On 'Labor Day' 2023, I will share some thoughts on important 'work' for both undergraduate students and members of higher education communities. College represents a crucial developmental phase in undergraduates' lives. It is a salient time for exploration and growth across all domains of human development. Instead of merely emphasizing a mechanical act of ‘box checking’ in meeting specifications of this or that, -let's help instill a deep contextual value and encourage undergraduates, as well as each other, to embrace a rich tapestry of subjects, experiences, and passions during this stage of all our lives and context. It is through these practices and thoughtful discernment that we all discover true interests, both academically and otherwise, ultimately paving a path towards alignment, service, and a life of purpose, fulfillment, and meaning. 💗
Experience, Reflection, Action First-Year Program’s Post
More Relevant Posts
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ERA (Experience, Reflection & Action) First-Year Program Spring 2024 Formative Survey Results. The 2024 phase of the ERA Formative Evaluative Tool Survey has shed light on the formative impact of the ERA (Experience, Reflection & Action) first-year program on undergraduates from the Lynch School of Education and Human Development. Key Insights: -Community and Belonging: 90%+ of students felt connected to the ERA-FYP community and found value in peer and mentor relationships. One student shared, “ERA made me feel like part of something meaningful, especially when I struggled with feeling alone." -Skills Improvement & Development: Over 70%+ of participants agreed the ERA-FYP helped improve critical college writing, research, and group collaboration skills. Reflection and discernment papers and team projects proved essential in easing positive adjustment and transition to university life and study. -Vocational and Avocational Discernment: 80% agreed that ERA guest speakers and other core ERA first-year program components influenced their academic and potential career exploration decisions, with many considering double majors and minors across the university based on newfound passions and purpose. The ERA-FYP continues to empower undergraduate students academically and personally, fostering formative development, growth and providing valuable community, sense of belonging and connections to multiple university resources and opportunities.
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Last week was a blessed and exciting start to the AY24-25 ERA first-year program. I was fortunate to carch up with the AY23-24 former ERA Co-Leader, Christian Egan, also with a former ERA peer mentor, Sophia Luongo (now a BC graduate student), and two current ERA peer mentors (Victor Cummins and Sarah Yates) to the new class of ‘28 first-years! What an amazing circle of accompaniment and positive human development. 😊
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Hello all, As the school year will be starting fairly soon, the ERA team is here to announce this academic year's main goals! ERA will: - See sustainability as multifaceted and important for everyone - Focus on social justice within each of these aspects - Aid the transition from high school to college - Promote hope, not dread We look forward to meeting every single one of you shortly!