The University of Texas at Austin Top Questions

Getting a college degree has always been a must in my family of doctors, pharmacists, and college professors and while being a competitive figure skater has taught me time management, being in college taught me how to priortize even better. I've been able to learn new things every day, broaden my mind, and discover the unknown. Being surrounded by other bright and creative students has helped me learn and grow much more than I imagined, especially since I was homeschooled throughout high school for figure skating training. Without attending college, I wouldnt have met some of my future bridesmaids and guys I know I can call if my car breaks down in the middle of the road. My classmates are people I can trust and my Professors are genuinely good people with kind hearts. Going into a career in broadcasting is tough and cut-throat, but my experience in college combined with figure skating and years of pageantry has prepared me well.

I have gotten a sense of responsibility. When you go to college, at first, you don't realize that you're actually fending for yourself now. You have to wake yourself up and get ready for class. You have to make time for meals. You have to do your schoolwork. You have to have the motivation to succeed on your own. There's no one in the background telling you to do all of these things; it's just you. It has been valuable for me to learn responsibility, because it's the only way you can succeed in life. It's important to know that there's not always going to be someone there to support you and make you get down to work. You have to intrinsically motivate yourself to succeed or else you won't.

In order to help you understand what it means to me, it is necessary to know that I transferred to UT Austin from Baylor University. As a lesbian, BU was awful for me; I was expected to either lie about who I am or to simply not talk about it at all. It was a dark and depressing year. When I got into UT, everything changed. Diversity was embraced, and people actually appreciated my uniqueness as a lesbian and as a person. I found my community, but I also found others quite different from me that I have learned a lot from them. I found professors who weren't afraid to talk about the corruption of power, the inequalities found in the world, and the changes my generation would be entrusted with making. I found many clubs and organizations dedicated to causes I would not be aware of had I not attended UT. The university is undoubtedly preparing me for my professional life; the real world is full of diversity, problems, and people that are not to be ignored. This is an amazing place to be, and I would recommend it to anyone.

The University of Texas at Austin has showed me that we are all human in the sense of how everything in the world works. There are so many different types of people out there in the world but by attending UT Austin, I can see that we all experience the same things in a way that makes us similar. I believe that every person is indeed unique but I also believe that we are very similar. Realizing this is helping me become less of an introvert and helping me take a step out of my comfort zone. At first, I honestly was concerned about finding a connection to people to gain more friends but I know now that that should have been the least of my worries. I also found a stronger connection to God especially from living away from home. I'm glad UT has so many churches available on or near campus for different religions. Without having my parents, I turn to God more frequently when needed and I know He'll always be there. UT opened my eyes to see things from different perspectives and has also strengthened my relationship with God which are valuable to me.

So far I have recieved a lot from my college experience. First I have made many new friends who I hope to have for life. Second I have shown my step-children that you can accomplish your goals no matter how old you are. Third I have shown myself that I can achieve my goals, I am smart enough, and I can succeed. My husband and family have been very supportive. I now look forward to earning my Masters Degree and being able to eventually share my knowledge with others as they work to earn their own degrees.

It's almost too hard to quantify what I got out of my college experience. I came from less than desirable circumstances, including an abusive family background and poverty. I started out my academic career at a community college, where I worked my tail feathers off to get into The University of Texas at Austin. It was well worth it. I met so many people from all over the world, gaining cultural experiences I had never had before. I was able to learn from educators who were recognized experts in their fields, and I challenged myself to take their criticism constructively and really learn from my mistakes. I was able to overcome profound shyness through the mentorship of my professors and the schoolwork I was required to do while attending the School of Journalism. Years after starting school, I had blossomed from a girl that barely spoke to anyone, to a reporter talking with politicians. Ultimately, going to college did not just increase my knowledge as a scholar, it improved me as a person and allowed me to have opportunities in life I never would have had without my degree.

So far college has taught me how to be a more independent person then I already was. It has also taught me how to juggle school, fun, friends, and work all at the same time without going crazy. Without school I would not know what to do with myself because it has been such a huge part of my life for so long. College is the place where people find themselves and make their own destiny and I am on my way there.

Although I've only been attending college for a semester now, I've gotten so much out of this experience. I've made so many new friends. My outlook on life, in general, has changed dramatically. I am more open-minded and more aware of the world. Joining the Rugby team here at UT has improved my health, social skills, and teamwork skills. I have learned to depend on myself for things rather than calling my parents for help. I understand that is is all up to me now to have a bright future. Opportunities like studying abroad are coming my way. I plan on going to Australia for a semester come my junior year. College opens your eyes to a whole new world. Everything you thought you knew will probably change a few months in. I would recommend coming to UT if you want your life to improve in aspects you never thought possible. This university has people from all over the world studying. I love college, and this college in particular. I like to consider myself lucky to be a Longhorn. Hook 'em.

The one thing that I have gotten out of my college experience is the professors I have had during my years here at UT. All of the professors in the Kinesiology department are so supportive of their students and their progress they make in their class room. They truly care about developing students who are going to suceed in their post-college life. The professors are avaliable to students, and it has been really nice to know that I have contacts here that I will ahve the rest of my life. Nothing can take away what I have learned here and the relationships that I have developed while attening this university. The research that these professors do here also helps students by showing us the newest research and fidings to help further our education. We also play a littlle football too, and thats always fun!

My college experience not only helps me prepare for the future, but it also helps me to become an adult. I have grown in so many ways, from my learning process to my priorities. Mom and Dad are not here to bail me out of an issue with a teacher or any other type of problem. I came from a much diversified high school and in college you meet all types of people and my upbringing has helped me relate to people different cultures, race and religions. College is a stepping stone to be able to handle my future in a small atmosphere or a large one - our choice.