Florida State University Top Questions

My university has given me so many great experiences and I have only been here for a couple of months. Being away from home for the first time gave me a new sense of independence. Back where I am from my friends that stayed at the local university live the same way they did in high school, sure they have matured since then but they still do the same things and experience the same events. It is so monotonous. The university that I chose to go to is eight hours away from home so I can fully experience the liberating independence offered by a university. I choose when I do everything! Study, eat, sleep, get back home, etc. I don’t have to wait on my parents to decide or to allow me to do anything and let me tell you, it is an invigorating feeling! All the new friends, new ways of studying, and new ways of interacting with the world as well as many other things here have profoundly affected me and changed me into a more well rounded and self-sufficient person. I thank Florida State University for this life changing part of my life.

I have gained a better understanding of who I am, and the things that can be accomplished through hard work, and dedication. It has helped me to gain a prospective on what is needed for me to achieve my goals of becoming a Supply Chain Professional. Returning to college has been valuable to me in many ways, but most importantly how it has affected my family. My three girls really never cared about their education, and doing well in school was not a top priority. No matter what I tried to make them see the importance of having an education, and doing well in school they would just roll their eyes at me and state, “whatever!” When I announced to my family that I would be returning to school to earn my degree, they were shocked. My daughters asked, “Dad why are you going back to school? You already have a job.” After that I let them know that it is not about having a job, but about setting goals to better yourself, and doing something you enjoy doing. After returning to school, my girls have worked harder at their education, and at achieving their own future goals.

The college experience is often labeled as “the best years of your life” or as I like to call it “the leap into manhood”. Being in a college campus is very different to being in high school in many ways, whether it is the people, the professors, the classes, or even the food. Each teaches a different set of rules and skills that are necessary later on in life. What college has taught me that high school did not was the thin line between responsibility and purpose. Being a college campus it can be difficult to focus on academics when there are so many other things to do like joining clubs, doing intramurals, or just simply walking around the campus meeting new people. While I enjoy doing all of the above, I enjoy even more sticking to my purpose of someday becoming a cardiologist, which in part leads to the responsibility to do well in school. This campus has taught me that no matter how easy it is to lose focus on a goal or purpose, holding on to responsibility and determination makes it much possible to stay on track. This for me, is a very valuable lesson.

My college experience completely shaped who I am as a young adult. I learned values and skills at FSU that will stay with me throughout my life. At first, the sheer size of the school, both the campus and the population, overwhelmed me, but I quickly made friends and got into the groove of campus life. I took classes that were totally out of my comfort zone, like oceanography and comparative politics, and discovered that I loved them. I went to events I never would have attended otherwise, such as concerts, sports games, seminars, masterclasses, fitness classes, and midnight movies. In high school, I was shy and quiet. My experience at college brought me out of my shell and molded me into a confident, outgoing person. I joined a service organization and made friends with people from all different ethnic, social and economic backgrounds. During my sophomore year of college, my older brother passed away. The support I received from faculty and friends was incredible. I will never forget the professor who personally tutored me during that impossibly hard time of my life and helped me pass her class with flying colors. My experiences at FSU have been indescribably valuable.

What have I gotten out of my college experience? Wow, that seems like such a simple question but in my case it has many ways to answer it. When I put a foot on a class, I thought I knew it all; since back in my country I was always honors, I thought it would be a piece of cake. Unfortunately, it was not like I imagined. The pre requisite classes were easy; however, the classes that pertained to my program were much more difficult. I was always a loner, but that changed fast because in the program you need to be able to accept help from others and help others. I was always the person who learned things by just memorizing them and always got As, seemed to work by the time, but in life it did'nt. Being in college and having the teachers I had helped me to rationalize and be able to understand things better than just memorizing them. Being in college gave me the confidence to go to the next step and be able to perform what I have studied this time and be able to go to another school to improve my education.

I have gotten out of my college experience the chance to meet amazing friends. I have had the opportunity to further my education and to get a job that I love that will support me. It has been so valuable to me to be able to attend college because I am the first person in my family to go away to college. I am the first person to be able to experience this and I appreciate it so much.

I received guidance to becoming the person I am today. In highschool I was judged for being a little nerdy and not having the newest clothing but in college I learned that I was simply misunderstood. I can share my views and opinions freely with people who are open and interested in learning and expanding their views. I have gained life long friends with people who share my views and passions. I have found pride in myself to be a well rounded student. I gained confidence to put myself out there for people to get to know me and to get to know others as well. College has changed my perception of the world and I understand that my purpose is more than to get a job and make a bunch of money. I have learned that success is determined solely by how much I believe I can acheive my goals and aspirations.

I have been privileged to attend college after moving to the United States from a war ridden country. The thing that I believe is most valuable that I have received from my college education is the amazing opportunity to join clubs that focus on charitable events. I have been fortunate enough to join several clubs that allow me to give back to my community and it has given my life more value I beleive. I know that I am better off having a college education because it allows me to expand my knowlege on several different subjects and levels.

Since I have been back in college I have noticed from my experience you have to be emotionally and mentally capable to withstand college. I've learned that it is up to you if you truly want to make it to your goal that you have to fully apply yourself and not joke around because if you close your eyes to long graduation will be around the corner and you may not even be ready. College is valuble because it truly teaches you how to deal with everyday life and how the real workforce operates in society.

FSU continues to amaze me. The spirit that courses through this campus is unparalled to any I've experienced at any other school. It lights up the stadium until it blazes garnet and gold; it binds the community one seminole at a time; it turns students into chiefs. Not to mention, I am learning more, hands on, in my major than most students do. I am building props, painting sets, hanging lights, helping with mics. I am helping with mainstages and building my resume, so that when I go out into the work force, I will be prepared. I can show the world that I am seminole, and I have the spirit, drive, and skills to suceed.