Kutztown University of Pennsylvania Top Questions

If I could go back in time and speak to my younger self I would confirm that I did the right thing to follow my passion. Pursuing my language studies in Spanish and Chinese granted me such a wealth of knowledge that I feel more connected to the world and the people in it. I would, however, advise my eighteen-year-old self to be patient. I ought to have been more practical about affording college without parental help! There is more to a college education than the university name. Whether it be an Ivy League school or a community college, all that matters is the effort you put in! The degrees you can earn are merely the keys to achieving future careers and dreams. I would have liked to have started at a community college first before a private university. Had I made such a decision, I would not be faced with mounting student loan debt. In spite of my financial situation I have no regrets about studying foregin language. I would be sure to tell that young woman looking at colleges to not be fooled by prestige. I will make myself a teacher; not the university!

Old Shannon: "Hi, young me! Wow, you look good." Young Shannon: "Excuse me, ma’am. Like, do I know you?" Old Shannon: "All too well. I'm you 18 years from now, and I would like to chat with you about college." Young Shannon: "Well, most adults don't know what they're talking about. But, since you're me, I guess I could hear you out." Old Shannon: "My advice is to take a year off after graduation to travel. You see, I...you...we went to a very competitive university and proceeded to get very burned out. Sadly, we wished away our college experience. Hopefully, seeing the world will give you perspective and a better sense of yourself. Perhaps you'll even realize that nursing is our calling and you can earn the appropriate degree the first time around. I respect how hard you've worked, but it's time to start enjoying the journey. It will actually save you lots of time and money in the long run." Young Shannon: "You think so?" Old Shannon: "I know so. Oh, I almost forgot. Hang on to those hot pink Ray-Bans. They'll come back with a vengeance."

Thinking through my college experiences thus far, if I were to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would give myself irreplaceable advice: I would tell myself to stop worrying so much. In my senior year, I spent countless nights worrying about making the transition from high school to college, especially as I had been attending a cyber charter school for half of my school experience. I wondered what it would be like to be put back in a real brick-and-mortar school building; would I be able to pay apt attention to my professors, and what would making friends be like? In some ways, I just wanted to remain a kid for a little bit longer. Now, having experienced college, I would go back and tell myself that there is nothing to worry about, and that I would adjust fine, if not better, than my peers, because of my cyber charter school experience and the responsibility it inspired. Above all, I would tell myself that college is a new and wonderful experience that I will absolutely love, as it will allow me to grow much as a person.

If I could go back and give my high school self advice I would say several things. I would tell myself to go outside of my comfort zone. The most beneficial things I have done in college happened because I stepped out of my box and tried something new. I would also tell myself to not always be a people pleaser. If you do not feel comfortable in a situation, remove yourself from it. It is much more important to feel safe and comfortable than it is to please someone else. I would also tell myself to embrase the diverse atmosphere. The diversity on a college campus is very similar to the workforce and I have come to realize that I have benefited from being in such a diverse are and a college that celebrates individual difference.

I would give myself the advice about studying ahead of time for a test since in high school I would put it off until the last minute. Also I would tell myself that I just have to do the best that I can do since I am no other person than myself

College has made me open my eyes and realize that I actually have a future In this world. I could actually make a difference In someone elses life by going to school and learning so I can help others.

Out of my college experience I have learned that no one is going to always be there to give you a push. You have to be you're primary source of inspiration. College is a whole different ball game than college and if you're not careful you will strike out sooner than you planned. During my stay at Kutztown Univeristy I have leraned a valuable lesson when it comes to this ball game. Play fierce and play hard!

As a young teenager growing up in a poor Hispanic community, thoughts about going to college were never provoked. Looking back now, I can see how my surrounding influences were everything but educational. I had focused more on unfruitful activities in which one could expect a young teenager to be part of. I started working at the age of 13 and pursued unrealistic goals that negatively affected me at the end. Reality hit me at age 21. I returned to school with a huge motivation and determination. I knew exactly what I wanted to pursue and never felt more confident in my life. Since then, I have married, moved away from my hometown, and just finished my Associates Degree. I am excited for the new adventure my life is taking and plan to finish my Bachelor’s degree in History at UCF. I must say having college experience is much more than I had ever expected. It has given me great confidence in my work and social experience. I am able to relate academically with others and hold intellectual conversations. I believe that seeking education is what makes an individual better professionally and gives individuals opportunity for a quality life.

Although I have only been enrolled for one semester, going into my second, attending college has been so rewarding for me. I went to Kutztown knowing no one from my highschool, and have already made some long lasting friendships. I've always been a quiet person and this school has helped me feel comfortable in expressing my personal views, and being able to expand my horizons. Kutztown, as well as any other school, has really helped me to gain a great sense of repsonsibility. Not only am I responsible for getting my work done, but also doing basic things around our dorm. With this first semester I was also able to gain some friendships with a few of my professors, not only in my major, and they are always willing to help. This College has given me not only a step in the right direction but a leap; I cannot wait to see what the rest of my years here at Kutztown will have to offer.

My college experience beyond providing me with a foundational education has also helped me to grow overall as a person. This is in regards to relying on myself and learning how to navigate through life as an individual. Additionally, my college experience provided me with oportunities I otherwise would not have been exposed to, such as study abroad. I believe it is valuable to attend, because it is always admirable to be a continuous learned, but also because the possibilities are endless when you open your mind and heart to education and experiencing others.