Exploring the Unexpected: How Cornerstone’s Transformative Texts Sparked a Journey of Discovery
When Annette Tan stepped into her first Transformative Texts class at Purdue University, she didn’t expect it to shape the trajectory of her college experience. As a first-year student majoring in Law and Society, she was still trying to figure out where her academic journey might lead. But through the Cornerstone Integrated Liberal Arts program, she found more than just a core requirement, she found a space to grow, reflect, and connect.
“I didn’t know what I was getting into,” Annette said. “But I realized that you don’t always have to take classes you know you’ll like. It’s about exploring the unknown.”
SCLA 101 introduced Annette to classical texts like Homer’s Iliad and Dante’s Purgatorio, but what stood out most wasn’t just the literature, it was the classroom itself. With just over 30 students, the environment felt intimate and engaging, a stark contrast to the large lecture halls typical of first-year courses.
What made the experience even more enriching was the diversity of students in the room. Many came from STEM disciplines, bringing unique perspectives to the texts. “As a liberal arts student, I learned so much from hearing how engineering students, for example, interpreted the readings,” Annette said. “It was like watching sociology in action, seeing people shift their thinking in real time.”
Transformative Learning in Action
In SCLA 102, the oral communication component of the sequence, Annette found her voice. One assignment asked students to present a transformative moment in their lives. She chose to speak about how discovering sociology had reshaped her worldview and academic goals.
Another assignment, an argumentative presentation, allowed her to dive into a topic that would later define her undergraduate experience: the hidden curriculum in higher education. She argued that professors should clearly explain what office hours are and how to use them, something she herself had struggled to understand as a first-year student.
That insight would later inspire her to become a Student Pedagogy Advocate.
Through her advocacy role, Annette partnered with faculty across disciplines to improve classroom engagement and transparency. She observed lectures, offered feedback, and helped instructors better connect with their students.
“I've worked alongside biology, sociology, and health and kinesiology professors, helping them reflect on how they teach,” she said. “It was a rare opportunity to be both a student and a collaborator.”
Her work eventually led to a TA position and a role as a Dean’s Ambassador for the College of Liberal Arts, two positions that allowed her to support both incoming students and faculty.
Cornerstone as a Catalyst
Annette’s story is a testament to how Cornerstone’s Transformative Texts program prepares students to explore new academic avenues and engage across disciplines. The program doesn’t just teach students to read and write, but it teaches them to think critically, communicate effectively, and collaborate meaningfully.
“It trains you to ask questions you wouldn’t normally ask,” Annette said. “And it gives you the confidence to share your thoughts, even if you’re not sure you’re right.”
She believes that the interdisciplinary nature of the program is one of its greatest strengths. “Whether you’re in liberal arts or STEM, you walk away with something valuable. And sometimes, that value doesn’t hit you until years later.”
As she prepares for graduate school and a future as a professor, Annette carries with her the lessons of Cornerstone, not just the texts, but the transformative power of interdisciplinary learning.