Myla
I've met many people who aren't happy with where they are and they leave, but everywhere they run, it's always the same. They are unhappy here, they are unhappy there. It doesn't matter where you go in life, it's what you make of it that matters. It has made me realize that things never really change, it's only how you perceive it that matters. Going into college, I was positive and optimistic despite all the negative expectations set up for me by my peers. I found my professors highly knowledgeable, my peers inspiring and the campus beautiful. It was nothing like it was described to me. From my college experience, I learned that there's so much more to everything than one person can tell. Keeping an open mind and pleasant attitude will not prepare me for all of lifes challenges but it will let me see with fresh eyes to discover for myself great people and new things that I would never had found just simply listening to others.
Sarah
The most important quality I gained from my college experience was to be independent. Living with my parents and depending on them for everything has been a pleasure for me, but after moving out to attend college, I encountered a major shift on the responsibilities that I had to take on as not only a student, but as an individual. I had to learn to become responsible, in areas as small as my basic everyday activities. I had never once cooked my own meal before, nor did I do my laundry on a consistent basis, and I definitely did not have the luxury of giving myself my own curfew. However, after attending college, I had to do all of this on my own and much more. I had the luxury to design my schedule, to do or not do what i wanted. However at the same time, I had to keep in mind that I needed to do things in a timely fashion. It was difficult to time manage, be responsible and follow a path that was suitable for me, but it has been the most signficant quality I have gained and I am very thankful to have acquired it.
Brianna
I have learned so much at UCR. I decided to be a part of their first year program. It was a year long program that taught about current interests. I chose the Islam series. These classes opened my eyes. I am a Christian and this was a new subject for me. I learned not just about the religious aspect but also the politcal and social aspect of Islam. This class also tackled difficult issues which taught me to listen to all sides of the issue. It was valuable to attend because I took classes and learned current issues facing the Middle East that I would have only knew from the media. It was also valuable to attend UCR because I created friendships with people with valuable insight who helped challenge me,inspire me, and push me to my full potential.
Jong
From attending University of California, Riverside I have gain insights towards the outside world. I have learned knowledge in various aspect of life by mastering in subjects such as Chemistry, Biology, Physics, English, Mathmathics, Neuroscience, Organic Chemistry etc. From taking these classes while involving in club such as Golden Arch and volunteering in Loma Linda Medical School allowed me to comprehend the depth of becoming a knowledgble college student. The integrity and motivation I gained from the University of California, Riverside gave me will to become a better person. The motivation I gained from studying in University of California, Riverside had motivated me to become more and more involved in my community while persuiting in gaining more knowledge in my major Neuroscience.
Daniel
When I first started applying for college I had no clue as to what I wanted to do. On top of that, my work ethic was poor and I stressed out about practically everything, but being in college for three years fixed that. I learned how to manage my stress and my time. I also learened how to communicate with other effectively, but most importantly I figured out what i wanted for myself in the future. I learned how to dream big and follow my ambitions and I finally understand the value of hard work. It may seem somewhat counterintuitive that a campus with such a laid back feel could bring out these sort of qualities in a person, but the freedom given to me stimulated my learning in a way that nothing else could. I see that opportunities are given out with good reason and I understand that I must make the most out of the ones that are given to me. College has been the greatest opportunity given to me yet. Thanks to the free and laid back feel of UCR I was able to open my mind to the world and find my path in life.
Jennifer
I have received much more knowledge than I had expected. I believe that I have found the true meaning of hard work, dedication, and sacrafice. College is the biggest challenge that I have evr had to face, but it is so valuable to me because I know that it will pay off, and I will live an easier and happier life because of my choice to attend college.
Chen
Throughout my college carreer I felt as if I didn't know what I was doing with my life, recently, however, I met one of the most amazing professors and people that I've ever had the pleasure of meeting and he showed and helped me to discover what it means to be human, to be alive, and to live on this earth. He instilled in me a respect for all human life and helped me realize that I want to help other people see this and now I'm going to transfer to Humboldt State University and study Recreation Administration. It is essential to go to college not only for the general experience of it, but to meet the amazing people and feel the energy of it, the desire of knowledge, and the pursuit of happiness.
Justin
As of right now I am an incoming sophomore at UC Riverside and my freshmen year can be described as one my most memorable years of my life. It was a culmination of "leaving the nest," living on my own, and just the college experience as a whole. And I am more than glad/proud it was at UCR, due the diversity and high level of excellence that the school expects from us as students. It has been valuable to attend UCR because it has essentially helped me grow up and mature over the course of one year and I have learned many things. My college experience taught me people skills, to go beyond my comfort zone, and to extend my circle of friends to people who are not of the same race or background. Dorming my freshman year also helped me to learn how to compromise and become friends with a roommate who is the polar opposite of myself. I look forward to becoming a sophomore and now living off-campus and to continue to broaden my horizons and ultimately accomplish my life goals which include graduating college.
Katherine
My college so far taught me how to manage my time and be more flexible. While in highschool I used to push myself and over work myself doing things. Going to college and getting the education to start my career in the business field will benefit my son and I. By going I am getting everything started to provide for him and being a great mom and role model. By being the first to go to college in my family is very exciting andf they all knew that I would. School was always a big part of me, pushing myself farther and learning new things everyday. My last two years of highschool prepared me for college. Although, this is my first time going to college. Its been one semester and in that one semester I learn a lot. Now my time is being spent with the importance in life. Family, school and being able to do things for my son. Separating my needs from my wants id what I learned. There is a lot in life that I want but don't really need. Someday in the future I will have that.
Martha
It has been a great real life learning experience! My family could not afford to pay for all my tuition and because my family is considered "middle class" I received minimal financial aid. Thus, I was forced to work two jobs and maintain full time student status. Though it has been difficult, I feel like there is no challenge that I could not tackle. I have learned essential skills that will eventaully lead me to succeed in this competative business world.