completed an internship in my prospective field, which gave me a wealth of insight and skills that directly
related to my future career goals.
From where I sit now—my former personal and professional struggles in tow—I offer up some pieces of
advice that were crucial to getting me where I am today. Whether you’re an undecided major who is
looking for guidance or a student with a clearly defined career path, I suggest the following:
129. Find a mentor—For me, everything began there. Without my mentor, I wouldn’t have done any of the other
items I’m about to suggest. Finding the right mentor is crucial. Look for someone who can complement your
personality (typically someone who’s the opposite of you). My advice would be to look beyond your direct
supervisor for mentorship. It’s important to create an open forum with your mentor, because there may be a
conflict of interest as you discuss work issues and other job opportunities. Potential mentors to consider are an
instructor on campus, your academic advisor, a professional currently working in your prospective field,
someone you admire in your community, or anyone in your network of friends or family that you feel
comfortable discussing your future goals with.
130. Enroll in a Career Exploration/Planning course, or something similar—Even if you do not see the
52
Learn What You Don’t Want 53
effects of this course immediately (such as dramatically changing your major), you will notice the impact down
the road. Making educated career choices and learning job readiness skills will always pay off in the end.
Through my career exploration class, I learned how to relate my personality and values to potential career fields.
These self-assessments changed my entire thought process, and I see that influence daily. Beyond changing the
way you think, the knowledge you gain about effective job search strategies is invaluable. Learning how to write
purposeful résumés and cover letters, finding the right approach to the interview process, and recognizing your
strengths and weaknesses are just a few of the benefits you can gain from these type of courses.
131. Complete a Job Shadow and/or Informational Interview—No amount of online research is going to give you
the same experience as seeing a job at the front line. In a job shadow or an informational interview, you’re able
to explore options with no commitment and see how your in-class experience can carry over to a real world
setting. Additionally, you’re expanding your professional network by having that personal involvement. You
never know how the connections you make might benefit you in the future. My only regret about job shadowing
in college is that I didn’t do it sooner.
132. Do an Internship—A main source of frustration for recent grads is the inability to secure an entrylevel
position without experience. “How do I get a job to gain experience when I can’t get a job without experience?”
This is how: do an internship or two! Most colleges even have a course where you can obtain credit for doing it!
Not only will you earn credits towards graduation, but you’ll gain the necessary experience to put on your
résumé and discuss in future interviews. Having completed four internships throughout my college career, I
can’t say they were all great. However, I don’t regret a single one. The first one showed me the type of field I
didn’t want t work in. The second confirmed that I was heading in the right direction with my career. My third
and fourth internships introduced me to completely different areas of higher education which broadened my
knowledge and narrowed my search simultaneously.
My takeaway is that sometimes you have to learn what you don’t want in order to fin out what you do
want. The more informed you are about career options through real life conversations and experiences, the
better prepared you will be for your future and the more confiden you will be in your career decisions.
161
Always explore your options because even if you learn you hate it, at least you’re one step close to finding
what you love.
Conclusion
In the text, the authors told true-to-life stories about their own academic, personal, and lifecareer successes.
When reading FAS: WoW, you explored the following guiding questions:
• How do you demonstrate college readiness through the use of effective study skills and campus
resources?
• How do you apply basic technological and information management skills for academic and
lifelong career development?
• How do you demonstrate the use of critical and creative thinking skills to solve problems and
draw conclusions?
• How do you demonstrate basic awareness of self in connection with academic and personal
goals?
• How do you identify and demonstrate knowledge of the implications of choices related to
wellness?
• How do you demonstrate basic knowledge of cultural diversity?
Now that you’ve read FAS: WoW, it’s time to pay it forward by composing your own Words of
Wisdom story to share with college students of the future. Reflect on the lessons learned during your own
college experience this term and use the guiding questions to develop a true-to-life story that can help other
college students connect the dots between being a college student and being a successful college student.
Submit your story to be considered in the next edition of Foundations of Academic Success: Words of
Wisdom by emailing your name, institution, and a draft of your short story to [email protected].
Submissions will be reviewed as they are received, and you will be contacted directly if your submission is
reviewed and selected for publication.
The options for textbooks focusing on college student success in college are overwhelming; many
textbooks exist at varying levels of rigor and cost (some well over $100). The FAS: WoW series of
textbooks provides college students open access textbooks that are student-centered and readable (dare I
even say enjoyable). FAS: WoW supports the open access textbook philosophy to help students reduce the
cost of attending colleges and universities.
162
For a long time, my plan had always been to be a kindergarten teacher. But when I began my
undergraduate degree I fell into that ever-growing pool of college students who changed their major three
times before graduation. I was swayed by family members, my peers, and the economy, but I eventually
realized that I was investing my education in the wrong areas for the wrong reasons. It shouldn’t just be
about salaries and job security. I needed to fin that personal attachment.
At eighteen, it’s hard to see your entire life spread out before you. College may feel like a freefor-all at
times, but the reality is that it’s one of the most defining times of our lives. It should never be squandered. I
started to imagine my life beyond college—what I found important and the type of lifestyle I wanted in the
end. I started thinking about the classes that I was actually interested in—the ones that I looked forward to
each week and arrived early to just so I could get a seat up front.
A turning point for me was when I took the advice of a campus mentor and enrolled in a career exploration
course. I learned more about myself in that class than I had in my entire three years at college prior to
taking it. It showed me that my passion was something I had always thought about but never thought about
as a career. In high school, I could sit in the Guidance Offi for hours on end. I enjoyed listening to others—
hearing and helping people work through their struggles.
I had seen firsthand how detrimental the absence of career classes can be to someone’s future. Through this
realization and my participation in my career exploration class, I saw a viable future in the Higher
Education Administration field. As I dove deeper, I was opened to an incredible amount of unique and
diverse opportunities to work with students. My main approach was to get a taste anything to do with
student services: I shadowed a career counselor in a career services office attended graduate school fairs
and informational sessions, discussed the Higher Education Administration Program with several staff at
my college, and most importantly, I talked with my internship coordinator (my mentor). From there, I
completed an internship in my prospective field, which gave me a wealth of insight and skills that directly
related to my future career goals.
From where I sit now—my former personal and professional struggles in tow—I offer up some pieces of
advice that were crucial to getting me where I am today. Whether you’re an undecided major who is
looking for guidance or a student with a clearly defined career path, I suggest the following:
131. Find a mentor—For me, everything began there. Without my mentor, I wouldn’t have done any of the other
items I’m about to suggest. Finding the right mentor is crucial. Look for someone who can complement your
personality (typically someone who’s the opposite of you). My advice would be to look beyond your direct
supervisor for mentorship. It’s important to create an open forum with your mentor, because there may be a
conflict of interest as you discuss work issues and other job opportunities. Potential mentors to consider are an
instructor on campus, your academic advisor, a professional currently working in your prospective field,
someone you admire in your community, or anyone in your network of friends or family that you feel
comfortable discussing your future goals with.
132. Enroll in a Career Exploration/Planning course, or something similar—Even if you do not see the
52
Learn What You Don’t Want 53
effects of this course immediately (such as dramatically changing your major), you will notice the impact down
the road. Making educated career choices and learning job readiness skills will always pay off in the end.
Through my career exploration class, I learned how to relate my personality and values to potential career fields.
163
These self-assessments changed my entire thought process, and I see that influence daily. Beyond changing the
way you think, the knowledge you gain about effective job search strategies is invaluable. Learning how to write
purposeful résumés and cover letters, finding the right approach to the interview process, and recognizing your
strengths and weaknesses are just a few of the benefits you can gain from these type of courses.
133. Complete a Job Shadow and/or Informational Interview—No amount of online research is going to give you
the same experience as seeing a job at the front line. In a job shadow or an informational interview, you’re able
to explore options with no commitment and see how your in-class experience can carry over to a real world
setting. Additionally, you’re expanding your professional network by having that personal involvement. You
never know how the connections you make might benefit you in the future. My only regret about job shadowing
in college is that I didn’t do it sooner.
134. Do an Internship—A main source of frustration for recent grads is the inability to secure an entrylevel
position without experience. “How do I get a job to gain experience when I can’t get a job without experience?”
This is how: do an internship or two! Most colleges even have a course where you can obtain credit for doing it!
Not only will you earn credits towards graduation, but you’ll gain the necessary experience to put on your
résumé and discuss in future interviews. Having completed four internships throughout my college career, I
can’t say they were all great. However, I don’t regret a single one. The first one showed me the type of field I
didn’t want t work in. The second confirmed that I was heading in the right direction with my career. My third
and fourth internships introduced me to completely different areas of higher education which broadened my
knowledge and narrowed my search simultaneously.
My takeaway is that sometimes you have to learn what you don’t want in order to fin out what you do
want. The more informed you are about career options through real life conversations and experiences, the
better prepared you will be for your future and the more confiden you will be in your career decisions.
Always explore your options because even if you learn you hate it, at least you’re one step close to finding
what you love.
Conclusion
In the text, the authors told true-to-life stories about their own academic, personal, and lifecareer successes.
When reading FAS: WoW, you explored the following guiding questions:
• How do you demonstrate college readiness through the use of effective study skills and campus
resources?
• How do you apply basic technological and information management skills for academic and
lifelong career development?
• How do you demonstrate the use of critical and creative thinking skills to solve problems and
draw conclusions?
• How do you demonstrate basic awareness of self in connection with academic and personal
goals?
• How do you identify and demonstrate knowledge of the implications of choices related to
wellness?
• How do you demonstrate basic knowledge of cultural diversity?
Now that you’ve read FAS: WoW, it’s time to pay it forward by composing your own Words of
Wisdom story to share with college students of the future. Reflect on the lessons learned during your own
college experience this term and use the guiding questions to develop a true-to-life story that can help other
college students connect the dots between being a college student and being a successful college student.
Submit your story to be considered in the next edition of Foundations of Academic Success: Words of
Wisdom by emailing your name, institution, and a draft of your short story to [email protected].
164
Submissions will be reviewed as they are received, and you will be contacted directly if your submission is
reviewed and selected for publication.
The options for textbooks focusing on college student success in college are overwhelming; many
textbooks exist at varying levels of rigor and cost (some well over $100). The FAS: WoW series of
textbooks provides college students open access textbooks that are student-centered and readable (dare I
even say enjoyable). FAS: WoW supports the open access textbook philosophy to help students reduce the
cost of attending colleges and universities.
For a long time, my plan had always been to be a kindergarten teacher. But when I began my
undergraduate degree I fell into that ever-growing pool of college students who changed their major three
times before graduation. I was swayed by family members, my peers, and the economy, but I eventually
realized that I was investing my education in the wrong areas for the wrong reasons. It shouldn’t just be
about salaries and job security. I needed to fin that personal attachment.
At eighteen, it’s hard to see your entire life spread out before you. College may feel like a freefor-all at
times, but the reality is that it’s one of the most defining times of our lives. It should never be squandered. I
started to imagine my life beyond college—what I found important and the type of lifestyle I wanted in the
end. I started thinking about the classes that I was actually interested in—the ones that I looked forward to
each week and arrived early to just so I could get a seat up front.
A turning point for me was when I took the advice of a campus mentor and enrolled in a career exploration
course. I learned more about myself in that class than I had in my entire three years at college prior to
taking it. It showed me that my passion was something I had always thought about but never thought about
as a career. In high school, I could sit in the Guidance Offi for hours on end. I enjoyed listening to others—
hearing and helping people work through their struggles.
I had seen firsthand how detrimental the absence of career classes can be to someone’s future. Through this
realization and my participation in my career exploration class, I saw a viable future in the Higher
Education Administration field. As I dove deeper, I was opened to an incredible amount of unique and
diverse opportunities to work with students. My main approach was to get a taste anything to do with
student services: I shadowed a career counselor in a career services office attended graduate school fairs
and informational sessions, discussed the Higher Education Administration Program with several staff at
165
my college, and most importantly, I talked with my internship coordinator (my mentor). From there, I
completed an internship in my prospective field, which gave me a wealth of insight and skills that directly
related to my future career goals.
From where I sit now—my former personal and professional struggles in tow—I offer up some pieces of
advice that were crucial to getting me where I am today. Whether you’re an undecided major who is
looking for guidance or a student with a clearly defined career path, I suggest the following:
133. Find a mentor—For me, everything began there. Without my mentor, I wouldn’t have done any of the other
items I’m about to suggest. Finding the right mentor is crucial. Look for someone who can complement your
personality (typically someone who’s the opposite of you). My advice would be to look beyond your direct
supervisor for mentorship. It’s important to create an open forum with your mentor, because there may be a
conflict of interest as you discuss work issues and other job opportunities. Potential mentors to consider are an
instructor on campus, your academic advisor, a professional currently working in your prospective field,
someone you admire in your community, or anyone in your network of friends or family that you feel
comfortable discussing your future goals with.
134. Enroll in a Career Exploration/Planning course, or something similar—Even if you do not see the
52
Learn What You Don’t Want 53
effects of this course immediately (such as dramatically changing your major), you will notice the impact down
the road. Making educated career choices and learning job readiness skills will always pay off in the end.
Through my career exploration class, I learned how to relate my personality and values to potential career fields.
These self-assessments changed my entire thought process, and I see that influence daily. Beyond changing the
way you think, the knowledge you gain about effective job search strategies is invaluable. Learning how to write
purposeful résumés and cover letters, finding the right approach to the interview process, and recognizing your
strengths and weaknesses are just a few of the benefits you can gain from these type of courses.
135. Complete a Job Shadow and/or Informational Interview—No amount of online research is going to give you
the same experience as seeing a job at the front line. In a job shadow or an informational interview, you’re able
to explore options with no commitment and see how your in-class experience can carry over to a real world
setting. Additionally, you’re expanding your professional network by having that personal involvement. You
never know how the connections you make might benefit you in the future. My only regret about job shadowing
in college is that I didn’t do it sooner.
136. Do an Internship—A main source of frustration for recent grads is the inability to secure an entrylevel
position without experience. “How do I get a job to gain experience when I can’t get a job without experience?”
This is how: do an internship or two! Most colleges even have a course where you can obtain credit for doing it!
Not only will you earn credits towards graduation, but you’ll gain the necessary experience to put on your
résumé and discuss in future interviews. Having completed four internships throughout my college career, I
can’t say they were all great. However, I don’t regret a single one. The first one showed me the type of field I
didn’t want t work in. The second confirmed that I was heading in the right direction with my career. My third
and fourth internships introduced me to completely different areas of higher education which broadened my
knowledge and narrowed my search simultaneously.
My takeaway is that sometimes you have to learn what you don’t want in order to fin out what you do
want. The more informed you are about career options through real life conversations and experiences, the
better prepared you will be for your future and the more confiden you will be in your career decisions.
166
Always explore your options because even if you learn you hate it, at least you’re one step close to finding
what you love.
Conclusion
In the text, the authors told true-to-life stories about their own academic, personal, and lifecareer successes.
When reading FAS: WoW, you explored the following guiding questions:
• How do you demonstrate college readiness through the use of effective study skills and campus
resources?
• How do you apply basic technological and information management skills for academic and
lifelong career development?
• How do you demonstrate the use of critical and creative thinking skills to solve problems and
draw conclusions?
• How do you demonstrate basic awareness of self in connection with academic and personal
goals?
• How do you identify and demonstrate knowledge of the implications of choices related to
wellness?
• How do you demonstrate basic knowledge of cultural diversity?
Now that you’ve read FAS: WoW, it’s time to pay it forward by composing your own Words of
Wisdom story to share with college students of the future. Reflect on the lessons learned during your own
college experience this term and use the guiding questions to develop a true-to-life story that can help other
college students connect the dots between being a college student and being a successful college student.
Submit your story to be considered in the next edition of Foundations of Academic Success: Words of
Wisdom by emailing your name, institution, and a draft of your short story to [email protected].
Submissions will be reviewed as they are received, and you will be contacted directly if your submission is
reviewed and selected for publication.
The options for textbooks focusing on college student success in college are overwhelming; many
textbooks exist at varying levels of rigor and cost (some well over $100). The FAS: WoW series of
textbooks provides college students open access textbooks that are student-centered and readable (dare I
even say enjoyable). FAS: WoW supports the open access textbook philosophy to help students reduce the
cost of attending colleges and universities.
167
For a long time, my plan had always been to be a kindergarten teacher. But when I began my
undergraduate degree I fell into that ever-growing pool of college students who changed their major three
times before graduation. I was swayed by family members, my peers, and the economy, but I eventually
realized that I was investing my education in the wrong areas for the wrong reasons. It shouldn’t just be
about salaries and job security. I needed to fin that personal attachment.
At eighteen, it’s hard to see your entire life spread out before you. College may feel like a freefor-all at
times, but the reality is that it’s one of the most defining times of our lives. It should never be squandered. I
started to imagine my life beyond college—what I found important and the type of lifestyle I wanted in the
end. I started thinking about the classes that I was actually interested in—the ones that I looked forward to
each week and arrived early to just so I could get a seat up front.
A turning point for me was when I took the advice of a campus mentor and enrolled in a career exploration
course. I learned more about myself in that class than I had in my entire three years at college prior to
taking it. It showed me that my passion was something I had always thought about but never thought about
as a career. In high school, I could sit in the Guidance Offi for hours on end. I enjoyed listening to others—
hearing and helping people work through their struggles.
I had seen firsthand how detrimental the absence of career classes can be to someone’s future. Through this
realization and my participation in my career exploration class, I saw a viable future in the Higher
Education Administration field. As I dove deeper, I was opened to an incredible amount of unique and
diverse opportunities to work with students. My main approach was to get a taste anything to do with
student services: I shadowed a career counselor in a career services office attended graduate school fairs
and informational sessions, discussed the Higher Education Administration Program with several staff at
my college, and most importantly, I talked with my internship coordinator (my mentor). From there, I
completed an internship in my prospective field, which gave me a wealth of insight and skills that directly
related to my future career goals.
From where I sit now—my former personal and professional struggles in tow—I offer up some pieces of
advice that were crucial to getting me where I am today. Whether you’re an undecided major who is
looking for guidance or a student with a clearly defined career path, I suggest the following:
135. Find a mentor—For me, everything began there. Without my mentor, I wouldn’t have done any of the other
items I’m about to suggest. Finding the right mentor is crucial. Look for someone who can complement your
personality (typically someone who’s the opposite of you). My advice would be to look beyond your direct
supervisor for mentorship. It’s important to create an open forum with your mentor, because there may be a
conflict of interest as you discuss work issues and other job opportunities. Potential mentors to consider are an
instructor on campus, your academic advisor, a professional currently working in your prospective field,
someone you admire in your community, or anyone in your network of friends or family that you feel
comfortable discussing your future goals with.
136. Enroll in a Career Exploration/Planning course, or something similar—Even if you do not see the
52
Learn What You Don’t Want 53
effects of this course immediately (such as dramatically changing your major), you will notice the impact down
the road. Making educated career choices and learning job readiness skills will always pay off in the end.
Through my career exploration class, I learned how to relate my personality and values to potential career fields.
168
These self-assessments changed my entire thought process, and I see that influence daily. Beyond changing the
way you think, the knowledge you gain about effective job search strategies is invaluable. Learning how to write
purposeful résumés and cover letters, finding the right approach to the interview process, and recognizing your
strengths and weaknesses are just a few of the benefits you can gain from these type of courses.
137. Complete a Job Shadow and/or Informational Interview—No amount of online research is going to give you
the same experience as seeing a job at the front line. In a job shadow or an informational interview, you’re able
to explore options with no commitment and see how your in-class experience can carry over to a real world
setting. Additionally, you’re expanding your professional network by having that personal involvement. You
never know how the connections you make might benefit you in the future. My only regret about job shadowing
in college is that I didn’t do it sooner.
138. Do an Internship—A main source of frustration for recent grads is the inability to secure an entrylevel
position without experience. “How do I get a job to gain experience when I can’t get a job without experience?”
This is how: do an internship or two! Most colleges even have a course where you can obtain credit for doing it!
Not only will you earn credits towards graduation, but you’ll gain the necessary experience to put on your
résumé and discuss in future interviews. Having completed four internships throughout my college career, I
can’t say they were all great. However, I don’t regret a single one. The first one showed me the type of field I
didn’t want t work in. The second confirmed that I was heading in the right direction with my career. My third
and fourth internships introduced me to completely different areas of higher education which broadened my
knowledge and narrowed my search simultaneously.
My takeaway is that sometimes you have to learn what you don’t want in order to fin out what you do
want. The more informed you are about career options through real life conversations and experiences, the
better prepared you will be for your future and the more confiden you will be in your career decisions.
Always explore your options because even if you learn you hate it, at least you’re one step close to finding
what you love.
Conclusion
In the text, the authors told true-to-life stories about their own academic, personal, and lifecareer successes.
When reading FAS: WoW, you explored the following guiding questions:
• How do you demonstrate college readiness through the use of effective study skills and campus
resources?
• How do you apply basic technological and information management skills for academic and
lifelong career development?
• How do you demonstrate the use of critical and creative thinking skills to solve problems and
draw conclusions?
• How do you demonstrate basic awareness of self in connection with academic and personal
goals?
• How do you identify and demonstrate knowledge of the implications of choices related to
wellness?
• How do you demonstrate basic knowledge of cultural diversity?
Now that you’ve read FAS: WoW, it’s time to pay it forward by composing your own Words of
Wisdom story to share with college students of the future. Reflect on the lessons learned during your own
college experience this term and use the guiding questions to develop a true-to-life story that can help other
college students connect the dots between being a college student and being a successful college student.
Submit your story to be considered in the next edition of Foundations of Academic Success: Words of
Wisdom by emailing your name, institution, and a draft of your short story to [email protected].
169
Submissions will be reviewed as they are received, and you will be contacted directly if your submission is
reviewed and selected for publication.
The options for textbooks focusing on college student success in college are overwhelming; many
textbooks exist at varying levels of rigor and cost (some well over $100). The FAS: WoW series of
textbooks provides college students open access textbooks that are student-centered and readable (dare I
even say enjoyable). FAS: WoW supports the open access textbook philosophy to help students reduce the
cost of attending colleges and universities.
For a long time, my plan had always been to be a kindergarten teacher. But when I began my
undergraduate degree I fell into that ever-growing pool of college students who changed their major three
times before graduation. I was swayed by family members, my peers, and the economy, but I eventually
realized that I was investing my education in the wrong areas for the wrong reasons. It shouldn’t just be
about salaries and job security. I needed to fin that personal attachment.
At eighteen, it’s hard to see your entire life spread out before you. College may feel like a freefor-all at
times, but the reality is that it’s one of the most defining times of our lives. It should never be squandered. I
started to imagine my life beyond college—what I found important and the type of lifestyle I wanted in the
end. I started thinking about the classes that I was actually interested in—the ones that I looked forward to
each week and arrived early to just so I could get a seat up front.
A turning point for me was when I took the advice of a campus mentor and enrolled in a career exploration
course. I learned more about myself in that class than I had in my entire three years at college prior to
taking it. It showed me that my passion was something I had always thought about but never thought about
as a career. In high school, I could sit in the Guidance Offi for hours on end. I enjoyed listening to others—
hearing and helping people work through their struggles.
I had seen firsthand how detrimental the absence of career classes can be to someone’s future. Through this
realization and my participation in my career exploration class, I saw a viable future in the Higher
Education Administration field. As I dove deeper, I was opened to an incredible amount of unique and
diverse opportunities to work with students. My main approach was to get a taste anything to do with
student services: I shadowed a career counselor in a career services office attended graduate school fairs
and informational sessions, discussed the Higher Education Administration Program with several staff at
170
my college, and most importantly, I talked with my internship coordinator (my mentor). From there, I
completed an internship in my prospective field, which gave me a wealth of insight and skills that directly
related to my future career goals.
From where I sit now—my former personal and professional struggles in tow—I offer up some pieces of
advice that were crucial to getting me where I am today. Whether you’re an undecided major who is
looking for guidance or a student with a clearly defined career path, I suggest the following:
137. Find a mentor—For me, everything began there. Without my mentor, I wouldn’t have done any of the other
items I’m about to suggest. Finding the right mentor is crucial. Look for someone who can complement your
personality (typically someone who’s the opposite of you). My advice would be to look beyond your direct
supervisor for mentorship. It’s important to create an open forum with your mentor, because there may be a
conflict of interest as you discuss work issues and other job opportunities. Potential mentors to consider are an
instructor on campus, your academic advisor, a professional currently working in your prospective field,
someone you admire in your community, or anyone in your network of friends or family that you feel
comfortable discussing your future goals with.
138. Enroll in a Career Exploration/Planning course, or something similar—Even if you do not see the
52
Learn What You Don’t Want 53
effects of this course immediately (such as dramatically changing your major), you will notice the impact down
the road. Making educated career choices and learning job readiness skills will always pay off in the end.
Through my career exploration class, I learned how to relate my personality and values to potential career fields.
These self-assessments changed my entire thought process, and I see that influence daily. Beyond changing the
way you think, the knowledge you gain about effective job search strategies is invaluable. Learning how to write
purposeful résumés and cover letters, finding the right approach to the interview process, and recognizing your
strengths and weaknesses are just a few of the benefits you can gain from these type of courses.
139. Complete a Job Shadow and/or Informational Interview—No amount of online research is going to give you
the same experience as seeing a job at the front line. In a job shadow or an informational interview, you’re able
to explore options with no commitment and see how your in-class experience can carry over to a real world
setting. Additionally, you’re expanding your professional network by having that personal involvement. You
never know how the connections you make might benefit you in the future. My only regret about job shadowing
in college is that I didn’t do it sooner.
140. Do an Internship—A main source of frustration for recent grads is the inability to secure an entrylevel
position without experience. “How do I get a job to gain experience when I can’t get a job without experience?”
This is how: do an internship or two! Most colleges even have a course where you can obtain credit for doing it!
Not only will you earn credits towards graduation, but you’ll gain the necessary experience to put on your
résumé and discuss in future interviews. Having completed four internships throughout my college career, I
can’t say they were all great. However, I don’t regret a single one. The first one showed me the type of field I
didn’t want t work in. The second confirmed that I was heading in the right direction with my career. My third
and fourth internships introduced me to completely different areas of higher education which broadened my
knowledge and narrowed my search simultaneously.
My takeaway is that sometimes you have to learn what you don’t want in order to fin out what you do
want. The more informed you are about career options through real life conversations and experiences, the
better prepared you will be for your future and the more confiden you will be in your career decisions.
171
Always explore your options because even if you learn you hate it, at least you’re one step close to finding
what you love.
Conclusion
In the text, the authors told true-to-life stories about their own academic, personal, and lifecareer successes.
When reading FAS: WoW, you explored the following guiding questions:
• How do you demonstrate college readiness through the use of effective study skills and campus
resources?
• How do you apply basic technological and information management skills for academic and
lifelong career development?
• How do you demonstrate the use of critical and creative thinking skills to solve problems and
draw conclusions?
• How do you demonstrate basic awareness of self in connection with academic and personal
goals?
• How do you identify and demonstrate knowledge of the implications of choices related to
wellness?
• How do you demonstrate basic knowledge of cultural diversity?
Now that you’ve read FAS: WoW, it’s time to pay it forward by composing your own Words of
Wisdom story to share with college students of the future. Reflect on the lessons learned during your own
college experience this term and use the guiding questions to develop a true-to-life story that can help other
college students connect the dots between being a college student and being a successful college student.
Submit your story to be considered in the next edition of Foundations of Academic Success: Words of
Wisdom by emailing your name, institution, and a draft of your short story to [email protected].
Submissions will be reviewed as they are received, and you will be contacted directly if your submission is
reviewed and selected for publication.
The options for textbooks focusing on college student success in college are overwhelming; many
textbooks exist at varying levels of rigor and cost (some well over $100). The FAS: WoW series of
textbooks provides college students open access textbooks that are student-centered and readable (dare I
even say enjoyable). FAS: WoW supports the open access textbook philosophy to help students reduce the
cost of attending colleges and universities.
172
For a long time, my plan had always been to be a kindergarten teacher. But when I began my
undergraduate degree I fell into that ever-growing pool of college students who changed their major three
times before graduation. I was swayed by family members, my peers, and the economy, but I eventually
realized that I was investing my education in the wrong areas for the wrong reasons. It shouldn’t just be
about salaries and job security. I needed to fin that personal attachment.
At eighteen, it’s hard to see your entire life spread out before you. College may feel like a freefor-all at
times, but the reality is that it’s one of the most defining times of our lives. It should never be squandered. I
started to imagine my life beyond college—what I found important and the type of lifestyle I wanted in the
end. I started thinking about the classes that I was actually interested in—the ones that I looked forward to
each week and arrived early to just so I could get a seat up front.
A turning point for me was when I took the advice of a campus mentor and enrolled in a career exploration
course. I learned more about myself in that class than I had in my entire three years at college prior to
taking it. It showed me that my passion was something I had always thought about but never thought about
as a career. In high school, I could sit in the Guidance Offi for hours on end. I enjoyed listening to others—
hearing and helping people work through their struggles.
I had seen firsthand how detrimental the absence of career classes can be to someone’s future. Through this
realization and my participation in my career exploration class, I saw a viable future in the Higher
Education Administration field. As I dove deeper, I was opened to an incredible amount of unique and
diverse opportunities to work with students. My main approach was to get a taste anything to do with
student services: I shadowed a career counselor in a career services office attended graduate school fairs
and informational sessions, discussed the Higher Education Administration Program with several staff at
my college, and most importantly, I talked with my internship coordinator (my mentor). From there, I
completed an internship in my prospective field, which gave me a wealth of insight and skills that directly
related to my future career goals.
From where I sit now—my former personal and professional struggles in tow—I offer up some pieces of
advice that were crucial to getting me where I am today. Whether you’re an undecided major who is
looking for guidance or a student with a clearly defined career path, I suggest the following:
139. Find a mentor—For me, everything began there. Without my mentor, I wouldn’t have done any of the other
items I’m about to suggest. Finding the right mentor is crucial. Look for someone who can complement your
personality (typically someone who’s the opposite of you). My advice would be to look beyond your direct
supervisor for mentorship. It’s important to create an open forum with your mentor, because there may be a
conflict of interest as you discuss work issues and other job opportunities. Potential mentors to consider are an
instructor on campus, your academic advisor, a professional currently working in your prospective field,
someone you admire in your community, or anyone in your network of friends or family that you feel
comfortable discussing your future goals with.
140. Enroll in a Career Exploration/Planning course, or something similar—Even if you do not see the
52
Learn What You Don’t Want 53
effects of this course immediately (such as dramatically changing your major), you will notice the impact down
the road. Making educated career choices and learning job readiness skills will always pay off in the end.
Through my career exploration class, I learned how to relate my personality and values to potential career fields.
173
These self-assessments changed my entire thought process, and I see that influence daily. Beyond changing the
way you think, the knowledge you gain about effective job search strategies is invaluable. Learning how to write
purposeful résumés and cover letters, finding the right approach to the interview process, and recognizing your
strengths and weaknesses are just a few of the benefits you can gain from these type of courses.
141. Complete a Job Shadow and/or Informational Interview—No amount of online research is going to give you
the same experience as seeing a job at the front line. In a job shadow or an informational interview, you’re able
to explore options with no commitment and see how your in-class experience can carry over to a real world
setting. Additionally, you’re expanding your professional network by having that personal involvement. You
never know how the connections you make might benefit you in the future. My only regret about job shadowing
in college is that I didn’t do it sooner.
142. Do an Internship—A main source of frustration for recent grads is the inability to secure an entrylevel
position without experience. “How do I get a job to gain experience when I can’t get a job without experience?”
This is how: do an internship or two! Most colleges even have a course where you can obtain credit for doing it!
Not only will you earn credits towards graduation, but you’ll gain the necessary experience to put on your
résumé and discuss in future interviews. Having completed four internships throughout my college career, I
can’t say they were all great. However, I don’t regret a single one. The first one showed me the type of field I
didn’t want t work in. The second confirmed that I was heading in the right direction with my career. My third
and fourth internships introduced me to completely different areas of higher education which broadened my
knowledge and narrowed my search simultaneously.
My takeaway is that sometimes you have to learn what you don’t want in order to fin out what you do
want. The more informed you are about career options through real life conversations and experiences, the
better prepared you will be for your future and the more confiden you will be in your career decisions.
Always explore your options because even if you learn you hate it, at least you’re one step close to finding
what you love.
Conclusion
In the text, the authors told true-to-life stories about their own academic, personal, and lifecareer successes.
When reading FAS: WoW, you explored the following guiding questions:
• How do you demonstrate college readiness through the use of effective study skills and campus
resources?
• How do you apply basic technological and information management skills for academic and
lifelong career development?
• How do you demonstrate the use of critical and creative thinking skills to solve problems and
draw conclusions?
• How do you demonstrate basic awareness of self in connection with academic and personal
goals?
• How do you identify and demonstrate knowledge of the implications of choices related to
wellness?
• How do you demonstrate basic knowledge of cultural diversity?
Now that you’ve read FAS: WoW, it’s time to pay it forward by composing your own Words of
Wisdom story to share with college students of the future. Reflect on the lessons learned during your own
college experience this term and use the guiding questions to develop a true-to-life story that can help other
college students connect the dots between being a college student and being a successful college student.
Submit your story to be considered in the next edition of Foundations of Academic Success: Words of
Wisdom by emailing your name, institution, and a draft of your short story to [email protected].
174
Submissions will be reviewed as they are received, and you will be contacted directly if your submission is
reviewed and selected for publication.
The options for textbooks focusing on college student success in college are overwhelming; many
textbooks exist at varying levels of rigor and cost (some well over $100). The FAS: WoW series of
textbooks provides college students open access textbooks that are student-centered and readable (dare I
even say enjoyable). FAS: WoW supports the open access textbook philosophy to help students reduce the
cost of attending colleges and universities.
For a long time, my plan had always been to be a kindergarten teacher. But when I began my
undergraduate degree I fell into that ever-growing pool of college students who changed their major three
times before graduation. I was swayed by family members, my peers, and the economy, but I eventually
realized that I was investing my education in the wrong areas for the wrong reasons. It shouldn’t just be
about salaries and job security. I needed to fin that personal attachment.
At eighteen, it’s hard to see your entire life spread out before you. College may feel like a freefor-all at
times, but the reality is that it’s one of the most defining times of our lives. It should never be squandered. I
started to imagine my life beyond college—what I found important and the type of lifestyle I wanted in the
end. I started thinking about the classes that I was actually interested in—the ones that I looked forward to
each week and arrived early to just so I could get a seat up front.
A turning point for me was when I took the advice of a campus mentor and enrolled in a career exploration
course. I learned more about myself in that class than I had in my entire three years at college prior to
taking it. It showed me that my passion was something I had always thought about but never thought about
as a career. In high school, I could sit in the Guidance Offi for hours on end. I enjoyed listening to others—
hearing and helping people work through their struggles.
I had seen firsthand how detrimental the absence of career classes can be to someone’s future. Through this
realization and my participation in my career exploration class, I saw a viable future in the Higher
Education Administration field. As I dove deeper, I was opened to an incredible amount of unique and
diverse opportunities to work with students. My main approach was to get a taste anything to do with
student services: I shadowed a career counselor in a career services office attended graduate school fairs
and informational sessions, discussed the Higher Education Administration Program with several staff at
175
my college, and most importantly, I talked with my internship coordinator (my mentor). From there, I
completed an internship in my prospective field, which gave me a wealth of insight and skills that directly
related to my future career goals.
From where I sit now—my former personal and professional struggles in tow—I offer up some pieces of
advice that were crucial to getting me where I am today. Whether you’re an undecided major who is
looking for guidance or a student with a clearly defined career path, I suggest the following:
141. Find a mentor—For me, everything began there. Without my mentor, I wouldn’t have done any of the other
items I’m about to suggest. Finding the right mentor is crucial. Look for someone who can complement your
personality (typically someone who’s the opposite of you). My advice would be to look beyond your direct
supervisor for mentorship. It’s important to create an open forum with your mentor, because there may be a
conflict of interest as you discuss work issues and other job opportunities. Potential mentors to consider are an
instructor on campus, your academic advisor, a professional currently working in your prospective field,
someone you admire in your community, or anyone in your network of friends or family that you feel
comfortable discussing your future goals with.
142. Enroll in a Career Exploration/Planning course, or something similar—Even if you do not see the
52
Learn What You Don’t Want 53
effects of this course immediately (such as dramatically changing your major), you will notice the impact down
the road. Making educated career choices and learning job readiness skills will always pay off in the end.
Through my career exploration class, I learned how to relate my personality and values to potential career fields.
These self-assessments changed my entire thought process, and I see that influence daily. Beyond changing the
way you think, the knowledge you gain about effective job search strategies is invaluable. Learning how to write
purposeful résumés and cover letters, finding the right approach to the interview process, and recognizing your
strengths and weaknesses are just a few of the benefits you can gain from these type of courses.
143. Complete a Job Shadow and/or Informational Interview—No amount of online research is going to give you
the same experience as seeing a job at the front line. In a job shadow or an informational interview, you’re able
to explore options with no commitment and see how your in-class experience can carry over to a real world
setting. Additionally, you’re expanding your professional network by having that personal involvement. You
never know how the connections you make might benefit you in the future. My only regret about job shadowing
in college is that I didn’t do it sooner.
144. Do an Internship—A main source of frustration for recent grads is the inability to secure an entrylevel
position without experience. “How do I get a job to gain experience when I can’t get a job without experience?”
This is how: do an internship or two! Most colleges even have a course where you can obtain credit for doing it!
Not only will you earn credits towards graduation, but you’ll gain the necessary experience to put on your
résumé and discuss in future interviews. Having completed four internships throughout my college career, I
can’t say they were all great. However, I don’t regret a single one. The first one showed me the type of field I
didn’t want t work in. The second confirmed that I was heading in the right direction with my career. My third
and fourth internships introduced me to completely different areas of higher education which broadened my
knowledge and narrowed my search simultaneously.
My takeaway is that sometimes you have to learn what you don’t want in order to fin out what you do
want. The more informed you are about career options through real life conversations and experiences, the
better prepared you will be for your future and the more confiden you will be in your career decisions.
176
Always explore your options because even if you learn you hate it, at least you’re one step close to finding
what you love.
Conclusion
In the text, the authors told true-to-life stories about their own academic, personal, and lifecareer successes.
When reading FAS: WoW, you explored the following guiding questions:
• How do you demonstrate college readiness through the use of effective study skills and campus
resources?
• How do you apply basic technological and information management skills for academic and
lifelong career development?
• How do you demonstrate the use of critical and creative thinking skills to solve problems and
draw conclusions?
• How do you demonstrate basic awareness of self in connection with academic and personal
goals?
• How do you identify and demonstrate knowledge of the implications of choices related to
wellness?
• How do you demonstrate basic knowledge of cultural diversity?
Now that you’ve read FAS: WoW, it’s time to pay it forward by composing your own Words of
Wisdom story to share with college students of the future. Reflect on the lessons learned during your own
college experience this term and use the guiding questions to develop a true-to-life story that can help other
college students connect the dots between being a college student and being a successful college student.
Submit your story to be considered in the next edition of Foundations of Academic Success: Words of
Wisdom by emailing your name, institution, and a draft of your short story to [email protected].
Submissions will be reviewed as they are received, and you will be contacted directly if your submission is
reviewed and selected for publication.
The options for textbooks focusing on college student success in college are overwhelming; many
textbooks exist at varying levels of rigor and cost (some well over $100). The FAS: WoW series of
textbooks provides college students open access textbooks that are student-centered and readable (dare I
even say enjoyable). FAS: WoW supports the open access textbook philosophy to help students reduce the
cost of attending colleges and universities.
177
For a long time, my plan had always been to be a kindergarten teacher. But when I began my
undergraduate degree I fell into that ever-growing pool of college students who changed their major three
times before graduation. I was swayed by family members, my peers, and the economy, but I eventually
realized that I was investing my education in the wrong areas for the wrong reasons. It shouldn’t just be
about salaries and job security. I needed to fin that personal attachment.
At eighteen, it’s hard to see your entire life spread out before you. College may feel like a freefor-all at
times, but the reality is that it’s one of the most defining times of our lives. It should never be squandered. I
started to imagine my life beyond college—what I found important and the type of lifestyle I wanted in the
end. I started thinking about the classes that I was actually interested in—the ones that I looked forward to
each week and arrived early to just so I could get a seat up front.
A turning point for me was when I took the advice of a campus mentor and enrolled in a career exploration
course. I learned more about myself in that class than I had in my entire three years at college prior to
taking it. It showed me that my passion was something I had always thought about but never thought about
as a career. In high school, I could sit in the Guidance Offi for hours on end. I enjoyed listening to others—
hearing and helping people work through their struggles.
I had seen firsthand how detrimental the absence of career classes can be to someone’s future. Through this
realization and my participation in my career exploration class, I saw a viable future in the Higher
Education Administration field. As I dove deeper, I was opened to an incredible amount of unique and
diverse opportunities to work with students. My main approach was to get a taste anything to do with
student services: I shadowed a career counselor in a career services office attended graduate school fairs
and informational sessions, discussed the Higher Education Administration Program with several staff at
my college, and most importantly, I talked with my internship coordinator (my mentor). From there, I
completed an internship in my prospective field, which gave me a wealth of insight and skills that directly
related to my future career goals.
From where I sit now—my former personal and professional struggles in tow—I offer up some pieces of
advice that were crucial to getting me where I am today. Whether you’re an undecided major who is
looking for guidance or a student with a clearly defined career path, I suggest the following:
143. Find a mentor—For me, everything began there. Without my mentor, I wouldn’t have done any of the other
items I’m about to suggest. Finding the right mentor is crucial. Look for someone who can complement your
personality (typically someone who’s the opposite of you). My advice would be to look beyond your direct
supervisor for mentorship. It’s important to create an open forum with your mentor, because there may be a
conflict of interest as you discuss work issues and other job opportunities. Potential mentors to consider are an
instructor on campus, your academic advisor, a professional currently working in your prospective field,
someone you admire in your community, or anyone in your network of friends or family that you feel
comfortable discussing your future goals with.
144. Enroll in a Career Exploration/Planning course, or something similar—Even if you do not see the
52
Learn What You Don’t Want 53
effects of this course immediately (such as dramatically changing your major), you will notice the impact down
the road. Making educated career choices and learning job readiness skills will always pay off in the end.
Through my career exploration class, I learned how to relate my personality and values to potential career fields.
178
These self-assessments changed my entire thought process, and I see that influence daily. Beyond changing the
way you think, the knowledge you gain about effective job search strategies is invaluable. Learning how to write
purposeful résumés and cover letters, finding the right approach to the interview process, and recognizing your
strengths and weaknesses are just a few of the benefits you can gain from these type of courses.
145. Complete a Job Shadow and/or Informational Interview—No amount of online research is going to give you
the same experience as seeing a job at the front line. In a job shadow or an informational interview, you’re able
to explore options with no commitment and see how your in-class experience can carry over to a real world
setting. Additionally, you’re expanding your professional network by having that personal involvement. You
never know how the connections you make might benefit you in the future. My only regret about job shadowing
in college is that I didn’t do it sooner.
146. Do an Internship—A main source of frustration for recent grads is the inability to secure an entrylevel
position without experience. “How do I get a job to gain experience when I can’t get a job without experience?”
This is how: do an internship or two! Most colleges even have a course where you can obtain credit for doing it!
Not only will you earn credits towards graduation, but you’ll gain the necessary experience to put on your
résumé and discuss in future interviews. Having completed four internships throughout my college career, I
can’t say they were all great. However, I don’t regret a single one. The first one showed me the type of field I
didn’t want t work in. The second confirmed that I was heading in the right direction with my career. My third
and fourth internships introduced me to completely different areas of higher education which broadened my
knowledge and narrowed my search simultaneously.
My takeaway is that sometimes you have to learn what you don’t want in order to fin out what you do
want. The more informed you are about career options through real life conversations and experiences, the
better prepared you will be for your future and the more confiden you will be in your career decisions.
Always explore your options because even if you learn you hate it, at least you’re one step close to finding
what you love.
Conclusion
In the text, the authors told true-to-life stories about their own academic, personal, and lifecareer successes.
When reading FAS: WoW, you explored the following guiding questions:
• How do you demonstrate college readiness through the use of effective study skills and campus
resources?
• How do you apply basic technological and information management skills for academic and
lifelong career development?
• How do you demonstrate the use of critical and creative thinking skills to solve problems and
draw conclusions?
• How do you demonstrate basic awareness of self in connection with academic and personal
goals?
• How do you identify and demonstrate knowledge of the implications of choices related to
wellness?
• How do you demonstrate basic knowledge of cultural diversity?
Now that you’ve read FAS: WoW, it’s time to pay it forward by composing your own Words of
Wisdom story to share with college students of the future. Reflect on the lessons learned during your own
college experience this term and use the guiding questions to develop a true-to-life story that can help other
college students connect the dots between being a college student and being a successful college student.
Submit your story to be considered in the next edition of Foundations of Academic Success: Words of
Wisdom by emailing your name, institution, and a draft of your short story to [email protected].
179
Submissions will be reviewed as they are received, and you will be contacted directly if your submission is
reviewed and selected for publication.
The options for textbooks focusing on college student success in college are overwhelming; many
textbooks exist at varying levels of rigor and cost (some well over $100). The FAS: WoW series of
textbooks provides college students open access textbooks that are student-centered and readable (dare I
even say enjoyable). FAS: WoW supports the open access textbook philosophy to help students reduce the
cost of attending colleges and universities.
For a long time, my plan had always been to be a kindergarten teacher. But when I began my
undergraduate degree I fell into that ever-growing pool of college students who changed their major three
times before graduation. I was swayed by family members, my peers, and the economy, but I eventually
realized that I was investing my education in the wrong areas for the wrong reasons. It shouldn’t just be
about salaries and job security. I needed to fin that personal attachment.
At eighteen, it’s hard to see your entire life spread out before you. College may feel like a freefor-all at
times, but the reality is that it’s one of the most defining times of our lives. It should never be squandered. I
started to imagine my life beyond college—what I found important and the type of lifestyle I wanted in the
end. I started thinking about the classes that I was actually interested in—the ones that I looked forward to
each week and arrived early to just so I could get a seat up front.
A turning point for me was when I took the advice of a campus mentor and enrolled in a career exploration
course. I learned more about myself in that class than I had in my entire three years at college prior to
taking it. It showed me that my passion was something I had always thought about but never thought about
as a career. In high school, I could sit in the Guidance Offi for hours on end. I enjoyed listening to others—
hearing and helping people work through their struggles.
I had seen firsthand how detrimental the absence of career classes can be to someone’s future. Through this
realization and my participation in my career exploration class, I saw a viable future in the Higher
Education Administration field. As I dove deeper, I was opened to an incredible amount of unique and
diverse opportunities to work with students. My main approach was to get a taste anything to do with
student services: I shadowed a career counselor in a career services office attended graduate school fairs
and informational sessions, discussed the Higher Education Administration Program with several staff at
180
my college, and most importantly, I talked with my internship coordinator (my mentor). From there, I
completed an internship in my prospective field, which gave me a wealth of insight and skills that directly
related to my future career goals.
From where I sit now—my former personal and professional struggles in tow—I offer up some pieces of
advice that were crucial to getting me where I am today. Whether you’re an undecided major who is
looking for guidance or a student with a clearly defined career path, I suggest the following:
145. Find a mentor—For me, everything began there. Without my mentor, I wouldn’t have done any of the other
items I’m about to suggest. Finding the right mentor is crucial. Look for someone who can complement your
personality (typically someone who’s the opposite of you). My advice would be to look beyond your direct
supervisor for mentorship. It’s important to create an open forum with your mentor, because there may be a
conflict of interest as you discuss work issues and other job opportunities. Potential mentors to consider are an
instructor on campus, your academic advisor, a professional currently working in your prospective field,
someone you admire in your community, or anyone in your network of friends or family that you feel
comfortable discussing your future goals with.
146. Enroll in a Career Exploration/Planning course, or something similar—Even if you do not see the
52
Learn What You Don’t Want 53
effects of this course immediately (such as dramatically changing your major), you will notice the impact down
the road. Making educated career choices and learning job readiness skills will always pay off in the end.
Through my career exploration class, I learned how to relate my personality and values to potential career fields.
These self-assessments changed my entire thought process, and I see that influence daily. Beyond changing the
way you think, the knowledge you gain about effective job search strategies is invaluable. Learning how to write
purposeful résumés and cover letters, finding the right approach to the interview process, and recognizing your
strengths and weaknesses are just a few of the benefits you can gain from these type of courses.
147. Complete a Job Shadow and/or Informational Interview—No amount of online research is going to give you
the same experience as seeing a job at the front line. In a job shadow or an informational interview, you’re able
to explore options with no commitment and see how your in-class experience can carry over to a real world
setting. Additionally, you’re expanding your professional network by having that personal involvement. You
never know how the connections you make might benefit you in the future. My only regret about job shadowing
in college is that I didn’t do it sooner.
148. Do an Internship—A main source of frustration for recent grads is the inability to secure an entrylevel
position without experience. “How do I get a job to gain experience when I can’t get a job without experience?”
This is how: do an internship or two! Most colleges even have a course where you can obtain credit for doing it!
Not only will you earn credits towards graduation, but you’ll gain the necessary experience to put on your
résumé and discuss in future interviews. Having completed four internships throughout my college career, I
can’t say they were all great. However, I don’t regret a single one. The first one showed me the type of field I
didn’t want t work in. The second confirmed that I was heading in the right direction with my career. My third
and fourth internships introduced me to completely different areas of higher education which broadened my
knowledge and narrowed my search simultaneously.
My takeaway is that sometimes you have to learn what you don’t want in order to fin out what you do
want. The more informed you are about career options through real life conversations and experiences, the
better prepared you will be for your future and the more confiden you will be in your career decisions.
181
Always explore your options because even if you learn you hate it, at least you’re one step close to finding
what you love.
Conclusion
In the text, the authors told true-to-life stories about their own academic, personal, and lifecareer successes.
When reading FAS: WoW, you explored the following guiding questions:
• How do you demonstrate college readiness through the use of effective study skills and campus
resources?
• How do you apply basic technological and information management skills for academic and
lifelong career development?
• How do you demonstrate the use of critical and creative thinking skills to solve problems and
draw conclusions?
• How do you demonstrate basic awareness of self in connection with academic and personal
goals?
• How do you identify and demonstrate knowledge of the implications of choices related to
wellness?
• How do you demonstrate basic knowledge of cultural diversity?
Now that you’ve read FAS: WoW, it’s time to pay it forward by composing your own Words of
Wisdom story to share with college students of the future. Reflect on the lessons learned during your own
college experience this term and use the guiding questions to develop a true-to-life story that can help other
college students connect the dots between being a college student and being a successful college student.
Submit your story to be considered in the next edition of Foundations of Academic Success: Words of
Wisdom by emailing your name, institution, and a draft of your short story to [email protected].
Submissions will be reviewed as they are received, and you will be contacted directly if your submission is
reviewed and selected for publication.
The options for textbooks focusing on college student success in college are overwhelming; many
textbooks exist at varying levels of rigor and cost (some well over $100). The FAS: WoW series of
textbooks provides college students open access textbooks that are student-centered and readable (dare I
even say enjoyable). FAS: WoW supports the open access textbook philosophy to help students reduce the
cost of attending colleges and universities.
182
For a long time, my plan had always been to be a kindergarten teacher. But when I began my
undergraduate degree I fell into that ever-growing pool of college students who changed their major three
times before graduation. I was swayed by family members, my peers, and the economy, but I eventually
realized that I was investing my education in the wrong areas for the wrong reasons. It shouldn’t just be
about salaries and job security. I needed to fin that personal attachment.
At eighteen, it’s hard to see your entire life spread out before you. College may feel like a freefor-all at
times, but the reality is that it’s one of the most defining times of our lives. It should never be squandered. I
started to imagine my life beyond college—what I found important and the type of lifestyle I wanted in the
end. I started thinking about the classes that I was actually interested in—the ones that I looked forward to
each week and arrived early to just so I could get a seat up front.
A turning point for me was when I took the advice of a campus mentor and enrolled in a career exploration
course. I learned more about myself in that class than I had in my entire three years at college prior to
taking it. It showed me that my passion was something I had always thought about but never thought about
as a career. In high school, I could sit in the Guidance Offi for hours on end. I enjoyed listening to others—
hearing and helping people work through their struggles.
I had seen firsthand how detrimental the absence of career classes can be to someone’s future. Through this
realization and my participation in my career exploration class, I saw a viable future in the Higher
Education Administration field. As I dove deeper, I was opened to an incredible amount of unique and
diverse opportunities to work with students. My main approach was to get a taste anything to do with
student services: I shadowed a career counselor in a career services office attended graduate school fairs
and informational sessions, discussed the Higher Education Administration Program with several staff at
my college, and most importantly, I talked with my internship coordinator (my mentor). From there, I
completed an internship in my prospective field, which gave me a wealth of insight and skills that directly
related to my future career goals.
From where I sit now—my former personal and professional struggles in tow—I offer up some pieces of
advice that were crucial to getting me where I am today. Whether you’re an undecided major who is
looking for guidance or a student with a clearly defined career path, I suggest the following:
147. Find a mentor—For me, everything began there. Without my mentor, I wouldn’t have done any of the other
items I’m about to suggest. Finding the right mentor is crucial. Look for someone who can complement your
personality (typically someone who’s the opposite of you). My advice would be to look beyond your direct
supervisor for mentorship. It’s important to create an open forum with your mentor, because there may be a
conflict of interest as you discuss work issues and other job opportunities. Potential mentors to consider are an
instructor on campus, your academic advisor, a professional currently working in your prospective field,
someone you admire in your community, or anyone in your network of friends or family that you feel
comfortable discussing your future goals with.
148. Enroll in a Career Exploration/Planning course, or something similar—Even if you do not see the
52
Learn What You Don’t Want 53
effects of this course immediately (such as dramatically changing your major), you will notice the impact down
the road. Making educated career choices and learning job readiness skills will always pay off in the end.
Through my career exploration class, I learned how to relate my personality and values to potential career fields.
183
These self-assessments changed my entire thought process, and I see that influence daily. Beyond changing the
way you think, the knowledge you gain about effective job search strategies is invaluable. Learning how to write
purposeful résumés and cover letters, finding the right approach to the interview process, and recognizing your
strengths and weaknesses are just a few of the benefits you can gain from these type of courses.
149. Complete a Job Shadow and/or Informational Interview—No amount of online research is going to give you
the same experience as seeing a job at the front line. In a job shadow or an informational interview, you’re able
to explore options with no commitment and see how your in-class experience can carry over to a real world
setting. Additionally, you’re expanding your professional network by having that personal involvement. You
never know how the connections you make might benefit you in the future. My only regret about job shadowing
in college is that I didn’t do it sooner.
150. Do an Internship—A main source of frustration for recent grads is the inability to secure an entrylevel
position without experience. “How do I get a job to gain experience when I can’t get a job without experience?”
This is how: do an internship or two! Most colleges even have a course where you can obtain credit for doing it!
Not only will you earn credits towards graduation, but you’ll gain the necessary experience to put on your
résumé and discuss in future interviews. Having completed four internships throughout my college career, I
can’t say they were all great. However, I don’t regret a single one. The first one showed me the type of field I
didn’t want t work in. The second confirmed that I was heading in the right direction with my career. My third
and fourth internships introduced me to completely different areas of higher education which broadened my
knowledge and narrowed my search simultaneously.
My takeaway is that sometimes you have to learn what you don’t want in order to fin out what you do
want. The more informed you are about career options through real life conversations and experiences, the
better prepared you will be for your future and the more confiden you will be in your career decisions.
Always explore your options because even if you learn you hate it, at least you’re one step close to finding
what you love.
Conclusion
In the text, the authors told true-to-life stories about their own academic, personal, and lifecareer successes.
When reading FAS: WoW, you explored the following guiding questions:
• How do you demonstrate college readiness through the use of effective study skills and campus
resources?
• How do you apply basic technological and information management skills for academic and
lifelong career development?
• How do you demonstrate the use of critical and creative thinking skills to solve problems and
draw conclusions?
• How do you demonstrate basic awareness of self in connection with academic and personal
goals?
• How do you identify and demonstrate knowledge of the implications of choices related to
wellness?
• How do you demonstrate basic knowledge of cultural diversity?
Now that you’ve read FAS: WoW, it’s time to pay it forward by composing your own Words of
Wisdom story to share with college students of the future. Reflect on the lessons learned during your own
college experience this term and use the guiding questions to develop a true-to-life story that can help other
college students connect the dots between being a college student and being a successful college student.
Submit your story to be considered in the next edition of Foundations of Academic Success: Words of
Wisdom by emailing your name, institution, and a draft of your short story to [email protected].
184
Submissions will be reviewed as they are received, and you will be contacted directly if your submission is
reviewed and selected for publication.
The options for textbooks focusing on college student success in college are overwhelming; many
textbooks exist at varying levels of rigor and cost (some well over $100). The FAS: WoW series of
textbooks provides college students open access textbooks that are student-centered and readable (dare I
even say enjoyable). FAS: WoW supports the open access textbook philosophy to help students reduce the
cost of attending colleges and universities.
For a long time, my plan had always been to be a kindergarten teacher. But when I began my
undergraduate degree I fell into that ever-growing pool of college students who changed their major three
times before graduation. I was swayed by family members, my peers, and the economy, but I eventually
realized that I was investing my education in the wrong areas for the wrong reasons. It shouldn’t just be
about salaries and job security. I needed to fin that personal attachment.
At eighteen, it’s hard to see your entire life spread out before you. College may feel like a freefor-all at
times, but the reality is that it’s one of the most defining times of our lives. It should never be squandered. I
started to imagine my life beyond college—what I found important and the type of lifestyle I wanted in the
end. I started thinking about the classes that I was actually interested in—the ones that I looked forward to
each week and arrived early to just so I could get a seat up front.
A turning point for me was when I took the advice of a campus mentor and enrolled in a career exploration
course. I learned more about myself in that class than I had in my entire three years at college prior to
taking it. It showed me that my passion was something I had always thought about but never thought about
as a career. In high school, I could sit in the Guidance Offi for hours on end. I enjoyed listening to others—
hearing and helping people work through their struggles.
I had seen firsthand how detrimental the absence of career classes can be to someone’s future. Through this
realization and my participation in my career exploration class, I saw a viable future in the Higher
Education Administration field. As I dove deeper, I was opened to an incredible amount of unique and
diverse opportunities to work with students. My main approach was to get a taste anything to do with
student services: I shadowed a career counselor in a career services office attended graduate school fairs
and informational sessions, discussed the Higher Education Administration Program with several staff at
185
my college, and most importantly, I talked with my internship coordinator (my mentor). From there, I
completed an internship in my prospective field, which gave me a wealth of insight and skills that directly
related to my future career goals.
From where I sit now—my former personal and professional struggles in tow—I offer up some pieces of
advice that were crucial to getting me where I am today. Whether you’re an undecided major who is
looking for guidance or a student with a clearly defined career path, I suggest the following:
149. Find a mentor—For me, everything began there. Without my mentor, I wouldn’t have done any of the other
items I’m about to suggest. Finding the right mentor is crucial. Look for someone who can complement your
personality (typically someone who’s the opposite of you). My advice would be to look beyond your direct
supervisor for mentorship. It’s important to create an open forum with your mentor, because there may be a
conflict of interest as you discuss work issues and other job opportunities. Potential mentors to consider are an
instructor on campus, your academic advisor, a professional currently working in your prospective field,
someone you admire in your community, or anyone in your network of friends or family that you feel
comfortable discussing your future goals with.
150. Enroll in a Career Exploration/Planning course, or something similar—Even if you do not see the
52
Learn What You Don’t Want 53
effects of this course immediately (such as dramatically changing your major), you will notice the impact down
the road. Making educated career choices and learning job readiness skills will always pay off in the end.
Through my career exploration class, I learned how to relate my personality and values to potential career fields.
These self-assessments changed my entire thought process, and I see that influence daily. Beyond changing the
way you think, the knowledge you gain about effective job search strategies is invaluable. Learning how to write
purposeful résumés and cover letters, finding the right approach to the interview process, and recognizing your
strengths and weaknesses are just a few of the benefits you can gain from these type of courses.
151. Complete a Job Shadow and/or Informational Interview—No amount of online research is going to give you
the same experience as seeing a job at the front line. In a job shadow or an informational interview, you’re able
to explore options with no commitment and see how your in-class experience can carry over to a real world
setting. Additionally, you’re expanding your professional network by having that personal involvement. You
never know how the connections you make might benefit you in the future. My only regret about job shadowing
in college is that I didn’t do it sooner.
152. Do an Internship—A main source of frustration for recent grads is the inability to secure an entrylevel
position without experience. “How do I get a job to gain experience when I can’t get a job without experience?”
This is how: do an internship or two! Most colleges even have a course where you can obtain credit for doing it!
Not only will you earn credits towards graduation, but you’ll gain the necessary experience to put on your
résumé and discuss in future interviews. Having completed four internships throughout my college career, I
can’t say they were all great. However, I don’t regret a single one. The first one showed me the type of field I
didn’t want t work in. The second confirmed that I was heading in the right direction with my career. My third
and fourth internships introduced me to completely different areas of higher education which broadened my
knowledge and narrowed my search simultaneously.
My takeaway is that sometimes you have to learn what you don’t want in order to fin out what you do
want. The more informed you are about career options through real life conversations and experiences, the
better prepared you will be for your future and the more confiden you will be in your career decisions.
186
Always explore your options because even if you learn you hate it, at least you’re one step close to finding
what you love.
Conclusion
In the text, the authors told true-to-life stories about their own academic, personal, and lifecareer successes.
When reading FAS: WoW, you explored the following guiding questions:
• How do you demonstrate college readiness through the use of effective study skills and campus
resources?
• How do you apply basic technological and information management skills for academic and
lifelong career development?
• How do you demonstrate the use of critical and creative thinking skills to solve problems and
draw conclusions?
• How do you demonstrate basic awareness of self in connection with academic and personal
goals?
• How do you identify and demonstrate knowledge of the implications of choices related to
wellness?
• How do you demonstrate basic knowledge of cultural diversity?
Now that you’ve read FAS: WoW, it’s time to pay it forward by composing your own Words of
Wisdom story to share with college students of the future. Reflect on the lessons learned during your own
college experience this term and use the guiding questions to develop a true-to-life story that can help other
college students connect the dots between being a college student and being a successful college student.
Submit your story to be considered in the next edition of Foundations of Academic Success: Words of
Wisdom by emailing your name, institution, and a draft of your short story to [email protected].
Submissions will be reviewed as they are received, and you will be contacted directly if your submission is
reviewed and selected for publication.
The options for textbooks focusing on college student success in college are overwhelming; many
textbooks exist at varying levels of rigor and cost (some well over $100). The FAS: WoW series of
textbooks provides college students open access textbooks that are student-centered and readable (dare I
even say enjoyable). FAS: WoW supports the open access textbook philosophy to help students reduce the
cost of attending colleges and universities.
187
For a long time, my plan had always been to be a kindergarten teacher. But when I began my
undergraduate degree I fell into that ever-growing pool of college students who changed their major three
times before graduation. I was swayed by family members, my peers, and the economy, but I eventually
realized that I was investing my education in the wrong areas for the wrong reasons. It shouldn’t just be
about salaries and job security. I needed to fin that personal attachment.
At eighteen, it’s hard to see your entire life spread out before you. College may feel like a freefor-all at
times, but the reality is that it’s one of the most defining times of our lives. It should never be squandered. I
started to imagine my life beyond college—what I found important and the type of lifestyle I wanted in the
end. I started thinking about the classes that I was actually interested in—the ones that I looked forward to
each week and arrived early to just so I could get a seat up front.
A turning point for me was when I took the advice of a campus mentor and enrolled in a career exploration
course. I learned more about myself in that class than I had in my entire three years at college prior to
taking it. It showed me that my passion was something I had always thought about but never thought about
as a career. In high school, I could sit in the Guidance Offi for hours on end. I enjoyed listening to others—
hearing and helping people work through their struggles.
I had seen firsthand how detrimental the absence of career classes can be to someone’s future. Through this
realization and my participation in my career exploration class, I saw a viable future in the Higher
Education Administration field. As I dove deeper, I was opened to an incredible amount of unique and
diverse opportunities to work with students. My main approach was to get a taste anything to do with
student services: I shadowed a career counselor in a career services office attended graduate school fairs
and informational sessions, discussed the Higher Education Administration Program with several staff at
my college, and most importantly, I talked with my internship coordinator (my mentor). From there, I
completed an internship in my prospective field, which gave me a wealth of insight and skills that directly
related to my future career goals.
From where I sit now—my former personal and professional struggles in tow—I offer up some pieces of
advice that were crucial to getting me where I am today. Whether you’re an undecided major who is
looking for guidance or a student with a clearly defined career path, I suggest the following:
151. Find a mentor—For me, everything began there. Without my mentor, I wouldn’t have done any of the other
items I’m about to suggest. Finding the right mentor is crucial. Look for someone who can complement your
personality (typically someone who’s the opposite of you). My advice would be to look beyond your direct
supervisor for mentorship. It’s important to create an open forum with your mentor, because there may be a
conflict of interest as you discuss work issues and other job opportunities. Potential mentors to consider are an
instructor on campus, your academic advisor, a professional currently working in your prospective field,
someone you admire in your community, or anyone in your network of friends or family that you feel
comfortable discussing your future goals with.
152. Enroll in a Career Exploration/Planning course, or something similar—Even if you do not see the
52
Learn What You Don’t Want 53
effects of this course immediately (such as dramatically changing your major), you will notice the impact down
the road. Making educated career choices and learning job readiness skills will always pay off in the end.
Through my career exploration class, I learned how to relate my personality and values to potential career fields.
188
These self-assessments changed my entire thought process, and I see that influence daily. Beyond changing the
way you think, the knowledge you gain about effective job search strategies is invaluable. Learning how to write
purposeful résumés and cover letters, finding the right approach to the interview process, and recognizing your
strengths and weaknesses are just a few of the benefits you can gain from these type of courses.
153. Complete a Job Shadow and/or Informational Interview—No amount of online research is going to give you
the same experience as seeing a job at the front line. In a job shadow or an informational interview, you’re able
to explore options with no commitment and see how your in-class experience can carry over to a real world
setting. Additionally, you’re expanding your professional network by having that personal involvement. You
never know how the connections you make might benefit you in the future. My only regret about job shadowing
in college is that I didn’t do it sooner.
154. Do an Internship—A main source of frustration for recent grads is the inability to secure an entrylevel
position without experience. “How do I get a job to gain experience when I can’t get a job without experience?”
This is how: do an internship or two! Most colleges even have a course where you can obtain credit for doing it!
Not only will you earn credits towards graduation, but you’ll gain the necessary experience to put on your
résumé and discuss in future interviews. Having completed four internships throughout my college career, I
can’t say they were all great. However, I don’t regret a single one. The first one showed me the type of field I
didn’t want t work in. The second confirmed that I was heading in the right direction with my career. My third
and fourth internships introduced me to completely different areas of higher education which broadened my
knowledge and narrowed my search simultaneously.
My takeaway is that sometimes you have to learn what you don’t want in order to fin out what you do
want. The more informed you are about career options through real life conversations and experiences, the
better prepared you will be for your future and the more confiden you will be in your career decisions.
Always explore your options because even if you learn you hate it, at least you’re one step close to finding
what you love.
Conclusion
In the text, the authors told true-to-life stories about their own academic, personal, and lifecareer successes.
When reading FAS: WoW, you explored the following guiding questions:
• How do you demonstrate college readiness through the use of effective study skills and campus
resources?
• How do you apply basic technological and information management skills for academic and
lifelong career development?
• How do you demonstrate the use of critical and creative thinking skills to solve problems and
draw conclusions?
• How do you demonstrate basic awareness of self in connection with academic and personal
goals?
• How do you identify and demonstrate knowledge of the implications of choices related to
wellness?
• How do you demonstrate basic knowledge of cultural diversity?
Now that you’ve read FAS: WoW, it’s time to pay it forward by composing your own Words of
Wisdom story to share with college students of the future. Reflect on the lessons learned during your own
college experience this term and use the guiding questions to develop a true-to-life story that can help other
college students connect the dots between being a college student and being a successful college student.
Submit your story to be considered in the next edition of Foundations of Academic Success: Words of
Wisdom by emailing your name, institution, and a draft of your short story to [email protected].
189
Submissions will be reviewed as they are received, and you will be contacted directly if your submission is
reviewed and selected for publication.
The options for textbooks focusing on college student success in college are overwhelming; many
textbooks exist at varying levels of rigor and cost (some well over $100). The FAS: WoW series of
textbooks provides college students open access textbooks that are student-centered and readable (dare I
even say enjoyable). FAS: WoW supports the open access textbook philosophy to help students reduce the
cost of attending colleges and universities.
For a long time, my plan had always been to be a kindergarten teacher. But when I began my
undergraduate degree I fell into that ever-growing pool of college students who changed their major three
times before graduation. I was swayed by family members, my peers, and the economy, but I eventually
realized that I was investing my education in the wrong areas for the wrong reasons. It shouldn’t just be
about salaries and job security. I needed to fin that personal attachment.
At eighteen, it’s hard to see your entire life spread out before you. College may feel like a freefor-all at
times, but the reality is that it’s one of the most defining times of our lives. It should never be squandered. I
started to imagine my life beyond college—what I found important and the type of lifestyle I wanted in the
end. I started thinking about the classes that I was actually interested in—the ones that I looked forward to
each week and arrived early to just so I could get a seat up front.
A turning point for me was when I took the advice of a campus mentor and enrolled in a career exploration
course. I learned more about myself in that class than I had in my entire three years at college prior to
taking it. It showed me that my passion was something I had always thought about but never thought about
as a career. In high school, I could sit in the Guidance Offi for hours on end. I enjoyed listening to others—
hearing and helping people work through their struggles.
I had seen firsthand how detrimental the absence of career classes can be to someone’s future. Through this
realization and my participation in my career exploration class, I saw a viable future in the Higher
Education Administration field. As I dove deeper, I was opened to an incredible amount of unique and
diverse opportunities to work with students. My main approach was to get a taste anything to do with
student services: I shadowed a career counselor in a career services office attended graduate school fairs
and informational sessions, discussed the Higher Education Administration Program with several staff at
190
my college, and most importantly, I talked with my internship coordinator (my mentor). From there, I
completed an internship in my prospective field, which gave me a wealth of insight and skills that directly
related to my future career goals.
From where I sit now—my former personal and professional struggles in tow—I offer up some pieces of
advice that were crucial to getting me where I am today. Whether you’re an undecided major who is
looking for guidance or a student with a clearly defined career path, I suggest the following:
153. Find a mentor—For me, everything began there. Without my mentor, I wouldn’t have done any of the other
items I’m about to suggest. Finding the right mentor is crucial. Look for someone who can complement your
personality (typically someone who’s the opposite of you). My advice would be to look beyond your direct
supervisor for mentorship. It’s important to create an open forum with your mentor, because there may be a
conflict of interest as you discuss work issues and other job opportunities. Potential mentors to consider are an
instructor on campus, your academic advisor, a professional currently working in your prospective field,
someone you admire in your community, or anyone in your network of friends or family that you feel
comfortable discussing your future goals with.
154. Enroll in a Career Exploration/Planning course, or something similar—Even if you do not see the
52
Learn What You Don’t Want 53
effects of this course immediately (such as dramatically changing your major), you will notice the impact down
the road. Making educated career choices and learning job readiness skills will always pay off in the end.
Through my career exploration class, I learned how to relate my personality and values to potential career fields.
These self-assessments changed my entire thought process, and I see that influence daily. Beyond changing the
way you think, the knowledge you gain about effective job search strategies is invaluable. Learning how to write
purposeful résumés and cover letters, finding the right approach to the interview process, and recognizing your
strengths and weaknesses are just a few of the benefits you can gain from these type of courses.
155. Complete a Job Shadow and/or Informational Interview—No amount of online research is going to give you
the same experience as seeing a job at the front line. In a job shadow or an informational interview, you’re able
to explore options with no commitment and see how your in-class experience can carry over to a real world
setting. Additionally, you’re expanding your professional network by having that personal involvement. You
never know how the connections you make might benefit you in the future. My only regret about job shadowing
in college is that I didn’t do it sooner.
156. Do an Internship—A main source of frustration for recent grads is the inability to secure an entrylevel
position without experience. “How do I get a job to gain experience when I can’t get a job without experience?”
This is how: do an internship or two! Most colleges even have a course where you can obtain credit for doing it!
Not only will you earn credits towards graduation, but you’ll gain the necessary experience to put on your
résumé and discuss in future interviews. Having completed four internships throughout my college career, I
can’t say they were all great. However, I don’t regret a single one. The first one showed me the type of field I
didn’t want t work in. The second confirmed that I was heading in the right direction with my career. My third
and fourth internships introduced me to completely different areas of higher education which broadened my
knowledge and narrowed my search simultaneously.
My takeaway is that sometimes you have to learn what you don’t want in order to fin out what you do
want. The more informed you are about career options through real life conversations and experiences, the
better prepared you will be for your future and the more confiden you will be in your career decisions.
191
Always explore your options because even if you learn you hate it, at least you’re one step close to finding
what you love.
Conclusion
In the text, the authors told true-to-life stories about their own academic, personal, and lifecareer successes.
When reading FAS: WoW, you explored the following guiding questions:
• How do you demonstrate college readiness through the use of effective study skills and campus
resources?
• How do you apply basic technological and information management skills for academic and
lifelong career development?
• How do you demonstrate the use of critical and creative thinking skills to solve problems and
draw conclusions?
• How do you demonstrate basic awareness of self in connection with academic and personal
goals?
• How do you identify and demonstrate knowledge of the implications of choices related to
wellness?
• How do you demonstrate basic knowledge of cultural diversity?
Now that you’ve read FAS: WoW, it’s time to pay it forward by composing your own Words of
Wisdom story to share with college students of the future. Reflect on the lessons learned during your own
college experience this term and use the guiding questions to develop a true-to-life story that can help other
college students connect the dots between being a college student and being a successful college student.
Submit your story to be considered in the next edition of Foundations of Academic Success: Words of
Wisdom by emailing your name, institution, and a draft of your short story to [email protected].
Submissions will be reviewed as they are received, and you will be contacted directly if your submission is
reviewed and selected for publication.
The options for textbooks focusing on college student success in college are overwhelming; many
textbooks exist at varying levels of rigor and cost (some well over $100). The FAS: WoW series of
textbooks provides college students open access textbooks that are student-centered and readable (dare I
even say enjoyable). FAS: WoW supports the open access textbook philosophy to help students reduce the
cost of attending colleges and universities.
192
For a long time, my plan had always been to be a kindergarten teacher. But when I began my
undergraduate degree I fell into that ever-growing pool of college students who changed their major three
times before graduation. I was swayed by family members, my peers, and the economy, but I eventually
realized that I was investing my education in the wrong areas for the wrong reasons. It shouldn’t just be
about salaries and job security. I needed to fin that personal attachment.
At eighteen, it’s hard to see your entire life spread out before you. College may feel like a freefor-all at
times, but the reality is that it’s one of the most defining times of our lives. It should never be squandered. I
started to imagine my life beyond college—what I found important and the type of lifestyle I wanted in the
end. I started thinking about the classes that I was actually interested in—the ones that I looked forward to
each week and arrived early to just so I could get a seat up front.
A turning point for me was when I took the advice of a campus mentor and enrolled in a career exploration
course. I learned more about myself in that class than I had in my entire three years at college prior to
taking it. It showed me that my passion was something I had always thought about but never thought about
as a career. In high school, I could sit in the Guidance Offi for hours on end. I enjoyed listening to others—
hearing and helping people work through their struggles.
I had seen firsthand how detrimental the absence of career classes can be to someone’s future. Through this
realization and my participation in my career exploration class, I saw a viable future in the Higher
Education Administration field. As I dove deeper, I was opened to an incredible amount of unique and
diverse opportunities to work with students. My main approach was to get a taste anything to do with
student services: I shadowed a career counselor in a career services office attended graduate school fairs
and informational sessions, discussed the Higher Education Administration Program with several staff at
my college, and most importantly, I talked with my internship coordinator (my mentor). From there, I
completed an internship in my prospective field, which gave me a wealth of insight and skills that directly
related to my future career goals.
From where I sit now—my former personal and professional struggles in tow—I offer up some pieces of
advice that were crucial to getting me where I am today. Whether you’re an undecided major who is
looking for guidance or a student with a clearly defined career path, I suggest the following:
155. Find a mentor—For me, everything began there. Without my mentor, I wouldn’t have done any of the other
items I’m about to suggest. Finding the right mentor is crucial. Look for someone who can complement your
personality (typically someone who’s the opposite of you). My advice would be to look beyond your direct
supervisor for mentorship. It’s important to create an open forum with your mentor, because there may be a
conflict of interest as you discuss work issues and other job opportunities. Potential mentors to consider are an
instructor on campus, your academic advisor, a professional currently working in your prospective field,
someone you admire in your community, or anyone in your network of friends or family that you feel
comfortable discussing your future goals with.
156. Enroll in a Career Exploration/Planning course, or something similar—Even if you do not see the
52
Learn What You Don’t Want 53
effects of this course immediately (such as dramatically changing your major), you will notice the impact down
the road. Making educated career choices and learning job readiness skills will always pay off in the end.
Through my career exploration class, I learned how to relate my personality and values to potential career fields.
193
These self-assessments changed my entire thought process, and I see that influence daily. Beyond changing the
way you think, the knowledge you gain about effective job search strategies is invaluable. Learning how to write
purposeful résumés and cover letters, finding the right approach to the interview process, and recognizing your
strengths and weaknesses are just a few of the benefits you can gain from these type of courses.
157. Complete a Job Shadow and/or Informational Interview—No amount of online research is going to give you
the same experience as seeing a job at the front line. In a job shadow or an informational interview, you’re able
to explore options with no commitment and see how your in-class experience can carry over to a real world
setting. Additionally, you’re expanding your professional network by having that personal involvement. You
never know how the connections you make might benefit you in the future. My only regret about job shadowing
in college is that I didn’t do it sooner.
158. Do an Internship—A main source of frustration for recent grads is the inability to secure an entrylevel
position without experience. “How do I get a job to gain experience when I can’t get a job without experience?”
This is how: do an internship or two! Most colleges even have a course where you can obtain credit for doing it!
Not only will you earn credits towards graduation, but you’ll gain the necessary experience to put on your
résumé and discuss in future interviews. Having completed four internships throughout my college career, I
can’t say they were all great. However, I don’t regret a single one. The first one showed me the type of field I
didn’t want t work in. The second confirmed that I was heading in the right direction with my career. My third
and fourth internships introduced me to completely different areas of higher education which broadened my
knowledge and narrowed my search simultaneously.
My takeaway is that sometimes you have to learn what you don’t want in order to fin out what you do
want. The more informed you are about career options through real life conversations and experiences, the
better prepared you will be for your future and the more confiden you will be in your career decisions.
Always explore your options because even if you learn you hate it, at least you’re one step close to finding
what you love.
Conclusion
In the text, the authors told true-to-life stories about their own academic, personal, and lifecareer successes.
When reading FAS: WoW, you explored the following guiding questions:
• How do you demonstrate college readiness through the use of effective study skills and campus
resources?
• How do you apply basic technological and information management skills for academic and
lifelong career development?
• How do you demonstrate the use of critical and creative thinking skills to solve problems and
draw conclusions?
• How do you demonstrate basic awareness of self in connection with academic and personal
goals?
• How do you identify and demonstrate knowledge of the implications of choices related to
wellness?
• How do you demonstrate basic knowledge of cultural diversity?
Now that you’ve read FAS: WoW, it’s time to pay it forward by composing your own Words of
Wisdom story to share with college students of the future. Reflect on the lessons learned during your own
college experience this term and use the guiding questions to develop a true-to-life story that can help other
college students connect the dots between being a college student and being a successful college student.
Submit your story to be considered in the next edition of Foundations of Academic Success: Words of
Wisdom by emailing your name, institution, and a draft of your short story to [email protected].
194
Submissions will be reviewed as they are received, and you will be contacted directly if your submission is
reviewed and selected for publication.
The options for textbooks focusing on college student success in college are overwhelming; many
textbooks exist at varying levels of rigor and cost (some well over $100). The FAS: WoW series of
textbooks provides college students open access textbooks that are student-centered and readable (dare I
even say enjoyable). FAS: WoW supports the open access textbook philosophy to help students reduce the
cost of attending colleges and universities.
For a long time, my plan had always been to be a kindergarten teacher. But when I began my
undergraduate degree I fell into that ever-growing pool of college students who changed their major three
times before graduation. I was swayed by family members, my peers, and the economy, but I eventually
realized that I was investing my education in the wrong areas for the wrong reasons. It shouldn’t just be
about salaries and job security. I needed to fin that personal attachment.
At eighteen, it’s hard to see your entire life spread out before you. College may feel like a freefor-all at
times, but the reality is that it’s one of the most defining times of our lives. It should never be squandered. I
started to imagine my life beyond college—what I found important and the type of lifestyle I wanted in the
end. I started thinking about the classes that I was actually interested in—the ones that I looked forward to
each week and arrived early to just so I could get a seat up front.
A turning point for me was when I took the advice of a campus mentor and enrolled in a career exploration
course. I learned more about myself in that class than I had in my entire three years at college prior to
taking it. It showed me that my passion was something I had always thought about but never thought about
as a career. In high school, I could sit in the Guidance Offi for hours on end. I enjoyed listening to others—
hearing and helping people work through their struggles.
I had seen firsthand how detrimental the absence of career classes can be to someone’s future. Through this
realization and my participation in my career exploration class, I saw a viable future in the Higher
Education Administration field. As I dove deeper, I was opened to an incredible amount of unique and
diverse opportunities to work with students. My main approach was to get a taste anything to do with
student services: I shadowed a career counselor in a career services office attended graduate school fairs
and informational sessions, discussed the Higher Education Administration Program with several staff at
195
my college, and most importantly, I talked with my internship coordinator (my mentor). From there, I
completed an internship in my prospective field, which gave me a wealth of insight and skills that directly
related to my future career goals.
From where I sit now—my former personal and professional struggles in tow—I offer up some pieces of
advice that were crucial to getting me where I am today. Whether you’re an undecided major who is
looking for guidance or a student with a clearly defined career path, I suggest the following:
157. Find a mentor—For me, everything began there. Without my mentor, I wouldn’t have done any of the other
items I’m about to suggest. Finding the right mentor is crucial. Look for someone who can complement your
personality (typically someone who’s the opposite of you). My advice would be to look beyond your direct
supervisor for mentorship. It’s important to create an open forum with your mentor, because there may be a
conflict of interest as you discuss work issues and other job opportunities. Potential mentors to consider are an
instructor on campus, your academic advisor, a professional currently working in your prospective field,
someone you admire in your community, or anyone in your network of friends or family that you feel
comfortable discussing your future goals with.
158. Enroll in a Career Exploration/Planning course, or something similar—Even if you do not see the
52
Learn What You Don’t Want 53
effects of this course immediately (such as dramatically changing your major), you will notice the impact down
the road. Making educated career choices and learning job readiness skills will always pay off in the end.
Through my career exploration class, I learned how to relate my personality and values to potential career fields.
These self-assessments changed my entire thought process, and I see that influence daily. Beyond changing the
way you think, the knowledge you gain about effective job search strategies is invaluable. Learning how to write
purposeful résumés and cover letters, finding the right approach to the interview process, and recognizing your
strengths and weaknesses are just a few of the benefits you can gain from these type of courses.
159. Complete a Job Shadow and/or Informational Interview—No amount of online research is going to give you
the same experience as seeing a job at the front line. In a job shadow or an informational interview, you’re able
to explore options with no commitment and see how your in-class experience can carry over to a real world
setting. Additionally, you’re expanding your professional network by having that personal involvement. You
never know how the connections you make might benefit you in the future. My only regret about job shadowing
in college is that I didn’t do it sooner.
160. Do an Internship—A main source of frustration for recent grads is the inability to secure an entrylevel
position without experience. “How do I get a job to gain experience when I can’t get a job without experience?”
This is how: do an internship or two! Most colleges even have a course where you can obtain credit for doing it!
Not only will you earn credits towards graduation, but you’ll gain the necessary experience to put on your
résumé and discuss in future interviews. Having completed four internships throughout my college career, I
can’t say they were all great. However, I don’t regret a single one. The first one showed me the type of field I
didn’t want t work in. The second confirmed that I was heading in the right direction with my career. My third
and fourth internships introduced me to completely different areas of higher education which broadened my
knowledge and narrowed my search simultaneously.
My takeaway is that sometimes you have to learn what you don’t want in order to fin out what you do
want. The more informed you are about career options through real life conversations and experiences, the
better prepared you will be for your future and the more confiden you will be in your career decisions.
196
Always explore your options because even if you learn you hate it, at least you’re one step close to finding
what you love.
Conclusion
In the text, the authors told true-to-life stories about their own academic, personal, and lifecareer successes.
When reading FAS: WoW, you explored the following guiding questions:
• How do you demonstrate college readiness through the use of effective study skills and campus
resources?
• How do you apply basic technological and information management skills for academic and
lifelong career development?
• How do you demonstrate the use of critical and creative thinking skills to solve problems and
draw conclusions?
• How do you demonstrate basic awareness of self in connection with academic and personal
goals?
• How do you identify and demonstrate knowledge of the implications of choices related to
wellness?
• How do you demonstrate basic knowledge of cultural diversity?
Now that you’ve read FAS: WoW, it’s time to pay it forward by composing your own Words of
Wisdom story to share with college students of the future. Reflect on the lessons learned during your own
college experience this term and use the guiding questions to develop a true-to-life story that can help other
college students connect the dots between being a college student and being a successful college student.
Submit your story to be considered in the next edition of Foundations of Academic Success: Words of
Wisdom by emailing your name, institution, and a draft of your short story to [email protected].
Submissions will be reviewed as they are received, and you will be contacted directly if your submission is
reviewed and selected for publication.
The options for textbooks focusing on college student success in college are overwhelming; many
textbooks exist at varying levels of rigor and cost (some well over $100). The FAS: WoW series of
textbooks provides college students open access textbooks that are student-centered and readable (dare I
even say enjoyable). FAS: WoW supports the open access textbook philosophy to help students reduce the
cost of attending colleges and universities.
197
For a long time, my plan had always been to be a kindergarten teacher. But when I began my
undergraduate degree I fell into that ever-growing pool of college students who changed their major three
times before graduation. I was swayed by family members, my peers, and the economy, but I eventually
realized that I was investing my education in the wrong areas for the wrong reasons. It shouldn’t just be
about salaries and job security. I needed to fin that personal attachment.
At eighteen, it’s hard to see your entire life spread out before you. College may feel like a freefor-all at
times, but the reality is that it’s one of the most defining times of our lives. It should never be squandered. I
started to imagine my life beyond college—what I found important and the type of lifestyle I wanted in the
end. I started thinking about the classes that I was actually interested in—the ones that I looked forward to
each week and arrived early to just so I could get a seat up front.
A turning point for me was when I took the advice of a campus mentor and enrolled in a career exploration
course. I learned more about myself in that class than I had in my entire three years at college prior to
taking it. It showed me that my passion was something I had always thought about but never thought about
as a career. In high school, I could sit in the Guidance Offi for hours on end. I enjoyed listening to others—
hearing and helping people work through their struggles.
I had seen firsthand how detrimental the absence of career classes can be to someone’s future. Through this
realization and my participation in my career exploration class, I saw a viable future in the Higher
Education Administration field. As I dove deeper, I was opened to an incredible amount of unique and
diverse opportunities to work with students. My main approach was to get a taste anything to do with
student services: I shadowed a career counselor in a career services office attended graduate school fairs
and informational sessions, discussed the Higher Education Administration Program with several staff at
my college, and most importantly, I talked with my internship coordinator (my mentor). From there, I
completed an internship in my prospective field, which gave me a wealth of insight and skills that directly
related to my future career goals.
From where I sit now—my former personal and professional struggles in tow—I offer up some pieces of
advice that were crucial to getting me where I am today. Whether you’re an undecided major who is
looking for guidance or a student with a clearly defined career path, I suggest the following:
159. Find a mentor—For me, everything began there. Without my mentor, I wouldn’t have done any of the other
items I’m about to suggest. Finding the right mentor is crucial. Look for someone who can complement your
personality (typically someone who’s the opposite of you). My advice would be to look beyond your direct
supervisor for mentorship. It’s important to create an open forum with your mentor, because there may be a
conflict of interest as you discuss work issues and other job opportunities. Potential mentors to consider are an
instructor on campus, your academic advisor, a professional currently working in your prospective field,
someone you admire in your community, or anyone in your network of friends or family that you feel
comfortable discussing your future goals with.
160. Enroll in a Career Exploration/Planning course, or something similar—Even if you do not see the
52
Learn What You Don’t Want 53
effects of this course immediately (such as dramatically changing your major), you will notice the impact down
the road. Making educated career choices and learning job readiness skills will always pay off in the end.
Through my career exploration class, I learned how to relate my personality and values to potential career fields.
198
These self-assessments changed my entire thought process, and I see that influence daily. Beyond changing the
way you think, the knowledge you gain about effective job search strategies is invaluable. Learning how to write
purposeful résumés and cover letters, finding the right approach to the interview process, and recognizing your
strengths and weaknesses are just a few of the benefits you can gain from these type of courses.
161. Complete a Job Shadow and/or Informational Interview—No amount of online research is going to give you
the same experience as seeing a job at the front line. In a job shadow or an informational interview, you’re able
to explore options with no commitment and see how your in-class experience can carry over to a real world
setting. Additionally, you’re expanding your professional network by having that personal involvement. You
never know how the connections you make might benefit you in the future. My only regret about job shadowing
in college is that I didn’t do it sooner.
162. Do an Internship—A main source of frustration for recent grads is the inability to secure an entrylevel
position without experience. “How do I get a job to gain experience when I can’t get a job without experience?”
This is how: do an internship or two! Most colleges even have a course where you can obtain credit for doing it!
Not only will you earn credits towards graduation, but you’ll gain the necessary experience to put on your
résumé and discuss in future interviews. Having completed four internships throughout my college career, I
can’t say they were all great. However, I don’t regret a single one. The first one showed me the type of field I
didn’t want t work in. The second confirmed that I was heading in the right direction with my career. My third
and fourth internships introduced me to completely different areas of higher education which broadened my
knowledge and narrowed my search simultaneously.
My takeaway is that sometimes you have to learn what you don’t want in order to fin out what you do
want. The more informed you are about career options through real life conversations and experiences, the
better prepared you will be for your future and the more confiden you will be in your career decisions.
Always explore your options because even if you learn you hate it, at least you’re one step close to finding
what you love.
Conclusion
In the text, the authors told true-to-life stories about their own academic, personal, and lifecareer successes.
When reading FAS: WoW, you explored the following guiding questions:
• How do you demonstrate college readiness through the use of effective study skills and campus
resources?
• How do you apply basic technological and information management skills for academic and
lifelong career development?
• How do you demonstrate the use of critical and creative thinking skills to solve problems and
draw conclusions?
• How do you demonstrate basic awareness of self in connection with academic and personal
goals?
• How do you identify and demonstrate knowledge of the implications of choices related to
wellness?
• How do you demonstrate basic knowledge of cultural diversity?
Now that you’ve read FAS: WoW, it’s time to pay it forward by composing your own Words of
Wisdom story to share with college students of the future. Reflect on the lessons learned during your own
college experience this term and use the guiding questions to develop a true-to-life story that can help other
college students connect the dots between being a college student and being a successful college student.
Submit your story to be considered in the next edition of Foundations of Academic Success: Words of
Wisdom by emailing your name, institution, and a draft of your short story to [email protected].
199
Submissions will be reviewed as they are received, and you will be contacted directly if your submission is
reviewed and selected for publication.
The options for textbooks focusing on college student success in college are overwhelming; many
textbooks exist at varying levels of rigor and cost (some well over $100). The FAS: WoW series of
textbooks provides college students open access textbooks that are student-centered and readable (dare I
even say enjoyable). FAS: WoW supports the open access textbook philosophy to help students reduce the
cost of attending colleges and universities.
For a long time, my plan had always been to be a kindergarten teacher. But when I began my
undergraduate degree I fell into that ever-growing pool of college students who changed their major three
times before graduation. I was swayed by family members, my peers, and the economy, but I eventually
realized that I was investing my education in the wrong areas for the wrong reasons. It shouldn’t just be
about salaries and job security. I needed to fin that personal attachment.
At eighteen, it’s hard to see your entire life spread out before you. College may feel like a freefor-all at
times, but the reality is that it’s one of the most defining times of our lives. It should never be squandered. I
started to imagine my life beyond college—what I found important and the type of lifestyle I wanted in the
end. I started thinking about the classes that I was actually interested in—the ones that I looked forward to
each week and arrived early to just so I could get a seat up front.
A turning point for me was when I took the advice of a campus mentor and enrolled in a career exploration
course. I learned more about myself in that class than I had in my entire three years at college prior to
taking it. It showed me that my passion was something I had always thought about but never thought about
as a career. In high school, I could sit in the Guidance Offi for hours on end. I enjoyed listening to others—
hearing and helping people work through their struggles.
I had seen firsthand how detrimental the absence of career classes can be to someone’s future. Through this
realization and my participation in my career exploration class, I saw a viable future in the Higher
Education Administration field. As I dove deeper, I was opened to an incredible amount of unique and
diverse opportunities to work with students. My main approach was to get a taste anything to do with
student services: I shadowed a career counselor in a career services office attended graduate school fairs
and informational sessions, discussed the Higher Education Administration Program with several staff at
200
my college, and most importantly, I talked with my internship coordinator (my mentor). From there, I
completed an internship in my prospective field, which gave me a wealth of insight and skills that directly
related to my future career goals.
From where I sit now—my former personal and professional struggles in tow—I offer up some pieces of
advice that were crucial to getting me where I am today. Whether you’re an undecided major who is
looking for guidance or a student with a clearly defined career path, I suggest the following:
161. Find a mentor—For me, everything began there. Without my mentor, I wouldn’t have done any of the other
items I’m about to suggest. Finding the right mentor is crucial. Look for someone who can complement your
personality (typically someone who’s the opposite of you). My advice would be to look beyond your direct
supervisor for mentorship. It’s important to create an open forum with your mentor, because there may be a
conflict of interest as you discuss work issues and other job opportunities. Potential mentors to consider are an
instructor on campus, your academic advisor, a professional currently working in your prospective field,
someone you admire in your community, or anyone in your network of friends or family that you feel
comfortable discussing your future goals with.
162. Enroll in a Career Exploration/Planning course, or something similar—Even if you do not see the
52
Learn What You Don’t Want 53
effects of this course immediately (such as dramatically changing your major), you will notice the impact down
the road. Making educated career choices and learning job readiness skills will always pay off in the end.
Through my career exploration class, I learned how to relate my personality and values to potential career fields.
These self-assessments changed my entire thought process, and I see that influence daily. Beyond changing the
way you think, the knowledge you gain about effective job search strategies is invaluable. Learning how to write
purposeful résumés and cover letters, finding the right approach to the interview process, and recognizing your
strengths and weaknesses are just a few of the benefits you can gain from these type of courses.
163. Complete a Job Shadow and/or Informational Interview—No amount of online research is going to give you
the same experience as seeing a job at the front line. In a job shadow or an informational interview, you’re able
to explore options with no commitment and see how your in-class experience can carry over to a real world
setting. Additionally, you’re expanding your professional network by having that personal involvement. You
never know how the connections you make might benefit you in the future. My only regret about job shadowing
in college is that I didn’t do it sooner.
164. Do an Internship—A main source of frustration for recent grads is the inability to secure an entrylevel
position without experience. “How do I get a job to gain experience when I can’t get a job without experience?”
This is how: do an internship or two! Most colleges even have a course where you can obtain credit for doing it!
Not only will you earn credits towards graduation, but you’ll gain the necessary experience to put on your
résumé and discuss in future interviews. Having completed four internships throughout my college career, I
can’t say they were all great. However, I don’t regret a single one. The first one showed me the type of field I
didn’t want t work in. The second confirmed that I was heading in the right direction with my career. My third
and fourth internships introduced me to completely different areas of higher education which broadened my
knowledge and narrowed my search simultaneously.
My takeaway is that sometimes you have to learn what you don’t want in order to fin out what you do
want. The more informed you are about career options through real life conversations and experiences, the
better prepared you will be for your future and the more confiden you will be in your career decisions.
201
Always explore your options because even if you learn you hate it, at least you’re one step close to finding
what you love.
Conclusion
In the text, the authors told true-to-life stories about their own academic, personal, and lifecareer successes.
When reading FAS: WoW, you explored the following guiding questions:
• How do you demonstrate college readiness through the use of effective study skills and campus
resources?
• How do you apply basic technological and information management skills for academic and
lifelong career development?
• How do you demonstrate the use of critical and creative thinking skills to solve problems and
draw conclusions?
• How do you demonstrate basic awareness of self in connection with academic and personal
goals?
• How do you identify and demonstrate knowledge of the implications of choices related to
wellness?
• How do you demonstrate basic knowledge of cultural diversity?
Now that you’ve read FAS: WoW, it’s time to pay it forward by composing your own Words of
Wisdom story to share with college students of the future. Reflect on the lessons learned during your own
college experience this term and use the guiding questions to develop a true-to-life story that can help other
college students connect the dots between being a college student and being a successful college student.
Submit your story to be considered in the next edition of Foundations of Academic Success: Words of
Wisdom by emailing your name, institution, and a draft of your short story to [email protected].
Submissions will be reviewed as they are received, and you will be contacted directly if your submission is
reviewed and selected for publication.
The options for textbooks focusing on college student success in college are overwhelming; many
textbooks exist at varying levels of rigor and cost (some well over $100). The FAS: WoW series of
textbooks provides college students open access textbooks that are student-centered and readable (dare I
even say enjoyable). FAS: WoW supports the open access textbook philosophy to help students reduce the
cost of attending colleges and universities.
202
For a long time, my plan had always been to be a kindergarten teacher. But when I began my
undergraduate degree I fell into that ever-growing pool of college students who changed their major three
times before graduation. I was swayed by family members, my peers, and the economy, but I eventually
realized that I was investing my education in the wrong areas for the wrong reasons. It shouldn’t just be
about salaries and job security. I needed to fin that personal attachment.
At eighteen, it’s hard to see your entire life spread out before you. College may feel like a freefor-all at
times, but the reality is that it’s one of the most defining times of our lives. It should never be squandered. I
started to imagine my life beyond college—what I found important and the type of lifestyle I wanted in the
end. I started thinking about the classes that I was actually interested in—the ones that I looked forward to
each week and arrived early to just so I could get a seat up front.
A turning point for me was when I took the advice of a campus mentor and enrolled in a career exploration
course. I learned more about myself in that class than I had in my entire three years at college prior to
taking it. It showed me that my passion was something I had always thought about but never thought about
as a career. In high school, I could sit in the Guidance Offi for hours on end. I enjoyed listening to others—
hearing and helping people work through their struggles.
I had seen firsthand how detrimental the absence of career classes can be to someone’s future. Through this
realization and my participation in my career exploration class, I saw a viable future in the Higher
Education Administration field. As I dove deeper, I was opened to an incredible amount of unique and
diverse opportunities to work with students. My main approach was to get a taste anything to do with
student services: I shadowed a career counselor in a career services office attended graduate school fairs
and informational sessions, discussed the Higher Education Administration Program with several staff at
my college, and most importantly, I talked with my internship coordinator (my mentor). From there, I
completed an internship in my prospective field, which gave me a wealth of insight and skills that directly
related to my future career goals.
From where I sit now—my former personal and professional struggles in tow—I offer up some pieces of
advice that were crucial to getting me where I am today. Whether you’re an undecided major who is
looking for guidance or a student with a clearly defined career path, I suggest the following:
163. Find a mentor—For me, everything began there. Without my mentor, I wouldn’t have done any of the other
items I’m about to suggest. Finding the right mentor is crucial. Look for someone who can complement your
personality (typically someone who’s the opposite of you). My advice would be to look beyond your direct
supervisor for mentorship. It’s important to create an open forum with your mentor, because there may be a
conflict of interest as you discuss work issues and other job opportunities. Potential mentors to consider are an
instructor on campus, your academic advisor, a professional currently working in your prospective field,
someone you admire in your community, or anyone in your network of friends or family that you feel
comfortable discussing your future goals with.
164. Enroll in a Career Exploration/Planning course, or something similar—Even if you do not see the
52
Learn What You Don’t Want 53
effects of this course immediately (such as dramatically changing your major), you will notice the impact down
the road. Making educated career choices and learning job readiness skills will always pay off in the end.
Through my career exploration class, I learned how to relate my personality and values to potential career fields.
203
These self-assessments changed my entire thought process, and I see that influence daily. Beyond changing the
way you think, the knowledge you gain about effective job search strategies is invaluable. Learning how to write
purposeful résumés and cover letters, finding the right approach to the interview process, and recognizing your
strengths and weaknesses are just a few of the benefits you can gain from these type of courses.
165. Complete a Job Shadow and/or Informational Interview—No amount of online research is going to give you
the same experience as seeing a job at the front line. In a job shadow or an informational interview, you’re able
to explore options with no commitment and see how your in-class experience can carry over to a real world
setting. Additionally, you’re expanding your professional network by having that personal involvement. You
never know how the connections you make might benefit you in the future. My only regret about job shadowing
in college is that I didn’t do it sooner.
166. Do an Internship—A main source of frustration for recent grads is the inability to secure an entrylevel
position without experience. “How do I get a job to gain experience when I can’t get a job without experience?”
This is how: do an internship or two! Most colleges even have a course where you can obtain credit for doing it!
Not only will you earn credits towards graduation, but you’ll gain the necessary experience to put on your
résumé and discuss in future interviews. Having completed four internships throughout my college career, I
can’t say they were all great. However, I don’t regret a single one. The first one showed me the type of field I
didn’t want t work in. The second confirmed that I was heading in the right direction with my career. My third
and fourth internships introduced me to completely different areas of higher education which broadened my
knowledge and narrowed my search simultaneously.
My takeaway is that sometimes you have to learn what you don’t want in order to fin out what you do
want. The more informed you are about career options through real life conversations and experiences, the
better prepared you will be for your future and the more confiden you will be in your career decisions.
Always explore your options because even if you learn you hate it, at least you’re one step close to finding
what you love.
Conclusion
In the text, the authors told true-to-life stories about their own academic, personal, and lifecareer successes.
When reading FAS: WoW, you explored the following guiding questions:
• How do you demonstrate college readiness through the use of effective study skills and campus
resources?
• How do you apply basic technological and information management skills for academic and
lifelong career development?
• How do you demonstrate the use of critical and creative thinking skills to solve problems and
draw conclusions?
• How do you demonstrate basic awareness of self in connection with academic and personal
goals?
• How do you identify and demonstrate knowledge of the implications of choices related to
wellness?
• How do you demonstrate basic knowledge of cultural diversity?
Now that you’ve read FAS: WoW, it’s time to pay it forward by composing your own Words of
Wisdom story to share with college students of the future. Reflect on the lessons learned during your own
college experience this term and use the guiding questions to develop a true-to-life story that can help other
college students connect the dots between being a college student and being a successful college student.
Submit your story to be considered in the next edition of Foundations of Academic Success: Words of
Wisdom by emailing your name, institution, and a draft of your short story to [email protected].
204
Submissions will be reviewed as they are received, and you will be contacted directly if your submission is
reviewed and selected for publication.
The options for textbooks focusing on college student success in college are overwhelming; many
textbooks exist at varying levels of rigor and cost (some well over $100). The FAS: WoW series of
textbooks provides college students open access textbooks that are student-centered and readable (dare I
even say enjoyable). FAS: WoW supports the open access textbook philosophy to help students reduce the
cost of attending colleges and universities.
For a long time, my plan had always been to be a kindergarten teacher. But when I began my
undergraduate degree I fell into that ever-growing pool of college students who changed their major three
times before graduation. I was swayed by family members, my peers, and the economy, but I eventually
realized that I was investing my education in the wrong areas for the wrong reasons. It shouldn’t just be
about salaries and job security. I needed to fin that personal attachment.
At eighteen, it’s hard to see your entire life spread out before you. College may feel like a freefor-all at
times, but the reality is that it’s one of the most defining times of our lives. It should never be squandered. I
started to imagine my life beyond college—what I found important and the type of lifestyle I wanted in the
end. I started thinking about the classes that I was actually interested in—the ones that I looked forward to
each week and arrived early to just so I could get a seat up front.
A turning point for me was when I took the advice of a campus mentor and enrolled in a career exploration
course. I learned more about myself in that class than I had in my entire three years at college prior to
taking it. It showed me that my passion was something I had always thought about but never thought about
as a career. In high school, I could sit in the Guidance Offi for hours on end. I enjoyed listening to others—
hearing and helping people work through their struggles.
I had seen firsthand how detrimental the absence of career classes can be to someone’s future. Through this
realization and my participation in my career exploration class, I saw a viable future in the Higher
Education Administration field. As I dove deeper, I was opened to an incredible amount of unique and
diverse opportunities to work with students. My main approach was to get a taste anything to do with
student services: I shadowed a career counselor in a career services office attended graduate school fairs
and informational sessions, discussed the Higher Education Administration Program with several staff at
205
my college, and most importantly, I talked with my internship coordinator (my mentor). From there, I
completed an internship in my prospective field, which gave me a wealth of insight and skills that directly
related to my future career goals.
From where I sit now—my former personal and professional struggles in tow—I offer up some pieces of
advice that were crucial to getting me where I am today. Whether you’re an undecided major who is
looking for guidance or a student with a clearly defined career path, I suggest the following:
165. Find a mentor—For me, everything began there. Without my mentor, I wouldn’t have done any of the other
items I’m about to suggest. Finding the right mentor is crucial. Look for someone who can complement your
personality (typically someone who’s the opposite of you). My advice would be to look beyond your direct
supervisor for mentorship. It’s important to create an open forum with your mentor, because there may be a
conflict of interest as you discuss work issues and other job opportunities. Potential mentors to consider are an
instructor on campus, your academic advisor, a professional currently working in your prospective field,
someone you admire in your community, or anyone in your network of friends or family that you feel
comfortable discussing your future goals with.
166. Enroll in a Career Exploration/Planning course, or something similar—Even if you do not see the
52
Learn What You Don’t Want 53
effects of this course immediately (such as dramatically changing your major), you will notice the impact down
the road. Making educated career choices and learning job readiness skills will always pay off in the end.
Through my career exploration class, I learned how to relate my personality and values to potential career fields.
These self-assessments changed my entire thought process, and I see that influence daily. Beyond changing the
way you think, the knowledge you gain about effective job search strategies is invaluable. Learning how to write
purposeful résumés and cover letters, finding the right approach to the interview process, and recognizing your
strengths and weaknesses are just a few of the benefits you can gain from these type of courses.
167. Complete a Job Shadow and/or Informational Interview—No amount of online research is going to give you
the same experience as seeing a job at the front line. In a job shadow or an informational interview, you’re able
to explore options with no commitment and see how your in-class experience can carry over to a real world
setting. Additionally, you’re expanding your professional network by having that personal involvement. You
never know how the connections you make might benefit you in the future. My only regret about job shadowing
in college is that I didn’t do it sooner.
168. Do an Internship—A main source of frustration for recent grads is the inability to secure an entrylevel
position without experience. “How do I get a job to gain experience when I can’t get a job without experience?”
This is how: do an internship or two! Most colleges even have a course where you can obtain credit for doing it!
Not only will you earn credits towards graduation, but you’ll gain the necessary experience to put on your
résumé and discuss in future interviews. Having completed four internships throughout my college career, I
can’t say they were all great. However, I don’t regret a single one. The first one showed me the type of field I
didn’t want t work in. The second confirmed that I was heading in the right direction with my career. My third
and fourth internships introduced me to completely different areas of higher education which broadened my
knowledge and narrowed my search simultaneously.
My takeaway is that sometimes you have to learn what you don’t want in order to fin out what you do
want. The more informed you are about career options through real life conversations and experiences, the
better prepared you will be for your future and the more confiden you will be in your career decisions.
206
Always explore your options because even if you learn you hate it, at least you’re one step close to finding
what you love.
Conclusion
In the text, the authors told true-to-life stories about their own academic, personal, and lifecareer successes.
When reading FAS: WoW, you explored the following guiding questions:
• How do you demonstrate college readiness through the use of effective study skills and campus
resources?
• How do you apply basic technological and information management skills for academic and
lifelong career development?
• How do you demonstrate the use of critical and creative thinking skills to solve problems and
draw conclusions?
• How do you demonstrate basic awareness of self in connection with academic and personal
goals?
• How do you identify and demonstrate knowledge of the implications of choices related to
wellness?
• How do you demonstrate basic knowledge of cultural diversity?
Now that you’ve read FAS: WoW, it’s time to pay it forward by composing your own Words of
Wisdom story to share with college students of the future. Reflect on the lessons learned during your own
college experience this term and use the guiding questions to develop a true-to-life story that can help other
college students connect the dots between being a college student and being a successful college student.
Submit your story to be considered in the next edition of Foundations of Academic Success: Words of
Wisdom by emailing your name, institution, and a draft of your short story to [email protected].
Submissions will be reviewed as they are received, and you will be contacted directly if your submission is
reviewed and selected for publication.
The options for textbooks focusing on college student success in college are overwhelming; many
textbooks exist at varying levels of rigor and cost (some well over $100). The FAS: WoW series of
textbooks provides college students open access textbooks that are student-centered and readable (dare I
even say enjoyable). FAS: WoW supports the open access textbook philosophy to help students reduce the
cost of attending colleges and universities.
207
For a long time, my plan had always been to be a kindergarten teacher. But when I began my
undergraduate degree I fell into that ever-growing pool of college students who changed their major three
times before graduation. I was swayed by family members, my peers, and the economy, but I eventually
realized that I was investing my education in the wrong areas for the wrong reasons. It shouldn’t just be
about salaries and job security. I needed to fin that personal attachment.
At eighteen, it’s hard to see your entire life spread out before you. College may feel like a freefor-all at
times, but the reality is that it’s one of the most defining times of our lives. It should never be squandered. I
started to imagine my life beyond college—what I found important and the type of lifestyle I wanted in the
end. I started thinking about the classes that I was actually interested in—the ones that I looked forward to
each week and arrived early to just so I could get a seat up front.
A turning point for me was when I took the advice of a campus mentor and enrolled in a career exploration
course. I learned more about myself in that class than I had in my entire three years at college prior to
taking it. It showed me that my passion was something I had always thought about but never thought about
as a career. In high school, I could sit in the Guidance Offi for hours on end. I enjoyed listening to others—
hearing and helping people work through their struggles.
I had seen firsthand how detrimental the absence of career classes can be to someone’s future. Through this
realization and my participation in my career exploration class, I saw a viable future in the Higher
Education Administration field. As I dove deeper, I was opened to an incredible amount of unique and
diverse opportunities to work with students. My main approach was to get a taste anything to do with
student services: I shadowed a career counselor in a career services office attended graduate school fairs
and informational sessions, discussed the Higher Education Administration Program with several staff at
my college, and most importantly, I talked with my internship coordinator (my mentor). From there, I
completed an internship in my prospective field, which gave me a wealth of insight and skills that directly
related to my future career goals.
From where I sit now—my former personal and professional struggles in tow—I offer up some pieces of
advice that were crucial to getting me where I am today. Whether you’re an undecided major who is
looking for guidance or a student with a clearly defined career path, I suggest the following:
167. Find a mentor—For me, everything began there. Without my mentor, I wouldn’t have done any of the other
items I’m about to suggest. Finding the right mentor is crucial. Look for someone who can complement your
208
personality (typically someone who’s the opposite of you). My advice would be to look beyond your direct
supervisor for mentorship. It’s important to create an open forum with your mentor, because there may be a
conflict of interest as you discuss work issues and other job opportunities. Potential mentors to consider are an
instructor on campus, your academic advisor, a professional currently working in your prospective field,
someone you admire in your community, or anyone in your network of friends or family that you feel
comfortable discussing your future goals with.
168. Enroll in a Career Exploration/Planning course, or something similar—Even if you do not see the
52
Learn What You Don’t Want 53
effects of this course immediately (such as dramatically changing your major), you will notice the impact down
the road. Making educated career choices and learning job readiness skills will always pay off in the end.
Through my career exploration class, I learned how to relate my personality and values to potential career fields.
These self-assessments changed my entire thought process, and I see that influence daily. Beyond changing the
way you think, the knowledge you gain about effective job search strategies is invaluable. Learning how to write
purposeful résumés and cover letters, finding the right approach to the interview process, and recognizing your
strengths and weaknesses are just a few of the benefits you can gain from these type of courses.
169. Complete a Job Shadow and/or Informational Interview—No amount of online research is going to give you
the same experience as seeing a job at the front line. In a job shadow or an informational interview, you’re able
to explore options with no commitment and see how your in-class experience can carry over to a real world
setting. Additionally, you’re expanding your professional network by having that personal involvement. You
never know how the connections you make might benefit you in the future. My only regret about job shadowing
in college is that I didn’t do it sooner.
170. Do an Internship—A main source of frustration for recent grads is the inability to secure an entrylevel
position without experience. “How do I get a job to gain experience when I can’t get a job without experience?”
This is how: do an internship or two! Most colleges even have a course where you can obtain credit for doing it!
Not only will you earn credits towards graduation, but you’ll gain the necessary experience to put on your
résumé and discuss in future interviews. Having completed four internships throughout my college career, I
can’t say they were all great. However, I don’t regret a single one. The first one showed me the type of field I
didn’t want t work in. The second confirmed that I was heading in the right direction with my career. My third
and fourth internships introduced me to completely different areas of higher education which broadened my
knowledge and narrowed my search simultaneously.
My takeaway is that sometimes you have to learn what you don’t want in order to fin out what you do
want. The more informed you are about career options through real life conversations and experiences, the
better prepared you will be for your future and the more confiden you will be in your career decisions.
Always explore your options because even if you learn you hate it, at least you’re one step close to finding
what you love.
Conclusion
In the text, the authors told true-to-life stories about their own academic, personal, and lifecareer successes.
When reading FAS: WoW, you explored the following guiding questions:
• How do you demonstrate college readiness through the use of effective study skills and campus
resources?
209
• How do you apply basic technological and information management skills for academic and
lifelong career development?
• How do you demonstrate the use of critical and creative thinking skills to solve problems and
draw conclusions?
• How do you demonstrate basic awareness of self in connection with academic and personal
goals?
• How do you identify and demonstrate knowledge of the implications of choices related to
wellness?
• How do you demonstrate basic knowledge of cultural diversity?
Now that you’ve read FAS: WoW, it’s time to pay it forward by composing your own Words of
Wisdom story to share with college students of the future. Reflect on the lessons learned during your own
college experience this term and use the guiding questions to develop a true-to-life story that can help other
college students connect the dots between being a college student and being a successful college student.
Submit your story to be considered in the next edition of Foundations of Academic Success: Words of
Wisdom by emailing your name, institution, and a draft of your short story to [email protected].
Submissions will be reviewed as they are received, and you will be contacted directly if your submission is
reviewed and selected for publication.
The options for textbooks focusing on college student success in college are overwhelming; many
textbooks exist at varying levels of rigor and cost (some well over $100). The FAS: WoW series of
textbooks provides college students open access textbooks that are student-centered and readable (dare I
even say enjoyable). FAS: WoW supports the open access textbook philosophy to help students reduce the
cost of attending colleges and universities.
But when I began my undergraduate degree I fell into that ever-growing pool of college students who
changed their major three times before graduation. I was swayed by family members, my peers, and the
economy, but I eventually realized that I was investing my education in the wrong areas for the wrong
reasons. It shouldn’t just be about salaries and job security. I needed to fin that personal attachment.
At eighteen, it’s hard to see your entire life spread out before you. College may feel like a freefor-all at
times, but the reality is that it’s one of the most defining times of our lives. It should never be squandered. I
210
started to imagine my life beyond college—what I found important and the type of lifestyle I wanted in the
end. I started thinking about the classes that I was actually interested in—the ones that I looked forward to
each week and arrived early to just so I could get a seat up front.
A turning point for me was when I took the advice of a campus mentor and enrolled in a career exploration
course. I learned more about myself in that class than I had in my entire three years at college prior to
taking it. It showed me that my passion was something I had always thought about but never thought about
as a career. In high school, I could sit in the Guidance Offi for hours on end. I enjoyed listening to others—
hearing and helping people work through their struggles.
I had seen firsthand how detrimental the absence of career classes can be to someone’s future. Through this
realization and my participation in my career exploration class, I saw a viable future in the Higher
Education Administration field. As I dove deeper, I was opened to an incredible amount of unique and
diverse opportunities to work with students. My main approach was to get a taste anything to do with
student services: I shadowed a career counselor in a career services office attended graduate school fairs
and informational sessions, discussed the Higher Education Administration Program with several staff at
my college, and most importantly, I talked with my internship coordinator (my mentor). From there, I
completed an internship in my prospective field, which gave me a wealth of insight and skills that directly
related to my future career goals.
From where I sit now—my former personal and professional struggles in tow—I offer up some pieces of
advice that were crucial to getting me where I am today. Whether you’re an undecided major who is
looking for guidance or a student with a clearly defined career path, I suggest the following:
169. Find a mentor—For me, everything began there. Without my mentor, I wouldn’t have done any of the other
items I’m about to suggest. Finding the right mentor is crucial. Look for someone who can complement your
personality (typically someone who’s the opposite of you). My advice would be to look beyond your direct
supervisor for mentorship. It’s important to create an open forum with your mentor, because there may be a
conflict of interest as you discuss work issues and other job opportunities. Potential mentors to consider are an
instructor on campus, your academic advisor, a professional currently working in your prospective field,
someone you admire in your community, or anyone in your network of friends or family that you feel
comfortable discussing your future goals with.
170. Enroll in a Career Exploration/Planning course, or something similar—Even if you do not see the
52
Learn What You Don’t Want 53
effects of this course immediately (such as dramatically changing your major), you will notice the impact down
the road. Making educated career choices and learning job readiness skills will always pay off in the end.
Through my career exploration class, I learned how to relate my personality and values to potential career fields.
These self-assessments changed my entire thought process, and I see that influence daily. Beyond changing the
way you think, the knowledge you gain about effective job search strategies is invaluable. Learning how to write
purposeful résumés and cover letters, finding the right approach to the interview process, and recognizing your
strengths and weaknesses are just a few of the benefits you can gain from these type of courses.
171. Complete a Job Shadow and/or Informational Interview—No amount of online research is going to give you
the same experience as seeing a job at the front line. In a job shadow or an informational interview, you’re able
to explore options with no commitment and see how your in-class experience can carry over to a real world
setting. Additionally, you’re expanding your professional network by having that personal involvement. You
211
never know how the connections you make might benefit you in the future. My only regret about job shadowing
in college is that I didn’t do it sooner.
172. Do an Internship—A main source of frustration for recent grads is the inability to secure an entrylevel
position without experience. “How do I get a job to gain experience when I can’t get a job without experience?”
This is how: do an internship or two! Most colleges even have a course where you can obtain credit for doing it!
Not only will you earn credits towards graduation, but you’ll gain the necessary experience to put on your
résumé and discuss in future interviews. Having completed four internships throughout my college career, I
can’t say they were all great. However, I don’t regret a single one. The first one showed me the type of field I
didn’t want t work in. The second confirmed that I was heading in the right direction with my career. My third
and fourth internships introduced me to completely different areas of higher education which broadened my
knowledge and narrowed my search simultaneously.
My takeaway is that sometimes you have to learn what you don’t want in order to fin out what you do
want. The more informed you are about career options through real life conversations and experiences, the
better prepared you will be for your future and the more confiden you will be in your career decisions.
Always explore your options because even if you learn you hate it, at least you’re one step close to finding
what you love.
Conclusion
In the text, the authors told true-to-life stories about their own academic, personal, and lifecareer successes.
When reading FAS: WoW, you explored the following guiding questions:
• How do you demonstrate college readiness through the use of effective study skills and campus
resources?
• How do you apply basic technological and information management skills for academic and
lifelong career development?
• How do you demonstrate the use of critical and creative thinking skills to solve problems and
draw conclusions?
• How do you demonstrate basic awareness of self in connection with academic and personal
goals?
• How do you identify and demonstrate knowledge of the implications of choices related to
wellness?
• How do you demonstrate basic knowledge of cultural diversity?
Now that you’ve read FAS: WoW, it’s time to pay it forward by composing your own Words of
Wisdom story to share with college students of the future. Reflect on the lessons learned during your own
college experience this term and use the guiding questions to develop a true-to-life story that can help other
college students connect the dots between being a college student and being a successful college student.
Submit your story to be considered in the next edition of Foundations of Academic Success: Words of
Wisdom by emailing your name, institution, and a draft of your short story to [email protected].
Submissions will be reviewed as they are received, and you will be contacted directly if your submission is
reviewed and selected for publication.
The options for textbooks focusing on college student success in college are overwhelming; many
textbooks exist at varying levels of rigor and cost (some well over $100). The FAS: WoW series of
textbooks provides college students open access textbooks that are student-centered and readable (dare I
even say enjoyable). FAS: WoW supports the open access textbook philosophy to help students reduce the
cost of attending colleges and universities.
212
For a long time, my plan had always been to be a kindergarten teacher. But when I began my
undergraduate degree I fell into that ever-growing pool of college students who changed their major three
times before graduation. I was swayed by family members, my peers, and the economy, but I eventually
realized that I was investing my education in the wrong areas for the wrong reasons. It shouldn’t just be
about salaries and job security. I needed to fin that personal attachment.
At eighteen, it’s hard to see your entire life spread out before you. College may feel like a freefor-all at
times, but the reality is that it’s one of the most defining times of our lives. It should never be squandered. I
started to imagine my life beyond college—what I found important and the type of lifestyle I wanted in the
end. I started thinking about the classes that I was actually interested in—the ones that I looked forward to
each week and arrived early to just so I could get a seat up front.
A turning point for me was when I took the advice of a campus mentor and enrolled in a career exploration
course. I learned more about myself in that class than I had in my entire three years at college prior to
taking it. It showed me that my passion was something I had always thought about but never thought about
as a career. In high school, I could sit in the Guidance Offi for hours on end. I enjoyed listening to others—
hearing and helping people work through their struggles.
I had seen firsthand how detrimental the absence of career classes can be to someone’s future. Through this
realization and my participation in my career exploration class, I saw a viable future in the Higher
Education Administration field. As I dove deeper, I was opened to an incredible amount of unique and
diverse opportunities to work with students. My main approach was to get a taste anything to do with
student services: I shadowed a career counselor in a career services office attended graduate school fairs
and informational sessions, discussed the Higher Education Administration Program with several staff at
my college, and most importantly, I talked with my internship coordinator (my mentor). From there, I
completed an internship in my prospective field, which gave me a wealth of insight and skills that directly
related to my future career goals.
From where I sit now—my former personal and professional struggles in tow—I offer up some pieces of
advice that were crucial to getting me where I am today. Whether you’re an undecided major who is
looking for guidance or a student with a clearly defined career path, I suggest the following:
171. Find a mentor—For me, everything began there. Without my mentor, I wouldn’t have done any of the other
items I’m about to suggest. Finding the right mentor is crucial. Look for someone who can complement your
personality (typically someone who’s the opposite of you). My advice would be to look beyond your direct
supervisor for mentorship. It’s important to create an open forum with your mentor, because there may be a
conflict of interest as you discuss work issues and other job opportunities. Potential mentors to consider are an
instructor on campus, your academic advisor, a professional currently working in your prospective field,
someone you admire in your community, or anyone in your network of friends or family that you feel
comfortable discussing your future goals with.
172. Enroll in a Career Exploration/Planning course, or something similar—Even if you do not see the
52
Learn What You Don’t Want 53
effects of this course immediately (such as dramatically changing your major), you will notice the impact down
the road. Making educated career choices and learning job readiness skills will always pay off in the end.
Through my career exploration class, I learned how to relate my personality and values to potential career fields.
213
These self-assessments changed my entire thought process, and I see that influence daily. Beyond changing the
way you think, the knowledge you gain about effective job search strategies is invaluable. Learning how to write
purposeful résumés and cover letters, finding the right approach to the interview process, and recognizing your
strengths and weaknesses are just a few of the benefits you can gain from these type of courses.
173. Complete a Job Shadow and/or Informational Interview—No amount of online research is going to give you
the same experience as seeing a job at the front line. In a job shadow or an informational interview, you’re able
to explore options with no commitment and see how your in-class experience can carry over to a real world
setting. Additionally, you’re expanding your professional network by having that personal involvement. You
never know how the connections you make might benefit you in the future. My only regret about job shadowing
in college is that I didn’t do it sooner.
174. Do an Internship—A main source of frustration for recent grads is the inability to secure an entrylevel
position without experience. “How do I get a job to gain experience when I can’t get a job without experience?”
This is how: do an internship or two! Most colleges even have a course where you can obtain credit for doing it!
Not only will you earn credits towards graduation, but you’ll gain the necessary experience to put on your
résumé and discuss in future interviews. Having completed four internships throughout my college career, I
can’t say they were all great. However, I don’t regret a single one. The first one showed me the type of field I
didn’t want t work in. The second confirmed that I was heading in the right direction with my career. My third
and fourth internships introduced me to completely different areas of higher education which broadened my
knowledge and narrowed my search simultaneously.
My takeaway is that sometimes you have to learn what you don’t want in order to fin out what you do
want. The more informed you are about career options through real life conversations and experiences, the
better prepared you will be for your future and the more confiden you will be in your career decisions.
Always explore your options because even if you learn you hate it, at least you’re one step close to finding
what you love.
Conclusion
In the text, the authors told true-to-life stories about their own academic, personal, and lifecareer successes.
When reading FAS: WoW, you explored the following guiding questions:
• How do you demonstrate college readiness through the use of effective study skills and campus
resources?
• How do you apply basic technological and information management skills for academic and
lifelong career development?
• How do you demonstrate the use of critical and creative thinking skills to solve problems and
draw conclusions?
• How do you demonstrate basic awareness of self in connection with academic and personal
goals?
• How do you identify and demonstrate knowledge of the implications of choices related to
wellness?
• How do you demonstrate basic knowledge of cultural diversity?
Now that you’ve read FAS: WoW, it’s time to pay it forward by composing your own Words of
Wisdom story to share with college students of the future. Reflect on the lessons learned during your own
college experience this term and use the guiding questions to develop a true-to-life story that can help other
college students connect the dots between being a college student and being a successful college student.
Submit your story to be considered in the next edition of Foundations of Academic Success: Words of
Wisdom by emailing your name, institution, and a draft of your short story to [email protected].
214
Submissions will be reviewed as they are received, and you will be contacted directly if your submission is
reviewed and selected for publication.
The options for textbooks focusing on college student success in college are overwhelming; many
textbooks exist at varying levels of rigor and cost (some well over $100). The FAS: WoW series of
textbooks provides college students open access textbooks that are student-centered and readable (dare I
even say enjoyable). FAS: WoW supports the open access textbook philosophy to help students reduce the
cost of attending colleges and universities.
215
