San Francisco State University Top Questions

What should every freshman at San Francisco State University know before they start?

Justin

My college experience has given me hope. Like most teenagers at the time, I felt I was heading in no direction. It was frustrating to see some of my fellow classmates know exactly what they wanted to do in life or which universities they would transfer to when I had absolutely had no idea. I truly hated my high school years. I transferred to my local community college-- not sure what to expect. I was in a whole new world full of opportunity and freedom. I was given the chance to explore my interests and new interests with a flexible schedule and courses I wanted to sign up for. I finally had a sense I was in control of my own life. On a whim, I signed up for a Japanese class and fell in love with the culture. My hope for a better life filled with a purpose and a passion through education, encouraged me to continue my studies at San Francisco State University. My hope turned into inspiration. Despite the all-nighters and ruthless examinations, my continuing college education has been the best part of my life. The priceless possibility and motivation to pursue my dreams is college.

Courtney

Something that I have gotten out of the college experience is that i really am responsible for what i do and how i use my education. It has been very valuable to attend because it has been able to make me a more independent person and become more responsible for myself and for what i do.

Raymond

I've gotten many social and educational experiences from college. I've met many people of different cultral backgrounds that I've never met before. I've also learned a lot while attending classes. All of these will be useful in my future career. I will understand people better and will also be able to communicate better with people of different cultral backgrounds. The valuable knowledge that I've gained from my studies will be put to good use and assist me on my journey to my future goals and career.

Ayala

The most valuable skill I have gotten out of my collage experience so far, aside from the general collage discourse, is determining what exactly someone wants from me and how to give it to them. Every professor has different expectations and weather you pass or fail basically comes down to how well you can comply with those expectations. While this may not be the initially expected outcome it is a skill I foresee helping me greatly in my future. Weather I am dealing with bosses, clients or personal relationships determining what is wanted of me and knowing how to comply with that is the best way I can see of being successful in this life.

Grace

My college experience has taught me how to love and enjoy what I do. Before San Francisco State University or SFSU I found it so difficult to love and enjoy all the opportunities given to me. School was not a great place, home was not that great either, and even going out with friends did not satisfy me. I wanted to feel love and joy so bad because I thought it would stop my strong depressive symptoms. Thankfully, persisted against my family’s will and went to SFSU. If I went to another collge I would not be surrounded by cultures, events, and most importantly people that helped me love and enjoy what I do. Now I enjoy every class I attend, volunteer without an incentive in mind, and take every opportunity to better my future career because SFSU did not have to accept my application. I am still boggled to how I got accepted to this school. Due to this mindset, every class, volunteer event, and career opportunity is a gift to me. Therefore, I have to enjoy what I do because I believe it is the best way to show my love for what SFSU has given me.

Michael

I am a thirty five year old father of two boys, fourteen years old and one year old. I started my college experience late in life, but I am mature enough to stay motivated and focused on my goals. The experiences I have had are that of wonderful teachers, hard work and long hours. I work ten hours a day, six days a week, so for me the experience has been tiring and difficult. I know the rewards of getting a degree so the hardships are well worth the outcome. I carry twelve credit hours and all my courses are online. The online courses are the only way I can get my degree. I want to be a role model and positive example for my sons, I want them to see that dad is working all day but is still going to college and pushing forward, no matter how hard it is, and being successful in obtaining goals. My college experience has had a positive effect on my attitude and motivation. My first semester I was unsure about my decision to return to school, but because I pushed through, I have gained a confidence that cannot be taken.

Kelly

After high school graduation, like many other eighteen year olds, I left home to attend a large state university. Throughout college, I gave little thought to my future, and subsequently chose to major in Finance, a career field I cared little for. Since college, I have worked in the financial industry with lackluster enthusiasm. Two years ago, I made the life changing decision to go back to college and pursue another degree in nursing. Since I have become a full time nursing student, I have gained a new perspective regarding adult education. My first experience in college was full of parties, socializing, and sororities. Today, my priorities are quite different than they were at eighteen. As a student now, my life is very different from the carefree time I spent at the university. I study all the time. In fact, if I do not have any early classes on a particular day, I can usually be found in the library studying. However, I do not dread the time I spend with my books. I now understand the importance of working hard to achieve my educational goals. The decisions I make today reflect a stronger work ethic than did previously.

Joy

My experience at San Francisco State didn't just teach me academic material-it taught me how to think differently by making me see that not all issues are "black and white." I learned how to think outside the box and consider what others are thinking instead of dismissing their opposing thoughts, which is key to getting along with other students.

Jessica

I felt so supported in my education, and being able to succeed in the "real world". There have been opportunities to do internships and have experiences that have helped me on my path to graduate school and my future career, which I don't think would have happened anywhere else.

TaTiera

College has been such a journey of discovery for me , no words can explain the amount of value i've gotten while attending so far. I've learned so much about myself and what kind of person I am and what im capable off. The value of attending is more than just a good education and a bright future it so much more, you learn and experience things from people you would never expect. Especially living in the eccentric city of san francisco, you are faced with many experiences that may seem foreign and sometimes personal.Personally with me I've come to except homosexuality which is big step for me because I am a christian but i've learned so much wisdom from the gay community they are extremly strong and courageous.College is a life altering experience where you grow and take a place or stand in the world. Also while finding out who you are and beginto develop a passion for a certain field which can eventually help society as a whole. There is know value or worth to put on such a amazing emtional and spirtual journey , which ultimately cultivates you into a amazing human being.