Clarion University of Pennsylvania Top Questions

I attended Sonoma State University in Fall 2009. I moved back home for the spring 2010 semester because I had trouble getting classes to be a full-time student. I loved Sonoma State; the campus was beautiful but the dorms were the best part about the school. I lived in a dorm with five other girls, I loved it. Sure, we had our differences, but I learned so much from it. Not everyone is like me, lives like me or will clean up after me. I didn't live with mom and dad anymore, so I grew up and matured an enormous amount. I became a woman, learned responsibility, discipline, I got out of my comfort zone, I experienced a life on my own without my parents holding me by the hand. If I chose to stay home and attend a community college, I wouldn't have gotten the experience I did, I wouldn't have grown as much as I did. Being back at home going to a community college, I can see how I have changed, how much more disciplined and responsible I am. I know that the changes in me are from my experiences at Sonoma.

So far in college I have learned a lot about respecting other peoples? thoughts and views. I went into college from a high school that had minorities making up only two percent of the schools population. I chose to go to a community college to earn my A.A. so that I could save money. I quickly learned how the two percent of minorities must have felt at my high school, because I felt very out of place and like I was the only one like me there. It was a big adjustment for me to get used to going to a school that had minorities as the majority of the student population. Going to a school with people that were different from me gave me a new perspective on things. The other students would bring up topics and ideas in class that I would not have even thought to think about. Academically I am satisfied with the education I have received from my professors. I feel that I am ready to transfer to a University at the end of this semester. Overall, my experience at the community college has been pleasing.

I am actually just starting college, but for good reasson.I know that the economy is not going to give the jobs to uneducated people, so I need to further my education to keep up with the job market. I dropped out of high school to work full-time to help with the bills while living with my mother. I am now married and have kids to take care of, so I wake-up to look my motivation in the faces everyday.

Ever since I was little I knew I wanted to go to college. I wasn't sure what I wanted to study, but I knew that one day I would be a college student. I currently attend Alfred State where I am getting my Associates Degree in one year. It has been very difficult doing two years of college in one, but I have learned so much and met so many people that will be life long friends. I have become very independent and for once, I feel like my life is in my own hands. I am responsible for getting to my classes on time, doing well academically, and on the athletic fields. I love this new freedom and I wouldn't give it up for anything. College has really prepared me for the real world and I am so happy that I am able to have this experience.

College is something that I will never forget. It is the first time that I had to live on my own. It's where I first experienced so much. Major heart ache. First real job. First set of bills to pay. Clarion is a place where anyone and everyone gets to try something new and out of the ordinary for them. That's a good thing in this case. I couldn't imagine my life being as good (or as rough) as it is without being here. Sometimes, all of the trouble is worth it. Sometimes it's something that you want to experience. The skills I have learned here are things that will stay with me for the rest of my life. They will help me achieve my future goals and they will help me discover what exactly I would like from life. My friends, my professors, and even the people I never properly met, will be a part of my life forever. Attending Clarion may have been one of the smartest moves I have ever made. I am forever changed for the better. For that, I am grateful for college.

In attending college, it has helped me to realize who I really am. I have transformed from a young, shy, uneducated girl to this extrodinary, self-confident woman. College has not only helped my social skills but has increased my education as well. I take school very serious and look forward to continuing my education as far as I can. Knowledge is power, and power is key. People with little to no education will soon have no way of survival as opposed to those who are very well educated. I love learning, and I want to know as much as I possibly can. I want to be the best there is in my field. This award can help me achieve my dreams in what I want to become.

So far my college experience has been great. I love most of the classes for my early childhood and library science education. The proffessors are great and teach me a lot. I am on first name bases with a lot of them, which I really like because I feel like they know who I am as a person. Many of the organizations that I am currently in are interesting and helpful to the field. I really like completing observations and lesson plans. I feel like I am leaning towards a great career in the future.

What shall be said of the world I?ve entered into? There are five words of advice I give. Firstly, expect nothing to be handed to you. Grades, scholarships, activities, advice, jobs and friends all must be reached for. If you want them in you life, you have to strive for them. No teacher or parent is going to make you do it. Be self-motivated. Secondly, you are never alone. When things get tough, friends, family, resident assistants and professors are there to help you out. When you have questions, ask them. It?s less embarrassing to ask questions earlier than to make mistakes later. Thirdly, you reap what you sow. If make the effort to do what was assigned, you will do well. Every action will have its consequences, good or ill. Fourthly, blame yourself for failure, and thank everyone for success. If you do poorly, it?s no one?s fault but your own. If you do well, remember the advice of a professor or the friend who read your paper and be grateful to them. Fifthly, never procrastinate. No matter how much time you seem to have, it?s shorter than you think.

If i talked to myself last year as a senior, I would have told myself to study harder in math and know and understand the different methods and to get into a study habit. I would also tell myself to pay attention in classes more, and to work harder in every class to get the best grade as possible. More advice to myself would include that to keep your options open and expereince different activities in high school and to talk to different people and get to know different people. Other advice I would give myself, would be to get into a exercise program. By exercising, you are not only making your health better, but you are giving yourself more enregy during the day to go to class. In college students tend to gain weight, but if you have a program set up for yourself then you can manage your weight better, and feel better about yourself overall. It will also save you money from buying new clothes that fit.

If I could go back and talk to myself in high school about the road that lies ahead, I would have plenty of advice to give. First off, save ALL the money you make from now until after college. Second, don't be set on a major until you have researched and asked professionals in the field. And do so as soon as possible. Third, study even when you don't think you have anything to study. Fourth, talk to everyone in your classes. You'll be seeing those faces for the next four years. And most important, NEVER be afraid to ask questions.