University of Alabama at Birmingham Top Questions

I learned how to write and how to enjoy it. I learned how I learn and what types of people I find valuable. I also learned the importance of rites of passage and loss.

Being at the University of Alabama at Birmingham has really taught me who I am as a person. Before college, I had no idea where I wanted to go in life. I was confused, trying to find a career suited for me. When I thought there was no hope left for me to figure out what I wanted, I entered college. UAB offered me so many opportunities to find the right major for me. I attended seminars, academic organizations and meetings, and career fairs. While taking classes, I met professors who taught me about there research. The chemistry department caught my eye, and I soon realized I knew exactly what I wanted to do. I have decided to major in Biochemistry and pursue a career in cancer research. My dad has been battling cancer for over ten years, so I felt passionate about helping patients who suffer with this disease. College has gotten me where I need to be and could not be more happy with my freshman year college experience.

The most valuable lesson I have learned is to be self sufficient.

Thus far, I have experienced many great opportunities at UAB. I have met very unique professors and students that I otherwise would not have met attending elsewhere. Last semester I took a class that I classified as a "hippy" class. It is called Green Revolution. It taught me to appreciate my surroundings and environment more than ever. I appreciate the relaxation of nature and how to give back to it. I walked away from that class feeling better about the earth and what I can do to contribute to it. I learned what taking time to nurture the earth can do for many generations to come. After taking this class, it very well may be my favorite one so far.

I came in wanting to become a nurse, but with classes and speaking to other nursing students I realized I wouldn't be really be happy going down that road so I opted for a general BS in Biology. Now when I graudate I intend to apply to Auburn and attend their veterinarian program. I think being a vet is something I want more than I ever wanted to be a nurse, but I always thought it wasn't a practical choice given how long it takes and the availability of jobs. However, after attending university I've realized it's not always what makes you the most money thats important, but how happy you are doing something you've always wanted to do whether its sports or academics.

Attending college was the best decision I have ever made. I am a first generation college student in my family. Leaving my home town, making new friends, getting a quality education, and being surrounded by people completely different from my background has been life changing. I am a better person today than I was two years ago because of what I have learned and the people who have influenced me. These experiences have helped me grow in so many ways. I am finding the woman I am supposed to be. I am going to make a difference in the world with the knowlege I have gained.

If I could give college advice to the high school senior version of myself, I would definitely tell the younger me to carefully consider the whole college application process. I rushed through things the first time around, and put no real thought into the schools to which I applied; I chose colleges that I would love to attend, instead of colleges with strong programs in what I wanted to study. I also chose colleges that would be way out of my price range were I to be accepted. I would tell myself to listen to everything that Dad told me, instead of just tuning out his nagging and thinking that I knew what I was doing. I did not. I made silly, uneducated decisions that ultimately turned out to be wrong. And now I am stuck at a college that I hate simply because I did not put enough thought into my college applications to apply to schools which would be viable options. I would tell the younger me to take this seriously, and not just make assumptions about how ?awesome? I am. Maybe that way I would be happier now.

I would tell myself to take my first year of college more serious. Do not have the mind set that I have all the time in the world to finish my degree and start working. I also wish that I would have started out at UAB instead of a two-year college first.

This is not high school. I would tell myself it's okay to be who I am, there's a club for everyone. I would tell myself to never think or say I can't do something, regardless of my situations. Stay focused. Pray. It's okay to have fun, but remember why you're here. Volunteering is the best thing in the world and you meet some of the most fantastic people. Enjoy other people's differences, but don't be afraid to voice your opinion. Be prepared for some of the best experiences of your life. You will never be the same. My classes would cause me to re-evaluate my views on life in general. Some professors will make a mark on your life that will impact you forever. Sometimes roommates can be crazy, but you might get lucky and find a best friend. Game Day is the best day. You'll cry and even you'll laugh until you cry. This is not a walk in the park; high school might have been easy, but college will drive you crazy if you're not ready. Enjoy life, this part only comes once. Never ever stop dreaming!

My life has changed so much in the past year, although for the better. As a high school senior, I grew up in a very sheltered home and town. Everyone knew everyone in the small town that I grew up in, and would do anything for anyone. It is Alabamas "Mayberry"! I learned through my childhood to depend on others for everything, and I was not aware of everything the world offered. Throughout my life, I have been a dreamer and a go-getter. College has been my dream since I was a small child, but I was not accepting about stepping out of my comfort zone. It took me many hours of praying and analyzing my choices before I embarked upon my college choice. I decided to move two hours away from home, and make it own my own. This choice was difficult to make, but it was the best one I have ever made. I would love to look back upon my senior year and tell myself that everything will be allright, and to spend more time with loved ones than obsessing over "how far away you will be". My decision would have been much simpler that way.