Higher Learning is the Highlight

As an early graduate from high school, I didn’t have much time to think of where I wanted to go to college. To be honest, I applied to UT because it was the best school in Texas and I knew I could get in and afford it. I never really thought any deeper about it until I graduated high school and received my diploma. I suppose I thought I would have a sense of knowledge and accomplishment, but I was left empty. I realized my high school diploma meant nothing to me because it didn’t mean I was intelligent or I had a lot of knowledge. This caused a burning desire to LEARN, to understand knowledge and be able to use it in my life. I am so thankful I had this revelation before attending UT because it would have had a huge impact on my college education.

I am here at the University of Texas at Austin to take my education to the highest level and “to prepare [myself] to be the most successful person [I] can be” (X25).  My passion is rooted in gaining knowledge and, as John Henry Newman discovered, connecting all braches of knowledge together (X308).  

A lot of people would assume by knowledge, I am referring strictly classes, but I am not.  A university is defined as an “institution for higher learning” and that not only means in the classroom but also the social aspect outside of it (X324).  Professor Brent Iverson stated, “the University of Texas has more to offer than any University in the world, but you have to take advantage of what is here” (X25). That is why I am so glad I am at UT. It is so diverse that it opens up so many new learning opportunities. Getting involved in organizations, using the incredible libraries, getting involved in research studies, there are so many ways to achieve higher learning. For me, it is about taking classes that are interesting to me and becoming a well-rounded person as Professor Iverson suggests (X25).  I, like Lisa, am on a journey. I am learning as much as I can and although I do not know where it will end I know it will lead me to the path I need to be on.

            Using discovery learning, I am asking myself new questions and challenging myself to think from different views and in different ways. I am here to gain knowledge in every aspect of life using the tools provided by this incredible University.