High Impact Educational Practice (HIEP):

Winter Internship UTMB Cardiothoracic Surgery Team (December 2017 – January 2018) – Submitted to Dr. Dodson January 2018

Lamar University Harvey’s Heroes: Completed, 45 Honors Points

(45.0 Worked Hours, Original, Verified Worked-Hours Log on-file with Shannon Tanner)

Honors Courses Completed:

 Honors Composition I (Fall 2015)

Reflection: I completed this course when I was 15-years-old. When I think back, it was an eye-opening experience to appreciate the integration of logic and thought into prose. The first paper I received back only briefly commented (favorably) on grammatical structure. The remainder of the correction focused on succinctness and logical flow. Her comment was: No Wasted Words. Each and Every Word has a Purpose. It will take a lifetime for that phrase to fully sink in… Each and Every Word has a Purpose.

Honors US History I (Fall 2015)

Reflection: None of us will ever truly know or fully appreciate the price that was paid for what we enjoy today. The nerves of steel that it took to put your life on the line for the sake of future generations you would never know. It is likely that not one ever gave thought to the fact they were living history or how history would perceive their actions. This course inspired me to take a deeper dive; to better and more fully appreciate their sacrifice.

Honors US History II (Spring 2016)

Reflection: How is it that we transitioned from a nation of selfless sacrifice to one of “what’s in it for me?” This is not a condemnation of society, but rather a charge to reverse course before it is too late. The history of the world is full of empires and societies long since passed away who lost their will to fight for the reasons why they were originally founded. ‘Those who fail to learn from history are condemned to repeat it.’ The question is, will we accept the charge to alter our path, or will history repeat itself?

Honors US Government I (Fall 2016)

Reflection: “Four score and seven years ago, our Fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation conceived in Liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men (and women) are created equal.” The constitutional founding of America is prescriptive and steeped in tradition, and yet envisionist and forward-looking. The construct was one embracing the minimalist, deferring largely to the states, rather than at the federal level. It is vital that we understand the how and the why, and equally-necessary that we avoid over legislating a free people, or risk a new revolution that may undermine the establishment of a free, democratic society.

Honors British Literature (Spring 2017)

Reflection: By far one of my favorite courses, the writings of the past pave the way for the future. The thematic elements of the classic and romantic periods married the ideas of intellectual curiosity and art, be it music, painting, sculpting, dance, or literature. Reflection and observation were of equal quintessential importance as emotion. Literature, free from obligatory form, is the gateway to the mind and the way one processes all that surrounds them, nature, tragedy, revenge, friendship, the passing of time, cultural influence, tradition, love and romance. This is the reason why these works are timeless, because they are relatable and they express thoughts, feelings and emotions that are ever-present.

Honors US Government II (Fall 2017)

Reflection: As a nation, in many ways, we are continuing to live in a world seemingly forever impacted by the Great Depression. Social reforms, welfare and poverty, the elderly, education gaps, classism, healthcare; these are not social issues of the 1930’s, these are issues we are facing today. As a nation we have tried to legislate our way to a solution. All the while, the gap continues to widen and we are a nation deeply entrenched in debt. Is it the government’s responsibility to implement solutions? Are we entitled to a guaranteed lifestyle, health and economic security? Can we, as individuals, alter the course of the nation? These are the questions we must be asking, with the understanding that no singular answer will be the right (correct) one. Yet, if we fail to work towards a solution, we will no longer be sovereign nation, independent of the effect and influence of other nations.

 Honors Gen Chemistry II (Spring 2018)

Reflection: One of the most challenging courses I have taken, with Organic Chemistry still ahead. However, it was also one of the most enjoyable. I feel I have a solid foundation and mastery of chemical principals that will serve me well in the future. Additionally, we were required to teach and give-back through tutoring. This element served to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for the core concepts.

Honors Gen Chemistry II Lab (Spring 2018)

Reflection: I was one of the few who took both the honors lecture and lab. That was a challenge. The criticalness with which lab reports were reviewed will serve as a solid foundation moving into Organic Chemistry. It was interesting to have others in lab asking me about concepts covered in lecture, except they were in a different lecture. I came to appreciate the strictness of the safety requirements in lab. It may have been quicker to take little short-cuts, but it was essential that experiments be carried out a specific way. A critical point to learn in life. I truly enjoyed the challenge of a demanding laboratory experience.

 22 Hours Honors Credits Completed

Honors Courses Planned:

Honors Organic Chemistry I (Fall 2018)

Honors Organic Chemistry II