Brandeis University Top Questions

Upon entering college, I feel as if I have opened my eyes to the outside world and received a taste of the "forbidden fruit" from the Garden of Eden. It did not take me long to realize how much I did not know of the world until I met my classmates from all over the globe. I have been exposed to so many ideas of thought and cultures, and to think that I lived my whole life not knowing these ideas and cultures is mind-boggling. Besides receiving an academic education and fulfilling general requirements in different areas of study, I have experienced a taste of life outside my one, in one campus. I believe that this is why it is so valuable to attend college. It is not only for the education that students attend college, but also for the experience of learning about life and becoming more open-minded and understanding to our surroundings. It is a place where we can learn, grow and develop into better individuals of society all the while experimenting and trying new things in a safe and comforting environment. College is a place to take risks and find ourselves in the greater world.

I am attending Brandeis University double-majoring in International & Global Studies and Cultural Music. Following my undergraduate education, I plan to attend Wesley Seminary and receive a dual degree of a Masters of Theological Studies from Wesley Seminary and a Masters of Arts in Peace and Reconciliation Studies from American University. An undergraduate degree in International Studies offers me the opportunity to discover more intensely the interaction of culture, language, religion, history, politics, and economics in world affairs. This knowledge aids my understanding of the dynamic human relationships that unfold both here and abroad. I better grasp the vastness of human diversity as I work towards peace and reconciliation among nations and cultures. A Bachelor’s degree in Music also develops my skills as a musician and my knowledge of indigenous music as I use music as the universal language. A dual Masters degree will enable me to pursue a career in international non-profit agencies of denominational ministries, ecumenical councils, and interfaith organizations. My pursuit of education will continue throughout my life as there are endless books to read, facts to learn, discoveries to make, insights to perceive, and friends to encounter across this globe.

Although I have only spent a semester at Brandeis Unviersity, I am finally understanding that as a student, I can only get what I put into it. The more effort I put into my work, the better and more beneficial the results are. I have learned that there are people out there who are willing to aid each student, faculties, deans, advisors, professors, academic clubs and so much more that are willing to help, if asked! So far, I have learned that sometimes in order to succeed, a first step might have to be asking for help when needed. Also I have learned that we as humans have only one life to live and we should enjoy it, take a risk, do something different, take a class that sounds a bit weird, do not limit yourself just because something is different because in the end, one might end up enjoying it. These lessons also pertain to life, one cannot sit on the sidelines forever or remain in their comfort zone for life, to get the best out of life, we have to go out and live it, and not simply talk about it but experience it.

Everyday I think about how much I enjoy college compared to highschool. At Brandeis everyone is accepting and friends are everywhere. there is always someone to study with and help if you need it. The teachers have doctorates in their fields and are very accessible when you need help. You are treated with respect and everyone follows the honor system. Brandeis is perfect for me because they have both an awesome music program and a huge science program. I play the violin and the private teacher and orchestra have helped me flourish in my talent. The science courses and labs have enabled me to get good grades and all the courses I need to get to graduate school. Brandeis has everything I need.

The college experience has brought me from being an uninformed, rather ignorant, and prejudiced member of American society to, I think, a student who recognizes his own shortcomings and ignorance and who strives to learn, become informed, and to understand or intelligently critique the viewpoints of others. At college, the recognition of my own ignorance has humbled me. At the same time, knowing my own limitations allows me to strive towards goals I didn't previously know existed. Thus, college is both humbling and empowering.

With my college experience, I have found out that even in a new setting, new friends and relationships can be established after high school life. Adding on to this, Brandeis University has offered a wonderful learning environment for me to learn in, with numerous resources for students like me to utilize when needed. These include the library, as well as the career center which help students like me go towards the path they want to pursue. The extracurricular activities that I have joined are exciting and engaging while also meeting new friends. Brandeis University has been valuable to attend since I have been taught by intelligent and friendly professors who want their students to succeed in the future. The diversity that the university has with its professors and the students, only adds on to its already wonderful reputation as a top institution. With all these qualities, Brandeis University has been more than everything a student like me has asked for, and it will only continue to get better as my education continues.

My college career thus far has allowed me explore so much! Foremost, the courses I take enable me to explore the wonderful world of Academics. Each class that I take requires me to study a tremendous amount, but in turn I have gained so much discipline. Next, interacting from my peers has been extremely beneficial. Everyday I am impressed by the intellectual conversations I have with my friends. Lastly, college has allowed me to get to know myself and the person I want to be. I would be so very grateful for this scholarship so that I can continue my education with less debt! Thank you!

My college experience, so far, has been absolutely amazing. The challenging workload, the knowledgeable professors, and the all-embracing atmosphere at Brandeis have all contributed to my love for the school. I think it is a little early to pinpoint a particular aspect that had been the most valuable. However, the kind and extrememly intellegent students and Professors I have met during the first semester have encouraged and motivated me to work harder to achieve my goals.

Although I have changed my major since attending community college, I earned my certified nursing assistant license through the prenursing requisites. This has offered me a lot of working experience, as well as very personal ones because of some of the clients that I've been assigned to work with. I work in home care, so I get to use my personality and compassion to make those that are bed-confined or have had spinal injuries more comfortable in the environment of their own homes. I've learned a lot from their wisdom and stories, and everyone of them has also stressed the importance of continuing with my education and going as far as I can with it. This advice is only a mere part of what is going to push me past my community college experience and receive my four year degree.

I figured out that premed was not for me, and have been able to shift my direction with ease thanks to Brandeis' faculty.

I entered Brandeis University without the slightest clue as to what I wanted to do or study. I thought there would be a huge time restraint in college to how much I could explore and still pick a track on time to graduate. As it turns out, there aren't really any "tracks" at Brandeis (well, pre-med maybe) but I have not yet gone a semester without taking a class strictly out of personal interest. I have uncovered so many passions, but still have managed to set up a graduation plan--incidently stumbled into 1 major and 3 minors. The professors here are incredible, expert, and accessible, as the faculty. Academics aren't all, of course, and the experience with clubs, sports, the community, and the area are all of great value as well. I know I am getting the most out of my experience because when I consider if I had done something differently with my life (chosen another school for example), I think how horrible it would be if I had never made that friend, won that grant for my internship, experienced college athletics, or gained that perspective. I love my life because of where I am.

I learned so much about myself while still completing numerous requirements to become a professional. I am a third year in SUNY Dowstate Medical School now and I feel so prepared both academically and socially based on my experience at Brandeis. I go back there sometimes, which always brings back good memories. Brandeis was not only a stepping stone to attend medical school but also a place of tremendous personal grownth. I have developed life long skills that will serve me well no matter what I choose to do pursue in life. I was able to continue playing music in the Jazz Ensemble all of my four years at Brandeis which for me has been an interest of mine since I was 11. I was able to build connections with professors of all subjects and engage in debates with experts in various academic fields. I have friends that I see every winter that help me stay sane throughout medical school. I have an amazing girlfriend whom I met at Brandeis. In sum, Brandeis was the best school for me, maybe not for all but I encourage anyone to consider it.

In my experience in college, I have gained the most valuable treasure a person could ever receive, an education. With this education I have realized just how lucky I am to HAVE an education, for I am aware of the individuals in this world, and even within my own society, who have not received a proper education. An education, beyond that of grade schooling, is the most valuable necessity a person could have. Not only does going through college increase a person's chances of attaining gainful employment, it gives them a greater understanding of the world around them by way of the diverse demography they experience in campus life. College is truley a valuable experience that will carry with every individual who undertakes its course.

During my first year at Brandeis University I learned more than just my schoolwork. I was paired with two roommates of different religions; we quickly became best friends and learned about each other's religions intensively. It helped me respect my own religion and learn more about the people in the world around myself. As mentioned before, I gained a newfound interest in the arts; Brandeis is always offering plays and has art displays all over campus. In addition, one of my roommates was a painter, which sparked my original interest. I never thought I'd have cared much for the arts or any of the other smaller activities I took part in, but a good school will open you to new paths. I believe the most important thing a school can do is actively show you other options so that you can find out how you really, where you want to go in life, and how you can help others while doing it.

I never thought I would end up at Brandeis University. Upon my acceptance, however, I attended an open day for admitted students and was blown away by the wonderful atmosphere on this campus. Now in my third semester here, I can comfortably say that the friendliness of students and faculty, along with the incredible teaching ability of all of my professors, has made this experience one that I am very thankful for. My professors care deeply about the subjects they teach, and it shows through every lesson. Students care about the material as well, so I frequently find myself engaged in conversation about what I've been learning long after class is over. I am constantly surrounded by so many interesting, intellectual people who I'm sure will go on to effect positive changes wherever they may end up; I am proud to say that I see myself in that category as well. I often hear people saying that it doesn't matter where one gets an undergraduate degree, but I believe that earning mine at Brandeis will make all the difference for me.

College is a experience that everyone should go through in order to become someone important. I know the beginning of the semsters most professors ask us what do we want to me, what is it that we are here for in college and most of the students have a respond. Every student wants to be a nurse,police,doctors,or lawyers,etc. If you think about it all those names are important people, persons that don't depend on someone its actually the opposite people depend on them. For example usually all lawyers doctors have their own offices and they are the bosses what good is it to be a boss and not just another employee. I know that I would like to be my own boss and in order to be that you have to go through college. College is a choose or not because if you don't have to go to college or are in college but don't do the homework then you won't go nowhere. In college theirs a lot of work but many help around to get your career done. So take the chance to to study and become that boss !

Making the decision to attend Brandeis University was the wisest decision I have ever made. From the first day when I attended Orientation I felt like I was not only part of a community of informed and well-educated people,, but a diverse culture of students who cared about the environment, the world and giving back to the community. I have been able to take unusual and interesting classes and encouraged to explore my options before declaring my major. This exploration has uncovered possibilities for majors that I had never even thought about. Brandeis is well known for the arts and I have attended many screenings, concerts, art exhibits and performances that have really enhanced my experience. I am tenor in an a cappella group on campus and this has brought so much joy into my life. The Study Abroad program is a large part of the culture here and I am now filling out the paperwork to apply for the program. I feel that when I graduate from Brandeis I will have received a top-notch education, a high regard for ethics and morals, a love of the arts, and a respect for many diverse cultures.

My transition to the collegiate world was riddled with the usual obstacles: new classes, new people, and all around (I think you could use a better phrase or word) better new experiences. However, unlike most college students I also had to deal with grief of losing my father a day before orientation started and a week before I was actually able to begin college. I learned more about myself and the world around me than I could have ever expected during that first semester. I learned of pain and perseverance, of the coexistence of strength and unimaginable weakness, but mostly I learned who I was. So if I could travel back to my senior year, and give myself a piece of advice, I wouldn?t. I know now there are no shortcuts to growing up, and that every event good or bad has shaped me into who I am today. Sometimes true knowledge comes at a terrible price, but it is a price we must pay. Why, then, spoil my last summer of innocence and unbridled optimism with knowledge that I needed to and only could have learned the hard way?

Remember that everything happens for a reason. You will discover the reason that you will end up at this University, despite the fact that it might not have been your first choice. In making the transition to University life, it is incredibly imporant to get involved. Join clubs that you are interested in, because this is the best time to try things that you may never again have the opportunity to. Become involved in a research lab early as it will be some of the greatest experience you will have. It's simple- do what you love and live every day knowing that you love what you're doing.

My advice to myself would be to constantly work hard and study hard. Never think that the way something is at the moment is the way it has to be.You can change your grades, your friends, and your dreams. Explore and learn all that you can. Use your time wisely. Acknowledge your mistakes and grow from them. Utilize your gifts and graces to make the world a more socially just placee as we share life together upon this globe.