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 Gabe
Kennon - Senior Criminal Justice and Political Science
City, State: Nevada,
MO
Out-of-class experiences: APO (Co-ed
Service; Pledgetrainer and Rush Chair); Student Senate
(Secretary); ODK (Treasurer); Phi Eta Sigma (Honors); Pi Simga
Alpha (Poly Sci Honors); Political Science Society; Pre-Law
Club; Student Worker in the Student Affairs Office
What factors determined
your decisions about your out-of-class involvements?
There
are a lot of different out-of-class experiences that Truman
offers. With so many different opportunities, it almost seems
like the hardest part of getting involved is just deciding
which organizations to join! When it came down to it, I got
involved in the organizations that I felt most passionate
about and wanted to actively contribute to.
Afterwards, friends that I met in these organizations got me
interested in other groups.
If you go back in time and change anything about your
out-of-class involvements, what would you change?
If I
could change anything, I would have gotten involved
earlier. Although I joined one or two groups freshman year, I
really waited to get involved my sophomore year. I have gained
so much from participating in these organizations, I only wish
I would have joined them sooner!
What out-of-class experiences were most helpful in supporting
your liberal arts education?
It's difficult to find just one organization that has most
supported my liberal-arts education. At the essence of liberal
arts is being well-rounded, and I feel that all of my
organizations have helped me become a more well-rounded
individual. APO has taught me the benefit of helping other
people through service work while Senate has given me the
opportunity to better Truman. All these organizations have
added new dimensions to my life, ultimately making me a more
well-rounded individual.
How did your out-of-class experiences prepare you
for your life after graduation (job, graduate school)?
Working with other people throughout these organizations has
taught me a great deal about communication and organizational
skills that will be invaluable as I go on to law school. Being
able to plan and carry out different projects are important
skills that I have been able to work on through my
organizational involvement, and they will undoubtedly be useful
throughout my life. But even over all of the practical things,
the most important thing I have learned from being involved is
the amazing ability people have to make real differences in
other's lives.
In what other ways do you believe your out-of-class involvements
enhanced your undergraduate experience?
Talking about the benefits I have received from being involved
is somewhat strange because I never really have to think about
it. I have so much fun working with these groups that it really
seems more like a group of friends getting together than an
organizational event. The friendships I have made through these
different organizations are so important, and they have made my
time at Truman unforgettable.
What advice would you give first-year-students at Truman
regarding out-of-class experiences?
Get Involved! As long as you
are doing something that you care about and are interested in,
you will have a great time. School is important, but sometimes
just as much can be learned out of the classroom. Getting
involved can really make a huge difference in the quality of
education you receive and the type of experience you have.
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 Elizabeth
Hoppis -
Graduate Student -
Counseling Preparation Program
City, State: St.
Joseph, Missouri
Out-of-class experiences: Student
Activities Board, Echo Yearbook, Campus Christian Fellowship,
Student Alumni Council.
She has also worked in the Student Union Office for two years
and one year for Tim Barcus, campus photographer.
What factors determined your
decisions about your out-of-class involvements?
My decisions were based largely on my interests. Time
commitments led me to narrow my choices, but was not an initial
factor.
If you go back in time and change anything about your
out-of-class involvements, what would you change?
I don't know that I would change. In a world where I didn't have
an off-campus job in addition to everything else I may have
looked at a sorority, but not likely.
What out-of-class experiences were most helpful in supporting
your liberal arts education?
The Student Activities Board
How do you believe out-of-class experiences have prepared you
for your life after graduation (job, graduate school)?
I think that by being involved in campus activities and jobs I
was able to learn how to interact with people in a variety of
positions. I believe that I am probably better prepared than I
would have been had I not been involved. I think that my
communication, organization and dedication skills have all been
enhanced.
In what other ways do you believe your out-of-class involvements
enhanced your undergraduate experience?
It simply made it more fun. I made friends and a second family
here by being involved. I felt as though I belonged to the
Truman community. I think I learned life skills that are not
present in the classroom. The professors cannot hold our hands
and say okay this is how you talk to an agent or this is how you
treat a customer, etc. "Out--of-class" involvements can create
the situation that is needed to learn these things.
What advice would you give first-year-students at Truman
regarding out-of-class experiences?
I would say to get involved, but do not overload. Keep in mind
how much you want to be able to study, how much alone time you
need, and, maybe most importantly, how many people do you
already know on campus. I came here and knew 17 people from my
high school, but we never see one another here. Truman can be a
lonely place if you don't know people, or if the ones you do are
too busy to spend time with you. By getting involved in a
variety of campus opportunities you can find your niche. Don't
be afraid to go out on a limb- even if an organization, job, or
other activity requires an application or audition, try it- you
never know what will happen. By going out on a limb I changed my
four years here and possibly my life.
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