“Learn By Doing”: Cal Poly’s famous model. Coming into Cal Poly, I wondered how accurate this slogan was going to be. Obviously, I hoped that it would be somewhat true, but I did not realize that it would turn out to be 100% true. With my first year coming to an end, I can say I was pleasantly surprised with the “Learn By Doing” experiences I have had. Here are four ways Cal Poly prioritizes “Learn By Doing.”
- Small Class Sizes
After watching dozens of movies, I figured college would be the same way it was portrayed in the movies: big class sizes and no connection with professors. To my surprise, I was completely wrong. Don’t get me wrong, some colleges are strictly composed of large classes but at Cal Poly that is not the case. There are some GE classes at Cal Poly that can be daunting due to their size, but typically the largest class you’ll be in is 130 people and still, that is rare. Some GE’s and most major classes are generally smaller with around 20-40 people, which is incredibly rewarding. Through these small class sizes, it is easy to create a connection with your professors. These connections are invaluable, especially since you’ll be around them for the next four years. You never know whether one of these professors can connect you with a job, internship, or someone else in the industry that can impact your career. Therefore, through small class sizes and valuable connections, Cal Poly is allowing their students to “Learn By Doing” because students are gaining experience with networking and personalized education.
- Major Classes
Being a journalism major, “Learn By Doing” has held true to its promise. As a result, major classes have become one of my favorite parts of Cal Poly. From hands-on learning, the small class sizes, professor connections, to exploring your passion, what’s not to love? I have had the experience of going live on-air on KCPR, Cal Poly’s radio station, as well as working with professional equipment and software that has only helped me thrive in my studies. Gaining this industry knowledge helps solidify whether your major is right for you, and if you’re like me, you quickly become even more passionate and in love with your major because of these classes.
- An Abundance of Clubs
Did you know that Cal Poly has over 400 clubs? You read that right, 400! At Cal Poly, you are destined to find at least one club that fits your interest. If by some off chance you don’t, you have the full ability to create a club. Throughout my first year at Cal Poly, I have been extremely active with Her Campus (hence me writing this article). Through Her Campus, I have been able to explore many realms of media; I’ve written various articles, dabbled in a little bit of social media, and helped at events. On top of all that, I have gained connections and friendships that are invaluable. Cal Poly clubs hone in on “Learn By Doing” in various ways. Her Campus is just one incredible example of what’s out there.
- Limitless Opportunities
One of my favorite ways “Learn By Doing” shines through is through the limitless opportunities at Cal Poly. In high school, I was extremely active in agriculture and Future Farmers of America (FFA). Even though I did not want to pursue a career in agriculture, I did not want to leave that background behind. Cal Poly made sure that did not happen. Even though I am a journalism major and not even in the college of agriculture, the Agricultural Communications department took me under their wing and has given me incredible experiences. I had the opportunity to attend the four-day California FFA State Leadership Conference with the Agricultural Communications department as a reporter and be on air every single day. It was a surreal experience that I would not have had without Cal Poly’s “Learn By Doing” motto. On top of that, the department has also allowed me to explore within the journalism realm. I had never tried photography, yet the department allowed me to take pictures for the California FFA State Finals. Learning how to use a camera and work the settings gave me a whole new, valuable skill set. While the Agricultural Communications department is just one of the many amazing departments on campus, they truly do embody the “Learn By Doing” slogan at Cal Poly.
If you are like I once was and wondering whether Cal Poly holds true to their “Learn By Doing” motto, I am here to testify that they sure do. Cal Poly has been a whirlwind of experience, passion, and opportunities for me throughout this first year. I cannot wait to see where the next three years take me and continue living the “Learn By Doing” lifestyle.