Initial Thoughts (2014)
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." These questions should take about 15 to 20 minutes to answer. Explore the resource link, if you like, for ideas and prompts to assist you in answering these questions. Then submit the assignment to your advisor (directions for submitting assignments are below).
1. What are you most looking forward to about attending Notre Dame and what would you like to accomplish during your first year?
I am most looking forward to being able to visit the Grotto anytime that I'd like and during my first year, I'd like to maintain a 3.5 grade point average.
2. What areas of study or possible majors are you considering? How did you develop these interests and what is it about these areas of study you find compelling? What influenced your present ideas about possible majors?
I am considering Biological Sciences, Biochemistry, Chemistry, and SCPP. I became involved in these after I took my AP sciences courses and my independant Organic Chemistry course senior year. Having been able to shape my own cirriculum and work at my own speed for Organic Chemistry last year is making me more inclined towards chemistry, although I am still very interested in Biology.
3. What skills do you hope to begin developing through your First Year courses and experiences (written and oral communication skills, leadership skills, research skills, analytical skills, cultural competency skills, etc.)? How will these skills help you prepare for your future?
I really hope that during my First year that I am able to sharpen my writing skills and my speech-writing skills. This will develope my communication abilities and ensure that I am well spoken as I strive to be a leading professional in whatever field I pursue.
4. Everyone has some apprehensions about their first year of college. They often worry about their ability to manage the separation from family and friends, making new friends, living with a roommate, fitting in a new environment, or having enough money. How do you plan to find your place at Notre Dame?
Since I got my dorm assignment in early July, I was able to reach out to my roommates and dormmates. In August, I plan on being outgoing and active in the fields that interest me. I believe that this will make the biggest difference as I adjust to college life.
5. In what ways would you particularly like to take advantage of ND outside of the classroom (have one-to-one conversations with your professors; go to the Snite Museum of Art or see a performance at the DeBartolo Performing Arts Center; attend an ND Ignite event; have a significant conversation with someone with a background different from your own; become involved in clubs or other activities or volunteer work; etc.)? See the Dean's A-List.
I am looking forward to the cultural diversity and the differenct background that I will encounter at Notre Dame. This, along with getting involved in one or two extracirriculars, will help me reach my full potential and allow me to take advantage of all the opportunities at Notre Dame.
Feel free to add any other information that you think might be useful for your First Year advisor to know and then 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.)
See FAQ: How do I submit my ePortfolio for an assignment? if you have more questions about submitting your 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.