Personal Growth Fact Sheet

Personal growth activities expand students’ horizons culturally, emotionally, intellectually, physically, socially, or spiritually to help them become well-rounded individuals. Opportunities for personal growth include joining Recognized Student Organizations, professional associations, and sports teams. These activities help clarify personal or career interests and provide occasions for applying one’s talents and for getting to know a diverse group of people.

 The goals of a Personal Growth Experience are to: 

• Explore personal and professional interests 

• Cultivate aesthetic and intellectual appreciation 

• Meet and interact with people from diverse backgrounds 

How can a student benefit from personal growth experiences?

                  Students who take advantage of personal growth opportunities will: 

• Improve their ability to define life, career, and personal purposes for themselves  

• Develop mature relationships with other people, including appreciation and respect for those who do not share their background 

• Build self-confidence and comfort with expressing their own ideas 

• Gain the capacity to succeed academically by practicing self-control and honoring responsibilities 

• Document knowledge, skills, and attitudes related to a career for placement on the Clarion University co-curricular transcript

Why do employers value potential employees’ personal growth experiences?

Employers find that candidates with personal growth experiences are better prepared to collaborate in the workplace with people of differing cultural backgrounds. These candidates may have a more mature attitude and better interpersonal skills than their uninvolved counterparts, and they will be experienced at balancing various priorities within their lives.