Transition with Purpose: Pathways from English Language to Academic Study

106 S tudents have different academic and social goals while in college:  get a great GPA  meet new friends  learn concrete applicable skills for a first job  create a solid foundation in a discipline before going to graduate school Students also can have co-curricular goals to:  complete an intensive English program to prepare for their major studies  fund their education through scholarships  gain work experience through an internship  gain work experience through employment  apply for a post-bac certificate or attend graduate school Students also can have extra-curricular goals to:  learn how to kayak  exercise civil duties through volunteering at a food pantry or for a political party  teach a salsa class at a community center  tutor English to immigrant elementary school students DISCUSSION: 1. What are your goals while at university, and why do you have them? 2. What are your goals after completing your degree? 3. Are any of these co-curricular goals? Share these goals with a partner. * * * Many co-curricular goals require planning to attain them. The selection process for scholarships, internships, and employment can be very competitive because many students and other competitors, including your classmates and peers, are also working toward these same goals. A statement of purpose is often required as part of the application process, and is a way for you to demonstrate and describe why you are a strong candidate. There are many examples of statements online, but they all generally follow a similar format: 1. Introduce YOU (use personal pronoun: “I”) and define your interests and motivations in education and future employment. Tell a story about why and how you became passionate about studying your major. 2. Summarize your education up to now: this can include course work and activities in college and high school. 3. Discuss relevant and current activities: extracurricular activities, clubs, volunteering experiences, group projects, and previous experiences outside of school.