University of California-Santa Cruz Top Questions

I was able to graduate with a degree in Business Management Economics and Legal Studies. I had the support of two of my professors, who also wrote my recommendation letters for law school. The key to college is to get in there and meet people and professors that have your best interest at heart. If you feel like you are struggling, it is ok to ask for help and the administrators will help you. The one thing I wish I would have known about was scholarships, I wish that there was an adviser to help students apply for scholarships so that they would not have to take out so many loans. Also, the counseling services were not that great, the services need to adjust to the students needs and particular situation.

My college experience has made me realize the importance of balance in life and crossing new lines day by day. With all the friends 2-3 minutes away and the amount of work from three classes, balance was an issue when I first started college. But as the year progressed, I learned how to draw a fine line between a social life and an intense working life, which is something I'll have to do with my future career as well. College has also made me see how every day of the next few years will have a serious impact on who I'll be and what I'll become, which has me going above and beyond my best day by day. This experience has opened up new doors and introduced me into a new world that I never knew I'd be a part of after high school. Seeing how hard adults work and maintain a social was one thing, but being able to experience a similar situation was another; and its changed how I go about life and my future.

I enrolled in college right after high school. It was too hard to juggle two jobs, bills, and college so I joined the military. It's been almost four years since I've been in college. I've seen people get out of the military, without a college education, and try to make ends meet. I wouldn't take back any of my experiences in the military, but I would love to be a civilian studying at a college someday. College makes me feel good. Every time I get a good grade I feel like I'm accomplishing something. I know that going to college is essential for me for the lifestyle that I want to live. College will provide me with an education. With that, I'll be able to provide better for my family. College offers me a sense of stability because I know that I'm going to graduate with a lot more opportunities and benefits than I would without the education it provides.

Before I came to college, I expected to get a solid education and a degree that would help set me on a great career. I am already on this path, and have learned so much in my courses already. However, this is not the part of my college experience that I have come to value the most. I have gotten so much out of my college experience that has made me a better and much happier person. I have met very amazing and diverse people, and have experienced new things that I never imagined myself doing. Some of my courses have required me to study religion and philosophy, and through these, and the new world that I am living in here, I have completely changed my views on life. I now know how important it is to me to learn and love and continue to grow, to push myself to attempt new challenges, learn new skills, and continue to try things that I haven't yet experienced. I am much more open minded because I attended this school, and I know that this will enable me to live a more interesting and fulfilling life.

To me, college is an invaluable experience in both the practical and emotional sense. Even though I did not work in the field I majored in after graduation, I know that having a degree made me more comptetitive in the workplace. Having some kind of degree looks better than nothing, which is an important thing to consider in this economy. Indeed, I decided to use the current economic depression as an opportunity for further development and growth by returning to school to get my Masters in Counseling Psychology. I notice my appreciation for college much more now that I am returning to grad school after a 15 year hiatus. I am mindful of the unique camaraderie one enjoys while being in school, the ripe opportunities for change and the blossoming of self determination. If I could give one bit of advise to all new college students it would be this: enjoy each day of leisurely walking across campus, of meaningful debate with instructors, and all night pizza parties with friends.

I came to college with my heart on my sleeve, beating quickly. I was anxious to meet new friends and take my somewhat basic education to the next level, and I haven't been disappointed; the incredible people I met even on my first day made me feel at home instantly, and my classes sparked a new heightened interest in all my coursework. Though it's easy to get lost in the beauty of the redwood forest and the liberal ease of the seaside town that surround campus, UCSC students remain constantly focused on the woes and injustice outside our college bubble. Together we create a community which sticks together and stands strong on issues of health care, environmental conservation, and of course the ever-euphemistic "homeland security" policies. I know that when I graduate I will take with me a strong conviction to fight for what is right, as well as the knowledge and the close friends to support me in creating a better future for myself and this world.

As an undergraduate chemistry major, and more generally, a college student, I have gained a wealth of knowledge about people, ethics, and science, and with each new thing I learn, I find that I am coming to understand myself on a deeper and more significant level. Balancing my academic and social life, sometimes studying in my friends? dorms until late at night, and sometimes playing games and enjoying life until early in the morning, is something that gives me a sense of satisfaction. I find that my relationship with my family has gotten better since I?ve been able to embrace individuality in school and secure a confidence in myself that I could never have achieved before college. Now that attending class is no longer an obligation, but a luxury for which I pay tuition every year, I find myself looking forward to lectures, and looking forward to what I hope I will take out of each one. College life has a flavor that can?t possibly be matched by any other experience. Even as I look out the window into the upper quad, I can?t wait for what I will be introduced to next.

Not only have these past few months at UC Santa Cruz been an amazing time, but being a student here has also opened my eyes to how many other people share the same interests and work ethic as I do. During high school, I felt as if I was one of the only people that had a will to learn and gain knowledge. But here, I feel like people take their school work more seriously while also being able to balance out having a social life. I think it is great that I can be surrounded by people who are on the same level as me, figuratively speaking. The second quarter of college is not even done, but I feel I have already learned more being a college student for a mere few months than I have all four years of high school. Being able to come together and meet people from all over the country has opened my eyes to the various cultures that are in existence as well as the opportunities that lay ahead of me after college.

What advice wouldn't one give their younger self? The confidence to engage in activities and experiences outside of one's established comfort zone is vital to becoming a more well-rounded individual. Although most students are considered adults when they begin their college career at eighteen, the vast majority are not confident enough in their own skin to try new things and possibly risk either their reputation or pride. If I could advise my eighteen year-old self at the brink of starting her Freshman year at the University of California, Santa Cruz, I ask her to loosen up and challenge her insecurities and fears by attempting things outside her comfort zone. I would plead with her to consider studying abroad - her high school boyfriend will still be around when she returns and even end up marrying her. I would encourage her to participate in multicultural theater and to audition for plays before her junior year - she ends up being cast as the principals in two plays later anyway. More importantly, however, I would push her to do things that she might never have the opportunity of doing again. College is, in fact, the time of her life.

The Advice that I would give myself would be not to take my senior as relaxing as I did. I would push myself and still take those hard classes such as AP's and Honors courses which were offered at my school. Another word of advice that I would give myself would be to look for more opportunities such as economic and academic. I would tell myself to push harder and look for those scholarships and financial opportunities that will help me in my future and also so I won't have to worry about money as much. Another word of advice I would give myself would be how to manage my time efficiently. One of the things I have learned so far is that time management is very essential for success. During my first year I have learned how to manage my time but I know I could also do a batter job.