Final answer:
The correct option is d) Experience cognitive growth.
William needs to experience cognitive growth by being open to new perspectives, understanding his own cultural background, and learning from the diverse university environment. Through this, he will engage more fully in his college experience, which will aid in his personal transformation and empower him to make unique contributions to society.
Step-by-step explanation:
William, after arriving at a large, culturally diverse university from a small isolated town and feeling fearful and suspicious of students different from himself, needs to experience cognitive growth. This process will involve examining his own beliefs and biases, while opening himself up to new perspectives and ways of thinking. It is important for William to recognize the value of his own cultural background while also appreciating the diversity of the new environment. By engaging with peers from different cultures and participating in academic discussions, William can develop his understanding and participate more fully in the university community.
As highlighted by Michelle Obama, personal stories are integral to individual identities, and owning that story can be empowering in a new setting. College is not just about academic learning but also about personal transformation, involving a journey from understanding to analysis, and from evaluation to problem-solving.
During this period of adjustment, William can combat feelings of culture shock and ethnocentrism by being open to learning and embracing the range of cultures encountered. Socialization in this new environment is inevitable, as experienced by people starting college, joining a sorority or fraternity, or an exchange student adapting to new cultural behaviors. Over time, the new experiences and knowledge will contribute to personal transformation, empowering William to make his unique contribution to the world.