Appendix C: Anticipation Guide Perspectives Students were asked to express their opinions regarding statements related to topics discussed in First Year Seminar both at the beginning of the semester and again at the end of the semester. The focus is to gauge how their opinions changed. The most significant changes occurred with these questions: •
I am educated on the atrocities of WWII and the Holocaust.
•
I feel a sense of responsibility and motivation with current social justice movements.
•
I believe I can personally change the world through dedication and research.
Students were also asked to write about the most significant changes that occurred within themselves throughout the course of First Year Seminar and why those changes occurred. Here are some of those responses: “Throughout this class, we had many discussions, projects, essays, and even poems that provided many different points of view not only with Irena Sendler and unsung heroes, but other social justice movements. The most significant change for me was noticing how great the variety of social justice movements present in today’s world.” “The most significant change for me was feeling a sense of responsibility and motivation with current social justice movements. Before, I did not pay attention to social justice. I tried to stay away from problems like this. After, I learned that my voice can really make a difference, just as much as others. It’s good to be open to social justice movements.” “One significant change from the beginning of the semester to the end was I am now familiar with Irena Sendler and her impacts in Poland during WWII. Now that I know her story, I feel like I was missing an integral part of history. Her actions inspire and impact me greatly. She is a real-life hero. Another significant change is that I believe I can personally change the world through dedication and research. Before, I felt like I did not know enough to make educated decisions about social justice. After this semester, I learned enough to feel comfortable with my own opinions and decisions toward injustice.” “Through First Year Seminar I have been able to learn more about Avila University’s mission and values. As the class progressed, I was able to discuss Irena and her importance with my classmates, gained insight during the Truman Lecture, and have become more interested in learning about social justice movements.”
42
