Shepherd University-Shepherdstown Top Questions

I basically had the same mentality as a senior that I had now. See, it was in my senior year that I realized I needed to crack down on my grades, and therefore i maintained above a 3.5 in my senior year. My previous years however, I wasn't as dedicated. Now that I'm in college, I'm still maintaining above a 3.5, and I'm sure that I can do better. Regardless, if I had to choose something, I'd say to realize that yes I'd be losing a lot of my friends when they went to different colleges, but that I'd see them quite often, and that I'd make a lot of new friends very quickly.

My college experience at Shepherd University has opened my eyes to how valuable a college education is. Since Shepherd University is a liberal arts college, every student is required to take general studies classes such as art, music, history, etc. At first, the thought of taking classes that may not directly benefit me later in life did not interest me. However, after taking these courses I understand the need for them. My knowledge about various cultures, historical events, our world was widened. I feel as if I have tested my own abilities and achieved new heights with my education. I would have never enjoyed the classes or learned so much if I were attending a college other than Shepherd University.

My college experience has shown me the value of money. Coming out of high school I knew college would be a pain to pay for, but I didn't fully understand. Now, as a sophomore, I really understand it's importance. I am applying to as many scholarships as I can trying to help me get through school, and help my parents stay out of debt as much as possible. I also already have over 10,000 dollars in loans, and that's not including the one 7,000 dollar loan that my parents paid off already. My parents are trying hard to keep me in school, but I can't let them use the money they need to live in order to give me a future; I need to do the best I can to help pay as well. It's been valuable to attend college because of the experience it is giving me for my future. By getting my bachelor's degree I can go to medical school; the job experience I have obtained will help me get a job after school and help me recieve the hours I need for medical school. Overall, it's been amazing.

When I graduated high school, I knew that I wanted to work in a library because I want to assist the people of my community. I researched the field and realized that I would need an undergraduate degree and a graduate degree. Because of financial circumstances, it took a lot longer to reach my goal of graduating, eight years actually. I worked, sometimes two jobs, to pay my tuition and bills. Having to fight to finish school has taught me perseverance and problem-solving skills which will help me to meet my next goal to get my graduate degree.

I have made new friends, learned from some of the best Music Edcuators in the world. My Professors have alot of experiences to share and with this they bring excitement and the anticipation of what lies ahead for me. I am excited to be in the Music Education field of study. It began in High School for me and the Professors at Shepherd University have only amplified my love for this field. I am anxious to teach and extent the love of music to the new generation of musicians. I highly recommend Shepherd University because of its standard of education and quality of professioners.

When friends ask me if I think it is wise to continue on to college rather than begin working I tell them my person experience of college. This is my response: High School life is nonstop work, work, and more work. When students in High School consider whether to attend college, they are often overwhelmed by the idea of more school. I felt this way too. Once began college though, I realized that college life is a quasi-adult life. The demands of parents are gone. Professors take on the roll of mentors rather than traditional teaching rolls. College weeks break into 8 hours of class time, 15 hours studying with friends, and the rest is freedom. Rather than rushing into adult life, college students loiter in the student center with friends. Sure, there are times when students rush for finals, but this short period of stress is meager compared to the stress of adult life. College is a time of freedom, enrichment, and changes that will shape your entire future. The value of college for me has been memories that will last my whole life, mentors willing to guide me to success, and ultimately learning to enjoy learning.

I'm enrolled in a two-year nursing program and I have been fortunate to receive an education directly from some of the best nurses that New York State has to offer. I have already begin to apply that knowledge hands-on in regard to patient care on my clinical experience. I have helped to heal patient wounds, ease their anxieties, monitor labs and vitals and in some instances even caught irregularities that most likely prevented an acute disease from occurring. Furthermore, I have met some of the most genuine, helpful and overall caring students, teachers and hospital staff. I have attended many colleges and have never been in an environment where everyone is so helpful and invested in the success of others. My college experience has always been rather selfish in previous programs, but here, it is really a team experience and having such high regard for others and others for me, really makes for an optimal learning and college experience. If all aspects of life always had such a great support network, then I daresay the world would be a much more cohesive place to live!

My overall experience at Shepherd University taught me to think critically, engage in careful research, refine my writing skills, and expand my horizons. In particular, the development of improved study habits, along with the necessary skills to assess and analyze material, was facilitated through specific papers, projects, and assignments. The library facilities, combined with accessible computer labs, provided the necessary tools for research and project preparation. Additionally, my studies fostered a greater understanding and appreciation for differing perspectives on complex social, political, and economic issues through exposure to new concepts and ideas. Opportunities to participate in the community were extant in the form of fundraisers for the American Cancer Society, poetry-reading nights, open mic music performances, and attendance at stage plays. A love for literature, music, poetry, and art were especially enhanced through my experiences at Shepherd. Outdoor activities were available through hiking, caving, biking, and rock climbing, thus providing occasional breaks from academic pursuits, and the beautiful campus provided an ideal environment for study during the warm months. In the end, the most beneficial aspect of my experience at Shepherd was that it encouraged me to pursue higher education while refining my dreams, goals, and career decisions.

I would tell myself to prepare for major study habit changes from what high school had prepared me for. As well as highly recommend I find someone I know to live with on campus, random roommates can turn out frustrating. I would also advise that I find a job on campus before moving here, so that I would be better adjusted to the area and not looking for a job while taking classes. I would give a warning that everything I once knew about interactions among people could be false, high school was not an example of the real-world.

When I was a senior in high school, all I dreamed of was to go to a private all women's college. I pulled off the grades, even got lots of scholarship money, but it still wasn't enough. I wanted it so badly, that I didn't mind putting myself into $20,000 debt (it'd be worth it in the end, right?). Actually it turned out to be a huge mistake. I realized after a year at the private college, that the education/living costs were just not worth it. I've transferred back close to home and now attend a public university. Overall, the quality of education and class sizes are about the same. If I could go back, I would tell myself that it's sometimes better just to stay home and go to the cheaper school - it's better than making those loan payments!