Minnesota State University Moorhead Top Questions

When I was in high school, I was the art kid in a small town. So of course, everyone would stare at my work and say things like “You’re so good!” and I wasn’t able to receive valuable critique. I was always afraid that I was just big in a small town, and that when I got to college I would get discouraged or feel I wasn’t good enough to have a career in art. Now that I am here, I know that is not the case. My professors have shown me my strengths and weaknesses in art and I have improved so much. Instead of feeling depressed after critique, I learn a little each time. In fact, feedback from professors and success in my classes has inspired me to start thinking about illustration as another career option. I have always been set on graphic design, but now that I’m here I see many opportunities lying before me. Overall, MSUM has encouraged me to be enthusiastic about art and the choices I have, and to work hard to achieve my dreams. I can’t wait to see what the future brings!

I have only completed one semester of college thus far, but I have learned so much already. I've gained new friends and going to school gave me an outlet to start over. I tackled many obstacles such as moving out, getting a job, and being on my own. Going to college has given me the opportunity to grow intelectually and physically. I gained some good study and work habits. I am much smarter with how I spend my money as well. College is very valuable. I have seen the change in who I am as a person. It gives me something to work towards, which would be a career. I've been able to see that my parents work hard for their money, and I've gained much more respect for my family. I also live in the dorms and have learned to accomodate with others and try my best to be easy to get along with. College is honestly the best thing I have ever done in my life.

I have majored in anthropology since day 1 of college, and it's been worth every minute. I am very fact-based, preferring to debate my professors and peers instead of accepting fallacious logic. But what I get from the debate, especially in class where everyone can discuss and work to a common goal, is critical thinking skills. I am very active in international student organizations, of which there are many on campus, and I have friends all over the world who have exposed me to many different viewpoints. I believe the world is full of bad ideas, and I want to use the holistic methods of reasoning I have learned in my education to replace those bad ideas with good ones. I want to understand other cultures, and fully intend on experiencing them firsthand.

Getting the most out of a college experience is important, and already I feel I will be getting the most out of mine because of the University I chose. Minnesota State University Moorhead has provided me with opportunities that weren't even offered to me in high school. I have been given a chance to study topics that interest me and that keep me wanting to learn, with professors who try to get to know me as an individual-- even with a class size of over sixty students (which I'm happy to say is my largest class). My time here has helped to reinforce my decision to get a degree in Music Industry (a unique program to MSUM) as I am already taking courses that will help me succeed in this field- and it fascinates me. The opportunites that MSUM has provided me far surpass the opportunites I had in high school, and with the help of the encouraging professors and my fellow students, I feel I have made the right choice in coming to MSUM-- not only to further my education, but to teach me the skills to be successful in everything I do.

I always hold fast to what a very wise professor once said, and I belive in it whole heartedly. He said that education turns people into human beings.

My college experience has been the foundation for personal and professional growth. It began when I was 18 years old and has continued for 30 years in the field of nursing and now education. Coursework in nursing gave me the background knowledge and skills to care for the person in body, mind and spirit. Seventeen years later, the change to K-12 educational studies led me to further understand the process of effectively facilitating children's learning. Studies in both fields complimented one another and led to a greater understanding of the role multiple disciplines have in the education of children and the support of their families. Persons in areas of health, education, social services, counseling and educational leadership collaborate to create the support for children, families, and one another's professional growth. My continued college experiences have been supported by colleagues, the children and families I work with, as well as my own family. It has been a self-fulfilling experience that has been self-directed and transformational. My continued studies will enable me to assist other adults in fulfilling their interests and purpose through education, ultimately using my philosophy in education to reach more elementary students and families.

My college experience has been valuable to me because it's been very flexible with my schedule when I had my daughter. Now I'm in a full-time program and it's very hands on and has helped me learn much more than just sitting in a classroom.

What I have gotten out of my college experience is that education is a major key to success. I'm working hard to be the best that I can be. I also pay for my college education myself. I have gotten over fears of giving speeches infront of a crowd because the class does not judge who you were but who you are going to be. I believe that everyone should attend college because the more you can learn the better your future will be.

The best thing i have gotten from college is Education. Education changes people, and it has changed me. Ever since i graduated i felt a new person coming to the service. I have met so many people with different ideas that have made me think different. i have learned to become open minded about situation i never thought i would think twice. i feel like a new person since the summer of my graduation. In highschool i wasn't very studious because everything came easy to me. Morever, in College i have noticed that if you study you will get your rewards and if you don't you will see the consequences. College has encouraged me to aim for anything i want because i know i will get it with hard work.

Take elective courses that interest you and are outside of your major. Play or watch varsity and intramural sports. Go out to clubs and bars frequented by students. Eat at the campus and town hot spots. Explore the fraternity and sorority scene to see if it's for you. Read the books, magazines and papers that students talk about most. Stay up late at night discussing controversial topics with friends. Attend special lectures, panels, speeches, plays and/or concerts. Ride a bike and walk around campus. A lot.Listen, play, sing and/or dance to music often. Study in a foreign country for a quarter or semester. Join a student group that is passionate about something. Protest something at least once. Take wild spring break trips. Go to professors' after-hours sessions to ask questions.