Page 40 - Foundations of Learning, 4th Edition (Revised)

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

At the end of this chapter, you should be able to:

• Prioritize what is most important to you now
• Make clear future educational and life plans
• Begin and continue to add to your Life Vision Portfolio
• Explore your campus with ease (either your physical or virtual campus)
• Be a comfortable and contributing member of a learning community

READING

What is a Life Vision?

A life vision involves looking forward and establishing a map for your life. Because John is the oldest
child in his family and a first-generation college student, he has not seen a brother or sister struggle with
the decisions he now has to make. Though he’s thought about what he wants to do with and in his life, he’s
not had the benefit of seeing how a strong life vision can help with the challenges he’s facing. He’s unsure
about where to turn for advice about his future. He talked with his
graphic design instructor about how she decided on her career. She
talked about how she had always had a passion for drawing. By
the time she was in middle school, she had designed birthday party
invitations for her family and friends. John’s instructor didn’t know
what kind of career would let her draw for a living, though. She was
lucky to go on a college tour while she was still in high school; there
she learned about the graphic design field. She also knew she liked
to teach others. Her career as a graphics design instructor suits her
perfectly. She suggested that John reflect on his passions, among
other things, in a Life Vision Portfolio.

What is a Life Vision Portfolio?

In general, a portfolio is a collection of representative works. Perhaps you have seen artists carrying their
portfolios—large flat cases that contain a collection of their works. Nowadays portfolios are being used in a
variety of different contexts. Also, what is in a person’s portfolio is more than just a collection of his or her
work products. A portfolio is an excellent tool to document growth and highlight the development of skills.

Higher education is an area where portfolios are being used more and more frequently. Many college
faculty use portfolios as a key resource during the tenure and promotion processes. It is becoming more
common for students to use portfolios when presenting themselves to potential employers. Student portfolios
can include grades and transcripts, past employment, a list of skills, areas of strength and expertise, and
important credentials.

34 Foundations of Learning