educational journey assignment

1.2 Your Academic Journey and Personal Story

Questions to Consider:

• How can your academic journey develop skills needed for college success?
• How can your personal story prepare you for applying to college?

Your Academic Journey

Now that you have a better understanding of what college can do for you, it is time to focus on how high school is preparing you for college, or better yet, how you can prepare yourself in high school to become college ready. It is clear that what you do (or don’t do) in high school can affect your ability to get into the colleges of your choice, but there is more to preparing yourself than just earning a high GPA or class rank. Your high school education can provide you with ample opportunity to help you hone your academic skills.

Take Difficult Courses

Any student who is serious about applying to college should consider taking challenging classes while in high school. Why? Because those classes can help lay a foundation of high expectations and hard work and they are often highly regarded by college admissions counselors. These classes are sometimes called Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), or honors/advanced classes. If you are considering taking such courses, talk to your guidance counselor or current teachers. They may be able to offer suggestions for how to get selected (if there is an application process) and give you a realistic picture of what will be expected. There is no need to take all AP, IB, or advanced classes to prove you are ready for college, but taking a few can provide a college admissions committee evidence that you are open to challenge.

Manage Time and Tasks

If there is one skill that you can develop now that will help you throughout your college career, it is the ability to manage your time and complete tasks. If you already use a planner to track what you need to do and when it is due , then you are on the right track. You can enhance these skills by setting reminders for yourself—and not relying on teachers or parents to tell you when to complete or submit an assignment. The most important part of managing your time and tasks effectively is to build in time well before something is due to complete the work and to overestimate (at least initially) how long you need, which can provide time “buffers” that will keep you from rushing through work to finish it.

Learn to Learn

Earlier, you were introduced to the argument that the purpose of college is to become a learner. You don’t have to wait until college, though, to figure out how best to learn different subject matters. This is one reason you should consider taking challenging classes–they require that you put more time and effort in them to learn the material. And those skills will make transitioning to college much easier. How can you “learn to learn”? You may have little control over what you are learning and how you are tested, but you can control how you approach the learning. One way to learn how to learn is to space out your learning over time (as best as you can—sometimes teachers like to give you a pop quiz when you least expect it!). Reviewing a bit of material for a short amount of time over several days (as opposed to cramming it in right before a test) produces better results. Another way to learn how to learn is to monitor how well your learning strategies work. Did you do well on a test? Take some time to reflect on what you did that resulted in a good grade. Did you space out your studying? Did you look for connections in the material? Likewise, if you do poorly on a test, determine what led to the result. The more you can identify what works and doesn’t for you, the easier it is to make improvements in your learning strategies.

Demonstrate Integrity and Ownership of Learning

Being a high school student often means having a lot on your plate. It can be easy to put off homework and studying, not do it at all, or cut corners to complete the work. While you may be able to get away with some stumbles like forgetting to turn in an assignment, other behaviors, such as getting someone (including Artificial Intelligence software) to do your homework or write a paper for you can get you into trouble. Now is the time to build the skills you will need later in college. Taking full responsibility for your learning as well as demonstrating integrity in all assignments no matter how big or small are the foundation of those skills. How do you do this? For one, you acknowledge that every action or inaction will produce a result. If you put in the work to write the paper, you will earn the grade you receive. If you do not put in the work or find a way to shortcut the process by using someone else’s writing, then you have missed an opportunity to improve your writing, your thinking, and your project management skills. Plus, you may get into trouble for academic dishonesty, which could mean failing an assignment or a course, or getting a more substantial punishment, such as expulsion. The stakes only get higher when you are in college.

Keep Test Scores in Perspective

You will learn more about standardized test scores and their purpose for getting into college later in this chapter, but it is worth noting that while what you make on the ACT, SAT, or equivalent standardized test, may factor into your ability to get into and pay for the college of your dreams, it is not necessarily a reflection of who you are and what you are capable of. Definitely do all you can to raise your test scores through practicing, prepping, and doing your best on the day of the test. But do not assume that a low test score will be the end of your long-term goals or educational journey. They are just one piece of information by which an institution may evaluate your potential, but it shouldn’t be the only thing that tells who you are.

Your Personal Story

Just as important as your academic journey is your personal story. You will need to develop and reflect on both for your applications to college and scholarships. Those who read about you will want to know not only about your accomplishments, but also your challenges and how you have overcome them.

What Makes You Unique

It may seem cliché to say “There is only one you!” But there is some truth in the fact that you are unique—there is no one else like you. To that end, you may want to draw upon those unique characteristics as you begin to shape the story that you will share with college admissions staff and scholarship committees. Will you be the first in your family to go to college? Do you live on a working farm and feed the goats, cows, and horses every morning before school? Can you ride a unicycle or juggle or both? There may be both personal characteristics as well as experiences that make you stand out from others, and if there are, consider weaving these details into the tapestry of your story. Start by making a list of your characteristics—no trait is too small or typical at this point. You can eliminate items later when you start building your story, but for now, create the list and add to it as you think of new things that you are or can do.

Getting Gritty

Many college essay prompts include an opportunity to share a time in your life in which you faced adversity and overcame it. For some students, this prompt is difficult for they have either not experienced a life-changing setback or not considered themselves challenged. It is important to remember that any setback or disappointment—no matter how inconsequential it may seem to you—can be the basis for an essay that responds to such a prompt. There is no need to embellish the circumstance if it is truly not harrowing, but it is acceptable to frame the experience as something that was difficult for you. Most readers of essays are less looking for a made-for-Hollywood story and more wanting to see someone who has demonstrated tenacity, resilience, and reflection no matter how big or small the adversity is. Even if you are not required to write an essay on a time in your life in which you failed or experienced disappointment, having a story handy for interviews (for scholarships, internships, or jobs) can help you share insight into your personality and strengths in a succinct way.

Finding the Themes of Your Life

In Katharine Brooks’ (2010) book You Majored in What? 3 she shares a writing and reflecting activity called “Wandering Pathways and Butterfly Moments” that guides readers through a series of prompts to develop a list of life experiences for the purpose of discovering what career pathway may be most fruitful for them to pursue. These life experiences could be as monumental as moving to a new state and starting a new school or they can be as mundane as spending the summers fishing. The goal of the exercise is to record what you have done or what has happened to you to get a sense of a “story.” These stories are built upon the connections and themes that you see in the experiences. Here are some of the life experiences Brooks wants you to consider when you are crafting your personal story.

• What have you done during the summer or holiday breaks from school?
• What did you play when you were a young child?
• What are some of your major life experiences (e.g. family events such as births, deaths, marriages, divorces)?
• What do people say you do well or have a talent for or seek you out for?
• What do you consider your greatest achievements?
• What jobs have you had?
• What groups have you belonged to?
• What awards have you won?
• What lessons have you learned?
• What do you like to do for fun?
• What kind of “secret” talent do you have?

The goal of answering the questions is to capture as much about who you are and how you have been shaped to develop clear connections among the life elements and create themes. These themes can drive your personal story that can share on a deeper level who you are or who you are becoming.

Consider this scenario: Raphael has taken the time to write down his life experiences so he can build his personal narrative. Some of the answers to the questions above include the following:

• Raphael’s jobs: lifeguard, babysitter for his nieces and nephews, tutor, art teacher for elementary students
• Raphael’s hobbies and interests: watching old movies, volunteering at the library, creating original jewelry from natural objects
• Raphael’s awards and accolades: he won a writing contest in 11th grade, his friends come to him for advice, he has earned high grades in all of his classes
• Raphael’s major life events: parents divorced when he was 6 years old, he started a new school in junior high, his aunt passed away when he was 14 years old

From this short list, Raphael can begin to draw out themes that he can use to create a detailed picture of who he is. He has found himself in teaching roles with his jobs. He has a love for the arts as evidenced by his hobbies. He is a good communicator evidenced by his awards and accolades, and relationships are an important part of his life. Raphael can use those themes—and details from his experiences—to craft his story as someone who has demonstrated an interest in connecting with and helping others by sharing his expertise and experience.

Recognizing the themes in your life helps you to describe how you've become the person you are now, and helps you to understand who you will become.

"For me, becoming isn't about arriving somewhere or achieving a certain aim. I see it instead as forward motion, a means of evolving, a way to reach continuously toward a better self. The journey doesn't end" —former First Lady Michelle Obama , Becoming (2018)

Analysis Question

In what ways is your academic journey in high school shaping your personal narrative? Describe how the following experiences are helping you “become":

• The classes that you are taking
• The activities you participate in as part of school (e.g., sports, performing arts, etc.)
• The learning that you are doing outside of school (e.g., community language class)

In what ways are your personal experiences shaping your story? Describe how the following experiences are helping you “become”:

• Major life events
• Favorite activities
• Awards and accomplishments
• Jobs or volunteer work
• 3 Brooks, K.(2010). You majored in what? Plume.

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650 Prompts for Narrative and Personal Writing

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• Oct. 20, 2016

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Classroom Q&A

With larry ferlazzo.

In this EdWeek blog, an experiment in knowledge-gathering, Ferlazzo will address readers’ questions on classroom management, ELL instruction, lesson planning, and other issues facing teachers. Send your questions to [email protected]. Read more from this blog.

Students Share Their Best School Experiences and What We Can Learn From Them

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Today, five students from my classes contribute short pieces about their favorite moments, and what others might be able to learn from them.

You might also be interested in these two other posts:

• Students Describe Their Favorite Teachers
• ‘He Was a Very Good Listener’ - Students Write About Their Most Memorable Teachers

Response From Leslie Servin

During my time in high school I had it really good moments, but my best moments that I’ve experienced are in a particular class during my senior year, in Sacramento, Calif. So I was basically a new student in these kind of classes and also I’m English learner. I remember my first presentation in this class. I didn’t want to do it, but finally I did it and that one was my best moment. When I went to present I felt afraid, and then when I presented I felt so good for the effort I applied on. Now I feel so much better than my first day of presentations because I now know that I can do whatever I want to do. The learnings that I acquire made it so good this moment because I know that I have to trust on me. Something teachers or students can learn from my experience is that we have to overcome our fears and not let them control ourselves because we can’t know our capabilities if we are afraid.

Response From Jesneel Singh

The best moment in class was when I was in 9th grade in sixth period. That was when I got into poetry and spoken word. Having that “character and scene” class made my life even greater. Not knowing anything about poetry, hating on poems about reading and writing it in the past. That class was fun in many ways. For example; there was this one time where we had to write our own plays and poems and perform them in front of the class. I felt alive, and the creative side of me came out. When I wrote my first poem in freshman year. I realized that it was fun and unique. I felt like I wanted to write more and more. When I performed my first poem to that class I found my passion. Since that day and today I have written over 400 poems and made two books. I have performed on many stages in small audience and in school. That was a good day for me because I can write my thoughts down and write the truth about the world. Teachers and students can learn from this experience that, you can find what best fits you.

Response From Nancy Ramirez

I would say my best class moment would be from my sophomore year in high school. For my Spanish class, our teacher decided we would do a class circle (Editor’s note: see “How To Practice Restorative Justice in Schools” for more information on class circles) for the day. She asked us a sequence of questions which required us to give a more in depth and heartfelt answer each time, starting with something along the lines of “How are you feeling?” and ending with “Why do you think that is?” A class circle which only should have lasted one day extended to three, with each and every single one of us having to share our deepest and darkest fears and insecurities. By then it felt more than just a class and opened my eyes to very different ways of teaching styles. I believe there is much to learn from this experience, both then and now. I have come to deeply appreciate not only the class but the teacher as well. This experience showed me the extent a relationship with your classmates and your teacher can go....

Response From Oscar Salazar

The best moment I’ve ever experienced in school was last year when I was a sophomore. I took biology last year and towards the end of the year we got to dissect a fetal pig. I know that it sounds gross but it’s really not. That’s what I thought at first too. I did lots of fun experiments in that class that were new to me, such as making a small ecosystem in a bottle and dissecting owl pellets to find mouse skeletons. I think that these experiences were really fun and interesting. I’ve never done anything like that in a class before.

I think that when teachers introduce students to hands-on activities and projects the students enjoy it more. Since we have more energy it’s a good use of it. We learn better when we’re allowed to move around and be creative. Our lives aren’t going to be pen on paper or books forever. It’s best to get us students to explore the world using our skills that we learn and strengthen our understanding of daily life that is sometimes hidden from us and exposed to us abruptly once we turn into adults.

Response From Kayla Guzman

What has been my best moment in a class? I’ve had many great moments but perhaps the most best moment took place in my English class about a month ago. I had a 10-15 minute presentation and I felt pretty confident. 30 minutes before my presentation I decided to incorporate an actor for visual appeal, to correspond with my presentation. I felt even more confident, assure that I would captivate the audience’s attention and keep them engaged. When my presentation started, I gave a signal to my actor which led me to drop my 8 notecards all over the floor. I was aware that the time was ticking, so I quickly grabbed all the notecards off the floor. I became overwhelmed with embarrassment, listening to the echoing laughter of the audience as I tried to rearrange the cards. The cards in my hand then became extremely restraining. My anxiety levels rose, and the disorganized cards just added stress to my emotions. I placed the cards down, and felt a great sense of relieve. My words, my explanations, my connections all flowed out my mouth with harmony, and I felt more natural and free as I presented my topic.

My presentation was a diagnosis of a character with schizophrenia, explaining the symptoms and the reasoning behind my diagnosis. The movement of my hands and my exaggeration presented by a drive of passion, along with my visual representative, kept the audience captive. I felt like a completely different person. By the end of the presentation I was sweaty, not by nervousness but because I left it all on the floor. I realized that the key to presenting with people is not getting their attention just by visual appeal. You need to let your heart pour out so that you can captivate their hearts, reach their souls. You can’t just be the center of attention, you need to give the audience attention, you need to talk to them. First and foremost, you can’t present without emotions. Anything you present should be built off of passion. As long as you can find a connection between yourself and the topic and exude your passion, you will keep the audience engaged.

Thanks to Nancy, Jesneel, Kayla, Leslie, and Oscar for their contributions!

(This is the last post in a three-part series. You can see Part One here and Part Two here .)

The new “question-of-the-week” is:

What was the best moment you ever had in the classroom?

In Part One , Jen Schwanke, Amy Sandvold, Anne Jenks, and Sarah Thomas shared their top moments. You can listen to a 10-minute conversation I had with them on my BAM! Radio Show . You can also find a list of, and links to, previous shows here. In Part Two , Meghan Everette, Jeryl-Ann Asaro, Jeffery Galle, and Kara Vandas shared their memories. I also included comments from readers.

Please feel free to leave a comment with your reactions to the topic or directly to anything that has been said in this post.

Consider contributing a question to be answered in a future post. You can send one to me at [email protected] . When you send it in, let me know if I can use your real name if it’s selected or if you’d prefer remaining anonymous and have a pseudonym in mind.

You can also contact me on Twitter at @Larryferlazzo .

Anyone whose question is selected for this weekly column can choose one free book from a number of education publishers.

Education Week has published a collection of posts from this blog, along with new material, in an e-book form. It’s titled Classroom Management Q&As: Expert Strategies for Teaching .

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My journey As a Student Essay

Essay on topic my journey as a student.

Introduction Lines

As a student, my journey so far has been full of challenges, growth, and self-discovery. I have learned a lot about myself, my abilities, and my passions. In this essay, I will reflect on my journey as a student, highlighting the milestones, struggles, and achievements that have shaped my academic life.

Body Paragraphs

My journey as a student started when I was in elementary school. I vividly remember the excitement and nervousness I felt on my first day of school. I was eager to learn and make new friends. As I progressed through the years, I encountered many challenges, such as adjusting to new teachers, making the transition from elementary to middle school, and learning how to manage my time effectively. Despite these challenges, I remained committed to my studies and continued to work hard to achieve good grades.

In high school, I faced a new set of challenges. The workload was more rigorous, and I had to balance academics with extracurricular activities and part-time work. During this time, I also discovered my passion for writing and became an active member of the school newspaper. This experience taught me the value of teamwork, communication, and leadership.

As I entered college, I was both excited and nervous. I knew that college would be a new and challenging experience, but I was determined to succeed. I quickly learned that college required a higher level of dedication, discipline, and self-motivation. I had to learn how to manage my time efficiently, prioritize my tasks, and seek help when needed. Despite the challenges, I thrived in college and became more confident in my abilities. I also discovered new interests and passions, such as studying abroad and volunteering in my community.

Conclusion:

My journey as a student has been a remarkable experience. It has taught me valuable life skills, such as perseverance, time management, and teamwork. I have learned to adapt to new situations and challenges, and to never give up on my dreams. I am grateful for the opportunities I have had and for the people who have supported me along the way. As I continue my academic journey, I am excited to see where it will take me and what new experiences and challenges I will encounter.

Hello! Welcome to my Blog StudyParagraphs.co. My name is Angelina. I am a college professor. I love reading writing for kids students. This blog is full with valuable knowledge for all class students. Thank you for reading my articles.

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Assignment # 1 – Life Map Narrative Writing

On this page:

• Assignment Purpose
• Connection to Learning Outcomes

Assignment Description

Assignment guidelines, assignment templates for teaching.

The purpose of this assignment is to communicate your story so far. Through the description of significant events of your life and your educational journey so far, this assignment provides you with an opportunity to communicate your experiences with your instructor and your peers. It also allows you an opportunity to reflect on key moments throughout your life and consider how those moments have shaped who you are and how you would like to continue to grow.

Connection to Learning Outcome(s)

This assignment contributes to the following course learning outcomes:

• Communicate clearly, precisely, and persuasively at an academic level (WRITE)
• Participate in discussion of real-life issues as informed, critical members of the group (INQUIRY)
• Identify and apply appropriate note-taking, study skills, and time management strategies to their academic studies, as well as understanding the variety of resources on campus that can support their learning (AWARENESS)
• Illustrate effective use of online learning tools (DIGITAL AWARENESS)

“Autobiographical writing is a type of narrative which focuses on making meaning of an individual’s experiences.” (Godfrey, 2003)

Create a Life Map Timeline representing significant life events and highlighting your own educational journey. Be prepared to share your narrative with a peer.

You should have approximately 10 significant events (7 past and 3 future). Some examples may be: your birth, starting school, moving or losing a friend, family events such as marriages, divorces, and teachers/coaches who inspired/challenged you. You will need to represent approximately 3 events that you hope or wish will happen in the future. These can be goals, dreams and plans for your future.

Record your age at each event you represent on your map. Each event or future goal can be represented with an image, symbol or photo as well as a narrative text describing the event and the significant impact it has had on your life.

Success Criteria: Approximately 10 significant events, thoughtfully represented on your map, including some highlighted events connecting to your educational journey. The final product is thorough, organized, insightful, and creative.

Please review your Course Syllabus for the due date.

Choose one of the following modalities to represent your Life Map Narrative Timeline:

• Traditional Narrative Essay
• Digital Platform Creation (Sutori or another digital timeline tool)

Traditional Narrative Essay (guidelines)

• 2-3 pages double spaced Calibri 11 or Times New Roman 12 pt. font
• Friend or family member

Digital Platform Creation – Sutori (guidelines)

Please note, these are the guidelines for creating your timeline in Sutori, you are free to use another digital timeline tool if you like as long as you ensure that the guideline criteria are still being adhered to.

• “Sutori is an educational presentation tool in a timeline format. Sutori follows the 4Cs framework, promoting collaboration, communication, creativity and critical thinking.”
• Create a story using the multiple features in Sutori: banner, headers, text, links, video, and images. Create, have fun and enjoy!
• Length: Your story should include approximately 10 segments, using a variety of tools with substantial texts and images to represent your narrative (equivalent to 2-3 page essay).

If you would like to revise these documents for your own teaching and learning settings, we have provided a number of templates (listed below) that you may access, download, and adapt for your own contexts for this assignment:

Godfrey, T. (2003). Writing in the critical spaces: Autobiographical narrative and reflective practice . University of Lethbridge, Alberta.

TransitionU: Community, Identity, and Inquiry Copyright © by Jill Greenwood, Lakehead University is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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What is a "Learning Journey Roadmap?" and How to Implement One in Your Course or Program

By Karen Velasquez, Director of Experiential Learning

Students participate in many different courses, programs, activities, and experiential learning experiences during their time at UD. They are asked to connect the dots among these experiences when it comes time to write a cover letter for an employer or complete a reflection assignment in a capstone course, for example. I wondered what would happen if I we asked students to visualize their educational journeys on paper in the form a “roadmap?”  As an anthropologist of education interested in how people represent their learning experiences in diverse ways, I wanted to find a different medium for students to creatively express their unique stories (beyond text or oral history formats).

As part of our monthly Experiential Learning Lab workshops, The Office of Experiential Learning (OEL) asked over a dozen students from different majors and backgrounds to draw out their learning journeys in the form of personal roadmaps to illustrate key learning moments they’ve had along the way. Students use markers, colored pencils, and a large piece of paper to visually represent their unique path through college. They write down key courses and programs they’ve participated in, as well as the skills and lessons they’ve learned through those experiences, which led them to next steps in their personal journey. (See roadmap gallery below)

Students were also asked to write a text narrative as an accompaniment to their roadmaps. After drawing and writing, students were asked to share their roadmaps and narratives with peers and OEL student employees, which resulted in deep and meaningful dialogue. I implemented this activity in EL Lab workshops with students from different majors and backgrounds, who were at different stages in their college journey (sophomores through seniors, mostly). The roadmap activity was also adopted by an instructor from the Office of Learning Resources, in his course for students on academic probation.

Key findings from the learning journey roadmaps:

• Catching student at different stages of their development is a beneficial learning experience. We can ask students to return to an earlier roadmap and reflect on what they drew in the past, to see how they have grown and transformed over time.
• Students enjoy having a map of their experiences on paper; most remarked that they had never seen their educational journey displayed in such a way.
• Time to reflect and engage the senses through drawing activities such as this one are beneficial particularly for busy students who may not take the time out of their normal daily schedules to take a step back and appreciate all they have accomplished.
• We can see how individuals learn in diverse ways. Sometimes they get involved in activities through friends, or are encouraged by their professors and other mentors. Through these roadmaps we gain an appreciation of the often spontaneous or unplanned moments of learning which are unique to each student and which can result in drastic changes in direction.
• Prompting students to include challenging moments can also be beneficial for learning. Sometimes we skip over the difficult times instead of taking a moment to think about what we learned from those challenges, and how they’ve shaped us.

Students are not the only ones who may benefit from creating a visual representation of their journeys.  We know that the process of finding our path(s) can be a lifelong one, and we continue to learn how to navigate different opportunities and challenges well beyond college years. These roadmaps can help us understand the choices we’ve made in more tangible ways, and highlight the realizations we’ve had through our vocational journeys.

To see the full learning journey roadmap and roadmap narrative instructions click here>>.

For more examples of student roadmaps and narratives click here>>.

For a video illustration of students drawing and explaining their roadmaps, see Sophia Williamson’s roadmap here>> and Christopher Miller’s roadmap YouTube video here>> .

• Experiential Learning

I Interviewed Over 20 Faculty About EL and Here’s What They Had to Say.

Experiential learning academic catalog 2019-2020.

Cultural/Educational Maps: Storying a Pedagogical Journey

• First Online: 31 August 2022

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This chapter explores the use of cultural/educational journey maps during a semester-long class for teachers on equity and diversity. I share how I asked the students to complete these maps as a way of outlining their teacher identity development. I look inward at my own pedagogy and outward toward the experiences of the teachers in my class.

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Ulanoff, S.H. (2022). Cultural/Educational Maps: Storying a Pedagogical Journey. In: Raj, A.G., Ulanoff, S.H. (eds) Storying a Reflexive Praxis for Pedagogy. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-06588-0_2

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Educational Journey

This personal essay will describe the author’s educational journey, detailing the experiences, challenges, and achievements that have shaped their academic path. It will reflect on key milestones, influential teachers or mentors, and pivotal learning moments. The piece will also discuss the personal growth and insights gained through educational experiences, emphasizing how they have prepared the author for future aspirations. At PapersOwl too, you can discover numerous free essay illustrations related to Adolescence.

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Introduction

Educational journey is a lifetime journey. This is a journey that gives us knowledge this journey help us to think critically and independently it help us to be innovative. I interviewed 2 people about their educational journey. I interviewed Sandile Ngcobo who is an 18 year old boy. He is from Pinetown in a place called KwaNdengezi. He was raised by his mother who is a single parent. He’s the only boy in the family he is the last born. He come from a normal family not rich and not poor since he didn’t go to bed without food.

His mother was a domestic worker and he was able to provide for them from financially.The interview took place in the premises of Durban University of Technology at the Steve Biko campus in the S2 block.

I also interviewed Snenhlanhla Vundla from Hluhluwe in a village of Nhlwathi.She comes from a poor family of 7 members.They were raised by a his mother who was a single parent and her grandmother. They depended on Grant’s money and her grandmother’s pension.The interview took place at Ritson campus near the ritson hall. In the assignment I will talk about their experiences from primary school to university life and also state challenges they faced from their journey.

Sandile Ngcobo attended Mthala Junior primary school in Pinetown.He told me that in primary school teachers loved him because he uniform was clean and well dressed.He enjoyed meeting new people and making new friends.In terms of achievements he didn’t achieve anything because in Mthala JP school there was no awards or certificate given this high achievers, but when he was in grade 4 he got total in Natural science and it was announced in front of the class he was so excited.

He told me that the biggest challenge he faced in primary school was being bullyed.He was bullyed by one of his classmate.This guy used to tease him and take his pocket money.He started to tell his mother that he don’t want to go to school but his mother forced him.He didn’t tell his mother that he’s being bullyed at school .He thought that if he tells his mother to fight his own battle at school they will call him “mamas boy”. He encountered this problem by reporting this to the guy from next door who was doing grade 7 while he was doing grade 4 since he was the only boy in his family. This this guy from Next Door threatened this guy who was bullying him and that was such a relief.

Sinenhlanhla Vundla attended Macubuzela primary school which was the school with not enough resources.She was not a smart kid and she didn’t do school work properly she was playing a lot.She enjoyed making new friends in primary school.She was not teachers favourite student student because sometimes she didn’t write homework because when she got home she will play indigenous games and netball.Whe played for the netball school team.She didn’t achieve anything because she was not performing well academically.

In primary school school they were overcrowded in a class that the challenge he faced since the teachers couldn’t do one on one approach to every student and that affected her academic performance. Since she was playing net she ended up quitting it became she believed that there was favoritism.

Sandile said that he attended Ndengezi high school.He enjoyed high school because it’s the time where find your self and explore new things.That’s where you yo find what you like and what you don’t like.He developed love for cricket and he played it very well. When he was in grade 12 their school went to career exhibition and that’s where motivated to study hard .In the career exhibition he heard about analytical chemistry and he started loving chemistry. He this n decided to make analytical chemistry his first choice in the CAO application.

Peer pressure was one of the challenges he faced in high school. There was that pressure from his friends that he must find a girlfriend or else he will be called a coward. Lucky he got a girlfriend just to please his friends and fit in the group.When he was in grade 12 things was hard there was a lot of pressure coming from family members, friends even church members. That was hard since he had to study hard because he don’t want to disappoint them,he said that he even loss weight because of studying.

Sinenhlanhla vundla when she completed primary school she attended Hluhluwe primary school.When she got to high school she joined netball school team.She enjoyed so much playing netball since she was one of the best players in the team.She said that they attended netball cup competitions and they won trophies for the school.She didn’t achieve anything for the academic performance since she was not and of the highest achievers, but she got many medals for netball and she was so great full of that and also his parent were also proud.

There are many challenges she faced while she in high school .When she was in grade 10 she didn’t choose good friends .There was lot of negative peer pressure among the group.She said there was pressure that she have a boyfriend from the higher grade than her.She got a boyfriend who was doing grade 12 just to fit in the group. She got pregnant and she was so frustrated to herself that she had disappointed her mother by being pregnant at a very young age.She was the only one pregnant in the group when she was in grade 10.She so depressed and she felt so lonely. After she gave birth on October her mother took care of the baby so that she can continue with school. She didn’t obtain good marks and she got progressed and went to grade 11.In grade 11 she tried to work hard to improve her marks so that she can earn back her mother’s trust after disappointing her by getting pregnant.

One of the challenge she faced while playing netball she didn’t have shoes to play netball since his family had financial problems.Her mother told her to quit netball and focus on school work .She tried to quit netball but when they had to play somewhere, her teacher who was couching the netball used ask him to go and plays because she was one of the best player.She sometimes had to lie to his mother when he can late from the netball match and say she was studying in school .When she doing grade 12 there was to Much pressure that she must pass matrix well so that she must make his family proud.She was so happy when he finds that she got bachelor and her family was also happy.

Sandile Ngcobo said after all his hard work in matric coming to university was his wish. Luckily she got firm offer from Durban University of Technology in Diploma in Analytical Chemistry he was so excited. His wish was going to UKZN but in UKZN they given him firm offer lately he was already registered to DUT.The challenge he faced while getting registered was waiting in the long queue and he finds that so frustrating. Everything went well and he was successfully funded by NSFAS.It was difficult for him to adapt at The university life .He had to be independent no parents to guide him .He didn’t know how to cook and he had to cook for himself .

Sinenhlanhla Vundla said she has made her parents proud by being in the university.she is the first one in the family to study at the university. She wants to continue making her parents and baby girl proud by obtaining good marks at the university. She is doing pharmacy and her dream is to have her own pharmacy one day.she She said the university life is not the same as in high school ,at the university there more low of work and lectures do little work and more work is done by you.At the university there is no spoon feeding like in high school it’s hard in the university.She was also funded by NSFAS she is so greatfull to NSFAS because because of the financial problems her family had she wouldn’t able to register at DUT.Coming yo the university was like a transforming moment for her that she had to be independent and make good decisions for herself no one to guide her.she enjoyed meeting new people and making new friends at the university.

According to Boult and Cunnigham (1991) Many teenagers are getting pregnant at a very young age. Getting pregnant at a young age can have a negative impact on the child academic performance. Lot of mothers end up taking care of the Baby so that the teenager could continue with school and this could lead to the baby not given breast milk which is highly recommended by doctors. Getting pregnant while you are in school could be very frustrating to the teenager. Most teenagers when they are pregnant go through depression because the pregnancy was unplanned.Some teenagers end up not socialising with her friends and this so lonely.This could have affect the unborn baby and the mother negatively.When teenagers first experience sex some could having sex with multiple partners and this could put him at risk of having STDs and this could have negative effect on them.Teenagers end up seeking for love and then they finds it on boys that is one of the factor causing teenage pregnancy.

According to Duhrmester D (1990)In most cases people with the same age group as yours have a big impact on your behavior and also decision making.As teenagers grow they tend to listen to their friends opinion other than listening to their parents rules.There are different types of peer pressure there is positive peer pressure and negative peer pressure. Positive peer pressure is when your friends incourages each other in what is right.When your friends incourages each other in doing school work and loyal to each other that is positive peer pressure.Negative peer pressure cause stress to you because you are breaking the rules like when your friends forces you to do shop lifting, smoking cigarette and drinking alcohol.

According to Betts ,Julian and Jamie peer pressure can turn a good respecting child to a stubborn and bad behaving child. As a child you end up living a life to intertain your peer so that you can fit in the group. You end up doing what your friends thinks it’s right not what you want to do. Peer pressure can have an influence on the teenage dressing code and also change the way he/she speaks, some end up speaking slang language because of his/her peers.

According to Hirsch D poverty can make a child to not enjoy childhood. It can make a child feel worthless and hopeless. It can cause many chronical diseases and malnutrition. It is difficult for a student to study with an empty stomach. It cause you to not have potential to study and concentrate since the brain cells don’t become active when you are hungry. Lot of students drop out of school and look for a job so that they can fight poverty. Without any qualification it’s not easy to find a decent job and when they can’t find jobs they start to do criminal activities and they end up in jail. The chain of poverty continues to the next generation

According to Juvenon and Graham’s (2014) Most children are bullyed by their peers. Bullying is bad behavior done to another child. There is verbal bullying that’s when is spreading rumours about you or threatens to hurt you so badly. Physical bullying involves hurting someone’s body. Bullying cause a child to hate school and feel afraid. It makes you feel so lonely and very stressed. Some children end up committing suicide because of stress caused by being bullied. Many children don’t like reporting these issues because they will be called a Coward. This unaccepted behavior must stop since it could affect the child psychological.

I learned a lot from this assignment and it was very motivational. I had some challenges conducting the interview since it was my first time conducting an interview. During the interview hearing other people’s challenges was very emotional. I was also motivated about how they encountered those problems. I was not comfortable with speaking English but because of doing this assignment helped me to gain confidence to speak English fluently. I league learned that no matter was struggles you face in life you must not stop chasing your dream. Some challenges in life are not there to stop you from reaching your dreams but they are there to make you stronger and to motivate you. I was so nervous conducting the interview. At first doing the assignment it felt like it was just a waste of time but in the middle of the assignment it started to be more interesting and I enjoyed it. I learned that in life you must not make a decision because you want to please someone. I learned that I must always choose friends with potential and who are loyal.

The two interviewees comes from different families. One comes from a normal family that is not rich and not poor .The other one comes from a poor family. They both overcome many challenges through their educational journey but those challenges didn’t stop them. Education is the very important journey on everyone’s life.Education is the key to the successful life.It gives us knowledge to invert new things to make life more easier. They say knowledge is power. It gives us knowledge that cannot be taken away from you by any one.”

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Embarking on an Exciting Educational Journey: How to Make the Most of Your Learning Experience

Embarking on an educational journey is a transformative experience that not only equips individuals with knowledge, but also shapes their perspective and unlocks their potential. It is an opportunity to delve into a world of limitless possibilities and expand horizons. To truly maximize the learning experience, it is crucial to employ effective learning strategies that cater to individual needs and learning styles.In today’s fast-paced world, where information is readily available at our fingertips, lifelong learning has become more important than ever. It is not just about acquiring knowledge for the sake of it, but about continuously growing and adapting to the ever-evolving demands of the world around us. By embracing lifelong learning, individuals can stay ahead of the curve, develop new skills, broaden their understanding, and remain intellectually curious.To ensure an effective educational journey and optimize the learning experience at every stage, it is essential to implement a range of proven strategies. These include setting clear goals and objectives, prioritizing active engagement in the learning process through discussions and practical applications, utilizing technology-driven tools such as AI-powered writing assistants for enhanced productivity and quality content creation.By incorporating these strategies into one’s educational journey, learners can take control of their own growth and development while reaping the rewards of a well-rounded education that goes beyond mere memorization. Remember, education should be seen as an ongoing pursuit rather than a finite destination – embrace every opportunity to learn and let your thirst for knowledge lead you towards success.

Balancing Structured Learning with Independent Study for a Well-rounded Education

In today’s educational landscape, finding the right balance between structured learning and independent study is crucial for achieving a well-rounded education. While structured learning provides a solid foundation and guidance, independent study allows students to explore their own interests and develop critical thinking skills. Structured learning offers numerous benefits. It provides a clear curriculum and framework that ensures students cover essential subjects and acquire fundamental knowledge. It also fosters discipline, time management, and accountability as students follow a set schedule and complete assignments within specific deadlines. Additionally, structured learning often involves collaborative activities that promote teamwork and social interaction. On the other hand, independent study empowers students to take ownership of their education. It allows them to delve deeper into topics they find intriguing or pursue specialized areas of interest not covered in traditional curricula. Independent study encourages self-motivation, resourcefulness, and problem-solving skills as students navigate through various resources such as books, online materials, or mentorships. Moreover, it nurtures creativity by giving learners the freedom to explore alternative perspectives and develop innovative solutions. By striking a balance between these two approaches to education, students can reap the benefits of both structured learning and independent study. Structured learning provides a strong foundation while ensuring essential knowledge is acquired. Meanwhile, independent study encourages intellectual curiosity and personal growth by allowing students to pursue their passions. A well-rounded education combines the structure provided by traditional classroom settings with the flexibility offered by self-directed exploration. It equips learners with not only foundational knowledge but also critical thinking abilities necessary for success in an ever-evolving world. Ultimately, finding harmony between structured learning and independent study empowers individuals to become lifelong learners who are adaptable and equipped with diverse skills for future challenges.

The Role of Mentors and Teachers in Guiding Your Educational Journey

In the realm of education, mentors and teachers play a vital role in shaping the educational journey of students. With their unwavering guidance and support, they create an enriching learning experience that goes beyond textbooks and classrooms. These exceptional individuals provide not just knowledge but also valuable life lessons, helping students navigate the complexities of the world.Mentors serve as beacons of wisdom, sharing their expertise and experiences to inspire and empower students. They act as guiding lights, illuminating the path towards success and personal growth. Through their mentorship, students gain invaluable insights that can only be acquired through real-world interactions.Teachers, on the other hand, are entrusted with imparting knowledge to young minds. They possess a unique ability to foster curiosity and ignite a passion for learning within their students. Through innovative teaching methods and engaging classroom activities, teachers create an environment conducive to exploration and intellectual development.Together, mentors and teachers form an indomitable duo that shapes the educational journey of individuals. Their unwavering dedication propels students towards achieving their full potential. The impact they leave extends far beyond academic achievements; it encompasses character development, resilience-building, and fostering a lifelong love for learning.In this ever-evolving world, where information is readily accessible at our fingertips, mentors and teachers remain irreplaceable pillars in education. Their presence not only cultivates knowledge but also instills values such as perseverance, empathy, and critical thinking skills – qualities that are essential for success in all aspects of life.So let us celebrate these extraordinary individuals who dedicate their lives to inspiring minds through mentorship, guiding them through challenges while nurturing their growth. Without them, our Without the transformative power it possesses today, the educational landscape would fall short in delivering the impactful changes that students and educators alike rely on. The integration of technology, particularly Artificial Intelligence, has revolutionized the way knowledge is imparted and received. By harnessing the potential of AI writing assistants, educational institutions can tap into a wealth of possibilities to enhance teaching methodologies, curate engaging content, and create personalized learning experiences.

Maintaining Motivation and Overcoming Challenges Along the Educational Journey

Maintaining motivation and overcoming challenges are essential aspects of any educational journey. It is common for students to face various obstacles that can hinder their progress. However, with the right mindset and strategies, these challenges can be conquered. One key factor in maintaining motivation is setting clear goals. By identifying what you want to achieve, you create a sense of purpose and direction. Break down your goals into smaller, manageable tasks, and celebrate each milestone along the way. This will keep you motivated as you see your progress unfold. Another important aspect is staying organized and managing your time effectively. Create a schedule or study plan that allows for regular breaks and avoids burnout. Prioritize tasks based on their importance and deadlines, ensuring that you allocate enough time for each subject or assignment. Additionally, seeking support from peers, mentors, or educators can greatly contribute to overcoming challenges. Collaborating with others not only provides different perspectives but also fosters a sense of community and accountability. Don’t hesitate to ask for help when needed; it is a sign of strength rather than weakness. Furthermore, maintaining a positive mindset is crucial when facing obstacles along the educational journey. Embrace failures as opportunities for growth and learning rather than setbacks. Celebrate your achievements no matter how small they may seem; this will reinforce your motivation and boost your confidence. Lastly, remember to take care of yourself physically and mentally throughout the educational journey. Get enough restful sleep, eat nutritious meals, exercise regularly, and engage in activities that bring joy or relaxation. Taking care of yourself holistically will provide the energy and resilience needed to overcome challenges. In conclusion, maintaining motivation and overcoming challenges are vital components of a successful educational journey. By setting clear goals, staying organized, seeking support from others, cultivating a positive mindset, and prioritizing self-care – you can navigate through any obstacle that comes your way with determination and resilience.

Embarking on an Exciting Educational Journey: A Guide to Achieving Academic Success and Personal Growth

Embarking on an educational journey is truly a transformative experience that not only paves the way for academic success but also fosters personal growth. With the aid of a reliable guide, such as an AI writing assistant, this voyage becomes even more enriching. These cutting-edge tools assist students and learners of all ages in various aspects of their educational endeavors, offering invaluable support and resources that propel them towards achieving their goals.When it comes to academic success, AI writing assistants have proven to be indispensable assets. They effortlessly streamline the writing process by providing comprehensive guidance on grammar, structure, and style. Their intelligent algorithms analyze vast amounts of data to offer tailored suggestions that enhance the clarity and coherence of written work. By harnessing the power of these assistants, students can elevate their academic performance to new heights.However, the benefits extend far beyond achieving stellar grades. The presence of AI writing assistants encourages personal growth by empowering individuals to become more confident and effective communicators. As users engage with these tools regularly, they develop a deeper understanding of language nuances and refine their written expression skills. This newfound proficiency not only enhances academic pursuits but also equips individuals with essential skills for professional success in today’s highly competitive world.Moreover, AI writing assistants serve as constant companions throughout an individual’s educational journey. They adapt seamlessly to varying requirements across different subjects and disciplines, serving as versatile companions that provide reliable assistance across diverse tasks such as essay composition, research paper organization, or even generating creative content ideas. With their comprehensive knowledge base and flexibility in addressing distinct needs, these tools become indispensable allies for learners at every stage.In summary, embracing an AI writing assistant as a trusted guide on one’s educational journey is a wise decision that promises manifold benefits. From facilitating academic achievement by optimizing written work quality to nurturing personal growth by honing communication skills, these cutting-edge tools play an instrumental role in empowering individuals to reach new heights in their pursuit of knowledge and success.

• Shedding Light on the Dark Side: Exploring the Negative Consequences of Bullying on Students Introduction: Understanding Bullying and Its Impact on Students’ Lives Bullying in schools is a pressing issue that cannot be ignored. It not only affects the immediate well-being of students but also has long-lasting negative effects on their overall mental and emotional health. The consequences of bullying can be severe, leading to increased anxiety, depression, and… Read more : Shedding Light on the Dark Side: Exploring the Negative Consequences of Bullying on Students
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• Exploring Initiatives to Promote Academic Success and Overall Well-being in Students Introduction: The Importance of Academic Success and Well-being in Students In today’s fast-paced and competitive academic environment, ensuring both academic success and student well-being has become more important than ever. While academic achievement has traditionally been the sole focus of education, it is now widely recognized that the well-being of students plays a crucial role… Read more : Exploring Initiatives to Promote Academic Success and Overall Well-being in Students
• Embarking on an Exciting Educational Journey: How to Make the Most of Your Learning Experience Embarking on an educational journey is a transformative experience that not only equips individuals with knowledge, but also shapes their perspective and unlocks their potential. It is an opportunity to delve into a world of limitless possibilities and expand horizons. To truly maximize the learning experience, it is crucial to employ effective learning strategies that… Read more : Embarking on an Exciting Educational Journey: How to Make the Most of Your Learning Experience
• Identifying the Root Causes of Academic Challenges: A Comprehensive Analysis Introduction: Understanding the Impact of Academic Challenges on Students In today’s fast-paced and competitive academic environment, students face numerous challenges and obstacles that can hinder their learning journey. From overwhelming workloads to complex subjects, educational difficulties can often leave students feeling frustrated and overwhelmed. However, it is important to recognize that these struggles are not… Read more : Identifying the Root Causes of Academic Challenges: A Comprehensive Analysis
• The Ultimate Guide to Generating Content: How to Create Engaging and Valuable Articles, Blogs, and Social Media Posts In today’s fast-paced digital world, the demand for content generation is higher than ever. Businesses and individuals alike are constantly seeking engaging, valuable articles, blogs, and social media posts to captivate their target audience. With the help of AI writing assistants, creating a compelling content strategy has never been easier.These intelligent tools have revolutionized the… Read more : The Ultimate Guide to Generating Content: How to Create Engaging and Valuable Articles, Blogs, and Social Media Posts
• Unlocking the Power of Reading: How Reading Exposes You to a Broad Vocabulary Introduction: The Benefits of Reading and Building a Rich Vocabulary In a world dominated by technology and digital distractions, the importance of reading cannot be emphasized enough. Reading not only transports us to different worlds but also provides a myriad of benefits, especially when it comes to expanding our vocabulary. It is through reading that… Read more : Unlocking the Power of Reading: How Reading Exposes You to a Broad Vocabulary
• Overcoming Academic Challenges: A Comprehensive Guide for Difficult Students Introduction: Understanding the Academic Challenges Faced by Difficult Students In today’s academic landscape, students face various challenges that can hinder their progress and success in school. From difficult subjects to demanding assignments, many students find themselves struggling to keep up with the rigorous demands of their education. However, it is important to remember that every… Read more : Overcoming Academic Challenges: A Comprehensive Guide for Difficult Students

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Best Education Essay Examples

Educational journey.

619 words | 3 page(s)

After graduating from high school a few years ago, I had achieved a significant milestone in my educational journey. I had to take some time and think about the kind of future that was suitable for me, one that would lead me to a fulfilling and happy life. I had to choose from a variety of promising options that all seemed to hold a bright future for me. I decided to pursue a career in nursing as I felt it would be fulfilling and at the same time I would have a chance to help people in the community as I work. I knew that the journey would not be easy, and I hoped and prayed that it would be worth the struggle eventually. I believed that education would provide me with opportunities and put me in a better position while competing for career opportunities, and improve my financial situation. The journey has been eventful, with a variety of challenges, detours and sacrifice.

Since enrolling in college, I have learned a lot academically and through various practical experiences in the course of my studies. Being in college has expanded my views and the way I perceive the world, built on my self-confidence levels, and most importantly built on critical interpersonal skills and the courage to face challenges of enormous proportions. Before enrolling in college, I was always looking forward to being in college but my finances were a little squeezed, and I was running on a tight budget. Eventually, I decided to work part-time as it would help with my experience and improve my financial situation.

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My educational journey has not been without challenges. As a single mother, I was struggling to support my family and raise my daughter the best way I could. I had to work and go to school, and at the same time, I was raising my young girl. I worked in low paying jobs on different occasions just to improve my financial situation. I worked as a health caregiver, a certified nurse aide, a licensed practical nurse and eventually as a registered nurse when I got my license to practice as a nurse. Working, raising a child and studying is not easy. Sometimes I could be too tired to study, and I had to make a few sacrifices such as taking personal and family time to study and do research.

I have not missed any significant opportunities; I have been fortunate to make it through various stages in which I was struggling. My best aunt Patricia has been an inspiration and encouraged me to do the best I can. She always told me that the future would be different when I overcome the challenges and stay focused on completing my studies and get a license. Being a nurse herself, she played an essential role in my life and influenced my choice to become a nurse. Having been through nursing school before me, she guided me and made my studies a little less complicated. She helped me whenever she could, and I’m forever grateful to her. She helped me get some of the low paying jobs that helped me through college when my finances were insufficient. I could not have come this far without her.

I have had the pleasure of interacting with influential teachers since day one of college, and I look forward to meeting more of them. It is right to acknowledge the role that teachers and instructors play in shaping us to be the people we want to be in life. I have lost contact with some of these teachers but their legacies influenced me in my practice as well as educational endeavors, and they helped me become a better person.

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A Journey Through 50 Years of The Utah Physician Assistant Program

School of medicine, md students, graduate medical education, student tools.

The UPAP archives, currently showcased at the Eccles Health Sciences Library until the end of the year, serve as a repository for 50 years of physician assistant education history in Utah and the Intermountain West. This collection spans from the very beginning of the MEDEX program in 1970 to the 50th anniversary of UPAP. The archives contain documents and memorabilia that offer an insightful glimpse into the development of physician assistant education.

What's particularly exciting is that these materials will be organized into a searchable database, making it easier for researchers and enthusiasts to access this wealth of historical information. This archive provides a unique opportunity to explore the past and gain a deeper understanding of the evolution of healthcare education in the region.

The introduction of Physician Assistants (PAs) into the U.S. healthcare workforce represents a success in healthcare policy. From 1965 until the third decade of the 21st century, PAs have established themselves in the field of American medicine, integrating into medical practice and society. Currently, there are 170,000 PAs actively practicing across 65 distinct medical and surgical specialties, with a significant quarter of them specializing in primary care. Notably, PAs have proven their cost-effectiveness and consistently deliver high-quality care.

Predictive modeling conducted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicates that the employment opportunities for PAs are expected to continue growing well beyond 2030. The University of Utah's Physician Assistant (PA) program has consistently secured a position among the top 10 PA programs across the United States according to US News and World Reports Rankings.

This program's dedication to excellence in training future PAs is not only reflected in its high rankings but also in its unwavering commitment to addressing the healthcare needs of marginalized and underserved communities. They recently celebrated their 50th year as a program.

ChatGPT: Disruptive or Constructive?

Thursday, Jul 18, 2024 • Jeremiah Valentine : [email protected]

What is Chat GPT?

ChatGPT is a popular emerging technology using Artificial Intelligence. GPT stands for Generative Pre-trained Transformer, which describes an AI program that looks for patterns in language and data learning to predict the next word in a sentence or the next paragraph in an essay. The website has a friendly interface that allows users to interact with AI in a n efficient conversational tone . ChatGPT provides another opportunity for students, instructors, researchers, workers, and others to find practical solutions to everyday and complicated problems.

At the root of this conversation is Artificial Intelligence. I plan to explore applicable uses of AI and ChatGPT in the classroom , entrepreneurial potential uses, and applications in industry .

Everyday Uses of Artificial Intelligence

The use of Artificial I ntelligence varies based on the user and their end goal. While many individuals will use certain programs or websites to meet specific objectives , many companies and apps have begun to utilize this emerging technology to better meet their customer's needs.

Duolingo is a popular foreign language learning application that I use to supplement my Spanish studies . The app uses Artificial Intelligence to assess users' knowledge and understanding as they interact with the program , thus streamlining users learning outcomes.

As another example, Khan Academy is a free online resource that helps teachers and students learn any level of math or other grade school topics for free. They have created Khanmigo , using AI. The model acts as a tutor that helps work through a problem while not directly providing the answer. It can assist in writing an essay or solving a complex math problem step by step.

These everyday applications continue a trend of companies implementing this new technolog y into students and teachers' lives . . This new AI technology also allows business professionals to enhance aspects of their processes.

Entrepreneurs, A.I. and the Advantages

While AI already provides companies and organizations with new ways to interact with and better support their customers, AI could also provide emerging industries and entrepreneurs with new paths to business success. 

According to Entrpreneur.com, most businesses currently use AI for customer service purposes , however , AI could also help entrepreneurs create effective spreadsheets cataloging useful data with accuracy that can be incredibly specific or broad. Specifically with customer service, AI can quickly find what a customer needs and solve their problems efficiently. It could also analyze how effective marketing campaigns are influencing customers’ purchases.

As I researched for more information about this topic, I found an article in The Journal of Business Venturing Insights published in March 2023, sharing different techniques business students can use ChatGPT as an asset to generate entrepreneurial business pitches. The article titled “ The Artificially Intelligent Entrepreneur” written by Cole Short, an Assistant Professor of Strategy at Pepperdine University, and Jeremy C. Short, a UTA alumni and Professor at the University of North Texas at Denton, showcased different elevator pitch scenarios.

Students and entrepreneurs study CEOs who have impacted an industry dynamically; the CEO's mentality is an asset . I had the opportunity to question Dr. Jeremy Short on how he arrived at the initial question of using AI as a CEO archetype business consultant. An archetype is a symbol, term, or pattern of behavior which others have replicated or emulated.

He responded, “ We used this existing framework and selected a CEO from each archetype and used ChatGPT to create elevator pitches, social media pitches, and crowdfunding pitches. The strength of ChatGPT is based largely on the creativity of the prompt, which is where we aim as authors.”

CEO Archetypes and Prompt Engineering

ChatGPT allows the user to understand the archetypes of successful CEOs and collaborate with entrepreneurial styles. These archetypes are accessible options to consult with AI. Let ’ s break down different CEO archetypes students used during this study:

Creator CEOs are typically serial entrepreneurs and serve during the growth stages of developing new businesses. These individuals are risk takers recognizing opportunities that others don ’ t see. Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, SpaceX, and Twitter is the creator archetype.

Transformer CEOs are created by climbing the ladder of a successful business and adding new ideas . They have a firm understanding of the company's culture and work to dramatically change the company, separating it from missteps in the past. Indra Nooyi CEO of PepsiCo is the transformer archetype.

Savior CEOs rescue businesses on the verge of failure with disciplined actions, unique experience and insights they forge a successful path forward for declining businesses. Lisa Su, CEO of AMD is the savior archetype.

ChatGPT was prompted to write an elevator pitch in the style of the previously listed CEOs. 

The response for Elon Musk included language about “ building” a product with “ cutting-edge technology.” 

Indra Nooyi ’s response included phrases like “ the world is changing” and making “ a positive impact in the world.” 

Lisa Su's response produced a pitch speaking about being “ accountable, tough and disciplined” with an emphasis on “ a strong focus on efficiency and performance.”

However, I believe these positions can help entrepreneurs develop their own successful business practices; creating a product your former employer could use to gain an advantage over the competition is disruptive. B uying a company on the brink of bankruptcy that has been mismanaged is a scenario entrepreneurs have explored and practiced .

Prompt engineering is the description of a task AI can accomplish , with instructions embedded in the input. Using prompt engineering, users can fine-tune their input to achieve a desired output incorporating a task description to guide the AI model. 

Conversation around ChatGPT and Artificial Intelligence

I asked Dr. Short about how students could use this technology as an asset that guides their learning and, additionally, how instructors can use this as well. He spoke about an assignment he is currently using in his classes. “ Chat GPT might be valuable in helping create a recipe for material that students can then refine. For example, in my social entrepreneurship class students create crowdfunding campaigns for either DonorsChoose , a platform that caters to public school teachers or GoFundMe , a service which allows a variety of project types to a larger userbase . I plan on students using ChatGPT to create a ‘rough draft’ to show me so I can see how they refine their responses for their particular campaigns this upcoming fall.” Th is approach allows students to take advantage of popular technology in a constructive way.

The journal article provided some notable conclusions about ChatGPT , i ncluding “ quality control is essential when using automated tools; a hallmark of success for large language models is their vast associative memory, this strength can also be a weakness. Specifically, models such as OpenAI’s GPT-3.5 and GPT-4 are capable of confidently generating “ hallucinated” output that appears correct but, it is incorrect or completely fabricated. ChatGPT serves as an emerging tool that can efficiently and flexibly produce a range of narrative content for entrepreneurs and serve to inspire future research at the intersection of entrepreneurship and AI.” ChatGPT ’s limitations and potential applications are continually being explored.

Industry Application

After researching various applications of AI, I spoke with Dr. George Benson, Professor and Department Chair of the Department of Management at The University of Texas at Arlington, about AI and ChatGPT from an industry perspective. His research focuses on Artificial Intelligence with Human Resource Management .

Dr. Benson told me that Artificial Intelligence is being invested heavily by human resource departments who are looking to automate hiring practices. Specifically, he mentioned “ HR is using this as a market opportunity. AI is a useful tool to sift through potential applicants by scanning their resumes for qualifications and experiences. Allowing professionals to hire applicants faster.”

This application allows the technology to handle low-level tasks, but the results generated are being handed to a human to review and act on. He spoke about the potential of A.I. “ There are a lot of unknowns, but the technology is new and getting better.” Looking towards the future, technology is already being applied in different ways . These applications are being explored in the classrooms of UTA as well.

Exploration of AI at UTA

The College of Business conduct ed a survey to understand the faculty’s attitude towards A I in the classroom. It was a part of the “Teaching with Chat GPT” workshop on Friday February 9 th , which focus ed on how to integrate Chat GPT and other AI platforms into teaching . 

Dr. Kevin Carr, a Clinical Assistant Professor of Marketing at UTA, was a part of the workshop ; he currently teaches Advanced Business Communication . I talked to him about the purpose of the workshop and what he hopes to gain from the group's sessions. 

Dr. Carr explained "The point of the workshop is designed to give faculty ideas for instruction and to develop classroom activities to work with students . Our goal for th e workshop is to introduce Artificial Intelligence as a teaching tool for faculty, including showing what AI can do potentially in the classroom. We are going to be very open to faculty’s direction, in terms of ongoing discu ssions and meetings.”

Personal Take

Artificial Intelligence or Chat GPT , in my view, is another useful tool in the toolbox of technology. It will take the air out of certain industries, and it will change jobs, yet every major technological advancement has the potential to do so. The automobile was considered radical, the use of plastic, computers in the workplace, and alternative energy have been impactful on society. 

Alternative energy was headlined as the end of oil use. The automobile changed the way cities were formed and led to the creation of a national highway system. Society has always found a way to adapt and overcome major technological innovations, artificial intelligence is not any different.

AI is the technology of tomorrow. It reminds me of something Dr. George Benson said , “ It's cool software that is a sophisticated search engine.” Google, one of the most popular search engines, reshaped the internet, as you search for resources, it is a natural starting point. AI and ChatGPT are an evolution, for students it is a tremendous resource consulting a CEO archetype, creating business pitches, and most importantly shaping the future .

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Students explore evolutionary marvels during a journey to the Galápagos Islands

• Virginia Tech News

18 Jul 2024

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Fifteen undergraduate students spent their spring break in the living laboratory of Charles Darwin.

“This is an opportunity for students from all backgrounds and majors to experience the marvels of the Galápagos,” said Ignacio Moore, professor in the Virginia Tech’s Department of Biological Sciences. “For the natural science majors, this can be the culmination of their studies where they can experience what they have read and learned about. For the other majors, this is a chance to learn about the natural sciences and to share their knowledge with the rest of the class.”

Moore served as the faculty guide on the students’ week-long trip to the rugged islands in the Pacific Ocean, alongside Bill Hopkins of the Department of Fish and Wildlife . The Galápagos are known for inspiring Darwin’s “On the Origin of Species,” which was published in 1859.

Both affiliates of the Global Change Center in the Fralin Life Sciences Institutes, Hopkins and Moore have been leading undergraduate study abroad courses to South America for over a decade, but their last three trips have been to the Galápagos.

“Even though we have been running these courses for years, we always have unique encounters and life-changing moments that make each trip extra memorable for the students and for us,” Hopkins said.

For Max Nootbaar, the Galápagos proved to be a paradise of biodiversity and ecological wonder. Nootbaar, an avid birdwatcher, was specifically captivated by his observations of the finches of the Galápagos.

“They've only existed for a couple million years, which in evolutionary time is very short,” said Nootbaar, a senior studying wildlife conservation. “It was really cool to see this crazy diversity of finches that evolved and radiated from a common ancestor that found its way to this volcanic island chain out in the middle of the Pacific.”

Likewise, Sophia Detrick, a sophomore in biological sciences, said the trip helped her understanding of conservation and environmental stewardship. 

“Literally everything you do is directly going to affect something in one shape or form,” he said. “I'm realizing that my actions and what I do can directly affect the environment and conservation efforts.”

Detrick and Nootbaar both said they found inspiration in the innovative conservation efforts they witnessed and gained insights into the intricate relationship between humans and their natural environment.

“The culture here is not something that you can really replicate,” Detrick said. “Yes, I'm focusing on evolution and ecology, but a massive part of the experience was related to people and how they live there.”

In particular, a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station where Detrick met with Ainhoa Nieto Claudin, a scientist working to save a diversity of native fauna on the Galápagos islands, gave her a glimpse into the parallels between their research.

“Seeing her working in a lab behind the scenes reminded me a lot of what I was doing as a lab assistant studying genetics and cell division. My experience at the Darwin Station helped me realize that what I could do with genetic work could be crucial in conservation,” said Detrick.

Nootbaar, who visited several Galápagos giant tortoise breeding facilities, shared that these experiences solidified his desire to study and best conserve imperiled species.

“A lot of the species in the Galápagos are understudied and imperiled because islands are one of the most threatened ecosystems in the world. They're especially threatened by things like climate change and human activities. Seeing this firsthand solidified my desire to study understudied and imperiled species to learn more about them and how we can conserve them.”

As for Detrick, Nootbaar, and their peers, the semester-long course and spring break adventure was more than just a trip — it was a transformative experience that reaffirmed their passion for understanding and protecting the wonders of the planet.

“Studying abroad connects theory to practice through unique and powerful experiences, bringing students to a deeper understanding of their connectedness to the world, and their place in it, in ways that no other activity can, and promotes development of the skills needed to thrive in a diversity of contexts," said Theresa Johansson, director of Virginia Tech's Global Education Office.   "This, in turn, can have a remarkable impact on students’ lives and careers. I do not doubt the student's experiences will likewise continue to benefit and impact them throughout their future careers."

This, in turn, can have a remarkable impact on students’ lives and careers,” says  “It is not at all unusual for alumni to share how their study abroad experiences continue to help them make new connections, navigate challenging environments, and open themselves to unfamiliar ideas and ways of doing. I do not doubt that Detrick’s and Nootbaar’s experiences will likewise continue to benefit and impact them throughout their future careers.”

“I think the beauty of genetics and microbiology is that it can be coupled with just about any other field like medicine, public health, and wildlife conservation,” said Detrick. “There are endless possibilities and I'm excited to see what new research efforts come out of the Galápagos in the years to come. And maybe one day my line of work will take me back there again.”

Written by Michaella O'Brien

Lindsey Haugh

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Achieving AI at Scale: Cemex’s Learning Journey

In recent years, large established organizations have been growing business value by increasing the volume of AI models they have in production, an activity we call scaling AI. MIT CISR research has identified that scaling AI is the result of a learning journey during which an organization learns how to deploy, proliferate, and industrialize AI models. Ideally, the organization builds data liquidity, develops workforce savviness, and leverages scarce resources along the way to achieve AI at scale, which is the state at which organizations cost effectively manage large volumes of interconnected models in production. In this briefing, we describe the AI scaling learning journey at Cemex, a large global construction materials company headquartered near Monterrey, Mexico.

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Any visitor to the website can read many MIT CISR Research Briefings in the webpage. But site users who have signed up on the site and are logged in can download all available briefings, plus get access to additional content. Even more content is available to members of MIT CISR member organizations .

Author Barb Wixom reads this research briefing as part of our audio edition of the series. Follow the series on SoundCloud.

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Recently, large established organizations have been growing business value by increasing the volume of AI models they have in production, an activity we call scaling AI .[foot]Scaling AI is described in B.H. Wixom and C.M. Beath, “Pega: Driving Customer Engagement Using AI-Enabled Decision Making,” MIT CISR Working Paper No. 449, June 2021, https://cisr.mit.edu/publication/MIT_CISRwp449_PegaAIDecisionMaking_WixomBeath .[/foot] For the past five years, MIT CISR researchers have followed more than fifty data monetization initiatives that have relied on machine learning to recognize patterns, draw inferences, and predict outcomes and thereby inform the scaling AI process.[foot]This research draws on a Q1 to Q2 2019 asynchronous discussion about AI-related challenges with fifty-three data executives from the MIT CISR Data Research Advisory Board; more than one hundred structured interviews with AI professionals regarding fifty-two AI projects from Q3 2019 to Q2 2020; an October 2021 survey of the fifty-two AI project teams; and eleven AI project narratives published by MIT CISR between 2017 and 2024.[/foot]

In our research, we observed that scaling AI is the result of a learning journey during which organizations learn how to generate value from AI models across the AI lifecycle. This lifecycle encompasses three phases: deploying AI models, proliferating AI models, and industrializing AI models.

A key finding from the research is that scaling AI without breaking the bank requires three facilitating elements:

• Highly liquid enterprise data assets : data assets that have been prepared and are widely available for easy reuse and recombination in value creation using AI
• An AI-savvy workforce : employees who can effectively participate in the AI lifecycle and cultivate AI solutions
• Prudent use of scarce and costly AI resources : the ability to economize on data science capabilities, tools, and expertise

Organizations must establish these elements to arrive at AI at scale, which we define as the state at which an organization cost effectively manages large volumes of interconnected models in production . The rewards for operating in this state are inspiring: maximized AI returns, AI-fueled business enablement, and AI-fueled competitive moves.

Ideally, organizations establish the three facilitating elements as part of their scaling AI learning journey. Table 1 summarizes how organizations can build data liquidity, develop workforce savviness, and leverage scarce resources as they learn how to deploy, proliferate, and industrialize AI models. Some organizations establish these elements sequentially, while in other cases they establish them concurrently. Regardless of the order of their learning journey, organizations must establish all three facilitating elements to achieve AI at scale.

Table 1: Establishing Facilitating Elements During the AI Scaling Journey

In this briefing, we describe scaling AI at Cemex, one of our research sites. We focus on key practices that helped leaders at Cemex establish the elements to facilitate scaling AI and advance the company’s learning journey, and we share Cemex’s rewards for achieving AI at scale.

Scaling AI at Cemex

Cemex SAB de CV (Cemex)[foot]This briefing case draws from I. A. Someh, B. H. Wixom, C. M. Beath, and R. W. Gregory, “The Cemex Journey to AI at Scale,” MIT CISR Working Paper No. 463, July 2024, https://cisr.mit.edu/publication/MIT_CISRwp463_CemexAIatScale_SomehWixomBeathGregory .[/foot] is a $15.6 billion global construction materials company headquartered near Monterrey, Mexico. A decade ago, CEO Fernando A. González introduced a strategic emphasis on delivering superior customer service and directed investments to support a customer-focused digital transformation. In 2017, the company launched Cemex Go, the first end-to-end digital platform enabling the customer journey in the construction materials industry.

Learning to Deploy AI Models

In 2017, Cemex established a global center of excellence for data science called Global Data Science (GDS) to develop standard, scalable AI solutions for Cemex. Initially, GDS data scientists developed AI use cases as individual projects, collaborating in cross-functional teams with business domain experts to select data sources, prepare project data, choose algorithms, engineer features, train models, and validate results. Once a model was on track for deployment, GDS worked with Cemex’s Information Technology (IT) function to assemble a scrum team to ready the model for integration with existing process-enabling software and begin change management activities.

As GDS’s development teams and end users interacted with the AI solutions, they asked an ever-growing number of questions about how and why the AI model produced its results. To explain the AI model and help people trust it, GDS created what became known as the Magic Tools: a suite of visualizations and what-if simulations that shed light on model mechanics and outcomes. The Magic Tools analyzed data going into and coming out of an AI solution. The analyses allowed users, managers, deployment teams, and technical support people to identify for themselves the root causes of AI model problems they encountered, track model usage, and make model change recommendations.

During this phase of Cemex’s learning journey, GDS involved business domain collaborators in creating data assets for model training and in the evaluation of AI models, providing critical feedback to the data scientists. The process of model building helped the business understand AI and trust AI model results. Some of the helpful new trust-building and AI model deployment practices that emerged were baked into the self-service Magic Tools. This period of learning led to a wave of enthusiasm at Cemex about AI model usage.

Learning to Proliferate AI Models

To leverage rising employee interest in AI, IT offered the data, platforms, standards, governance, and training needed for AI model development. IT and data owners in Cemex’s business areas cleaned and mastered data from core systems, establishing a data catalog to help people search for data assets they could trust. IT established a cloud-based central data lake; an enterprise portal that authorized employees could use to access a data view, use a business intelligence tool, or tap into an API; and temporary online experimentation spaces.

Cemex encouraged and captured data science use case ideas via the company’s formal employee innovation program as well as from IT, GDS, and the Cemex data science community at large. When the number of data science ideas mushroomed, leaders introduced a portfolio management framework they called the Speed to Value framework to assess the potential of novel use cases and make efficient use of model development resources. A wide range of ideas went into an innovation funnel, and when a use case proved to have global potential, it was assigned to GDS for global deployment. In these cases, GDS had to adapt core models and retrain them using local data; different countries often operated using different business rules, requiring changes to the AI model itself, its software context, or how it was used. GDS began developing “super models” with parameters that could be turned on and off to accommodate the needs of many local areas.

When the Speed to Value framework identified good ideas with only local potential, those use cases were assigned to leaders of the responsible business area for further development, with significant support from IT and GDS. For example, GDS began hosting data science communities of practice and offering advisory services, and an IT planning group helped teams establish metrics for tracking model value.

During this phase, employees across the enterprise participated in AI model building. Cemex encouraged pervasive participation by making shared resources available for global and local teams. As a result, model reuse opportunities grew, and new AI models flourished. Many people participated in project teams, innovation forums, and data science communities of practice. This period of learning led to an explosion at Cemex of AI models at various stages of deployment.

Learning to Industrialize AI Models

Cemex leaders used the term “industrializing” to refer to the work involved in globally deploying AI models as well as that required for setting up processes for monitoring, supporting, and managing these models. Managing hundreds of industrialized AI models over time, in the face of change, was not simple. Initially, GDS manually monitored model health for drift and degradation of performance, to determine when models needed to be reparameterized or retrained using new data. As the number of AI models grew, this proved to be an overly resource-intensive task, and GDS leaders turned to automating data science work.

In 2022, GDS kicked off an internal project to implement MLOps[foot]MLOps (Machine Learning Operations) refers to the overall process of building AI models using machine learning and managing those models in production environments over time.[/foot] practices. Fully embracing the MLOps platform functionality allowed GDS to reduce the time to deploy models from weeks or months to hours or days. Leveraging the company’s prepared and accessible data, data scientists used MLOps tools to compare team-developed models to models the platform suggested and to retrain models for new cities or markets.

IT installed and managed an MLOps platform as a part of its infrastructure management responsibilities. GDS had a separate team that took on the bulk of AI model production support, escalating problems to GDS’s data scientists only when absolutely necessary. Using the MLOps tools for data scientists’ tasks freed up those experts for other, more valuable activities.

During this phase, Cemex was exploiting a sophisticated capability to deploy, scale, and sustain interconnected AI models across the globe. When possible, the company automated routine tasks, such as drift management, offered self-service access to resources, and increasingly made use of MLOps tool functionality. Such activities improved data assets to become more comprehensive and standardized, and they increased shared enterprise data asset usage. This period of learning led both to broader participation by Cemex’s empowered, AI-savvy workforce in AI model management and to highly efficient use of data science expertise.

Managing AI at Scale at Cemex

Today Cemex Go incorporates a collection of AI solutions, some of which are interdependent—for example, a demand forecasting model informs an overbooking model, the overbooking model influences an order confirmation model, and a plant scheduling model relies on the order confirmation model results. The company’s globally scaled AI solutions account for an estimated value of $30 million from a variety of efficiencies, such as reduced truck distances traveled, improved order availability, and lower energy consumption.

Up to 2022, Cemex primarily used AI solutions to enable an outstanding customer experience and to streamline operations. After making significant headway in this regard, Cemex leaders saw tremendous opportunities in leveraging the company’s digital capabilities, particularly in data science, beyond enterprise boundaries. For example, in mid-2022, Cemex launched a company called Arkik to sell the proprietary IT solution Cemex created for use by its Ready Mix businesses to competing ready-mix businesses in the form of software-as-a-service.

Scaling AI Without Breaking the Bank

Achieving AI at scale means your organization is using AI for business enablement efficiently and that it is positioned to pursue new competitive opportunities. The key is for leaders to establish data liquidity, workforce AI savviness, and the ability to leverage scarce resources as their organization masters the AI lifecycle.

The Cemex story suggests ways to keep AI learning journeys on track. First, leaders can surface novel practices that AI teams have invented to build trusted models, inventory them, understand why they help teams, and promote those that help move AI use cases from idea to solution faster, cheaper, and better. Second, leaders can get ready for model proliferation by investing in data literacy and making AI expertise, processes, and technologies accessible to employees throughout the organization. Connecting people to shared resources empowers them to exploit AI. Finally, leaders can look for ways to make the best use of their available data science expertise. As the number of AI models grows, models become interconnected, and change happens too fast for manual model management to keep up. At that point, organizations must leverage automation and focus the attention of their data science experts on the highest-priority work.

© 2024 MIT Center for Information Systems Research, Wixom, Someh, and Beath. MIT CISR Research Briefings are published monthly to update the center’s member organizations on current research projects.

Related Publications

Working Paper: Case Study

The cemex journey to ai at scale.

Talking Points

Achieving ai at scale.

Research Briefing

Scaling ai to generate better and different outcomes.

Building AI Explanation Capability for the AI-Powered Organization

Building Advanced Data Monetization Capabilities for the AI-Powered Organization

About the Researchers

Barbara H. Wixom, Principal Research Scientist, MIT Center for Information Systems Research (CISR)

Ida A. Someh, Senior Lecturer in Business Information Systems, UQ Business School at The University of Queensland, Australia and Academic Research Fellow, MIT CISR

Cynthia M. Beath, Professor Emerita, University of Texas and Academic Research Fellow, MIT CISR

Mit center for information systems research (cisr).

Founded in 1974 and grounded in MIT's tradition of combining academic knowledge and practical purpose, MIT CISR helps executives meet the challenge of leading increasingly digital and data-driven organizations. We work directly with digital leaders, executives, and boards to develop our insights. Our consortium forms a global community that comprises more than seventy-five organizations.

MIT CISR Associate Members

MIT CISR wishes to thank all of our associate members for their support and contributions.

MIT CISR's Mission Expand

MIT CISR helps executives meet the challenge of leading increasingly digital and data-driven organizations. We provide insights on how organizations effectively realize value from approaches such as digital business transformation, data monetization, business ecosystems, and the digital workplace. Founded in 1974 and grounded in MIT’s tradition of combining academic knowledge and practical purpose, we work directly with digital leaders, executives, and boards to develop our insights. Our consortium forms a global community that comprises more than seventy-five organizations.