College of Saint Benedict Top Questions

What should every freshman at College of Saint Benedict know before they start?

Johanna

So far, by attending the College of Saint Benedict I have gained a broad education, one that not only comes from textbook knowledge, but one that has come from real-life situations and experiences. My school provides countless opportunities for me to expand my horizons and try new things, and I take full advantage of those opportunities. When I combine these experiences with the knowledge I have obtained from my classes, I see that I have become a well-rounded and experienced person, one who can make judgments based on past experiences and use them to move forward in life and career. My professors do all that they can to give me the knowledge and exact type of education that I need to get my dream job, and they are some of the most inspiring people I have ever met. I cannot imagine my life not as a student, but I know my teachers will help me get to the point where I am ready for my field of work. Attending Saint Ben's has been the most valuabe decision I have ever made for myself and my eduation.

Theodore

Throughout my continued education I have learned how important it is to be responsible. It is so easy to take the easy way out and not do the things you should be doing but rather the things that you want to do. There are so many distractions going on at college and no one to get on you about doing what is good for you except yourself. Being responsible didn’t come easy for me either it was a hard battle that I still fight everyday. Being married has helped me out a lot with this problem. I have a wonderful wife that makes me want to do better not just for myself but also for the two of us. I have set my goals and have thought long and hard about how to get to them and it all comes back down to being responsible enough to make the right decisions as they come along and keep myself on track.

Nicole

This will be my first year in college. I think it will be valuable because it is my first real experience on my own. I will be moved out of my parents' house and living with a complete stranger. I will become more independent and learn to adjust to a much simpler life on campus. I will meet many new people and take a step toward the rest of my life and what I will someday be doing.

Nancy

I learned three main things during my college experience. The first and biggest learning was how to set a large, lengthy goal and work towards achieving it while still maintaining the same ?deadline? or graduation date despite potentially derailing changes that occur along the way. The second learning was the meaning of true friends who stand by you no matter what. The third learning was how to take responsibility as an adult for your actions and decisions. The value I received for attending college is priceless because obtaining my degree has allowed me opportunities in the professional world that I hadn?t even dreamed of as a student.

Kate

College was one of the smartest things I have ever done thus far in my life. I got so much out of my experience. I was able to study abroad twice, exposing me to experiences and places that I may never be able to explore again in such safe, guided and affordable ways. In college I learned about aspects of history, culture, science and religion that contributes to my life daily, making me a much more well rounded, well spoken person. The professors become mentors, roommates become best friends, classmates become collegues and cohorts in your career paths. I choose a major that has a high employment rate and have never had a problem obtaining employment due to my completion of my degree. Another value of attending college is that it shows yourself and future employers that you are a person who can commit youself long-term to a goal and achieve it. It shows that you encounter many challenges and may desire to quit, but that you are someone who can see it to the end. That is something no one can take away and always something to be proud of, no matter the major or degree earned.

Stephanie

I have strengthened my ability to live independently and have gained confidence in making my own decisions and in the knowledge I have. I have grown as an individual and have found the strength to start to pave the path that leads me through the rest of my life. I have found comfort in knowing that I do not know everything and I shouldn't necessarily know everything. I have found support among friends, fellow students and faculty. All these things have helped me grow as a person and find what kind of person I want to be in life. The support has helped me work through difficult times and helped me realize that I can accomplish what I want. The confidence I have gained will forever be with me as I pursue the many obstacles that I'm sure life will throw at me.

Jacki

Most importantly CSB/SJU taught me how to learn. In my final semester, I made a shoe entirely of masking tape, read several works from the Spanish Golden Age (in spanish), worked on financial statements, and read U.S. Supreme Court cases. The liberal arts education teaches how to think in different ways. I graduated from CSB with a spanish major; now I am a law student. CSB/SJU well prepared me for law school and not just because I took Constitutional Law. I think that the other classes I took better prepared me for law school. I was forced to think in different ways to find a solution for a problem; Golden Age literature taught me to read slowly, critically and analytically as it is very easy to miss something in 15th century literature that is not written in your primary language, 3-D Art taught me to look at problems from a different angle to find a solution that works, accounting taught me a bit about the business world, and Constitutional Law taught me how to read court cases. All of this, combined with previous semesters taught me how to adapt my learning skills to nearly all circumstances.

Alexandra

I would tell myself to not forget about my family. As a high school senior the number one thought is getting out of the house and living on your own. It's taking advantage of the support that has been within arms reach for the past eighteen years. As obnoxious as it was with being questioned everyday of my whereabouts and my personal life, it comes to be something I am sad I don't hear everyday. When I have a bad day, I don't have my mom making me dinner and sitting down to talk, I don't have my little sisters smiling face to make the day a little bit better. I have made great friends up at school, but nothing will compare to my family at home. I would tell myself to not take advantage of them.

Anna

There are two things that you should know before heading off for your first semester of college. First, school does come before fun?or at least it should. If you get your assignments done before you allow yourself to read magazines, play computer games, or stay up late watching movies with friends, it will take a lot of pressure off you, and you?ll feel a lot better about yourself. Some people, including you, do work well under pressure, but that?s not a good reason to procrastinate. You?ll feel a lot better if you get all your homework done in time for a good night?s sleep! Second, don?t worry about finding friends at college. You?ll meet new people almost every day. Some will become your friends, and some will never want to get to know you. You will even meet some who seem friendly at first, but who will disappoint you in the end. Don?t go looking for a boyfriend or girlfriend. Use your time at college to discover all the wonderful people out there. You may end up becoming great friends with someone you previously thought you?d never get along with.

Rebecca

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a senior, I would have to reassure myself of a lot of things. First, I would reassure myself that I made the right decision in choosing the College of Saint Benedict. I would also need to tell myself that I could handle college life, college classes and all the great things it has for me and to also enjoy the time I had left to spend with high school friends and my family. I would have to tell myself that I'm not going to loose any of those friendships that really matter to me, only add new ones. I would tell myself to get excited for my new life and to not be bothered by minor hiccups in my plan. Overall, I would need to tell myself to relax, take a deep breath, and jump. Thank you for concidering me for this scholarship and giving me a reason to reflect on my life.

Helen

Considering what to say when talking to one's self in the past is never a simple proposition. After completing two years of college, I learned more than I could have ever imagined about myself and the ways in which I learn. The best piece of advice I could give myself as a high school senior would be to encourage myself to get involved in as many activities in college outside of just the bare minimum for class work. The college experience is only as good as the time and energy you put into it, and I failed to do this as much as I should have when I began college. In my second year of college, I started to get involved in clubs and organizations, but I believe that doing so earlier would have made my entire college experience that much better. College can be just be a few years spent with the express goal of earning a degree, but if you get involved in the campus and community, it can be a completely enriching experience, but you only can get that out of college if you start by getting involved.

Stephanie

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would say many things. First I would tell my self that everyone feels homesick. Just stick it out, meet new people, and everything will get better. It just takes time. The more time you spend at school and away from home the better. The second thing I would say is to study. A lot. Good grades come more difficulty in college and you have to work hard for them, but don't give up. The last thing I would say is to get involved. Enjoy what your college has to offer, and getting involved can help you meet new people and give you new experiences.

Caitlin

If I could go back in time I would tell myself to approach college life with an open mind. The points that I have found least successful in my college career so far were caused by giving myself limitations and attachments to ideas and people that held me back. I would want to remind myself that in the college transiton, and in every aspect of life, you should always allow yourself to grow without losing site of yourself. Maintain your identity without holding yourself back, and maintain relationships with those around you without giving up your own goals.

Monica

Transitions require effort, but if you submit yourself to the experience and have a positive attitude the transition from high school to college will come more naturally. Accept that life will be different and try to welcome your new lifestyle. Take advantage of opportunities that move you out of your comfort zone and allow you to meet new people. Make new friends but keep the old ones. Be open to taking risks. Working hard will be important, but having fun is also essential to successfully transition. Balancing your wants and needs is crucial. College will not be easy, but it is more than worth the effort. Live for the present because tomorrow is always a day away.

Bethany

The main thing a student should look for in the right college for them is one that they really want to attend. They need to go to a college for themselves and not for what others want for them. The student should care less about cost and more about what they really want from college. They should go for the location they want and the type of education they desire. The student needs to look into their desired major and weigh whether or not the school is a good choice for education in that major. The student also needs to keep in mind that they will be spending a substantial amount of time on campus, and should therefore like the look and feel of the campus. The student needs to be able to picture him or herself being on that campus to learn and live. To make the most out of a college experience, the student must participate in the school activies. Interacting with those at the school will make the experience the most worth while, and help that individual meet others that will make a huge impact in their lives.

Sara

Your Future! Searching for your college is no easy task, So many questions you will need to ask. The perfect college fit is what you will need That has the tools to help you succeed. You should look online before you go, A bit about each campus is best to know. Start early to visit is the biggest clue, Check out the places appealing to you. Take your time to check them all out, Ask lots of questions if you have any doubt. Stay overnight to get a good feel, Stay in a dorm and see if it?s real. Is it welcoming, safe, how?s the class size? Important questions to realize Are there activities offered that look like fun? Dances, plays and clubs for everyone? Weekend trips you might enjoy a lot? Will the weather be cold or will it be hot? Are your values echoed, does it feel right Or do the actions of students give you a fright? What about the major you will need to decide? Ask about the professors you will have to abide! Would you be excited to start there anew? That?s how it should be as it?s all about you!

Taylor

The best advice I could give for finding the right college and making the most of the college experience is to find a school that makes you feel most at home. If your campus doesn't contain anything that fits your likes and hobbies, then the college experience won't be as great. It is important to find a school with a good program that suits your major as well. However, you most likely won't do as well with your studies if you don't feel comfortable and at home. Attending a college that is the best "fit" is very important and should be one of the most considered objectives when searching for a school. With a campus where you can be yourself, as well as learn from other students, is one that will lead to a great college experience and memories you will never forget.

Anna

You'll know the right school when you step on campus. If you can't afford it, try and find scholarships and aid. Don't go into a huge amount of debt to attend your "dream school" as an undergrad. Instead, pick the next best option, you can save that "dream school" for your graduate degree when, most likely, they'll be paying you to attend.

Katherine

It is important to find an institution that will help one grow academically and as a person. Individuals should seek out schools that provide challenging programs in their area of study, but also offer a wide range of campus activities. Also, one should visit the campus to make sure it is a place they can see themselves fitting in. Most often your first impression of the school will be able to tell you if it is place you can love and grow.

Greta

Inturmural raquetball on Monday, environmental awareness club on Tuesday, free movie night on Wednesday, work study on Thursday night, frat party on Friday...sounds like you've got a full schedule. As you know, most Colleges will offer a multitude of activities to get involved with on campus, in addition to all the things you and your friends come up with. However, the biggest activity in my opinion should always be what you're at school for: to learn, grow, and develop yourself. As a new student to college life, it's easy to do enough to get by, especially with so much going on. Don't let yourself get too caught up in it. If anything, get caught up in your schoolwork. Challenge yourself, even if you don't feel challenged enough by your teachers. Do an extra project, ask questions, start a study group, go all-out on a project...whatever it may be. Just know that when you walk away after four years, your life begins...and and the more you know about yourself, the subjects you studied, and anything else you may have taken with you along the way, the better start you'll have.