When I chose ASU, a large part of my decision was based on what I expected to learn while I was in college. As Oprah said in her speech (Winfrey), there are certain perceptions that reign, even when all evidence is to the contrary. No matter how successful she was, Oprah’s father still firmly believed she needed the degree as a safety net. I believe ASU will equip me with everything I will need to meet my goals so that no one will be able to tell me that I am missing something crucial in my development. What I expect ASU to teach me is not only the academic aspects that will help me succeed as a professional, but I expect it will help me grow into a productive and responsible adult on a personal level. I believe that ASU will give me the room to learn. Learning, adapting, and developing relationships with people are some of my greatest passions. I do not want to have a job that merely pays the bills; it needs to be something that I can enjoy and that will challenge me on different levels. Business is a challenging and very competitive field, a fact that is one of the main draws for me. I am more focused and productive when I have a gauge by which to compare my success. In ten to twenty years, I want to be able to see how my passions have driven me to become one of the best, regardless of what business area I pursue. Traveling is also something I am curious about trying. Although I am a bit apprehensive about traveling for business, it is something that I think I could develop a love for doing, particularly given the right foundation. ASU has the means and the capacity to help me develop the skills I need to excel in my job, to be one of the best both in the class and in business. I know that I will make mistakes, and in college there are likely to be many; however, no one wants to be judged by the mistakes they make. Errors in the business world are not easily forgiven. That is why graduating from college with the ability to cope with successes and failures, including learning to take a mistake and turn it into something positive, is essential.
I also need to learn how to interact with my peers, regardless of how I feel about them. In ten or twenty years, I will be employed with a stable company, probably running several projects at a time, or one big project that is of high importance to the company. I will be interacting with people on many different levels and mentoring people fresh out of college. Business is largely about human interaction, and there will always be at least a handful of people that will be difficult. College is the place to start establishing relationships, including those that are less enjoyable. Learning to be diplomatic and to work with such people is necessary in a professional business environment. ASU provides a diverse setting where I can connect with people of different cultures. The new Project Humanities established at ASU puts a heavy emphasis on the different aspects of humanities, including the importance of languages and studies on the cultures of other nations (Keeler, “Project Humanities explores ways We Connect and Make Meaning”). In a world reliant upon international relations, ASU is providing the opportunity to learn.
With a good understanding of how to deal with people of many different races, religions, and cultures, I will be able to help my company establish a healthy and beneficial relationship with the community. Even if I chose to work for a large corporation or become well known like Oprah, my experiences with peers in college will give me the means to have a physical presence wherever I am. My goal to be a part of a business firm will give me the opportunity to negotiate with smaller business to help them feel the benefits of the company, and the ability to work with charities in the area. All good companies take the time and money to be a part of the community. My expectations of my college education are high, stretching even into more humanitarian elements. I believe ASU will help me achieve the education I need to excel.
Works Cited
Keeler, Sharon. “Project Humanities Explores Ways We Connect and Make Meaning.” ASU News [Business, Culture & Affairs]. The Arizona State University, 25 Jan. 2011. Web. 25 Jan. 2011.
Winfrey, Oprah. Oprah Winfrey’s 2008 Stanford Commencement Address. Stanford University. 15 June 2008. Web. 25 Jan. 2011.
