Interdisciplinary Honors Portfolio Statement
This article was written in reflection of my initial experiences during my First Quarter at the University of Washington in Autumn 2013.
November 25th, 2013
I entered the first quarter of my Freshman year with the expectation of declaring a major in Oceanography. I slowly discovered that my true interests lied within the department of Aquatic & Fishery Sciences and then considered double majoring, only to finally decide on declaring a single major in Aquatic & Fishery Sciences with a minor in Marine Biology (which encompasses both aspects, as well as outside concepts). However, I have recently grown fond of the idea of combining two of my deepest passions, marine science and paleontology. Recently, I read several articles in relation to marine science and paleontology within a few National Geographic magazines. I came across stories pertaining to the discovery of prehistoric marine dinosaurs and the embryonic research of fossilized dino eggs. I also recently toured the Burke Museum several times, and have further developed my future goals and aspirations as I wish to now discover classes at the University of Washington pertaining to paleontology (marine, specifically), the Ice Ages, and glacial impacts. Currently, I am registered for a Winter quarter course on Climatic Extremes (Honors 221).
Within this first year, I shocked myself with my organizational skills. In high school, I tried desperately to be as organized as possible, however, with the constant stress of projects and International Baccalaureate curriculum, I always felt behind and overwhelmed. However, I discovered that the organizational skills I did possess were actually quite good and I have been able to stay ahead of the game. I have already declared my major and my minor, worked out a pretty concrete four year plan including my major, minor and honors curriculum, study abroad programs, and Friday Harbor research facility opportunities which I will take my Sophomore Autumn quarter. I have also worked out an amazing idea for a capstone research project pertaining to sustainable and renewable algal resources, and am currently keeping my eyes open for amazing professors to possibly work with as my mentors. My organizational and planning skills have paid off as I have yet to feel stressed and yet I have been working six hours a day, studying, working on outside projects, sports, and I still have free time to myself as well as hanging out with friends. To make it better, I feel good.
By the end of this year, I plan to hopefully stay on course with my four year plan as much as possible but I know this is unguaranteed with the crazy registration process. I also plan to discover classes that are interest based rather than required by my majors and minors (which are still interesting). I also wish to save enough money for my future study abroad programs, research facilities on Friday Harbor, and tentative shared apartment living with friends. By the end of my four years at the University of Washington, I wish to have achieved enough credibility in my undergraduate accomplishments to be accepted into the University of Washington’s graduate program to obtain my PhD. I also wish to have published research papers alongside noteworthy professors I hope to befriend.
Marisa Elena Patrick
I entered the first quarter of my Freshman year with the expectation of declaring a major in Oceanography. I slowly discovered that my true interests lied within the department of Aquatic & Fishery Sciences and then considered double majoring, only to finally decide on declaring a single major in Aquatic & Fishery Sciences with a minor in Marine Biology (which encompasses both aspects, as well as outside concepts). However, I have recently grown fond of the idea of combining two of my deepest passions, marine science and paleontology. Recently, I read several articles in relation to marine science and paleontology within a few National Geographic magazines. I came across stories pertaining to the discovery of prehistoric marine dinosaurs and the embryonic research of fossilized dino eggs. I also recently toured the Burke Museum several times, and have further developed my future goals and aspirations as I wish to now discover classes at the University of Washington pertaining to paleontology (marine, specifically), the Ice Ages, and glacial impacts. Currently, I am registered for a Winter quarter course on Climatic Extremes (Honors 221).
Within this first year, I shocked myself with my organizational skills. In high school, I tried desperately to be as organized as possible, however, with the constant stress of projects and International Baccalaureate curriculum, I always felt behind and overwhelmed. However, I discovered that the organizational skills I did possess were actually quite good and I have been able to stay ahead of the game. I have already declared my major and my minor, worked out a pretty concrete four year plan including my major, minor and honors curriculum, study abroad programs, and Friday Harbor research facility opportunities which I will take my Sophomore Autumn quarter. I have also worked out an amazing idea for a capstone research project pertaining to sustainable and renewable algal resources, and am currently keeping my eyes open for amazing professors to possibly work with as my mentors. My organizational and planning skills have paid off as I have yet to feel stressed and yet I have been working six hours a day, studying, working on outside projects, sports, and I still have free time to myself as well as hanging out with friends. To make it better, I feel good.
By the end of this year, I plan to hopefully stay on course with my four year plan as much as possible but I know this is unguaranteed with the crazy registration process. I also plan to discover classes that are interest based rather than required by my majors and minors (which are still interesting). I also wish to save enough money for my future study abroad programs, research facilities on Friday Harbor, and tentative shared apartment living with friends. By the end of my four years at the University of Washington, I wish to have achieved enough credibility in my undergraduate accomplishments to be accepted into the University of Washington’s graduate program to obtain my PhD. I also wish to have published research papers alongside noteworthy professors I hope to befriend.
Marisa Elena Patrick