Ask Dr. Hite (3 pts)

On October 15th, I attended the Ask Dr. Hite session in the honors lounge. It was an intimate but lively gathering of honors program students, and three Spelman alumnae joined Dr. Hite to answer questions about the program. We started off with some technical questions about the operations of the program, clarifying expectations in the wake of the Pinterest-to-Blogger transition, but then we began a much more substantive discussion about the importance of the honors program and what the phrase “habits of mind” really means. When faced with the rigors of Spelman’s academic program, as well as the demands of extracurricular activities, it can be easy to feel like you are just checking off boxes in your academic and professional journey. However, the honors program reminds us that being a scholar is not just an action, it is a mindset. It doesn’t really matter how many courses you take, or how many clubs you are in if you are not gaining something from the experience. An important skill that I am still developing is trying to understand what I can gain from each and every experience that I have on Spelman’s campus. Even if I am taking a class that doesn’t perfectly resonate with my interests, I always attempt to find something to keep me engaged and passionate about learning. Intelligence cannot simply be measured by a grade on Degreeworks. Rather, intelligence lies in one’s ability to question the things that they take for granted, it is in the ability to read a room, or the ability to understand the ways in which power operates in the environments that we are in. While those things cannot be measured by an exam or in a gradebook, they are the things that truly matter for our minds. I admit that I am still learning. I could always be a better student–more engaged, more enthusiastic, and more willing to step outside of my comfort zone–but I know that the first step to evolving as a person is identifying the room for growth, and I am ready to grow.

- Alexandra Gordon