I first learnt about the Paideia program at the beginning of my freshman year, and I was instantly attracted to the idea of a honors program that emphasized intercultural interaction and personal growth within a larger group. Understanding Human Behavior appealed to me because I am very interested in psychology, but I have little opportunity to take classes in psychology within the discipline of my major. Additionally, I felt that a group centered around the idea of human behavior would facilitate a great deal of strong debate, which I also enjoy.
My goals for my experience in this cohort are fairly straightforward; I would like to become more eloquent in my delivery of arguments, form strong bonds with my cohort, and become more culturally, as well as ideologically open. I also am looking forward to the volunteer work and study abroad opportunities.
I would like to study abroad in two places. Ideally, I would like to spend a summer in Africa and a semester in France. In Africa, I want to study in a francophone area of the continent, which will most likely turn out to be Senegal. In France, I would like to live near enough to Paris so I could visit on weekend, but live far enough away that I could experience the more provincial areas of France.
I would love to do some kind of activity that would raise awareness and even money for various causes, such as the situations in Darfur and Tibet.
I really have few reservations about the program. I would say that my greatest concern is the amount of time that will be necessary to devote to the program, and if I can give 100 percent to the cohort.
Thanks for reading!
Cait
