Running head: REFLECTIONS

Reflections on my Education
Stephanie Heth
Fontbonne University

REFLECTIONS

Reflections on my Education
I began my professional career as the manager of a restaurant. At first, the job was
challenging and enjoyable. However, it quickly lost its luster as I felt myself falling out of touch
with the skills I learned throughout my education. I was no longer feeling challenged, and I was
disheartened to realize that I had a job that only required a high school diploma. All I needed to
succeed was a memorized list of policies and procedures to keep the restaurant running. While I
enjoyed the part that involved helping people, I needed a cognitive challenge. Changing careers
to Family and Consumer Sciences has and will continue to present that challenge. The field
naturally provides countless opportunities to exercise both my new knowledge I am obtaining at
Fontbonne, and what I have learned in my years of education prior.
The requirements of general education have been an overarching support mechanism to
guide my journey through my studies. Each requirement has contributed to my understanding of
the workings of the world. As a Family and Consumer Sciences professional, it is my job to
connect with people. How can one expect to connect with others without the most basic of
knowledge? Professional credibility relies on the foundation of general education. Being an
expert in a field of study is important, but much more important is having a well-rounded
understanding of the world around them.
Math and Science
The fields of Math and Science seem to go hand in hand. While neither were my favorite
course, I was successful. I quickly realized that not all of the information I learned in math and
science would be beneficial in my life, and I chose to retain the information that has a connection
to daily activities. I commonly use algebraic principles, but never use calculus. I commonly use
my knowledge of the chemical reaction between vinegar and baking soda, but have yet to

REFLECTIONS

experiment with sodium sulfite, citric acid, sodium iodate, and starch. Basic knowledge of math
and science are used daily in Family and Consumer Sciences classes. Whether analyzing the
science behind baking, measuring fabric for a garment or calculating a budget, math and science
are constantly used.
English
A grasp of the English language is necessary for all fields for communication and
comprehension. In Family and Consumer Sciences, communication is essential for our work
with others. Constantly improving my writing and communication skills has led to increased
confidence in my potential as a professional. Additionally, learning about literature opens a
world of possibilities. So many examples of classic literature are not only entertaining, but
pertaining to life. Although I am not as well-read as I would like to be, I am inspired to catch up.
Recognizing and using references to classical literature will enlighten myself and my students.
Social Sciences and History
It is said that an education in history is essential to preventing a repetition of previous
mistakes. I have also found it to be essential to understanding the origins and meanings of the
human condition. The same concept applies with the social sciences. Understanding the basics
of history and the social sciences has given me the ability to study why others behave as they do.
By studying history, we can see how the family has developed. Adding social sciences leads us
to understand how they fit in with society and how they are affected by their surroundings. As
we do not operate in a vacuum, we are always interacting with others. Using the knowledge
gained from history and social science allows the professional to investigate further, find
historical patterns, and answer questions that are reflective of ones environment.

REFLECTIONS

Art
Studying and appreciating the arts has led to the development of critical thinking skills, a
cornerstone to Family and Consumer Sciences. By inquiring what message the artist was trying
to convey, I have practiced looking deeper to find inner meaning. Working with other people
oftentimes requires one to decipher a hidden message. While I may never be an expert at this,
my education in the arts has certainly helped. Also, as a supporter of theater, I have learned to
have confidence in my abilities. I credit my education in art with my creativity, ability to speak
up when necessary, and my need for self-expression.
Technology
I began my undergraduate degree in 2006. At this point, Smartboards were few and far
between, I still owned a flip phone, and my laptop was large and heavy. Growing up in an age of
constantly improving technology has been incredible. I am used to the underlying ideas, and I
can easily build on my understanding to incorporate new advances. Technology has become an
invaluable tool for the Family and Consumer Sciences field. It becomes easy to keep up with
new information and resources while giving professionals the opportunity to connect with each
other. This element of general education has become a cornerstone for the rest as it impacts the
other subjects.
Each of the core requirements of general education reflects the others in terms of
obtaining a well-rounded education. Studying these requirements have stretched my mind in
order to accommodate more complex themes. I do not believe there to be a field that has not
substantially impacted my current studies. I surprise myself every day by the connections I make
to my liberal arts education. Each subject holds a core knowledge that connects concepts from
multiple parts of my current studies and make them more meaningful.

REFLECTIONS

Much like Dr. King demonstrated, having and utilizing an extensive knowledge of the
liberal arts will allow for better connection with my students. While not all students will have
the same knowledge, many will be able to recognize, relate, and appreciate the enforcement of
knowledge from other classes. Knowledge of the basics gives one a basis to build a deeper
understanding and appreciation of their personal field of study. For example, having a general
knowledge of the history of the United States gives me a starting point from which to add
specific Family and Consumer Sciences content which will lend itself to a richer general
understanding of both ideas. This concept can also be used to reach learners. As all fields can
connect with the liberal arts, using material that originates with general education will give
students a point of reference from which to build new knowledge. They will not feel as though
they are being lead to foreign ideas. Focusing on a liberal arts perspective will reach my students
by building connections that can be utilized in both my classes and the students other classes.
My action plan for strengthening my abilities to teach from a liberal arts perspective is
twofold. First, I must relearn the aspects of the liberal arts that I have forgotten throughout the
years. I have consciously forgotten bits of information that I assumed to be unnecessary. I now
must work hard to regain knowledge I have discarded. Second, I will actively seek and
investigate ways to incorporate the liberal arts in my curriculum. Merely relying on coincidence
is not enough. Instead, taking the initiative to create a meaningful bridge between course content
and liberal arts will successfully engage my students in a way that utilizes their full spectrum of
knowledge.

References
King, M.L. (1964, Feb 5). The American dream. Retrieved from:
http://depts.drew.edu/lib/archives/online_exhibits/King/speech/TheAmericanDream.pdf