Why Honors?
“Would you like to be a part of the Honors Program?” As I checked the little box on the Presidential Scholarship Interview form, I initially thought that the Honors Program at MNSU would just be something that would help my resume stand out after graduation, but it would end up being so much more. Throughout my time at Minnesota State University, Mankato, I have had so many experiences and opportunities that were only available to me through my participation in the Honors Program.
My very first day on campus freshman year was for learning community priority move-in. As a first-year Honors learning community student, I was able to move in a day early – and beat the crowds! That first evening on campus, I got to meet my peers in the Honors learning community: the people I would end up spending much of that year with. With the beginning of the semester came our Honors FYEX class. The first day of class brought many emotions: excitement, nervousness, and a bit of trepidation. The future looked exciting, but the whole idea of the Honors program was a lot to take in right away. However, it would get better. Throughout the fall, we learned about the competencies of the Honors Program – leadership, research, and global citizenship – building a nice strong base on which we could construct the rest of our collegiate careers. The deep discussions and thought-provoking assignments stood out during my freshman year. While many of my other classes were very reminiscent of my High School classes, Honors FYEX stood out from the crowd: it was special!
My second year at MNSU, I was a part of the Emerging Leaders Honors learning community. Through this learning community, I took two Honors seminars with a cohort of students that included many I had spent time with my freshman year. These seminars pushed me further as a leader and forced me to be an active participant in class; whereas I usually enjoy silently observing. This second year, I was pushed to participate in the Integrated Business Experience. Without having a friendly face in my fellow Honors student Mason Vlaanderen, I would not have had as much courage to step forward and shine as a leader in my IBE Company. It was also during this time that I simultaneously realized I needed some time to figure out if I actually wanted to finish my degree in Accounting, and had the opportunity to study Theology at a small private institute for one year. Without the encouragement from my Honors advisor, Ginny Walters, I don’t know if I would have been able to take the literal leap of faith, jumping into a different academic experience and still being able to seamlessly come back a year later.
There are so many different ways that the Honors Program has shaped the man I’ve become in the last 4 ½ years that I can’t even try to count them. The Honors Program has brought so many valuable and beautiful relationships to my time at MNSU. It has been a constant through my crazy, winding journey to graduation. I’ve learned the best way I can be a leader, and how to stand back when someone else is more adequate for the job. I’ve learned how to synthesize data and parse financial statements. I’ve learned to get along with people who have very different ideals and beliefs than me, and even be able to call some of them my closest friends. It’s wild to think that the bright-eyed 18-year-old that stepped onto this campus 4 years ago no longer exists, but I’m comforted by the fact that my 22-year-old self is much more well-equipped to join society after graduation. And that is all thanks to the Honors Program.
My very first day on campus freshman year was for learning community priority move-in. As a first-year Honors learning community student, I was able to move in a day early – and beat the crowds! That first evening on campus, I got to meet my peers in the Honors learning community: the people I would end up spending much of that year with. With the beginning of the semester came our Honors FYEX class. The first day of class brought many emotions: excitement, nervousness, and a bit of trepidation. The future looked exciting, but the whole idea of the Honors program was a lot to take in right away. However, it would get better. Throughout the fall, we learned about the competencies of the Honors Program – leadership, research, and global citizenship – building a nice strong base on which we could construct the rest of our collegiate careers. The deep discussions and thought-provoking assignments stood out during my freshman year. While many of my other classes were very reminiscent of my High School classes, Honors FYEX stood out from the crowd: it was special!
My second year at MNSU, I was a part of the Emerging Leaders Honors learning community. Through this learning community, I took two Honors seminars with a cohort of students that included many I had spent time with my freshman year. These seminars pushed me further as a leader and forced me to be an active participant in class; whereas I usually enjoy silently observing. This second year, I was pushed to participate in the Integrated Business Experience. Without having a friendly face in my fellow Honors student Mason Vlaanderen, I would not have had as much courage to step forward and shine as a leader in my IBE Company. It was also during this time that I simultaneously realized I needed some time to figure out if I actually wanted to finish my degree in Accounting, and had the opportunity to study Theology at a small private institute for one year. Without the encouragement from my Honors advisor, Ginny Walters, I don’t know if I would have been able to take the literal leap of faith, jumping into a different academic experience and still being able to seamlessly come back a year later.
There are so many different ways that the Honors Program has shaped the man I’ve become in the last 4 ½ years that I can’t even try to count them. The Honors Program has brought so many valuable and beautiful relationships to my time at MNSU. It has been a constant through my crazy, winding journey to graduation. I’ve learned the best way I can be a leader, and how to stand back when someone else is more adequate for the job. I’ve learned how to synthesize data and parse financial statements. I’ve learned to get along with people who have very different ideals and beliefs than me, and even be able to call some of them my closest friends. It’s wild to think that the bright-eyed 18-year-old that stepped onto this campus 4 years ago no longer exists, but I’m comforted by the fact that my 22-year-old self is much more well-equipped to join society after graduation. And that is all thanks to the Honors Program.
Honors Program Mission
"The mission of the Honors Program at Minnesota State University, Mankato is to create future leaders, researchers and global citizens by providing high ability and motivated students with exceptional learning opportunities, mentoring relationships, and a community of scholars that foster their development as future leaders in a global society."
Leadership: Upon graduation, honors students will have demonstrated the ability to utilize personal leadership values and guide groups toward a common goal.
Global Citizenship: Upon graduation, honors students will have demonstrated the ability to exhibit second language and communication competencies and exhibit cultural competency and awareness.
Research: Upon graduation, honors students will have demonstrated the ability to exhibit information literacy skills, synthesize and integrate ideas, produce original research or creative works, and contribute to knowledge.
Global Citizenship: Upon graduation, honors students will have demonstrated the ability to exhibit second language and communication competencies and exhibit cultural competency and awareness.
Research: Upon graduation, honors students will have demonstrated the ability to exhibit information literacy skills, synthesize and integrate ideas, produce original research or creative works, and contribute to knowledge.
Honors Competency Rubric | |
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