University of California-Davis Top Questions

From my experiences at UC Davis I have developed new friendships, learned things about myself, learned how to ride on a bus for the very first time, and learned how to prioritize my time wisely. Attending college has been a valuable experience as it really gives me a sense of how living in the outside world is almost like. I no longer have the aid of my parents to make choices and careful decisions for me and I currently have to think things through. Overrall the best experience out of college no matter how cliche it may sound would be the learning experience. The learning experience allows me to make my own mistakes and learn from them like how everyday people make mistakes. I really don't know how I would have survived in the real world if it weren't for the experiences I have at UC Davis, and I hope over my next 3 years here I will continue to gain more experiences.

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College has taught me to look beyond what I see with my eyes. It?s taught me to be a critical thinker in all aspects of my life. College has immersed me in many cultures I would have never been apart of if I had not gone. I?ve gained an appreciation for the resources I use because I?ve been taught how humans impact the world. With that I?ve been able to discover how I want to live my life, what morals I hold valuable, and ultimately who I want to become. It has been extremely helpful for me because it gave me the chance to separate myself from my family and think for myself for a change. Most importantly I have been given the opportunity to grow in an environment that supports equality, tolerance, and peace. Knowlege is valuable. Knowlege is power. I've been given the power to make a difference in my life and the lives of others. For that I will always be grateful.

During my undergrad years, the most important thing I learned was how to be comfortable with who I am. All throughout high school I neverfelt comfortable with my sense of humor, looks, or friends--I never found someone with whom I connected. After four years at Davis, though, I can honestly say that I have made lifelong friends who accept me for exactly who I am and who I will become after another two years in graduate school. To me, finding out who you are is really trhe best thing you can get out of your college experience.

Because of my degree, I have a wonderful job and I love what I do. College was never truly a fun experience for me, especially since I worked two jobs and commuted to school while living at home. I didn't actually get to experience the "real" college lifestyle. While disappointing, I don't regret it. Working while going to school helped me develop critical people skills and also allowed me to hone great time management techniques. UC Davis is a fantastic school and while my personal college experience didn't quite live up to my expectations, I am forever glad that I was able to graduate from that very fine institution.

UC Davis is a school that I would recommend to anyone who is looking for an intellectual challenge, while working with people from diverse backgrounds and ideas. I have never been exposed to an environment where there is such a plethora of ethnic backgrounds, religious and political ideologies, and ideas. Not only did UC Davis provide me with an exceptional education that will more than adequetely prepare me for my future career, it provided me with the abilities and skills to look at the world from different and unique perspectives. These abilities and skills will allow me to excel in my professional life, but more importantly, my personal life. I am proud to come from a school that puts such encouragement on students to be themselves and to share their experiences with each other. It is only when we work together that we can achieve such greatness, and that greatness is clearly evident at UC Davis through the accomplishments of professors, researchers and most importantly, the students, who are just beginning their journey to change the world.

I have recieved from my college experience a new hope. I was a single mother struggling to find a job and getting by. Yet now im a single mother with a future. I still don't have a job, but I am working towards a better life. I have been able to realize what I want to achieve career wise. In result, also, this has encouraged me to incorporate this new hope and realization through the rest of my life. I have become more interactive with my daughter and her school. I have even renewed severed connections with my family and old friends. I have learned that I must value what I have, and that what I do have I must make valuable to me.

Before attending college, I must admit I didn't think I would be very affected; I've always been a very self proficient person. However, now that I'm attending a very competative university, I have learned many affective life skills. While competing in a varsity sport, I have learned to juggle athletics with academics. Grades must be kept up to keep competing and thus, I have learned to do so. This is very applicable to the outside world when considering taking care of a family, a house, a job, etc. I have learned how to prioritize classes and have found the right mix of social and academic life. The information I have learned here is irreplaceable and will forever be part of my knowledge base. I feel that I am being adiquately prepared for the work sector and the jobs opportunities that await me. My life has been positively influenced by the classes, experiences, professors and students I have met and interacted with during my college career.

College is hard, but without the challenge, I would not learn anything. The hard work is worth it in the end. College has been very valuable to me because I am now less intimidated when it comes to socializing. I am usually "shy" when it comes to socializing. College has taught me to "open up" and express how I feel and not to feel discouraged when speaking in front of an audience . This would help me a lot when I start working. College has also taught me to spend wisely. I have learned to control food spending habits which usually puts a "dent" in my wallet. It is scary to walk into the doors of an institution without knowing anything or anyone. Out of my college experience I have attained a stronger sense of independence . When you walk through those doors it is like the reality sets in: I am on my own now. The exciting feeling kicks in when you start to feel independent. You feel like you can do anything and go anywhere.

Being able to attend a university has been rewarding on many levels. I was able to push myself academically. More importantly, I learned to work with people - fellow students, professors, teaching assistants, faculty members, and even strangers. The university offers a variety of settings for learning and interacting with people. This has helped me understand how to work within a diverse group. I feel confident now in effectively contributing and influencing the efforts of a team that I am working with. Attending UC Davis has also given me access to so many resources. Through randomly applying for a rafting job at an on campus outdoor organization, I was exposed to all sorts of outdoor activities. I did not know what I had been missing out on! I plan to continue enjoying these sorts of activities for the rest of my life. I have also had access to all sorts of other extracurricular activities where I was able to explore my abilities and interests. Succeeding academically requires a lot of discipline, responsibility, maturity, time management, work, and focus. I find applying the same commitment to hobbies and interests outside of school or work strengthens my performance and enjoyment in all areas.