Experiential Learning at UD

By Christopher Miller

Her Learning Journey

The Office of Experiential Learning hosts a monthly workshop for students to discuss, connect and reflect on their past experiences. In the lab, students are exposed to different types of experiential learning such as community engagement, student-employment, or research. After a time of reflection, students then draw a roadmap of their collegiate learning journey. This roadmap visually details the reasoning behind how each student ended up where he or she is now. In the recent February lab, senior Megan Taschner joined us to talk about her involvement with Campus Ministry, the lacrosse team, study abroad and a lot more. As a Spanish and Pre-Physical Therapy double major, she manages to stay involved with the campus community and beyond.

Megan has gone on three different study abroad excursions. Her first trip to Spain was inspired by Dr. Francisco Peñas-Bermejo, her Spanish professor. Living in a different country is of course a big departure from one’s day-to-day life. Being away from her family while living with a new host family forced Megan to get out of her comfort zone and adjust to the new culture.

“Being able to experience a different way of life completely blows your mind,” Megan said. Still, she was open to learn more about herself and her new environment. Megan mentioned that immersing herself into Spanish culture and talking with the people was an incredible reflection experience. It showed her that serving others is an action she wants to turn into a career. Communicating with others in a different language, asking questions and learning patience were just a few skills she learned.   

Megan learned how to connect with others when she was abroad. “Developing a connection with another person with another person and hearing their story takes away any stereotypes or tension that could exist and creates an environment where everyone there are just humans talking to each other,” she said. Having meaningful conversations with people is an action that has proven to be beneficial in all her learning activities. Whether it is volunteering or working at the recreation center, developing relationships with others is one of the ways she makes an impact. This skill came in handy for Megan when she got involved with the University of Dayton program Global Partners. This programs is designed to connect domestic and international students to raise intercultural awareness. “Intercultural awareness is realizing that there are people who are different from you and that’s okay,” Megan said. She got involved when her roommate invited her to an informal meeting with some students from China, Japan, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait. They shared conversations about cultural transitions and their favorite memories for hours. “We came together as just a group of friends who enjoyed each others presence. Being able to interact with people that come from different cultures than me has been a big part of my UD experience,” Megan said. They all eventually became great friends and shared traditional meals from each others cultures.

Experiential learning has helped guide Megan along her vocational journey. Volunteering at hospitals, serving at orphanages, going abroad and other experiences have reinforced that helping underserved populations in the healthcare field is her preferred career option. “The deeper more emotional experience of connecting with people combined with the things I knew about myself helped me focus my passions,” Megan said.  

Megan created a roadmap illustrating her path at UD. It begins with her starting college as a Pre-Med and Spanish major. Early on she preferred the Spanish major more because it led her abroad. When she returned for her sophomore year Megan decided to change her Pre-Med major to Pre-Physical Therapy due to her passion for health and fitness. That same year her Catholic faith led her to participate in a Campus Ministry breakout to Tijuana, Mexico. Serving at an orphanage here was a great way for her to serve others in need while learning Spanish. Megan’s junior mostly consisted of accumulating shadowing hours for her major at a local hospital. She was delighted to find several Spanish-speaking patients to interact with. After her second trip to Spain Megan decided to declare a certificate in International and Intercultural Leadership. This lead her to taking classes focused on social justice in human rights as a senior. She as recently chosen to attend Northwestern University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program after graduation.

To sign up for an experiential learning lab contact kvelasquez1@udayton.edu or visit udayton.edu/el.