Today is the day! Today is the last day to apply to join a Learning Community for the 2017-2018 academic year. Learning Community Applications are due here by 11:59 pm tonight, April 17.
Needing a little inspiration to finish that application? Read a few words from Truman Xu, a first-year student in the Global Business Learning Community…
Hi, my name is Truman Xu! I am a member of the Global Business Learning Community (GBLC) at THE Ohio State University. Yes, you have to emphasize THE. I am originally from New York but moved to New Jersey at the start of middle school. To me, Ohio was an unknown land. I didn’t know anything about Ohio or anyone here. It was difficult, to say the least, to attend a college so far from home. However, my transition was easier because of the GBLC.
To be honest, I applied to the GBLC because it sounded like an opportunity for people who were intelligent and successful. I had no idea what the program did or how it was helpful. Now, I emphatically state that my participation in the Global Business Learning Community is definitely one of the highlights of my first year. There are many benefits of joining the GBLC, or any Learning Community, but the benefits can’t be fully captured in marketing materials.
As I mentioned, Ohio was unknown to me. I knew no one and my parents were in a different state. Justifiably, I was scared. In a school of more than 50,000 people, it is understandable to feel lost. For me, GBLC was a guiding hand. It brought together first-year business students. After several sessions of intensive ice breakers, a little community was formed. This little community of business students made the transition into college so much less intimidating. In fact, my now closest friends are in the GBLC too.
Aside from bringing people together, the GBLC does benefit my education. We learn about business etiquette and global business practices. Meetings involve fun activities and guest speakers, some of which are business professionals. Occasionally, there are events outside of our weekly meetings. One of my favorite events was the business etiquette dinner. An instructor taught us how to eat properly in a business setting. We also went to Toronto, Canada to connect and network with a variety of businesses!
Attending college is a huge commitment. It’s understandable to be nervous! Take advantage of the opportunities that surround you and you will be successful. For example, apply to a Learning Community. It helps a large university feel small! Best of luck at THE Ohio State University.
Note: This PSA is not a propaganda, just my personal experiences to inform your future decisions.
Members of the Global Business Learning Community at an etiquette dinner!