College of Education and Human Development

Student Focus: Anna White Maximizes Her Mason Experience

After switching majors from dance to the Tourism and Events Management program, Anna White had some catching up to do.

In the interest of time, the junior decided to see what courses are available online. She quickly found that a hybrid academic approach allowed her to do much more than simply catch up.

“Even taking just one or two online classes greatly opens up my schedule," says White. "I can then fill my days with experiential learning in the industry, followed by online learning at night. I can fully engage in a class while still participating in more activities on campus. Online classes allow me to get the best of both worlds.”

With just one or two online courses mixed into her academic schedule, White has maximized her involvement across campus and focused on earning valuable professional experiences in the events management industry. What is most impressive is that she has accomplished all of this while taking courses full-time.

She has completed a variety of Mason Core and major requirements online, from introduction courses on computing and nutrition to TOUR 190: Wedding Planning and Management and PRLS 460: Sport and Recreation Law. This semester, she is enrolled in an online section of TOUR 340: Sustainable Tourism.

Taking online courses has encouraged White to test and build her time management skills, engage fully in classes and coursework, learn to communicate effectively, and find a work-life balance.

“The good experiences that I’ve had with online courses have included student-to-student interaction, interesting assignments, and professors who are available and responsive,” says White. “My favorite online class was TOUR 230: Introduction to Hospitality Management, because I was able to engage in group discussions, independent work, and field work. I had to work the hardest in this class, but it truly paid off. Online courses are what you make of them.”

 

Anna White (left), a junior in the Tourism and Events Management program, visits Capitol Hill with fellow Mason Student Ambassadors. Photo by Alexis Glenn/Creative Services/George Mason University.

 

Making the Most of Experiential Opportunities

Since her first year at Mason, White has jumped on every opportunity to develop professionally. The summer after her freshman year, she interned at Jungle Island in Miami, where she planned everything from weddings and galas to corporate events. Currently, White volunteers as vice president of events for Mason Ambassadors, coordinating admissions events and planning the annual celebratory banquet. “As an ambassador, you’re a member of a group of leaders and a face for everyone to look up to," says White. "It’s a great experience. Years after giving my first tour, I’ve had students come back and interview to be ambassadors themselves.”

When St. Jude Children’s Hospital held an interest meeting to bring "Mason Up ’til Dawn" to campus, White didn’t hesitate to take on the role of executive director. She is also an active sister of Zeta Tau Alpha sorority, and she has worked as an event planning intern with Weekends at Mason, as a special events intern with the National Wildlife Federation, and as a senator in Mason’s Student Government.

“Experience is everything in my major," says White. "Online courses have given me room in my schedule to help plan admissions and fundraising events, coordinate with volunteers, and create budgets. These special experiences that I’ve chosen to be a part of would not be available if I didn’t have a flexible schedule.”

Looking Forward to Career Options

This semester, White hopes to further her career goals through a part-time job. Starting with guest services, she would like to put into place knowledge gained in the classroom through direct experience in the hotel industry -- greeting guests, booking rooms, and solving routine issues before hopefully moving into event planning. As for her dream job, she is still deciding between a corporate environment, perhaps at an international resort, or a management position for a non-profit organization.

White is well on her way to building the knowledge and experience she needs to be a career ready graduate. Regardless of the career path she chooses, she is a proud Patriot and recognizes Mason’s role in helping her get there.

“I will say Mason has been the best experience ever, and I would never change my decision to apply to Mason," says White. "It has given me everything I could possibly want and more experience, opportunities, and the tools I need to move on to my next step in life.”

 

This article originally appeared as "Customize Your Mason Learning Experience."

 

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About CEHD

George Mason University's College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) includes two schools: the Graduate School of Education, one of the most comprehensive education schools in Virginia, and the School of Recreation, Health, and Tourism. CEHD offers a full range of courses, certificates, and degree programs on campus, online, and on site to more than 4,000 students each year. CEHD is fully accredited by NCATE, and all licensure programs are approved by the Virginia Department of Education. George Mason University, located just outside of Washington, DC, is Virginia's largest public research university.

For additional information:

• CEHD Communications: cehdnews@gmu.edu
• School of Recreation, Health, and Tourism: rht.gmu.edu
• Tourism and Events Management program: rht.gmu.edu/tem

Follow CEHD on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MasonCEHD or Twitter at @MasonCEHD.