Alexander D Peterson

Honors 100, AA
25 November 2017

Autumn Quarter Reflection

Since the beginning of autumn quarter 2017, my introduction to the Honors Program,
many of my goals for personal development have remained consistent. I am still committed to
addressing the problem of ideological polarization through research and personal example. My
sense of urgency on this topic, however, has grown even more pronounced over the course of
this quarter. I have witnessed numerous political discussions degrade into bitter fights where
normal standards of intellectual rigor are ignored. From topics such as the #MeToo movement
and allegations against Roy Moore to the GOP tax plan and DOJ probes into discrimination in
college admissions, a devastating number of Americans refuse to deviate from their initial biases
even in the light of evidence. What should be honest conversations about standards of decency
from political officials or whether progressive policies have accomplished their desired results
have instead become signals for people to crowd into opposing political camps. Frankly, I
understand why the founding fathers of the United States were so concerned with mob
mentality dictating policy; human brains crave simplicity and reaffirmation -- two things that
eventually destroy a government built upon public discourse. Especially after attending the
Honors Civic Discord event, I am more aware than ever of the rampant intolerance that has
poisoned our democratic institutions.

Academically, this quarter has forced me to reevaluate my intended majors. At the

beginning of the year, I had been telling everyone that I would double degree in Economics and
Public Policy. However, after planning out my classes for the remainder of my undergrad career,
I realized this plan was nearly impossible unless I wanted to take an average of twenty-one
credits per quarter. For the sake of my mental health, I opted to shift around this plan. Now, I am
hoping to major in Economics and minor in Statistics and Law, Societies, and Justice. As of the
eighth week of the quarter, I am also strongly considering studying abroad in Israel this summer.
I have always wanted to go to Israel through the UW Foreign Language and Area Studies
(FLAS) program and intensely immerse myself in the Hebrew language, but previously I could
not make room in my schedule for even a summer term. The newly discovered option of Honors
Ad Hoc has the potential to greatly loosen this schedule, and I intend to meet with advisers to
determine which classes I can Ad Hoc throughout college. I am beyond excited at the prospect of
this plan working out. My main goal before the end of January 2018, therefore, is applying for
the FLAS Fellowship for Summer 2018 and further planning all my academic coursework.

One of the people that has encouraged me in this plan is Professor Hadar
Khazzam-Horovitz of my Modern Hebrew 101 class. Not only has she graciously promised to
write me a recommendation letter for the FLAS program, but she has also given me useful
advice for my intended foray into law school. As a lawyer in intellectual property herself, Hadar
has taken the time to talk with me individually and explain how I should best prepare for law
school and which institution to consider attending. I am excited to continue learning from Hadar
and meeting with her to learn more about the field of law and Jewish studies.
 Throughout this quarter, I have also noticed a clear example of my personality changing
in an important way. Since high school and even freshman year of college, I harbored a rather
consuming dedication to credentialism and resume-builders. I need to look as good as possible
on my application so that I can get into the best law school, I would insist. While this is, to an
extent, true, I have a different perspective on success now. I no longer feel the strong desire to
join a club or committee on account of its prestigious accolades. If I can be happy and
accomplish my personal goals through fewer majors and awards but an increase in experience
and impact on the lives of others, I gladly pursue this route . Part of this transition of mindset has
come from maturity and a realization that admissions committees are not as superficial as I once
ignorantly assumed. The majority of this switch, though, has come from an increased reliance on
my faith in God. I believe that the perspective one gains from a truly close relationship with God
is that Christians should continually acknowledge the temporary nature of so many aspects of
life. We are not to get caught up in competing with others, fighting with those who harm us,
building material wealth, or worrying about the future. What truly matters is using our talents
and privileges to reduce human suffering and living our lives in a way that reflects positively on
our faith, ultimately giving those around us the opportunity to experience the same internal peace
and forgiveness.

For the rest of college, I have a few main goals for personal development and intellectual
growth. First, I hope to obtain a political internship at some point, preferably in summer of 2019,
with the office of State Senator Melanie Stambaugh, Senator Ted Cruz, or columnist Ben
Shapiro. Second, I hope to do more personal research projects on political topics such as net
neutrality, religious freedom, and imminent domain. Third, I intend to start a club in my senior
year called Watchmakers of the University of Washington. At club meetings, students would
learn how mechanical and quartz watches work and how to fix them, buy and sell watches with
students on campus, and offer affordable repair services to students. Since one of my main
hobbies right now is watchmaking and since I also enjoy mentoring others, this club would be a
fulfilling intersection of some of my interests. Overall, I am very excited for numerous aspects of
my future at the UW.