Oakwood University Top Questions

I once dreaded going to college, however, I knew that I wanted to. As the first from my entire family to do tertiary education there was immense pressure on me to succeed. As I entered Oakwood College, now Oakwood University, a sense of peace was apparent. At this university, my greatest experience, hands down is my exposure to volunteerism. Here i was able to join an on- campus organization that focus' heavily in community and internation relief. This experience has changed my whole view of life, and direction. I now want to build an orphanage, clinic and school and have partner groups in my local community as well as internationally. In addition to this, I now have a network of friends and professionals that I felt I wouldn't have found otherwise. I have learn't the true meaning of people "dwelling together in unity." I have also found the most supportive professors that I have ever seen or heard of, especially when I listen to my other friends who attend different universities. I realized from the very first year, the value of the education i was paying for, with these things involved. It cannot be replaced.

Throughout my college experience I have gained a variety of things significant to my life. I have gained a great education, lifetime friends, and also a deeper insight to the world around me. I have gained a deeper spirituality, better methods of research, and a girlfriend I love dearly. I have gained lifelong lessons and experiences in which I probably couldn't receive anywhere else unless I was exposed to a college experience. I have gained appreciation for differences in people, cultures, and thinking. I have also gained memories I could never trade for anything in the world. The reason why my college experience is valuable to me is due to the fact I am the first in my household to attend a 4-year university pursuing a degree of higher learning. Secondly, my college experience is just that...my experience.

Throughout my college experience, I have learned better study habits, how to build relationships, and more about myself. My first semester of college I didn't do as well as I should have. I kicked it into gear my second semester because I knew I needed to succeed. I would take at least 4 hours out of every day to study for the courses I was taking. I always asked my professors for help when I needed it, which is something I never did in high school. I learned how to talk to people better as well. I learned that how you treat other people means everything. I got a lot better at making good first impressions. I learned things about myself in ways I never thought I would. I really believed that I am a better person due to my one year in college. It is valuable to attend college because I will never stop learning. Whether it be learning things about my life, or my career, or my education, I'm always learning. I believe that once you stop learning, you stop living to the fullest.

I'm enrolled in college for the first time and will be graduating as soon as possible . I've been valuable to attend Oakwood University because it's close from where I live and it's close from where my friends who are attending UAH. After freshman year in Oakwood I'll probably attend Birmingham-Southern College or somewhere out of state to finish up my majors.

What I hope to gain from my college experience, is a great memories. In the future years to come, I want to be able to look back on my college life and cherish every event , good or bad, that has come from it.

There's a term that gets tossed around here at Oakwood, called, "The Oakwood Experience." Well, I find that the real experience is the bond that you have with your friends and classmates - the guys you wrestle with a difficult assignment with, the guys that pray with (and for you) just because. This is a Christian campus, but Jesus was about people, and Oakwood is the same way. These are friends you'll have for the next 30 - 50 years, just because you meant something to them and they meant something to you during your stay. As far as the faculty goes, they know when (and who) to give a pat on the back or a kick in the rear. They are really concerned about not just the name of the institution the student represents after they leave school, but about the student themselves. They have a saying here, " If all you got for your 4 years here was just a piece of paper, then you've wasted your time." Oakwood prepares people to be the best they can be, and to know that yes, one person can make a difference in this world, so strive to be 'The One'.

I absolutely loved my college experience. I was really involved in sports, academics, extracurriculars such as modeling in our fashion shows and just meeting new people. While there, I got the chance to develop so many personal skills and simply learn how to take care of myself outside of my parents help. I would urge all students to take advantage of this time and really learn yourself while in college, learn what you love to do as well as learn what you absolutely hate. Just learn! My experience was very valuable to me and it improved the person I was and made me into the person that I am today. Furthering your education is very important and college is just the first step, not high school. Everything was totally different from high school. So when I hear of people not thinking of college as an option, it amazes me. So many things change within that highschool graduation summer and fall college registration, it would just be a shame to miss out on an experience of a lifetime.

There were so many things i have learned in this transition. I would have told myself to focus on getting a higher GPA and buckle down and stay on top of school work . Secondly, i would have told myself to focus on my essay writing and look for ways to progress in that area. Lastly, i would have been managed my time better between school, home ,and work more efficiently. I had so many wonderful memories my senior year and wouldn't have traded it for anything because than i wouldn't be here now.

I advise you to learn the campus of the background of the college you plan to attend. Every campus has a different environment whether it be small, large, or in between. Learn the campus-life, extra-curricular activities, and academic and career opportunities. But keep in mind that it is very easy to get distracted in college. Time management and discipline are very important. Stay disciplined and don't give into temptation when you have the option to study for a test you have at eight o'clock the next morning or go to a party instead. It may seem like common sense, but trust me, it's harder to resist than it may sound. Money management is very important as well since you are away from home and parents won't always send you money. There are a lot of expenses so you may want to consider campus or off-campus employment. Also don't procrastinate! There are so many advantages to getting work done early. With so many people it's very competitive. But enjoy college. Don't hold yourself back from new experiences. Develop into the new amazing person you could possibly be!

To stay dedicated and take summer classes. Don't squander any free time because all of it is very valuable.