The University of Montana Top Questions

We go to college expecting to further our education and become more 'book' smart, but really we leave with so much more than that. I'm not all the way through yet, but so far I have discovered myself along with discovering more of the world around me. Before going to college, I lived in a small town and was just concerned with what was going on in my own little life, but going to college really opened up my eyes and changed my stereotypes, opinions and outlook on the entire world.

There have been two experiences that I have pulled from my college life that has made it valuable and worthwhile. First, the people I've met have completely opened my mind to different cultures, backgrounds, and ideas. I've never been to open of a person in my life, but when I began attending college here, I've found like-minded people who enjoy the same activities that I do. It's been refreshing getting to to know that there are more people out there than I met where I grew up, and it honestly makes me more hopeful for the future. In addition, the second major experience that I have pulled from attending college at the University of Montana is my newfound drive for education. When I was in high school, I attended classes, did my work, and did not really find an appreciation for what I was learning. However, when I began college, I found a new drive to learn about the different aspects of the world, whether it be science, English, history, or any other field of study that my college offers. All-in-all, college has been one of the best experiences of my life.

Before I attended college, I felt that my desire to succeed was all I needed, but that is not the case. Once I arrived, I realized for the first time that hard work and motivation to succeed were strong points of mine and helped me become known in the theater department.

When I graduate college I want to become a professional actor. I know it sounds cliche, but I've been saying it since second grade and it still sticks with me today. I love the stage and the creation of performance art, and at The University of Montana I have excelled in my field. For financial reasons I wanted to attend school in-state and was fortunate to have a wonderful school and professional theatre's in my own back yard. During two years here I have been cast in three school shows and two professional productions. I also have a job in the technical theatre department as a properties manager and scenery designer. I am so happy I'm living my lifelong dream and I'm pursuing and achieving my goals as a student. I feel at the price that college costs to attend I'm getting the most out of my dollar. I hope to continue attending my education here and to continue achieving my goals as a full time student and a future professional. Thank you for reading!

Life is an incredible gift. My life is unique and special. Every breath reminds me not to take this life for granted. An American poet, Mary Oliver, once asked, “ What will you do with your one wild and precious life?” This question merits a response; how we choose to respond our choice. My dream is to begin yet another of life’s many journeys by working toward a Bachelor's Degree in Music. I teach private music lessons full time and have already been able to use the knowledge I have recieved from classes at community college to pass along to my students. If I am able to continue my education, I look forward to meeting other young men and women who have also embarked on this journey. I hope to expand my knowledge, not only of music, but also of culture and other arts. hope that my excitement for life and my perseverance and desire to achieve excellence will be used to encourage fellow students not to settle for the ordinary. My adventure will not end at a university however; my college experience will equip me for even greater adventures in the future and I cannot wait to begin!

Since I began my academic career at the University of Montana in the fall of 2009, I have become incredibly efficient in the field of music. I had no idea of the amount of knowledge that would be available to an individual in such a short span of time. The School of Music is like a giant family and I look to my professors as colleagues rather than instructors. There is so much support for each other among the student body as well. Everyone wants to see you succeed in your own way. Each student is looked upon as a unique individual rather than a piece of a larger body. I have also made lifelong friends due to the active social life throughout the entire campus. These friends have helped me maintain a positive outlook on life in order to preserve a high level of academia. I am thoroughly impressed with the quality of education and professionalism at the University of Montana and would recommend this school to anybody desiring affordable, academic excellence.

Throughout my years of college, I have been exposed to a completely new environment. At the University of Montana, I have made mistakes, gained lifelong friends, challenged myself, and contemplated my future (more times than one) all in two and a half years. It seems scary to been through that before entering the real world, but I am thankful. I have been able to explore the business discipline with teachers who would do almost anything to help students find success professionally. I have also been able to take classes I would have never considered, including the History of Rock and Roll. These classes exposed me to knowledge I could have cared less about before college. More importantly, the University of Montana has shown me that hard work does in fact pay off. This has made my experience more valuable than I imagined. I have spent several nights studying until the wee hours of the morning but I am able to take exams with confidence. If I ever struggle, I'm never to scared to ask for help. Finally, the jobs I have attained on campus allow me to prepare for the real world before I enter it on my own.

Before attending college, I would have assumed that the most valuable lessons learned would have been in a classroom. Now, I know those lessons to be valuable, but secondary. The best ideas I have gotten out of college are a sense of independence and individualism. Looking back on my freshman year, it is astonishing how much I matured as I transitioned from high school to college. I became dependent on myself for my academic, financial, and social success. Instead of relying on my mom to push me academically and my dad to be there with an open wallet, I had to rely on myself. It became my responsibility to organize my life, whether that be simply waking up to go to class or applying and maintaining a job. College also meant leaving high school friends behind and I have had to push myself to become more sociable. When I moved away from home, I had to take on the responsibility of my own life. The biggest lesson I learned in college was that I can make it on my own in the world. When push comes to shove, I know I am capable of becoming dependent on myself.

It is difficult for me to begin to explain what my college experience has done for me. However, my college experience has certainly enriched my understanding of a balanced and engaged life, and broadened my horizons and opportunities. When I was in high school, I wondered why everyone thought college was important, but now that I have attended, I am certain that a college education helps to shape us into better people who in turn can enrich the lives of those around us. I am confident that my university is equipping me with the tools and experience that I need to explore and pursue opportunities that would have been out of my reach with only a high school diploma. Even prior to my graduation, I have had job offers and opportunities that I would have missed if I were not pursuing a degree. A college education proves a student's merit, creates self assurance, and is a valuable experience because it builds a strong foundation for a student's life path. Higher education is essential for building strong and balanced leaders in every field. It teaches us to work together, explore, experiment and apply ourselves for success.

I have lived in the same town my entire life. I was aprehensive to stay for college, but ultimately did. I don't regret that decision. I have discovered my home town, which I always complained was "too small," in a new light. The University of Montana, though far from perfect, brought me a family of like-minded, motivated friends and incredible educators who continue to guide and collaborate in my education and exploration of the world. My professors are also my friends, mentors and inspiration to see the entire world as a classroom. The University of Montana has a family for everyone. We have a great mix of activist goups, out door clubs, frats and sororities, athletic opportunities, scholastic groups, international students, etc. Everyone could fit in at the U of M. Because the school is located right in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, outdoor exploration is encouraged, and learning environments and opportunities are often designed to include the rivers, lakes, and mountains that make Montana unique. Receiving an education in such a raw and primitive location is a powerful learning tool and world perspective.