Saint Cloud State University Top Questions

Well I've actually just been accepted by ECPI College of Technology, therefore I can't honestly answer the question about college experience. It's valuable to attend because going to college allows you to be financially independent from the state, government, or your spouse after you graduate and get a job. It is also a great tool to use to get a degree in whatever field you choose. Going to college is a great esteem builder because if you can graduate college then you can do anything you set your mind to. Thank you.

I believe that I have gotten a reality check, because I am one of those young college students to so mysteriously become impregnated during their freshman year. I am happy about this surprise, and I feel that it has really helped myself to focus on my priorities and not to treat everything as a temporary event. I have become closer to my family, roommates, and everyone around me. I would not have had this happen to me if I didn't attend college and made the decisions I had made. It feels so good to finally feel like I am in control and that I will be making decisions. I have more than myself to motivate me to do the best I can in everything I do; my baby is all the motivation I need. I even look forward to facing the conseguences. I have changed my attitude completely, and deffinitely for the best. This may not be the regular experience, but it is just as powerful, and inspiring. If not, more enhancing and life changing to the beginning of my college experience. Many more college years to come!

I have joined clubs and meet quite a bit of people. I have learned that 20 minutes away from the cities is not a small town. Since I will meet people and thier whole town is the size of my old high school, and somethimes I will be the first african american person the people have met in thier whole life. I have become more responsible since I have been in college. All the times I have herad my mother say "Money doesn't grow on trees." I finally understand where she was coming from. Now that you have to pay your own bills you realize how hard people have to work to keep houses and support a family. I think that college is a valuable experience you are transitioning into an adult and college lets you make mistakes and find out who you are.

I never thought I would say that I actually yearn for the late nights of starring at a blank computer screen, hours of reading the same paragraph over and over again until it makes any sense, and the constant taunting of self doubt before handing in every quiz or essay. College is an experience that motivates you to push yourself beyond any and all expectations. All the struggles, self doubt, and obstacles that college throws at you are only metaphors of life's unpredictable twists and turns. I value the patience, the open-mindedness, and challenges that come with being a student. No matter how prepared we’d like to be, we have to accept that the world is much bigger than we could ever imagine and we have less control over the things around us. College is all about truly believing that with hard work comes great rewards, but the surprising part is how far we're willing to push ourselves in order to be content. Overall, college has prepared me for the reality of success, which is knowing that it is not about victory but what we go through to earn it.

I have discovered my passion for helping others while at this university, and have a path laid out for myself for the next few years. I have the opportunity to study abroad in Europe and this scholarship will make that opportunity, as well as continuing on in my studies next semester, possible.

My college experience has been unique thus far, because I am going post secondary, so I have not graduated high school yet, but am already going to college. I knew when I started in August, that it would be a learning experience, but I had no idea that it would be so eye-opening. Before attending St. Cloud State, I was one of the people who had heard that it was a "party school" and so that was all I saw it as. I didn't think they would give me a quality education, because I could not see past the reputation. However, I gave it a chance anyways, and my mind was completely changed. I have recieved an excellent education and learned not to judge something by their reputation or stereotype. I also have gotten the chance to meet new people and experience new cultures. I came from a high school where everyone was pretty much the same, but by going to St. Cloud State and meeting people of all different ethnicities, I have learned the importantance of diversity. My college experience at St. Cloud State University has been very beneficial and I look forward to next year.

I have gotten a lot out of the year and a half that I have been attending college. First, and the most obvious aspect, is the knowledge in my chosen field. My major is biochemistry, and I've come to learn that this is not an easy major to complete, and to complete well, but it is my passion and I love to learn more about this subject. When I do get stuck or don't fully understand the material presented, my professors are available to help me to better comprehend what I don't understand. I've also gotten a much stronger work ethic. The classes that I take tend to be very difficult, and I take, on average, seventeen credits per semester and will take that many per semester until I graduate. In order to stay on top of my workload, I have to have a strong work ethic, and a good sense of time management. And finally, from my college experience I have gotten a good sense of money management, through working two jobs, having a full-time education, and still making ends meet.

College has challenged and pushed me beyond my comfort zone and far beyond anything I thought I could possibly do. It has been an experience unlike any other one in which I have learned who I am and who I want to become. I have not only found a career, but a calling. I have discovered that I can face and succeed at obstacles that come my way because in college this is what I have had to do. At every corner I have learned something new about my field, about people and about myself. I am almost sad that it has to end, but also thrilled to enter a new path in my life. College has not just been a tool to prepare for a career but it has been a necessary part of my journey in life. It is an experience that will always be with because I am who I am because of it.

During my stay in st.cloud state university, i have imparted knowledge and skills that would help me in the future.As they say;"educations always opens doors to every knowlege seeker."The knowlege from St.cloud State University would help me into a better person.I hope i have so far achieved a lot and need to focuss twards the future.everything i learn here is significantly important and community health classes in particular are so exciting.There are good source of knowledge and best processes to care for community health and how to educate community at the time of critical health situatiions.Such knowledge helped me fulfill my career dream in health care.I'm hopeful that in the years to come i can change something in our health system to better the need of the American families.

I am a non-traditional student attending college the second time around. College has been so valuable to me because it has given me a new lease on life. I will be able to start a new career in a field that I love. It has given me a new confidence in myself and has taught me that with hard work and determination one can do anything they set their mind to. Being able to attend college as an older female is a great gift that so many women around the world are not able to do. I am grateful for that everyday. What I have learned, along with my life experience, is priceless to me and I would not trade any of that for anything.

My decision to return to college was a choice based on desire, not necessarily need. I love my current job. I do not plan to leave my position, even after graduation. Obtaining my degree will not result in more pay or benefits, but the experience I am gaining has already had an impact on my ability to perform the duties of my job, as I have become more confident, insightful, and eager to seek new ideas and resources. I have been a student previously, however I was attending college to prove something, not gain something. This time around, I have found that the more I put into my experience, the more I am gaining. I have met amazing people, both students and educators. I have been challenged to move out of my comfort zone, leading me to search for more in life. The self-growth I am experiencing in my life is huge. I find myself looking for additional challenges and seeking new relationships.

School has not always been easy for me, and I am not talking about my grades. I have attended a community college for the past four years, because I have paid out of my pocket for tuition and books. Even though I have struggled as far as money is concerned, I have had the best four years of my entire life. I have met so many wonderful people who have opened my eyes to many different points of view. I went into some of my classes thinking the worst, but once in there the teacher really made me think. I feel like education is something that can never be taken away from an individual, and that is why I feel it is so important to continue for as long as possible. Even when one feels there is no light at the end of the tunnel - persistence is necessary, because in the end it will all pay off. Education opens doors that we never even noticed were there and I really feel that if I am able to continue my education my door will eventually open. I want to make a difference, and with education I can do just that!

In college not only have I gotten a fabulous education in teaching, I have also met many great friends and professors along the way. I have been able to network in the field of education and learn more about my teaching career and my daughter's education, as well. I have been able to meet and learn from some really great teachers and meet many wonderful students.

I've experienced a great deal of trauma in my life which began when my college dreams were crushed in 1982 when I was stalked and stabbed. After more than twenty years -- plus dealing with PTSD, addiction and domestic violence -- I decided to return to college. I began as a single mom on welfare whose self-esteem was shaken at best. I completed my 2 year degree with a 4.0 GPA. However, on the day of receiving that degree in the mail, I visited Mayo Clinic for my first oncology visit. I'd been diagnosed with breast cancer at 43. Now 2 years later, I've returned to online classes at a 4 year university, still on welfare and struggling with the after-effects of chemotherapy and my son's diagnosis of Asperger's Disorder. What has college given me? It has given me an example of perseverance (through cancer and poverty), critical thinking (to reasearch our medical conditions) and citizenship and leadership (to advocate and promote awareness of causes in our society). Personally, while life was being drained from me, I had the hope of a future on the horizon. The third time around, I'll succeed!

I have gained so much from attending my college. I have learned how to manage my money, how to manage my time and how to be an adult. It has been valuable going to college because I learned how to live. Going almost every day gives me something to look forward to and it has set goals for me in life. I am thankful I picked my school and I am thankful for what I have gained from my school.

When I began my college carrer I was a immature young woman. I didn't give much value to classes and experiences. I was soon shown the many things that I could gain from putting effort into my classes and welcoming new experiences. St. Cloud State University provided a path for me to follow in my journey of maturing and becoming the responsible, successful woman that I am today. It gave me the opportuntiy to explore new things and discover what my interests truly are. St. Cloud State steered me gently in a direction that led me to my carrer that I love. I wouldn't have been able to do this at a community or technical college. You see, I began college determined to be an account and chose St. Cloud State for their excellent business program. The classes that I took, however, led me in a different direction and I was able to become a teacher at the same college because of SCSU's also excellent teacher education program. With out the many opportunities at St. Cloud State, I may have had to change colleges, possibly deterring me from reaching my goal.

My College experience has shown me how hard you have to work to be successful in life. I'm currently taking thirteen credits and working around twenty hours a week. College has changed my view on life and has helped me decide on what major i am trying to complete and what job i would like to obtain when i graduate from college. In this day and age, you have to go to college to become successful in life. College is a great way to meet employers and start networking so when you graduate the jobs will be lining up for you. I have learned more in this first semester of college then i would have ever guessed, I have gotten many new ideas for the future and ways to accomplish those goal. As far as a social experience I haven't really had the time to get involved with social events. I have been able to attend a couple time and it was alot of fun, i like meeting new people and experencing new ideas. Thank You for your time

I have gotten a lot out of my college experience. I have learned to expand my definition of things and people. I was very restricted before and now i am a very open person. I feel like i am become a more globally aware person. With taking classes like sociology i am learning about some many problems that i had no idea existed. I am also learning how i can implement change. I feel like i have grown so much and learned more than math. I have learned a lot about how to deal with different situations and am better prepared for the work world when i finish school.

So far, out of my college experience, I have learned a few things. First, the professors make the rules in their own classrooms. No exceptions. If you don't like the way a professor teaches the class, you can leave. Even if they are feeding the entire class a long list of bullshit that makes no logical sense, you better not question it because they are in charge and they "know everything" because THEY are the ones holding the doctorate. Not you. Second, if you don't party and get drunk with everyone on campus, you are the outcast. You will not be invited to any social circles or be told any of the specific details of a certain party because you weren't there. Your peers and classmates will regard you as a "saint" or a "goody-goody" and you will damn near be shunned. The only value I can extract from this school is the strong field emphasis. I am going for Secondary Education and this school has one of the most renowned teaching programs in the country. I nearly feel sorry for anyone who attends this school for anything else.

I feel that my experience of college and what I have learned in my classes has broadened my mind. I come from a family who has never attended college before and I was wondering throughout my high school years if I would even be able to go to college given my struggles academically, financially and socially. Now that I am attending college I feel like I am living a dream and I now have knowledge and experiences to pass to my family. My favorite experiences have been my science and humanities class that have helped me explore my world more in depth than what I am used to. I actually feel smart now and I am even helping other students in my classes who do not understand the material; something I have never felt I could do before. I enjoy very much continuing my education just becausing I am learning things. Even if I do not become as successful as I would like I will never regret a single penny I have spent on college education.