Fontbonne University Top Questions

As a wife and mother for the last fifteen years, my life has been given a new dimension as a student. As I pursue my degree in Social Work I am thrust into new and strangely wonderful environments. I have stepped out side my comfort zone and learned more about myself. Participating in groups and classes I would have shied away from has changed my thoughts and ideas about education and community. Being encouraged to work collaboratively with people from other countries has given me chances to learn about other cultures, new ideas and alternative solutions. Working with individuals from other countries has disproved my preconceptions about age and culture. I feel confident all of these experiences will enhance the knowledge I am accumulating in regards to the field of Social Work. I know each day I will be challenged with new issues testing my critical thinking skills. I will undoubtedly meet people from all walks of life that are struggling with all types of difficulties. Service learning has enriched my life and built strong connections to my community. The tools I develop from these experiences allow me to serve our community in a real way.

When I first graduated from high school I was very "burnt out" on school. It wasn't until I was 22, working full time as a hair stylist and coming home every day feeling unhappy and unfulfilled that I finally realized how valuable having a college education could be. As a speech and Language Pathology major, I am extremely excited to get to work with preschoolers and help them be more well prepared to face life both in and out of the classroom. I used to dislike going to school. I did not enjoy getting out of bed early to attend class, had a poor attention span, and just had a total lack of interest in the sunject matter. However, now that I feel that I have finally found my "calling" in life, I am not only happy, but excited to go to school. It has taken me a long time to get to where I am today, and I hope that anyone who is not sure of what they want to major in, will hang in there and realize that in the end it is all worth it!

I gotten out the college experience that many people come from different paths of life. Some people success others don't. In the end human kind is known to do one thing, which is to survive. I learn not to give up on your dreams. In the end, you have to live your life for yourself. What counts the most is the support you get to keep contine striving to be better than who you already are. Some people get a chance to make their lives better. When you get the oppuranity take it and never let go.

I have gotten a value of education, a sense of community and a drive to be successful. I have had two children while attending Fontbonne and still have been able to keep pushing with the support of my family, friends and Fontbonne. Without the support of my school I don't think that I would have been able to move into my graduate program at Fontbonne. This school has also taught me to think outside the box, never be afaird to try or pursue other adventures. Fontbonne has also set me up for the current life and issue we live in. I absolutely love Fontbonne!

My college experience has been very valuable when it comes to my family. I am the second to receive a bachelor's degree in my family and this makes my mother and children proud. I also value my six year old daughter seeing me walk across the stage when I graduate because I instill in her that an education beyond a highschool diploma is important for a successful career. During my college experience I have lived on campus, and met many wonderful people. I have walked acres and acres of land over the years, carried hundreds of pounds of books, and seen myself push to get the best grades I could possibly receive. I have gotten to know who I am, what I can achieve and then see that I can actually do even better than that. I love having the opportunity to attend college and when I think of not getting to have this experience I wonder where would I have been and if I would have anything to value as much as I do as my education.

I am so appreciative of my opportunity to go to college. Not many people who are in their thirties, work full-time and own a home are able to quit their job to return to school. I have learned tools that will help me empower others when I become a dietitian. I have great mentors, professors, who are passionate and excited and inspire the same in the students, in me. I'm a changed person; college has educated me but also expanded my view of the world. Once I graduate, I have a moral responsibility to help those who couldn't afford my services otherwise. When I was eighteen I went to college for a brief period of time because that is what others expected. When I came back in my thirties it was because I wanted to. It took years of me working at unfulfilling jobs for me to realize that college was going to get me to my goals. I want to inspire others who are considering going back to school but think they are too old. We are never too old to learn, grow and become better and more responsible citizens.

During my college experience I have lifetime friends, and meet wonderful people from all around the world. I have been in course where the professors have allowed me to think for myself, and also be able to provide positive feedback to my peers when needed. I have also been a part of a community, an organization that has a lot of history behind it. I have been able to take responsibility for myself, to think and be treated as an adult, but more importantly an equal. It has been valuable for me to attend Fontbonne University because I come from a background where no one even finished high school, and I am the first generation to receive my high school diploma, and attend college, all coming from an environment where I was told that my dreams and goals were impossible. I am completely proud of myself and I want to continue to grow as a student, a woman, and most importantly a person. Thank you.

I'm learning alot and it's very exciting.

In my college experience I've gained a better sense of my goals and plans for the future. I've learned more about myself and what I want to acheive to have a happy successful life. I feel like I actually learn things in my classes that will be relevant when I am starting my career. The teachers generally want us to succeed and encourage us to stand out and be the best. It has really pushed me to release my potential. I feel like I am a more powerful person and have more control over my future. I've made friends that are a positive influence on my life. I have always felt at Fontbonne that I am in a safe place. It is an oasis from my outside life and a place where I can be myself. I dont' feel like a "nerd" for wanting to spend hours in the library and the friends that I've made here have the same interests and similar goals. My academic advisor, my teachers, various staff members that work in the library and research centers, and my fellow students are now my cheering section for my life. We can all succeed!

I have a great deal of vaulable experecnces from colloege, as I'm returning to school after 10 years. Althought, I started my education journy years ago, it is important that I return and complete. My great experences, 10 yaers ago such as not taking for granted time. Class, study, and test time management; are very important. Class prepareness, being ready with all materials for class and lecture. Proper note taking, and communticating with instructors, allowing them to asst you with information you dont understand, are just giving clearity to a missassumtion in class, school, or campus policy. Hard work and detemination is the most important expenece, hopfully indurence too,... the end will be the greatest reward.