The University of Montana Top Questions

My college experience thus far has been one of proof. What I mean by this, is when I graduated from high school, I was a very good student that could've gone to several universities to continue my studies. However, my father was in prison at the time, and my family face financial hardships. So rather than going off to college to get the education i had long awaited, I decided to put my education on the back burners in order to stay at home and work. I know many people think I am crazy for passing up such an opportunity, but I knew it was the right thing for me. After being three years removed from school, I decided to go back to college and finally get on the path to where I wanted to go in life. Like whith everything else in life, there were nay-sayers that doubted my ability to get back to my previously successful self. These two years in college have made me so proud of myself and showed to myself and those doubters that I am a person that is very strong and determined to become something special in this life.

College so far has been one of the best experiences of my life. I used to be very shy and insecure when I was in highschool. I had my set group of friends and rarely ever stepped out of my box. I did things I was comfortable with with people i was comfortable with. I didnt drink or do drugs, I didnt date boys, I didnt do anything wrong. College in a way forced me to step out of my comfort zone and do things that were completely out of the ordinary for me. It taught me to branch out, make new friends, and experience new things. I learned to be more open-minded and accepting of others and I also learned a lot about myself. I took some classes that really interested me and eventually lead me to where I am now.

The most valuable aspect of my college experience has been through self-discovery. Since I was young, I thought I knew what I always wanted to do in life. Having school to self-motivate and self-direct, I learned what the real world has to offer. Now, I can say that I have no clue what I want to do with the rest of my life, but I do know that I am prepared for anything I want to accomplish.

Being on campus has made me more of a people person. I have learned to talk to more people and meet people easier. My college is filled with very plesent professors that are willing to meet with you when needed and answer questions that you may have. This college has been valable to attend because so many people are welcomed here and it is nice to meet so many people from so many different back grounds. I always advise my friends that are still in high school to give this university a look and give it a chance. I run track here, so we get a lot of recruits and when we show them around they love it here they love the atmosphere and the public. And a week after they make their visit here they give their verbal commitment to come here next year. That shows how great my college is and how the experience here is unforgetable.

Through my short career at the University of Montana, I have gotten many rewarding experiences. Besides the degree and knowledge, I have acquired many new friends, independence and being able to be self sufficient along with many more. With the campus being in a different city from my home I have developed a strong sense of independence. This development comes mainly from living on my own and having to provide for myself which has helped me become self sufficient. The campus has a very large enrollment, which has allowed me to meet many new people from all over the world. This college has been very valuable to my growth as a business professional and as a maturing adult. When I graduate, I will leave with the knowledge I need to create and/or head my own business. Just as importantly, I will leave with many friends, life experience and the fulfillment of achieving a life long goal, along with the honors of being the first person in my family to graduate from college.

The adviced that I would give myself would be that college is a learning process. You may prepare yourself as much as you would like but in the end you will not clearly understand until you have gone through it. I also would highly encourage dedicating more time into my studies. I simply cannot stress enough about how important grades really are. You must give it your all which also means dedicating everything that you have got.

Knowing what I know now I would tell myself that college is a blast. It really is one of the greatest times of your life, but you have to make the effort. I would also tell myself not to sweat the small stuff, everything will work out. Just enjoy the last bit of high school.; it will be the best year of your high school career. I would want to tell myself not to worry about being completely lost about not having a major or any idea of what I want to major in because it will work itself out and, even though I want to graduate in four years, do not worry about it. It is not that big of a deal if I take an extra year to graduate and I would let myself know that going to Hawaii for my first year will be the best year ever. I would then say, but when you decide to transfer to Montana know you are doing the right thing. The school works out, the friends you have in Hawaii are amazing and you won't lose them and the University of Montana has some amazing professors and major programs.

If I could go back in time to when I was a senior in high school, I would tell myself to study harder than I am and that college is a lot more difficult than high school. Studying is an important habit to have while in college because the exams are harder and worth more points on the final grade. I would tell myself that the only way to get the grades I want is to not procrastinate but to study all the time, especially when taking a foreign language class. Procrastination is a habit that must stop because all it does is cause me more stress and that is something that is not needed while attending college. College life is difficult to switch to in the first year, but the key factor is to learn from any mistakes in order to not make those mistakes anymore. I would inform myself to not give up no matter how hard things get, study hard, and ask the professors questions in order to clear up uncertainties on the lessons.

If I had the ability to talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to not be afraid to ask for help. I would have benefited from help in nearly every situation I've been in whether it regarded school or my personal life. I failed Calculus because I was to afraid to admit that I needed help. I also suffered from severe depression, which made every aspect of my life much more difficult. If I had sought help as a freshman rather than a junior I know that my college experience would have been so much better. I would tell myself as a high school senior that sometimes it is ok to set aside your pride and be willing to ask for help.

Be ready to change your whole life! Do not spend too much time studying, but make time for yourself and to have fun. Never lose sight of your dreams, anything is possible in college and you will fit in no matter what. College is a great experience; do not pass up some of the amazing opportunities that arise in college!