Kimberly
College is not just a learning experience in the academic sense only. College is a life experience. It's sort of a phasing period from being a child and having your parents to take care of you to a period where you learn to be responsible for yourself. It's also a period where you learn about yourself and who and what you want to be. You are mixed in with people from all walks of life. Sometimes this strengthens your beliefs and at other times it makes you aware of new beliefs. College is a growing experience; academically, spiritually, and personally.
Teresa
I have learned that no matter where people come from, it is important to look past the stereotypes and see the person inside. The diversity among the women that attend Columbia College is unmeasurable, but I feel that it has made me a better person, able to bridge the gaps and build relationships with people that are different from me.
Chidonna
My college experience is invaluable. The experience served as the womb in which I developed into a strong, independent woman of integrity. I gained the academic and practical knowledge necessary to become an excellent educator. In 1994, I earned my Bachelor of Arts Degree in Early Childhood Education. However, the academic component was just one part of the college experience.
In addition to pedagogy, I learned to be a well rounded woman. In college I became much more of an extravert. I was involved in student government, the college choir, cultural diversity organizations, and served on numerous panels and committees. I also learned to relate to my peers in new ways. Living in the dorm with women from all walks of life gave me the opportunities to forge friendships that I would have never forged otherwise.
Nothing can compare to the college experience; it remains the best time of my life. My undergraduate studies provided me with the knowledge and the opportunity for social growth. I would have never reached my level of success were it not for college.
CELIA
WELL THIS WILL BE MY FIRST TIME ATTENDING COLLEGE AND I HOPE TO GRADUATE ON TIME. I AM THE BABY IN THE FAMILY AND I WAS THE FIRST PERSON TO GRAUDATE HIGH SCHOOL WITH A DIPLOMA. I HAVE THE HELP OF MY PARENTS BUT THEY AIN'T MAKING ENOUGH MONEY AT LEAST TO HELP PAY FOR MY CLASSES OR MY TEXT BOOKS. TOO ME, IT WOULD BE VALUABLE TO ATTEND BECAUSE I CAN JUST FOCUS ON SCHOOL AND HAVING FUN WITH ALL OF MY CLASSES. AND IT WOULD ALSO MEAN ALOT TO MY PARENTS AND THEY WOULD BE PROUD OF ME.
Chyna
From the moment i started attending college, i saw a new scene. In high school, one is sheltered, but in college, one is able to explore anything. I first met new people. People from different backgrounds, different perspectives, different attitudes. Everyone was different and i have learned to embrace everyone with open arms. As well as the people, i can honestly say i have learned infromation that i can connect to. College has made me excited to see what the future holds for me, both short and long term.
Many people go to college because they believe they have to go for a successful life; this is true, but i have decided to go to college to learn more knowledge, and find the answers to questions i have always had. Given this statement, everyday is a new learning experience for me. Everyday i realize something that may or may not be important to my career but my over all goal is to learn as much as i can. College has given me this.
The value of college is not only in the degree, but is also in the openmindedness it has given me and the knowledge i have gained.
Kimberly
Although I have only been in college for three months, my college experience has been invaluable. I have learned to make my own decisions. Decisions that may or may not be the right one, then I learn from my mistakes. Going away to college makes you grow up; makes you appreciate what you had and envelops what you want out of your life. I want to be a medical examiner. I can't do that without an education - not only academically but emotionally. Learning to take care of myself, learning what I do or say have consequences good or bad. All of this is life lessons.
Joshua
It has been a wild ride going through college. I can't put into words how much I appreciated the chance to be able to go to college. It was hard and very tireing doing all the classes; sometimes I was overwhelmed by the magnitude of all that was put before me. College was indeed a very different experience from my High School years, and there were times that I longed for the simple classes from High School. I've gotton a real sense of strength from my classes that I am taking here in college, it has helped me to appreciate properly the amount of studying that is required to pass these classes with excellence. These experiences will help me to continue on in my education.
Renee
Going through my short college experience has taught me one important thing; to speak up! In high school, I never was the one to say what was on my mind, I just hunched my shoulders, lower my head and walked through the halls. College has taught me to stand up straight and say what I have to say.
Nicole
I have not been in college for that long but so far I have learned responsibility and time management. I think these to things will come into play and be helpful when I start my career.
Katie
I've gotten social skills from my college experience. As a student coming into college with adequate studying skills, I wasn't all too shocked with the workload and the strategies for passing classes. That came easily to me. What was difficult was making friends. No matter what anyone says around here, cliques do form, and they form within the first few days of college. If I wanted to be able to eat lunch with company every day, I had to make ties with people, which does and doesn't come naturally to me. On one side, I'm good at talking to people. But, on the other, I have difficulty making that into a friendship rather than just a conversation. Being pushed into a new environment forced me to adapt and find my way with creating close friendships, which will carry me the rest of my life. Skills for making money and obtaining information are important aspects of adult life, too, but the ability to form close bonds is something I certainly will not take for granted.
Sherrol
I have gotten friendship that will last a life time.
Mackenzie
I have not had a good college experience thus far... I attend community college as a full time student and also work full time. My experience could be compared to taking high school level classes that I have to pay for. I endeavor to maintain a high GPA and my commitment to my job. I suppose you could say that the value I've learned from these experiences would be balance. I have had to prioritize things and carefully manage not only my time but also a budget. There are college students who haven't learned the personal responsibility I've learned from attending community college. I hope to gain more opportunities out of college once I transfer to a four year university.
Ana
I've gotten a sense of independence and leadership, confidence and self-esteem that allows me to do anything I put my mind to without thinking I should stand back and let others lead me. I can do anything and I will make all my dreams come true and I don't need anyone holding my hand on the way to the top because I've learned how to make my own path. These lessons have been and still are very valuable to me, I love being so strong-minded and independent, it makes more confident in my abilities.
Raynell
Well, first of all, while you are in high school, take as many courses as you can before you graduate. It might be tough, but the best thing about it is when you are in college and you get all of your requrired courses out of the way, you have way more time for fun than trying to get all of your classes that you need at the last second. Also, get into what you really want to do when you get out of high school. Changing your major in college is not a good idea since it could make you stay in school longer and spend even more money for school and no one wants that. Also, be sure to ask as many questions as you can think of when you are in college. It is a possiblity that you may get assigned to a person who does not know their jobs and this may cause you to fall behind in college because that person gave you the wrong information. Last thing that I am going to say is to have lots of fun in school, and skip any years in school to take a break off.
Brittany
Hey Brittany it's you Brittany, enjoy this year but most of all focus on your dreams and career. The hard part of high school is pretty much done and come next year it will be freshman year. Focus on what you love to do not what you thinks gonna make you a lot of loot. When you get to college thats pretty much it from now on if you work hard you will be on the road to sucess. College is pretty much like high school just bigger classes and more freedom. Your on your own in the bigg world you have to deppend on your self and pretty much nobody else. Your a grown up now doin grown up things you will meet lots of peolpe also doing interesting things. Other than that dont stress it to much school is pretty much what you make it. Just study hard and buckel down and always do your best. And every thing else will follow dont you stress. Stay focused and motivated and i know when you go to college you will make it.
Laura
I would tell myself to calm down and stop stressing out. Just remember to study, eat right, and that sleep is a lot more important than you think it is. Get lots of it, you're going to need it. Above all else remember that, everyhting is going to turn out fine. There is nothing here that you cannot handle. Also get to the cafeteria before nine in the morings or all the good food is gone and you're going to be left with nothing.
Stephanie
I would tell myself not to worry so much about making friends, having a roommate, or having hard classes. I realized that I worried a little bit too much before I started school. Although there are some impolite, mean people in the world, most people are respectful and kind if you show them respect and kindness. As for having hard classes, just do your best and definitely stay organized. Keep a notebook or agenda with your classes, homework, meetings, etc. listed. Sticky notes also help to remind you of important dates. Instructors and professors are pleased with students who turn their work in on time and neatly. Also, do not be afraid to ask questions if you do not understand the assignment or a concept.
Charlesa
I would tell myself to go to bed early so that I get enough rest to stay awake during my morning classes. Also I would advise myself to eat three meals a day. Along with that I would make sure I tell myself to keep in touch with family and close friends. But I will also do more to make friends and get involved in school avtivites. And I would tell myself never give up no matter how hard it gets or how much I feel like I will not succeed.
Megan
If I was to go back in time, I would tell myself to stay focus in my study. I would also tell myself to not put off school and that I could do anything I set my mind to. Another thing is to always give 110 percent.
Heather
Start a savings acoount with interest and work harder for scholarships. You do not want this 10,000 student loan. Also, your SC tution grant will get cut. Just work on scholarships everyday; never stop filling out forms. Doing laundry at college is going to be very expensive, but you will find a way to earn enough money to survivie . One more thing, never give up on your ablity to make friends. This will be your best school-year ever!