University at Buffalo Top Questions

Out of my college experience I have recieved further education that will assist me with future jobs I apply for. It is valuable to attend college so that you can further yourself in your career and further educate yourself in many different areas of study. I am glad that I attended.

So far my college experience has allowed me to further my writing skills and pursue a career in literature. I cannot say I entered college ready to be enlightened, but I have gained something very valuable in my own self awareness. Through working and attending school full time, I have learned my own limitaitons and how to cope with my priorities. I haven't got everything figured out yet, but really who can say that I ever will? I have found pride in my accomplishments, and caring in my relationships. College has greatly differed from my previous education in that it nurtured and reinvigerated my passion for the written word. I have gained more knowledge and fullfillment in my two years of college than I have in all of my education. I am lucky to have that opportunity and I strive to encourage others to obtain it.

My name is Alexa Tebeau and am I applying for your scholarship. I am 26 years old and decided to go back to school about a year ago. When I graduated LaSalle Academy in Rhode Island I was excited to be accepted into my first choice of schools. I attended Suffolk University in Boston. The only problem was that I only attended for one semester. I realized that I was not going to be able to pay for my school and I had no help from my parents. That year I was so upset about not being able to go to school that I completely broke down. I ended up staying in Boston and working as a waitress. I tried to attend school at Umass Boston but work and school did not work for me. It had been about 4 years since I had been in school. A year ago I enrolled in Bristol Community College and have been there ever since. I work as a Caregiver now which allows me to do work and school at the same time. I am so proud to be back in school and now look forward to the future.

College was a great experience for me. I found out many great things about myself and the world during my five years. I learned that I am leader and really like to take charge of things to ensure they run smoothly. My college experience gave me the ability to be non-judgemental and proactive when dealing with life situations. The most valuable lesson I learned from college is that people are not always going to be there to hold my hand. College made me grow into the independent driven woman that I am. College was a rocky road but the value of each lesson that I learned is priceless.

I have learned that no matter how hard the class is I can make it, if I give it all i got. I have felt successful when I finish a class. I feel like i can do it, and make a better life for myself and my daughter. Before i started college I couldn't tell you where i would be in five years. Now I see myself owning my own car buying a house. i learned stuff i never new before at college and I believe it will take me far in life and it had changed my life and additude forever.

I have feel like I have received ample amounts of knowledge from my college experience. I have learned how to communicate better overall with and to people. I have also learned how to better express my thoughts and myself. While attending college I have learned how to work with people (all types) to get things done and have made friendships that I will cherish. I have also learned that college is nothing like high school, you get out only what you put in. I have found that it is ok to ask for help or utilize services as well as ask questions. Throughout these last few years I have learned to be confident with myself and have realized I am capable of more thing than I give myself credit for. I believe that it was valuable for me to attend college because this experience has given me a chance to grow and succeed. As well as make something of myself and begin a career.

I have learned that there is much more to life that simply an education. The life experiences and people you meet come first. Although earning a high GPA is important, the relationships you form and people you help are the most important things in life. I have learned to strive towards goals and make more of my life than an income and a GPA.

I was able to learn how to strive in such a large-diverse environment. This is a useful technique to have in life, both in a personal-social environment, and most especially in a work environment. I learned how to seek out whatever I needed from the school and my professors. You had to learn how to mingle with perfect strangers on such a large scale. These techniques will put me above competition when I start my career, and more importantly will allow me to seek out and help others. In the same sense, I learned that I prefer a more intimate-small setting. Now that I am applying to graduate programs I know what to look for. It is especially important with graduate school since what you are learning is so specific to what you will be doing with your degree. So, although I valued the skills I obtained from the University at Buffalo, I look forward to learning in a different environment while pursuing my Master's Degree.

If I could go back and give advice to my high school senior self, I would tell her to be outgoing. Most people you will meet will be other freshmen, and they will be just as nervous and anxious to make friends as you, though they may not show it. Join a club- it is a great way to meet people who have similar interests as you, and the weekly meetings ensure that you will keep in contact with them. Another big piece of advice is to find the balance between school work and friends. School comes first, so be sure to get your work done and study hard. However, make sure you always have time for friends. When you are exhausted after just finishing a big test, the best remedy is hanging out with friends!

You know that small town your living in, the town which you fear has nothing to offer you? You're about to make one of the biggest decisions of your life that will change everything. College is beyond anything you could imagine: the diversity, the opportunities, the excitement, the freedom, the stars...they're all there for you to grasp. Open your mind to new experiences and challenge yourself to become who you truly want to be. Find who that is. College is nothing to fear. The work is hard, but it is nothing you aren't prepared to take on. You've dreamt of mountains, of expanding your horizons, and here is your chance. Find the will inside to take on with full confidence the steps to becoming the independent, intellectual and prosperous person you've always wanted to become. Know that in college, friends may come and go, but it is your responsibility to hold on to the ones that matter. Know that with all the responsibilities that will seem to pile upon you quickly, taking them on with determination will undoubtedly pay off towards your future and your future endeavors. Make all of it worth your while.

If I could go back and talk to myself when I was a senior in high school, I would tell myself to start applying for scholarships and colleges. The mistake I made as a senior was focusing so much on what was going on in school and not on what I was going to do after I graduated. Looking back now I would have started the application process so that I would not be struggling so hard to get into a school now. I would convince myself that the most important reason to apply for scholarships while you are in high school is because after you graduate, you are not eligible for as many. Also, by focusing on getting into a school, it puts you on your way to a good degree and job instead of being stuck without a job at all. A big thing that I think every high school student (especially seniors) need to realize is that it is ok to focus on the present and the future to make it easier to stay on track and get where you want to be.

I would tell myself to keep volunteering althroughout the summer before college and into college. To also, be thankful for my parents who've encouraged me to futher my education and to persue my career. I would tell myself that it isn't going to be easy, especially that Fall semester of Freshman year, but to keep going and keep giving it all my effort. To remember that something that is this important is worth the time, money, and effort put into it. I would also tell my self to be proud of what I have accomplished in the past, and be proud to be such a well rounded student. To keep up the effort and remember that I always have people who love me and are willing to back me up 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c}, and to use them for support if i need to.

Kristina. I know you are an introvert, but it is time to break out of your shell. You picked a large school for the anonymity it afforded you; however, you are approaching life backwards. Remember your dreams? You want to make a difference in the world; you aspire to ignite a cultural shift towards environmental friendliness. Do not hide in the campus crowd; rather, summon your voice and influence it! Think of all the people you will meet, the perspectives you will gain, and the opportunities you will have! Now is the time to redefine yourself as the outspoken go-getter you have always wanted to be. When you get to campus, seek out an environmental club and revel in the discovery of like-minded people. Work with them to reach out to the other students. You will get braver each day, and soon approaching a group of strangers will no longer arouse butterflies in your stomach. College is a chance to find yourself; away from home and your family, you will realize who you truly are. Do not be afraid to embody her.

Always goto class. Try more things. Don't be afraid to go out. Study as hard as you can. You can only do this once so don't blow it.

If I could go back I would primarily warn myself about my first choice in a major. I would tell myself about genetics and to major in Biology instead of Pharmacy which I would in the future abandon. I would tell myself not to be so worried about leaving home or being alone because there are so many wonderful people I was able to meet at school. Most importantly I would warn against not just getting Organic Chemistry 2 out of the way and to just suck it up and take it.

Too long ago to answer this question. Graduated in 1998.

If i could tell myself anything about college life, I think one of the most important things is learning to balance the academic and social aspects of college. There will always be another party. Don't be upset if you miss one night or one story, get your work done and stay on top of everything and you will be happier. Just because you don't make 100 friends your first semester doesnt mean you won't make friends. Eventually you'll meet a good group of friends that you can rely on and will be your true friends. It may not happen until your senior year, be patient. Get involved, its the best way to meet people with mutual interests and make friends. Most importantly don't forget who you are and where you came from. Your expiences in life make you a unique person, be proud of that and don't let anyone tell you different. Don't worry if you're scared or just want to cry, its just a part of growing up. When times get tough (and they will), look in the mirror and remember your roots and that you're a good person.

I would definitely tell myself to explore my options thoroughly. I still felt so young when I was a senior in high school, and the idea of going to college was so surreal. I only had two universities in mind, and only applied to one (which was a horribly foolish thing to do - I was lucky I got accepted). I love the university I'm at now, but I really wish I would have put the time in to think about this huge decision. I probably would have decided to dorm somewhere instead, to get a more comprehensive college experience. It's really hard to meet people and get involved with school activities as a commuter. I've also realized that college is really a time to become your own person, to grow out of your shell and experience the world in a new way. I feel like it's hard to do that under the still-constant scrutiny of my parents.

I would research more schools and not follow your friends just so you know somebody there it is fun meeting new friends . I would apply for as many grants and scholarships as I could so you dont have to borrow or take out too many loans that you have to pay back later. Fill out for your financial aide as early as possible . visit as many schools as possible so you can make an educated decision and always keep your family in the loop they are your biggest support group. Ask questions of other students attending the college stay in touch with the schools financial aide office so there are no surprizes like you did not get a grant that you applied for so you owe money and cannot register for classes until it is paid and you end up not being able to get alot of the classes you need to take and if you have to commute look int taking online courses. Most of all study hard make new friends one that will last all through life and have fun these will be the best years of your life.

Learn to be able to open up to your closest friends and family because they will be the ones to help you with your transition to a totally different environment of college. Don't let your insecurities let you down because, although it may not seem like it, everyone out there holds an insecurity. Learn to study with friends because having a study group with students that are into doing well academically will help increase your chances on doing well in your exams. NEVER procrastinate. You lose precious time that way. Getting homework and projects done before the due date will give you much more time to pick up your guitar and record those songs you've written and couldn't wait to share with all your friends. Last but not least, never give up on yourself. Although there will be others that are a bit smarter than you are, you still need to be strong and say to yourself that no matter how hard the challenge is, you can accomplish it. Don't allow yourself to keep in pessimistic thoughts. Keep your mind open to optimistic views. It's the way to get by in college and life.