Initial Thoughts

To introduce yourself to your First Year advisor, use the Edit tab above and answer the questions in the spaces below, then click on "save" and "publish." (You will need to click on “Publish This Page” and “Publish All Changes” when it appears.)

These questions should take 15 to 20 minutes to answer. When you have finished the prompts, saved and published them, then submit the assignment to your advisor (directions for submitting are below).

1. What areas of study or possible majors are you presently considering? How did you develop these interests, and what is it about these areas of study that you find compelling?

At this time, I wish to pursue a major in Mechanical Engineering and a minor in European Studies. In regards to engineering, I first became enthralled in 8th grade, when my high school's robotics team came and presented to us. I was intrigued, and the next year, I signed up for the robotics club. I've loved robotics ever since. I've also attended various engineering camps, which have showed me the different aspects of engineering. In particular, I enjoy the more hands on side of engineering, as opposed to coding and programming side. For my European Studies minor, I've taken French since 1st grade and wish to continue my study at Notre Dame. Through my numerous years of French, I have discovered I enjoy the historical and cultural aspects of learning a language, thus the breadth of the European Studies minor offers me that chance.

2. In addition to the informational content of the courses you selected for the fall, what skills do you hope to improve or develop through those courses (written and oral communication skills, analytical skills, mathematical skills, cultural competence, etc.)? How will these skills help you prepare for your possible major and/or for your future after you graduate?

I hope to improve my problem solving skills through my engineering and chemistry courses, as problem solving is an essential element in engineering and life in general. Through my honors English seminar, I hope to improve my writing, especially in regards to being able to convey ideas in a condensed manner. This will help me prepare for when I need to create abstracts and other short blurbs in regards to any research I do in the future. 

3. Everyone has some fears about their first year of college. They often worry about their ability to manage the separation from family and friends, make new friends, live with a roommate, fit into a new environment, have enough money for expenses, choose a major, and adjust to college academics, etc. List your top 3 concerns about your transition to college. Be specific. Your advisor is likely to have some practical advice to assist you with these concerns.

1.  I am concerned that I will have a difficult time making deep friendships, as I attended the same high school from Pre-K to 12th grade, and thus most of my friendships were formed at a young age.
2.  I am concerned that I will put too much pressure on myself to get all A's and thus will stress myself out unnecessarily
3.  I am concerned about the winter, as I am from Texas.

4. First year advising at Notre Dame is likely to be different from the advising you received in high school. Your advisor will assist you in making the transition to college academics and accessing the resources ND has in place to smooth the way. He or she will also help you understand and begin to make informed choices about the basics of the University’s requirement and elective course system. You will talk with your advisor about your academic hopes, concerns, and plans, and he or she will suggest paths and opportunities to fit your goals. During your first year, with the assistance of your First Year advisor and others, you will begin to build an education suited to your goals and interests. List the top three expectations you have for your academic advising experience.

1.  I would like the help of my advisor to ensure that I have enough free blocks over the next four years to pursue my European Studies minor while still finishing my degreee in 4 years.
2.  I would like to learn about all the various resources that Notre Dame has to offer, especially in regards to Study Abroad.
3.  I would like to gain a trusted mentor who I can go to with questions even after my first year is complete.

5. College courses can also be significantly different from high school courses. They can be harder than many high school courses in that you are expected to do more reading, writing, and problem solving outside of the classroom than in high school. You are also expected to need fewer reminders about homework and project due dates. In addition, the material is usually covered at a quicker pace than in high school. However, there are also differences that make this transition easier. Organized collaborative learning groups, course specific tutorials, study technique workshops and tutorials, and most important, and meetings with advisors and professors are all there to support you in the transition. In fact, as compared to high school, most professors expect to have considerable outside of class interaction with their students (to answer questions, give direction about study techniques, etc.) to ease the transition. List your top 3 expectations for your college courses:

1.  I want to be challenged in the sciences more so than I was in high school.
2.  I want to build relationships with my professors so I feel comfortable going to them with questions during office hours.
3.  I want to collaborate with others, as I like to help others and I like to be able to get several different explanations when something is unclear

6. What other information do you think it might be helpful for your advisor to know before your first individual meeting with him or her?

I cannot think of anything else that would be helpful for my advisor to know before my meeting with her.

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Submit this assignment to your advisor's "class" so he or she can review it. Follow the directions below:

1. Click on the Save button above (or below)
2. Then click on the Publish tab above
3. Click on the Publish Changes button (Sometimes it looks like nothing has happened when you do this, but click on the View Text tab and you will see that it did save the changes)
4. And then, to submit this assignment, go to your Portfolio Tools tab at the top right hand side of this page, and click on Submit. Follow the directions. (It's a lot easier than it sounds.)

For details, see the FAQ: How do I submit my ePortfolio for an assignment?

Do you have immediate questions for your advisor? Email him or her if you'd rather not wait until your first meeting to discuss them.