Portland State University Top Questions

Academically speaking, my relatively brief college experience (2-year Associate of Arts Degree) has answered many questions about many things that I have been wondering about for many years. The many things I have learned have helped me to narrow my search for a second career, although with so many interests, I am still working diligently to find where I might fit in best in the working world. I am no longer able to perform as well as I would like in the field I have always been in (professional musician/writer) , but I have been blessed with a strong work ethic and I always put my all into everything I do. I want to make sure I end up in the right field. I have narrowed my possible second careers to Astro Biology/Physics, Science Education, Addiction Counseling, Psychology, and Human/Animal Rights Education. Attending college has been valuable for another reason: I have learned much about myself as well as others, how I relate to others, and how the many different kinds of people relate to each other. This information has helped me to find my (new) place as a sober adult who contributes positively to society.

I have learned greater study, reading, note-taking and people skills. I have been challenged and have succeded. Going to college will be a valuable expierience because I will be able to use what I have learned and apply it for years to come.

I went straight to college after I graduated high school. I knew exactly what I wanted to do and I went for it. I have only completed 1 and a half semesters so far and it's not as easy as what I thought it would be. College has made it to where I have alot more responsibilities but it has also made me very strong. Most of my time is dedicated to my education, and when I finish I will be able to go out in this competeting job force, and work with a law degree. I will finally be able to have a job that not only I could make great money, but it is also something i will love and look forward going to work for everyday.

I've learned that you must pursue what you love. I completed a bachelor's degree in a field I considered practical. When I later was able to return to school, I realized that I wanted to enter a field that drew on my unique talents, specific strengths, and personal interests. The 'practical' degree I had obtained wasn't enough to project me into a career I would love. I ended up completing a second bachelor's degree with entirely different prerequisites and classes necessary for the professional degree I am now pursuing. Had I trusted my instincts and studied a major less 'practical' but better suiting my interests and personality, I would have saved time and money. Don't let anyone tell you that what you want to study is not applicable in the real world. Do it. Excel in it. It will pay off in the end.

My college experience has not been everything I have wanted it to be, but basically it has been a learning experience, and isn't that what it is supposed to be all about? I am a 52 year old female and I do not have my Bachelor's degree yet because of financial reasons, and because of various societal influences in my life I never have enough funds to cover tuition plus basic living expenses. Financial aid is great if you can get it to cover everything. As for the societal influences, well, I have learned that the racial issues in this country have really not changed much since the 1960's, the issues have just been silenced, muffled, and oppression still exists in this country for poor people, regardless of race or ethnicity. College has taught me that the United States of America is very uneducated, and unless someone sits down with you and tells you to get that Bachelor's degree, some don't know to get that Bachelor's degree. College is valuable because of what you learn to apply to a job; but also for what you learn to apply to society and your community.

Over the last three years I have attended three different colleges. Through my experiences I have developed various reasons as to why college is valuable. During my first year at Walla Walla University I learned the importance of surrounding myself with people who have similar values. It equipped me with not only the strength to persevere what I believe but also gave me the support. While a sophomore overseas at Newbold College I found an environment that was open to sharing diversity in culture and ethnic backgrounds. By this experience I was able to embrace the importance of being open minded and globally aware. After my first two years of college I still had not mastered affective studying habits. However this year I have learned that in order to accomplish my goals, I must buckle down and conquer them with my whole heart. College has helped me stay the course by having the discipline to stick it out even through the hard times. My religion, social life and work are all defined by my education. Most importantly my experience in college has given me many valuable skills that I will be able to use the rest of my life.

?It isn?t where you came from; it?s where you?re going that counts? said by Ella Fitzgerald. As a first generation student in college I am obtaining a knowledge that will help me serve my community by giving people hope. I have been politically active, speaking for the DREAM ACT and informing the public about current issues. I have also learned responsability, commitment, and perseverance through tiring days of homework or meeting a challenging assignment day. While growing up I have witnessed poverty in my family, sometimes living in the street when we did not have a place to stay. I would sometimes sacrifice my meals just to see my smaller brother and sister with a full stomach. My mother was always working jobs that never paid much which made it challenging to picture a future. My father left when I was five years old. Even though I am 18 years of age I will succeed to set an example for my brother and sister to follow. I also want to make my mother proud for all of the sacrifices she has done for us as a single mother and this is why my education is valuable.

I would tell myself to buckle down a bit more and actually pay attention to the teachers. On a personal level, I sometimes have a hard time writing research papers and with grammar etiquette. I believe lying the foundation down early is essential for later in life. If you lack the fundamentals, then how are you supposed to build on these things? If that happens then you are taking time out of your busy schedule to learn the things you should have learned in the first place. For me this has happened a few times but luckily I am a quick learner. I would also tell myself to get a mentor as early as possible so you have someone to talk to when you're unsure about how things work. Everyone needs help at some point in their life and that includes me. Lastly, I would tell myself to enjoy my time in high school because life isn't always a toga party in college. Responsibilities have to be met or you will suffer the consequences.

Our generation differed from our parents' in that we were all told again and again that "you can do anything you set your mind to". While the intent of this statement is to motivate, it is incomplete. It suggests an invincibility and entitlement that can be counter productive. It fails to mention the importance of thoughtful action, hard work, and endless dedication and passion for a particular field of study. You have this deep sense of capability and potential that has been instilled in you since you were a child. You think it is just a matter of time until the clouds magically part and the world takes notice of what you have to offer. The missing key is that you first need to prove it. Perhaps you are as special and talented as you were told; perhaps we all are. The only way to find out is to allow yourself the space, the experience, and the openness to discover what you truly love, where you truly fit, and how you can truly make a difference in this world. Then it's time to put everything, mind, body and soul, into making it the reality you earned.

I would tell my young self to look at college two ways. One, you have to consider college your job while you are in school. You need to treat it with the same commitment and seriousness that you would a paying job. Your job at this point of your life it to attend school and work hard. Second, I would tell my younger self that college needs to be a fun experience. Explore things that seem silly, strange or crazy. Take a chance on classes that you would never think of taking. Do a study abroad program and use the experience to let yourself go and to open you mind to new ideas and views.