3 answers
Christopher
Student
Ava, Missouri
1
Question
Updated
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How can I take the knowledge, experiences, and skills I gain in college and apply them to create meaningful, lasting change in the world beyond the classroom #Spring25?
I want to understand how the theories and lessons I study can translate into real solutions for real problems. My goal is to leave college not just with a degree, but with a direction—one that allows me to serve others and create lasting, positive change.
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3 answers
Brittany Crosthwait
Software Engineer
10
Answers
Tempe, Arizona
Updated
Brittany’s Answer
What a thoughtful question!
The knowledge, experiences, and skills you gain in college as a start can help broaden your worldview. This can mean a variety of things, including realizing the world has a lot more gray areas and isn't as black-and-white as we humans tend to think. It can bring empathy for people who live differently or believe differently, too.
You can ponder those changes in yourself as you are considering your direction. What are some experiences or bits of knowledge that surprised you? Is there a skill you've picked up that you've really enjoyed? Once you have something in mind, spend some time thinking on how you can share that experience, knowledge, or skill with others.
Then consider what lasting, meaningful change means. The truth is, not all of us will become major figures in the world, well-known for our activist or charity work. But every single one of us can make lasting impressions on individual lives. We can inspire others to change, give them opportunities to improve their situations, or have confidence in themselves. Even if we only positively affect one person, that is still amazing. Now imagine repeating that, influencing 5 people say. You've made an impact! Those people will in turn know people that you don't, and they will consciously or unconsciously impact those around them. That is how lasting, meaningful change is created, starting at the individual level. Those well-known figures I mentioned earlier? They all started small, influencing their communities, social groups, and towns for years before the spotlight found them.
Now tie it all together. That experience, knowledge, or skill you picked out earlier? How can you put it to use where you are at, right now? How can you reach an individual life with it? I happened to live in Ava briefly in my teens, so I know there is a lot of need right there in your own town and the surrounding ones. Could your chosen skill be helpful at the local library? How about the food bank? Is there an addiction center operating currently? You might be surprised the kind of help needed at these places and more that can give you opportunities to make an impact!
Consider the questions posed above and choose one new place to volunteer one time to try it out!
The knowledge, experiences, and skills you gain in college as a start can help broaden your worldview. This can mean a variety of things, including realizing the world has a lot more gray areas and isn't as black-and-white as we humans tend to think. It can bring empathy for people who live differently or believe differently, too.
You can ponder those changes in yourself as you are considering your direction. What are some experiences or bits of knowledge that surprised you? Is there a skill you've picked up that you've really enjoyed? Once you have something in mind, spend some time thinking on how you can share that experience, knowledge, or skill with others.
Then consider what lasting, meaningful change means. The truth is, not all of us will become major figures in the world, well-known for our activist or charity work. But every single one of us can make lasting impressions on individual lives. We can inspire others to change, give them opportunities to improve their situations, or have confidence in themselves. Even if we only positively affect one person, that is still amazing. Now imagine repeating that, influencing 5 people say. You've made an impact! Those people will in turn know people that you don't, and they will consciously or unconsciously impact those around them. That is how lasting, meaningful change is created, starting at the individual level. Those well-known figures I mentioned earlier? They all started small, influencing their communities, social groups, and towns for years before the spotlight found them.
Now tie it all together. That experience, knowledge, or skill you picked out earlier? How can you put it to use where you are at, right now? How can you reach an individual life with it? I happened to live in Ava briefly in my teens, so I know there is a lot of need right there in your own town and the surrounding ones. Could your chosen skill be helpful at the local library? How about the food bank? Is there an addiction center operating currently? You might be surprised the kind of help needed at these places and more that can give you opportunities to make an impact!
Brittany recommends the following next steps:
Selena Rudolph
Campaigns Manager
6
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Selena’s Answer
Hi Christopher, I work in the social impact area at a tech company, and I love it! I had the same questions in college and worked hard to find my niche. Here are some steps I took to shape my career toward making a positive impact.
1) Conduct informational interviews with industry professionals. When I was interested in marketing at a big company, I reached out to people through college networking events and LinkedIn. I asked them for advice and action steps during our one-on-one meetings.
2) When talking to recruiters, ask if the company has a social impact department. Some large companies have a ".org" department focused on social impact. I work in such a department, and we have roles in sales, marketing, analytics, grants, and employee impact.
3) Always express your desire to work in a role that makes a positive social impact. I started in a different position but kept sharing my goal with others. Eventually, a manager sent me a job opening for a ".org" sector role, which I might have missed otherwise. This opportunity changed my career path. So, always share your aspirations, even if they seem like a long shot!
1) Conduct informational interviews with industry professionals. When I was interested in marketing at a big company, I reached out to people through college networking events and LinkedIn. I asked them for advice and action steps during our one-on-one meetings.
2) When talking to recruiters, ask if the company has a social impact department. Some large companies have a ".org" department focused on social impact. I work in such a department, and we have roles in sales, marketing, analytics, grants, and employee impact.
3) Always express your desire to work in a role that makes a positive social impact. I started in a different position but kept sharing my goal with others. Eventually, a manager sent me a job opening for a ".org" sector role, which I might have missed otherwise. This opportunity changed my career path. So, always share your aspirations, even if they seem like a long shot!
Don Holland
Member Service Representative/Food Runner
244
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Don’s Answer
Hello Christopher,
This is a good message to think about when it comes to how you make an impact on society once you leave school. There is not only one way you can do this but there are many ways to help people, to make a difference and use your experience to enlighten others. I would suggest finding or thinking about specific things that you want to accomplish or achieve when it comes to your personal goals. I'm not sure what your degree is but I would say to find something you are passionate about, use your experience (no matter how much) and keep asking questions. Whatever you want to possibly do, you have opportunities in many different places and there is always a need for help in communities. Keep exploring and I know that you will find what you are looking for!
This is a good message to think about when it comes to how you make an impact on society once you leave school. There is not only one way you can do this but there are many ways to help people, to make a difference and use your experience to enlighten others. I would suggest finding or thinking about specific things that you want to accomplish or achieve when it comes to your personal goals. I'm not sure what your degree is but I would say to find something you are passionate about, use your experience (no matter how much) and keep asking questions. Whatever you want to possibly do, you have opportunities in many different places and there is always a need for help in communities. Keep exploring and I know that you will find what you are looking for!