University of Central Florida Top Questions

Last year I was homeless, hopeless, and completely lost in life. College was and is my last-ditch attempt to get my life back on the right path. All I want is to be successful and live the all-American dream: Work at a good job, have a family, own property, etc. I think college is the only way to reach that goal, and it's giving me a lot more as well. I met the love of my life, and now we're studying together at the same university. Attending college has given me a new outlook on life, the second chance I so desperately needed. All I need to do now is find a way to fund my learning.

I'm a none traditional student returning to college after a lengthy career in broadcasting. I've enjoyed my career longer than most in the radio industry. Consolidation and new technology, coupled with the recession have made it difficult to find work and many within the industry believe music radio is in its twilight years. With that in mind, I've decided to return to school to reeducate for a new career. It's a lofty goal as I'm over 40 yrs old and a full-time single father with a 5 yr old boy. A grant from your organization will help me not only better my own life, but that of my son as well. Thanks for helping a single dad do the right thing.

My college experience has been monumental in my ability to excel in the professional world. As a Public Administration major, I have gained a vast amount of knowledge related to government entities and their day to day operations. The University of Central Florida has provided me the opportunity to progress not only in specific courses directly related to Public Administration but also courses that have increased my expertise in other areas such as human reserouces and business administration. I look forward to the opportunities that will present themselves in my future that may have not been available to me had I not pushed through in difficult times. As a single mother and individual who strives towards excellence through dedication and passion for life, the Unviersty of Central Florida was perfect place for me to obtain my undergraduate degree.

Something that I have gotten out of my college experience is independence and the ability to try new things. Starting college I was a shy student and with being on UCF campus I have become more outgoing and able to struck up a conversation with most anyone I meet. I have also learned there are tons of different opportunities out there in the hospitality field. Attending UCF was the best thing for me because it is close to home and Rosen is in the heart of the hospitality industry in Florida. I attend a school that is one of the largest in the nation and sports teams are finally getting the recognition for being good!

Being a first time in college freshman, I have definitely benefitted from moving further away from my home. UCF has helped me by guiding me in the right direction while forcing me to mature and learn that from now on I am responsible for what happens in my life. Being independent in college also has helped me to learn to stand on my own two feet. By taking classes interest me and subjects that I excel in, I have grown strong enough to find a major that I actually want to pursue, not just what my parents wanted me to pursue. From this point on I know that my leadership skills will only continue to blossom until I finish school and am able to become successful in the real world. I think it I valuable for any person to attend college because you do not only learn the content the class entails. In fact, you learn more self discipline, leadership, study skills , and have experiences you would not otherwise.

I am a Freshman at UCF in Orlando Florida and have enjoyed my every minute here. There are many good activities for students that promote community service as well as opportunities to get to know good people. The campus has absolutely everything to make the college experience educational as well as fun. No regrets choosing this school.

Since, I have been in college I have had many different experiences, both good and bad. Although, I said good and bad; the good undoubtedly outweighed the bad. I had the privilege to meet many diverse people which in turn made me a more open-minded person. In college you have to become open-minded because you are placed out of your comfort zone that forces you to seek other people who aren't like you. Like many American college students, I come from a middle class working family. Where I come from many people don't have the opportunity or drive to attend college. Countless young women my age are worried about being a mother, rather than being a college student. I choose not to be a statistic. With that being stated, college is very valuable to me, I want to walk across that stage and recieve my diploma. I wont let anything or anyone stop me from reaching my academic endeavors.

My college experience so far has enlightened me to the possibilities I am opening to myself to as a college student. Because I am working toward many degrees, I have so many more opportunities for success than others. Being in the Rosen College of Hospitality, I already have a greater chance of finding not only a job, but to start a career to make a good living from and have a nice life out of. I'm able to express myself freely here and meet people from all around the world; in one class the four people sitting next to me can be from four different countries. College has been an enlightening and wonderful experience that I am thankful for putting myself through, and enjoying thoroughly.

Whether it be the knowledge I have learned or the friends that I've made, I think its safe to say that I have been present to an amazing college experience. The most important things I've taken from my studency at UCF is a strong basis in the study of Biology and a firm grasp of how to push myself further in any field that I want to attend. In addition, I can't ignore many of the great friends I've made during my stay: friends that I will probably take with me for the remainder of my life. Its these very things I'll take with me that has this so valuable. The combination of the knowledge and the life lessons that I learned, plus the people I will take with me has made this the most cherished experience of my life, and given another chance, I would do everything the same as before.

I have gained so much from UCF such as a high level of education to help me become a well informed business major, the job experience from several internships that will be vital to my resume when starting my career and the leadership skills gained from being Vice President of the Sports Business Management Club, Treasurer of DECA and Treasurer of the Business Administration Team. Everything I have learned in college will be instrumental latter on but the thing I am most grateful for is the fact that UCF has provided me a place to find happiness. In high school I was very negative and didn’t appreciate life, now I always see the positive in everything. I have finally established lifelong friends that push me to be the best, something I have never had before. This new found outlook on life has helped me get through many obstacles in college life such as living on my own, finding a way to pay for tuition and support myself by paying for rent, car insurance, gas and so forth. The personal gain in college of defining the true meaning of happiness is something that I could not put a price on.

The time that I have spent at UCF obtaining my degree in Early Childhood Education has afforded me the rare opportunity to begin to uncover the innate and inherent qualities that I possess that will help me become a successful and effective educator. I have started to show my true nature and appearance as a person while working to better the lives of the students that I have worked with while attending the university. There is a happiness and contentment that I feel knowing that the pursuit of my education has allowed my inborn character to shine through, and I am satisfied that the sacrifices that I have made to bring me to the point where I am today have been well worth it. Most importantly, my experiences at UCF have enabled me to identify what I find to be intrinsically beneficial. I have learned to distinguish between my hierarchy of personal values, and have found that working with children and influencing their lives in a positive way, whether it be academically or emotionally, provides me with a heightened sense of self-worth and gratitude. I realize that I am fortunate enough to have found my intended path in life.

College has already been an incredibly valuable experience for me in so many ways. To start, a college student immediately begins making friends. Friends down the long that could possibly be very valuable connections. Connections that help you get a job. Connections that help you make new friends if you are alone in a new city. In life it is all about who you know. College helps one get to know a lot of people. College is also a place where learning flourishes. I have already learned so very much in my short time at college. I can only imagine how much more knowledgeable I will be as a graduated college student as oppossed to if I just went directly into the work force. Furthermore, if one wants to get a high paying job nowadays thay are going to need a college education. It looks better then anything else on your resume. These concise reasons sum up my love for college. It is definitely worth the time and money.

College has taught me more than "book smartness." It has taught me how to be a better organized person, how to think critically, and how to always to my research in whatever I do in life. College has been valuable in a multitude of ways. It has been valuable by granting me independence to learn what I want when I want and it has allowed me to be able to express my opinions in a well-structured environment. I do not think that the college experience is only about work but about discovering who one is as a person and that is why it has been most valuable to me.

Though I have only been in college for one semester, I feel that I have grown up and matured much faster than I did at anytime in my life for the same amount of time. I have learned how to take care of myself and have gained valuable experience in living without my parents and having many more personal responsibilities. Many say that college is the best time of your life, which is ture, but it is also the time when you figure out who you truly are, and I feel that this has happened to me.

The time taken to attend college is very important in the sense that it has allowed me to meet and make many friends who might matter in the future. The academic aspect has been perhaps the most important as it has allowed me to learn alot and prepare myself for the real world. I have be exposed and learned courses and subject matters that I might not have come across if I didn't attend college. I have experienced a growth in knowledge, the understanding of the world and different cultures, and received the kind of education that has made me literate and well-rounded.

What I have gotten of college is maturity and ability to become more discipline for what is right for me. When I first got into college I was very irresponsible, I did not pay attention to deadlines, I was not focused on studying. but as the year progressed I realized if I want to become somebody I had to first set a goal for myself and begin focusing. I came to realize that nobody else is going to be on my back about studying and getting good grades. I had to challenge myself, especially afetr seeing many different student come to this school and graduate to become succesful. Getting the opportunity to build a student to professor relationship allows me to get an idea of where I need to focus more in my studies and my life. Going to college has also allowed me to make friendships that will last for a lifetime. The friends I have made has been so encouraging and helpful to my success. Most importantly going to college and experiencing what my parents has strived for throughout my life continues to push me so that I can make them proud and take care of them someday.

In my college experience I have learned that through education I have a better chance of having a better life. It has been valuable for me to further my education to provide for my children. I am more confident, reliable and have a greater Knowlegde of the medical field that has inspired me to continue my education so I can provide a better life for my children. I am A role model for my children, nephews and Niece and I hold that position with honor and I dont want to let them down in anyway. I want my children to continue there education through college, so they can reach there pedistal in there life and the best way to show them there potinital is to show them by example.

I have gotten many things from my college experience. One of the things I have really learned is discipline. You have to keep up with your work and not fall behind. You also have to read the books and study alot in order to be successful. I also found out that the professors (most of them) want you to succeed. They do not try to trick you or slip you up. The professors stay after class or you can contact them by email if you have concerns. Also, being involved is important by showing your school spirit and pride for your athletic teams. I am involved with the christian club CRU at UCF. I just love the college and all the people I have met who will be lifelong friends.

My college experience is showing me just how valuable education really is and the importance it plays in all facets of my life. I never realized through my earlier educational experience the role in job oppurtunities,salary and level of jod satisfaction a good education can make. Taking the time to go back to school has opened a whole new future for myself and my family. The life experience i gained between high school and college really help's me to put this second chance at a new future into perspective and appreciate it so much more.

I can honestly say that college has been a life changing experience. I have met so many knew people and feel as though I have become a more independent person. Before, I would rely on my mom to make sure all my forms were completed and turned in but after coming here just for a semester I have taken on that responsibilty of making sure everything is turned in and I'm all ready to go. Prior to my first semester I thought that I was already grown up and responsible but now looking back I was not as grown up as I thought I was. Growing up is hard but I'm glad I was able to while at UCF.