The University of West Florida Top Questions

The most valuable thing about college is the training they give not only in the feild of my study but also in life, which allows me to be able to take care of my family (wife and son ) and give us a future. It has given me the confidence, tools and skills I need to suceed in the work place. It provided me with options in career fields that I would not have previously had. These being things that will, in the future, help make a better life for my son. The college experience also provides me with the social skills to make it through life. This helps me to get better jobs and to advance futher in those jobs. This is why I believe the college experience was so valuable to me.

I have learned a lot at the University of West Florida. I started there only to get a bachelor's degree just to have one. I really want to be a fashion designer, but there is no school near by that offers that program, so I settled. However, through my studies and experiences, I have become a huge fan of the elementary education program! I am truly excited to start my career as an elementary school teacher, thanks to the program at University of West Florida!

My college experience has revealed that college is expensive. Not only is college expensive when it comes to money, college is VERY expensive when it comes to time. Over the past few years (3.5 years for my AA, and so far 1 year for my BS), the thought of stopping my education has crossed my mind many times. I have a good friend who keeps reminding me that college is an investment, and there is nothing better to invest in that yourself.

Surprisingly one f the things that I have gained from my college experience is self-confidence. I say this because surpriingly its not as hard as I thougt it would be, its pretty much been would I put into it so far. I am actually making better grades in some of my college courses that I struggled with in high school and I have learned how to balance school work and my social life as a result of mre free time.

So far I have gotten out a better sence of responsiblity and organizational skills.

If given the opportunity, I would tell my high school senior self to save money more steadily and to apply for every scholarship that I qualify for. Money has been my biggest obstacle as a college student. If I had saved and developed healthy budgeting skills while in high school, I would have been better off now. Before coming to college, I didn't realize the high cost of books, housing, and the meal plan. In addition, peer pressure from other students has caused me to spend money frivolously, especially because I live in a dorm hall. I feel that if I was fully aware of the high living costs as a high school senior that I would have been able to form adequate financial habits that would have prevented my rocky transition from high school to college.

Wow! Hindsight is definitely 20/20. I would work much harder on finding financial aid and scholarships. My number one problem with college so far has been finances. I do not have the support of my family when it comes to money, so it has been very difficult finding funds. I wish that I had searched for more financial resources. I also wish that I had saved the money that I made while I was working in high school. It would have helped out immensely during college!

The advice I would give myself for the future college transition while currently being a high school senior would be to keep your eyes open and never look down. College is a place for growth and a chance to ground one's self in knowledge, friendships, and independence. Also, do not think that anything is impossible because even the most outrageous dreams are sometimes right at your fingertips. Always remember where you came from and keep your value system intact. This is respectable to yourself and even for others who you will meet. Other than that, make sure you choose your dorm roommate before you sign up for oncampus housing!

If I could go back and talk to myself when I was 18 I would encourage myself to go to college and not wait 6 years to finally find the motivation, confidance, and courage to leave home and follow my dream. I would remind myself that I 've always known that I have a passion for animals and nature and that is the path I need to follow. The 18 year old me would be shocked to see what a confidant and highly motivated woman I've become! Most importantly, I would emphasize how damaging the effects of surrounding myself with meaningless negative people could have on my future. Hopefully, I'd be able to convince myself to follow my dream sooner rather than later. Although, later is better than never.

Yes, the college workload will be a bit greater than what you have in high school, but the material you will be taught in college will be no more challenging to grasp than your high school material. Also, the people you will encounter in your classes will be shockingly more interested in their classes than the adolescents of your high school. So stop worrying!! Prepare to enjoy your learning evironment!! And realize that you are more than capable of thriving socially and academically in the college atmosphere!