Single Post

Ivy League Latina: Education In Your Own Hands

Viviana Vallin

Always Aiming For the A

If you are in college, graduate school, or professional school you are probably always worried about grades. You dedicate a significant portion of your life to being in class and studying to ensure you will receive grades that will get you to the next phase of your career. The biggest mistake you can make as a student is forgetting that the education that takes place outside of the classroom is just as important.

You are part of a college campus that has opportunities to get involved with: clubs, events, socials, and talks about causes that you are passionate about. It is essential to take advantage of these opportunities to learn outside of the classroom. Your time will not be wasted! It is an investment that will contribute to your growth as a whole person.

Studying is My Life Now

Since arriving at veterinary school at UPenn, I struggled with maintaining a balance between academics and my involvements outside of the classroom. Early on, I believed that I did not have time to participate in activities that were personally important to me. I went to class and studied until late at night after returning home. This type of mentality was short-lived and unfulfilling, although it was effective in earning strong grades. After feeling a sense of disconnection from the community around me and even from myself, I decided to become proactive and get involved on my campus and in Philadelphia.

I went to class and studied until late at night after returning home. This type of mentality was short-lived and unfulfilling, although it was effective in earning strong grades. After feeling a sense of disconnection from the community around me and even from myself, I decided to become proactive and get involved on my campus and in Philadelphia.

 

The Non-Traditional Classroom

In addition to getting involved in clubs within the veterinary school, I made an effort to find non-veterinary clubs on campus for students interested in outreach to the Latino community.  There was a multitude of student groups doing interesting work, like fighting for the rights of undocumented workers/students, focusing on outreach to minority youth, and organizing to make changes in education and social policy.  There was such a rich community of passionate students already doing amazing work beyond the classroom. If you look around your campus, you will probably find the same story.

I was soon attending meeting, talks, service projects, and tutoring at an elementary school in South Philadelphia. These activities undoubtedly replaced study time, but I finally felt like a whole person again. I was dedicating my time to activities I cared about, learning more about the community of Philadelphia, and working to make a difference in the lives of others in the present moment.

But I am Being Evaluated As a Student?

I never felt like being involved was a waste of time, but I could not shake the feeling that achieving the best grades should be a priority. The feeling was erased when I sat across from the veterinary school dean in a meeting one day. I had requested to ask for her support in my involvement in a summer internship program. The program was for professional students who were interested in understanding health services in underserved, economically disadvantaged communities. In our conversation I was able to share all of the knowledge I had gained from spending time in different areas of  Philadelphia, working with youth and learning about the issues through clubs and activities. I could communicate my passion for outreach because my experiences outside the classroom offered concrete examples of my commitment to the community.

In our conversation I was able to share all of the knowledge I had gained from spending time in different areas of  Philadelphia, working with youth and learning about the issues through clubs and activities. I could communicate my passion for outreach because my experiences outside the classroom offered concrete examples of my commitment to the community.

Invest in Every Aspect of You!

If there is something that you are interested in or passionate about, look around and find the opportunity to get involved. Every meeting that you attend, a connection you make, and new idea that you learn will begin to build your education outside of the classroom. No matter what your profession, you will never be using your academic skills in an isolated environment. You will be part of a community that faces its own challenges. Investing in every aspect of yourself and taking advantages of the rich experiences your environment offers will allow you to be more successful and fulfilled as a professional. So drop the book for an hour and find an interesting conversation happening on your campus right now!

Investing in every aspect of yourself and taking advantages of the rich experiences your environment offers will allow you to be more successful and fulfilled as a professional. So drop the book for an hour and find an interesting conversation happening on your campus right now!

 

 

0 comments


Leave a comment