The University of Montana Top Questions

Thus far, I have learned that it takes many hours of studying and attending class to succeed in college. However, these habits are not negative qualities of a person but instead are demonstrative of the "real world." Beyond these lessons, I have found that other activities, such as work, choir, being a part of various clubs, recreating, and attending football games are necessary to maintain a balanced life. Getting involved is key to keeping one's sanity in tact. Of course, the most valuable of all things in college is the knowledge I have acquired. I will carry the knowledge learned in many chemistry, biology, and other related science courses with me as I pursue my career in dentistry. Knowledge allows us to become citizens in our communities that are willing to lend a hand and to contribute to the well-being of the societies in which we live. In a world where people don't always get along, these attributes may just be a stepping stone for generations. I went to college with the intention to find out what I like to learn most so that I may choose the appropriate career. College has proved to be very valuable.

Coming to UM I had high expectations for the college experience but what I found was so much more. My first year I made better friends then I've ever had before, who walked beside me through all the curve balls that first year tries to throw at you. Friends truly are the most valuable asset a person can have and if, at the end of the day, I have nothing else left, I know the friends I made that first year will be there with their insight and perspective. Though friends are the most valuable, there are many things I've gained so far. The experience of a challenging physics class that resulted in that first all-nighter, the satisfaction of seeing the impact from your honors college community service project, presenting your own research thesis, or just sharing in one of many new activities with good friends by your side. All of these memories hold valuable lessons for me: lessons in dedication, respect, motivation, and value. Lessons I couldn't learn as effectively anywhere else. At graduation I'll get a diploma, but the friendships and life lessons are what I'll take with me for a lifetime.

"Knowledge is power"; complete cliché. Since I’ve attended The University of Montana, I now, however, believe that this statement is true. I’m a nerd. You can call me anything you want. My past peers have, and frankly it has never bothered me. I love to read. I even have the glasses that perch on the tip of my nose. I’m the classic stereotype; I’m even majoring in the right department. The problem: I don’t know what kind of job I want after I graduate. I had a miniature breakdown when I realized this halfway through the semester. With a long talk with my favorite Aunt, I’ve come to the realization that knowledge really is power. Who cares if I don’t know, at least I’m out there learning! To quote one of my favorite books, The Count of Monte Cristo, “No one can take your education from you”. The Priest says this to Edmond in prison. And I believe, right along aside with my cliché, that the Priest was correct. My education is everything to me and as long as I’m there at school I’ll continue being me; the bookworm.

I've received more than words can say through the University of Montana. New friendships, experiences and overall view on life and what it has to offer are just a few. I've met people from all over the world and will be able to cherish these friendships for the rest of my life. They've opened up doors to various cultures, beliefs and ideas on everything, which in the long run has made me a more well rounded individual. Along with social interactions, my studies have broadened my horizons in the two fields I am studying. Learning one major from scratch, Communicative Sciences and Disorders, and expanding my dance career has allowed for my education and thought process to shoot sky high. Each day is a learning experience. Here at the University of Montana they strive on the diversity and community created, which brings people together for a friendly and inviting overall environment.

College is a confusing time. Everyone who I talk to says "it's okay to be lost right now." Unfortunately, that doesn't make it any more fun. I went into college thinking I knew exactly what I wanted to do: Be an actor. Now, having spent a year and a half in intense study of acting I find myself wanting more. More what? Don't ask me - I'm lost. But what I find comforting about the University of Montana is that I can change my mind and it really is fine. I look at my undergraduate years as a springboard to boost me towards the kind of life I want to live. I am discovering what it is to be out on my own and what sort of lifestyle will make me happy in the long term as well as expanding my intelligence and interests. I've learned it's not about pleasing other people, but instead about pleasing yourself. I want to live a happy, fulfilling life - not the kind of life someone else considers successful. That is why, to me, UM's flexibility and independence is invaluable. I am becoming a true individual.

By attending college I have been given a privilege that few in my family have been given. My mother was the only child of five to attend college, and none of the seven children in my dad's family attended. What I have gotten so far out of my experience is the oppotunity for me to grow as a person individually, and challege myself in ways that those who do not attend are unable. There is no value that can be put on my college experience. I have always valued knowledge and learning, and college gives me an education and opportunities that can never be taken away. An education is the greatest tool a person can be given to improve their life and the world around them. It creates an understanding of other people, the ability to manage your time, and the instruments to make a better life for yourself. College has given me life long friends, incredible memories, and the confidence and knowledge to exceed in the future.

I had an inferiority complex throughout my youth. Until I went off to college everything I did was to prove my worth to my teachers, my coaches, my friends, and my parents. I obsessed over what people thought of me, and more importantly how I compared to my older sister. By doing this I limited myself to the mindset that being like her was the only way I could impress people or make them like me. I had convinced myself that anything I accomplished meant nothing if it didn‘t top her previous achievements. But college has given me a fresh perspective. By introduced me to such a diverse group of people, it has exposed me to the idea that greatness is indefinable. And so it has given me hope that I can find my own interests and passions, pursue them and still feel like I have succeeded. Valuably, college has led me to embrace who I am as an individual. It has inspired confidence. And I believe that this recently discovered pride will make my life more productive and fulfilling no matter what i do.

I think it's been the most valuable experience for me in the area of metropolitan diversity. I grew up in a town of 1500, went to a High School with 190 students, and graduated in a class of 47. The University is in Missoula, Montana, a city of 70,000, with more than 15,000 students enrolled. I found it important to go out into a larger setting and be part of a much more diverse social scene.

Twelve years before college, I attended school with the same group of 75 people, experienced the same school traditions every year, and hardly understood the true meaning of diversity. After graduation, I left this small world I knew well and entered a school with 12,000 students as opposed to the significantly smaller group I was used to. This experience was personally groundbreaking to say the least. I was forced to immediately meet new people, make new friends, and accept circumstances I thought I would never encounter. I've thus far, after only a few months, made friendships that are more intimate and valued than any I've made before. I've learned exponentially more in one semester of classes than I did throughout highschool. I have climbed a mountain, hunted for the first time, gone to a drag show, had the time of my life, and my first year hasn't even concluded. It's now easy for me to create a bond with a new acquaintence and I have learned to approach every experience as one to learn from. I have most importantly found my passion and drive to suceed in a future career as a social worker.

I worked at many jobs in between graduating highschool and starting college. Since I have been back in college I have been able to focus and spend a lot of time on homework and studying to get an in depth knoweldge about the subjects I am studying. I have gotten positive reinforcement that through hard work and actively participating in class I can learn an unbelievable amount of information, over the course of just one year. Multiply this by many years and my ability to learn has only gotten better, which I am experiencing as becoming a better student every subsequent year that I am in school. One skill I have appreciated acquiring is the ability to multi-task. This is a very important skill in life, learning to focus on the most important task at hand first, then moving down the list depending on the time needed to acquire knoweldge and the time limit that is in place to learn what is required. Being proficient at juggling multiple tasks at once is priceless especially in a workplace that requires multiple problems or tasks to be attended to throughout the day, week and months.