Seattle Pacific University Top Questions

Since beginning college at 18, I have learned that the most valuable lession is perseverance. I started out planning to blaze my way through, and learned very quickly that I wouldn't get it done by putting in minimum effort. Completing college requires a passion for learning, and for continuing. The motivation I have learned to give myself will push me past these four (or more, in many cases) years. I have learned that, in order to accomplish what I want to be in life, I cannot sit back and hope it will all fall into place. I also cannot copy my friends and go to every weekend party. Friends will still be there when I finish school and can afford to do more than see a movie at the dollar theater. I only have one chance to prove to myself, and my family, that I have what it takes to follow through.

In my college experience I have attained a great deal of time management, responsibility, knowledge, and a since of independence and maturity along with plenty of other experiences. It has been valuable to attend college because in this world today if you do not attend college you are already stacking the odds against you in life. So i suppose you could almost say attending college is more valuable than my life. My dad did not complete college so it will also be a valuable personal defeat to complete college and earn my degree, which with the help of grants would be a lot easier.

I am currently enrolled at Pima Medical Institute to become a Physical Therapist Assistant, the program starts next month; I am going back to school after eight years out of college at Seattle Pacific University. I loved my experience at SPU, where I was a communication major and this has helped me land jobs, but now seeing my true calling I want to help others live healthier and more active lives. The cultural competence and higher educational challenges at SPU have increased my wisdom and knowledge, but as they say people change their careers about 4 times in a life and here I go, on to bigger and better things!

In the three short months I have attended school at Seattle Pacific I have had opportunities to engage in the culture, the students, and the campus life. I have had opportunities to volunteer in Downton Seattle, and learn more about the living conditions in this area of the United States. I have learned so much from my professors in my classes. They make me excited to go to class every day. I have been blessed to get to know so many new and amazing individuals that have challenged me to become a better, more well-rounded person. It has helped me grow as a person, but has also begun to set the stepping stone for me to help the community I surround myself grow. The university has encouraged me to make the most out of my education and use it to help others. I love Seattle Pacific and it has been a great experience thus far.

During my time at college I have learned to be independent and responsible for not only my actions but also how I use my time, money, and energy. Homework and other obligations are to be put on the top of my priority list and with the help of more mature friends/classmates and dedicated and caring professors, I have gained accountability for those priorities. Because of the tremendous support given by the school, I have had an esy transition into campus life and can, in turn, better focus on my school work and volunteer opportunities. I have had a successful first quarter of college, earning a spot on the Dean's list, and my academic counselor and I are collaborating on a plan for me to achieve a bachelor of science degree by 2014. With the preparation SPU has and will continue to give me, I will go on to enroll in a graduate program and eventually earn a doctorate in order to be involved in a research program. This is the first step to truly unlocking the secrets of the brain and helping people understand themselves and others and, consequently, promoting peace and diversity.

When I try to recall movie stars winning oscars in the past decade, or Olympic gold medalists of the past years I have a hard time coming up with names. However if you asked me how many teachers, mentors, friends, or relatives have impacted my life, I could name every single last one of them. This is the kind of experience that SPU provides. Teachers are interested in you as a person and not as a number. They want you to succeed just as much as your parents do. It is not just an education that this college provides, it is tools that will help you succeed in life no matter how old you become. There are endless possibilities and always supportive mentors that will assist you in reacing goals. SPU is adding to the quality of my life and the confidence in who I am.

When I left my home in Hawaii to go to college in Seattle, like any college freshman, I did not know what to expect-the people I'd meet, the classes, the clubs I'd join, the amazing city life. I was sad about parting with my high school friends and family and wasn't expecting to make close friends there or meet people who were like me. I thought I would be forever depressed and just drown myself in my classwork. But it took me by surprise, since the first day, my college experience has been so amazing. I've had great classes and professors, joined stellar clubs, participated in intramurals, met a ton of amazing people and formed really deep bonds, and most importantly, I've grown a lot. My intial pessimism about going away to college turned into an optimism as I realized how lucky I was to have chosen a school that was just right for me. It was valuable for me to find a school that fit on me just like a snug sock, because college is an important tool in carving a pathway towards my dream and happiness is the key to success.

I have gotten so much out of my college experience; it’s hard to know where to begin. I think the number one thing I’ve gained is confidence. I have seen that I can excel at anything I try with hard work and a little help from professors, peers, and or tutors. This has encouraged me to pursue things I would never have attempted to pursue before. For example, one of my classes required that we put together and present a lesson to an elementary class. This is something was terrifying to me, but thanks to my newfound confidence I knew I could do it. Another thing I gained is a more respectful outlook. I have learned that there are many views in the world and very few are right or wrong. I have learned to hold strongly to my own convictions, while still respecting and validating differing views. This will be very valuable to me in my future career as well as in my future classes. Yet another important thing I have learned is HOW to learn. It would be impossible to learn everything, but my college classes have taught me how to find the knowledge I seek.

In College, I have found a home. Never before have I felt so comfortable with a group of people while learning. I have already made life long friends that I will never let go of. In addition, at this school learning is not a chore. I love going to class in the morning and learning something. My values and beliefs have been affirmed here, and I would not like to be anywhere else.

Since attending Seattle Pacific University, I have gotten a better overall view concerning education than I had in high school or even a few months ago . Last year I attended Central Washington University and was only encouraged to maintain a high GPA. Here at Seattle Pacific University, both teachers and counselors have emphasized learning outside of the classroom. I learned that a real, quality education contains knowledge of the outside world. SPU's motto is "Engaging the culture, changing the world," and it is truly applied throughout the school. Internships, volunteer projects, traveling, all are encouraged to everyone regardless of their major or personal characteristics. While academic standards are high, the school staff genuinely cares about the wellcare of the students, before and after graduation. They give an extended view about knowledge, explaining how it can serve individuals in the present and in the future. With this common mindset, a greater sense of community is fostered throughout the campus, with each student feeling cared for and eventually prepared for the world.