Thriving Through Honors: How UW’s Honors College Shaped My Academic Journey

My time in the Honors College has been incredibly impactful on both my academic and personal life. It has given me the resources to truly thrive within my studies and enabled me to grow as an individual. However, when I joined, I was not always aware of the amazing resources the Honors College has to offer. With balancing extra-curriculars, a heavy course load, and working full-time, I could rarely make it to Honors events and information sessions.

Throughout my time in the Honors College, I have been exposed to the wonderful ways in which this community provides you the means to explore your academic ambitions, meet like-minded people, and set yourself up for success in your future career. One of my favorite parts of the Honors College is its emphasis on learning beyond the classroom. One of the ways you can do this is by studying abroad which so many Honors students already take advantage of due to the fantastic global seminars led by Honors faculty. While I have not gotten to do an Honors faculty-led study abroad yet, I did get funding from the Honors College that supported me in my semester abroad in Santiago, Chile. It was here where I was able to conduct research for my capstone and delve deeper into my interest of indigenous groups and their representation. I was able to conduct interviews with a member of the Mapuche indigenous group and a woman who grew up during Pinochet’s campaign of chilenización. This period consolidated Chilean identity forcing indigenous populations to assimilate to Chilean culture. I would not have been able to have these experiences and grow in my learning without both the financial support and advising that the Honors College provided.
Also, there are so many opportunities that promote educational experiences such as the Capstone Research/Creative Grant that can help provide further financial support to students working on their capstone. Additionally, the one-on-one faculty mentorship and seminar-based classes have helped me think critically about complex issues and become a more confident student. I owe so many of my successes to the support given by the Honors College and encourage students to check out the Events Calender posted on the UW Honors College website, study abroad, apply for Honors sponsored internships, take advantage of the first-year peer mentorship and thrive together!