Understanding the New Student, Essay Example

What have I learned about myself?

This journey into becoming a Registered Nurse with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Nursing helped me discover that I am Gen –Xer. These are people born after the Baby Boomers era; precisely between the early 1960s -1980s. Characteristically, they are a generation with exceptional entrepreneurship abilities and are expected to be more capable of managing the world’s economic difficulties than baby boomers generation. Their learning style is one of independent group learning. Definitely, there are many traits of my generation that can be identified in me.

For example, my generation looks forward to more experimental, interactive and authentic learning styles. One peculiar trait is that they do not trust political authority and large institutions in providing them with the standards of living required for achieving success or basis of excelling in any discipline. Rather, they are closely linked to their parent’s values. There is an independent learning and functioning style, while still participating as a group. They inevitably develop an entrepreneurial disposition (Oblinger, 2003).  In evaluating my learning capabilities alongside this Gen –Xer characteristics there are features, which already I have manifested in my youthful years.

Gen –Xer prototype youths are often loners seldom seeking to be pampered and supported by adults. Therefore, they have a unique level of learning independence applicable to the technological age. This trait has been transferred into my adult life filtering into my professional practice. While there is the need for support in learning and group efforts are appreciated, I seek this from inside rather than outwardly depending on my intuition. I recognize this as a Gen –Xer trait pertaining to independence. Ultimately, after graduating this trait might lead me into developing some entrepreneurial undertaking through which to demonstrate my skills as a RN-BSN.

References

Oblinger, D. (2003). Understanding the New Student. Educause Review