Expanding
Your Intellect
Intellectual
health is not reserved only for those with tremendously high I.Q.s. Rather,
it is something that everyone can attain. Intellectual boredom or stagnancy
is a factor that often leads to depression. In order to find joy and satisfaction
in life, it is important to stimulate and challenge the mind. Curiosity
and a passion for knowledge is what allows people to grow and evolve.
The following
is a list of suggestions for improving intellectual health:
- Take advantage
of the opportunities offered at the UA to explore various disciplines
or philosophies outside of the constructs of your academic major - astronomy,
modern art, classical literature, religions of the world, human biology,
media/communications, etcetera.
- Read a
biography or autobiography about a significant person in history.
- If you
haven't already chosen a political affiliation, research information
about the various political parties and select one that upholds your
values and ideals. Contact local political agencies for more information
about their stances on current issues. Volunteer for a local political
party. Choose a position on political and social issues - be sure to
do the necessary research in order to justify your arguments.
- Visit
UA Career Services - Find out what jobs are available for people in
your academic major. Do some research on your "dream job"
and find out what kind of educational training is required for that
job.
- Volunteer,
intern or work part-time in a job that is related to your career goals.
- Take an
educational field trip -- Visit a museum or a local historical site.
Plan a trip that will take you into cultures and/or terrains that are
unfamiliar to you. Study abroad.
- If you
are having trouble "making the grade," seek academic assistance
from the University Learning Center on campus.
- If you
are studying a foreign language, watch a film that has been produced
in that language.
- Watch
educational television programs like those that appear on PBS or A&E.
- Listen
to others' opinions and arguments. Although you don't have to agree
with them, you will be the wiser if you can at least understand their
point of view.
Written by:
Melissa McGee, Ph.D., MPH |