My initial reasons for joining the honors program. Originally, I applied just to see. Then, as I narrowed down my choices, I really started to look into the honors program more. I realized that because of the sense of community, greater opportunities, and focused interdisciplinary studies that UW was the place for me.
Why major in JSIS: Comparative Religion?
Honors Buddhism and Social Thought: This is the first Honors course that I ever took at the UW. I took this as a way to explore my curiosity and interest in Buddhism. We spent the majority of the class meditating (and even accidentally sleeping). However, I found that I wanted to continue to study classes that focused on religion (especially Eastern religions). Because of honors and this course, I decided to study International Studies focusing on Comparative Religion. |
Learning Statement: As a freshman, I was very concerned with figuring out if I had made the right choice: Berkeley or UW. I was trying very hard to validate my decision as I was still not completely sure of my choice. However, as a senior about to graduate, I realize that I could have chosen no other path. My path at UW has led me to meet friends that I will know for the rest of my life. My path has taken me to the tip of India, through the oceans of Thailand, zipping down railways of Sri Lanka, and hiking to Buddhist structures in Hong Kong. Soon, I will be studying abroad again in Ecuador and the Czech Republic. My path has allowed me to see my baby nephew be born and grow in Seattle. My path has led me to study a language and love a culture that I knew nothing about prior to the honors program. My path has led me to major in JSIS: comparative religion, a major that does not exist in most other universities. My path is uniquely my own.
When I chose to go to UW, I chose honors because it was exploding with people who also made hard decisions that eventually led them into the honors community. I chose because I was being practical, a lower tuition and a smaller class size. I stayed in the honors program because I learned to love the quirky course topics like “Space” and “Pain.” I stayed because I found a community that allowed me to feel connected, an elite group of people who were so very different and yet managed to not completely tear each other apart during class discussions. Being in the honors program led me to find my major. My first honors class, Buddhism and Social Thought, changed my life. Although I have no religion (but am a religious studies major), Buddhism has impacted me personally more than any other. This class taught me the importance of happiness and in following the path that you truly love. Without it, maybe I would have been an accountant or nurse. But because of it, I will forever be interested in what makes people choose religion and its role in their life. |
Road Map of My Circle:
:FRESHMAN:
Honors Buddhism= major in JSIS: Comparative Religion
Adv. Expository Writing= love of writing
Anthropology=do not want to major in Anthropology
:MIDDLE: confusion
:NOW:
Theories In the Study of Religion-capstone for JSIS
Buddhist Literature: Wanted to take one more class on Buddhism
Lyric Essay: last writing class
:FRESHMAN:
Honors Buddhism= major in JSIS: Comparative Religion
Adv. Expository Writing= love of writing
Anthropology=do not want to major in Anthropology
:MIDDLE: confusion
:NOW:
Theories In the Study of Religion-capstone for JSIS
Buddhist Literature: Wanted to take one more class on Buddhism
Lyric Essay: last writing class