Santa Clara University Top Questions

What I have gotten out of my college experience is the hope, training, and skills to make something of myself. I may not be the smartest student or the most talented athlete but I sure am the hardest working student. I never really knew what I wanted to do with my life in high school. That changed drastically when I started my college journey. I attended my classes and really started to apply myself because I was surrounded by people who wanted to be there and work hard as well. The competitive nature in me pushed me to excel and I would never have experienced that without college. I have been able to meet amazing people who are becoming lifelong friends, professors who believe in me and push me to be the best I can be. Hands down college has been the best experience and would recommend it to everyone.

Going to college is an experience that I’ll never forget. Being in charge of my individuality and my bed time made me feel in control; but what I’ve learned from my college experience is how to manage having control. I’ve learned that with having control you must manage time wisely, evaluate situations to make good decisions, sacrifice free time to dedicate more time for class/class work, and most importantly do what makes me happy. College as been a valuable experience for me because it has helped me build character, and because of the control it has given me in deciding what is best for my future.

Santa Clara University makes learning its central focus and educates the whole person. What I love about Santa Clara University is the Jesuit philosophy foundation and the commitment to caring for the whole person–mind, body, and spirit. This University has made me even more aware of other cultures, religions and issues that face our world today. I feel fortunate and blessed that my parents allowed me to attend this prestigious University and appreciate my education.

My college experience thus far has not exactly been picture perfect. My adjustment to college life was rough, and it took me a while to get used to being away from family and friends, but as I continue to spend more time on campus and in my classes, I am finding my place at Santa Clara. I recently enrolled in photography classes, which is a true passion of mine, and I have absolutely loved it. Because of the high levels of technology and quality of professors, my photography skills have greatly improved, not to mention the overall education I am gaining from attending a university. I feel that college is a place to grow, personally and educationally, and my journey attending college, finding my place on campus, and making the best of my college years, has taught me a great deal about who I am as a person and as a student.

My college experience has made a big influence in my life. I have been to collage before and I must admit that I have taken it for granite. I have decided to leave school in the past due to drastic changes in my life. I realized at the time of doing so, that this was not the best decision. I want nothing more in life then to return to school and complete the education I am destined for. Being that someone my son can look up to later in life is my dream. I urge my son to go to school everyday. I work to support him and notice that I need to be urging myself to be in school. I have wanted to return to school for the last year. This year, I am making every necessary attempt to return to school and I will overcome any obstacle in my path. I want my son to look at me and know that school is as important as I stress it to be. I have gotten a simple sense of accomplishment during my college experience. That is why I feel it is imperative to return and value my education.

In college, I have grown up a lot. I have learned how to take care of myself and multi task. I have learned how to have a good time and get my work done, whereas I used to blow off things that I didn't feel like doing, just figuring it would figure itself out. Academically, my writing has improved with the multiple writing classes and papers that I have wrtitten in the past 22 weeks.

Don't be worried. Go make friends, and don't be judgemental because almost all freshmen will feel as lonely and scared as you do that first semester. You never know what's going on in someone's personal life, so be kind. Also, try new things! Don't be scared of playing basketball on weeknights with the guys, or submitting poetry to the local magazine. It might take some time, but you'll find your niche and your best friends this year. It's not going to be as hard as you think. Remember, life is not all about you. Go serve the community you're a part of, thank everyone that deserves it, and "give honor where honor is due."

Dear High School Me, You?ll go through a lot your senior year but STAY FOCUSED! I know, I know, you've heard this a million times over but it will save you a lot of time in the long run. Work hard and don?t settle for less. There will be those around you who will try to hinder your dreams, don?t let them become a distraction. Stay passionate about your goals and don?t loose your enthusiasm for school or life. Remember that you want to change the world! Don?t let your goals become self absorbed; you're in this for your community, your family and yourself. Your goals aren?t just about you, there about the world and guess what? You?re going to change it! Have no doubt in yourself and you will make it. No doubts and no hesitations. All you have to do is go hard, and you'll make it!

As a high school senior I did not really know what college I wanted to go to or what I wanted to study. Optimally, I would tell my then self to hurry up and figure it out! I do not think that would have been very helpful, however. I would advise myself to do as much research about the school as I could before and after I made my selection. It really helps to go in knowing everything that is available to you. That way you can take advantage of it! I would also advise myself to not hold on so tightly to my high school friendships. True, I would never want to lose those bonds, but I think with new communication technologies, it makes it easier to stay in touch with old friends rather than forcing yourself to make new ones. College is about exposing yourself to new people and thus discovering a new part of yourself. By letting go, you can grow into yourself. You can always return to your old friends! You'll all be a little different, but your bond will not diminish because of that unless it is for the better.

In my first year at University, I was so eager to be accepted and included in activities and events that I fell into step with anyone and everyone I met. I trusted people automatically and gave as much as I could to anyone who asked. I forgot myself and, instead, became a character in the mental picture I had of college life. This role I took on and my inability to say no to people and situations threw me into many unpleasant scenarios. I was taken advantage of for help in academics as well as financially. I had no self-protection in mind. I was assaulted due to my inability to see people for who they truly are and to stand up for what I believe in. My advice? Don't let yourself make my mistake. Spend the summer before your first year getting to know yourself and establishing your own beliefs and values. The most important things to have upon entering college are integrity and open-mindedness. Give everyone a chance, but don't let go of your own personality to please others. If you maintain your own image, you'll find pure, honest friendships that last forever.