Name: Victoria

Year: Junior

Major/Minor(s): Psychology/BIP, International Studies

CFS Concentration: Field Studies in the Modern Workplace

When I enter a classroom, I am eager to learn not only the content of what my professor has to share, but also the method of teaching and sharing he or she chooses to use. I think the classroom can be filled with endless discussions and discourses, historical novels, and research articles. The class can journey far beyond the classroom walls through their ideas and essays of ancient concepts and futuristic cities. However, there are limitations to what a student can learn in a classroom – seldom can actually experience what they learn. Northwestern’s Chicago Field Studies program (CFS) gives students the opportunity to apply classroom concepts in the professional world, as well as initiate the mistake and growth process necessary for an individual to mature and develop. Because of CFS, I had the opportunity to explore a career field I was interested in and practice a true 9 to 5 job experience.

Of course, the whole experience took some adjusting. Balancing the CFS course, an extra fifth course, and a full time internship was not easy. However, as a Northwestern student, being challenged and rising to the occasion is apparently what we do frequently, if not well. Regardless, I would never undo or take away this opportunity I had and wish that more students in the future take advantage of CFS. Having the duality of academia and professional worlds is a rocky, but necessary transition for students and CFS does a very good job of guiding students.

I am still in the weeks before my CFS quarter ends, cramming in this blog post in between work, extracurriculars, class, and other priorities. It’s been a privilege to be a part of this program – I wish future program students all the best.