University of Colorado Colorado Springs Top Questions

Out of my college experience I have obtained responsibilities, friendships, and advanced knowledge that I otherwise would not have received. I feel I have "grown up" and now am excited to begin the rest of my life. Without school, I am not sure if I would have ever felt I've accomplished anything and probably would have remained miserable.

I believe that without college, I would not be developing necessary life skills that will make me grow as an individual as well as a leader. Participating with Phi Theta Kappa and other student groups broadens my horizons of many different people, backgrounds, and experiences. Not only does attending college build on what was started in my high school education, but it creates a sturdy foundation for me entering the workforce. I will be trained with many abilities that include technology, foreign language, and health information. By attending college and gaining a degree, I have a trade that will make me a functioning, useful member of society. There is no way I would be able to be well-rounded in life without my college experience. My communication skills are more developed, my thoughts are not as narrow as when I was simply fresh out of high school, and I have learned invaluable leadership skills that allow me to be a more competent team player. If I had to make the choice of attending college or starting in the workforce immediately, I would still choose college without hesitation.

Out of my college experience I have received the skills and education to help me pursue the career of my dreams. I have gained knowledge to reach my goals and understand my life at a different level. I have a dream to become a Radiologic Technologists and going to school has helped me to get to where I am today and happy with what I am accomplishing. School has not been easy so far and I find that good, I like a challenge in life, things have never been handed to me so I enjoy working for what I am obtaining in life.

My cumulative college experience has taught me the importance of completion and that there are consequences for your actions. My first two years of college, I did not take it very seriously. That has made my return to school that much more difficult through suspension, not just from school, but also my financial aid. I am now more driven than ever to complete my education and fully understand that not taking my responsibilities as a student seriously could permanently prohibit me from finishing. I am currently unemployed and have more bills than just a part-time job can pay. Without a college education, finding employment that will fund my existence will be very difficult. A college education is essentially priceless in that regard. To secure my future and make my life better not just for myself, but for a possible family. I cannot begin to place an amount on that.

College has given me confidence. In high school I did not do so well, I got mostly B's and A's were very rare. I had no motivation. I always told people I did not even want to go to college, that it was not for me. Now, not only did I decide to go to college but I picked a major that I completely love, Communications. and I have decided to graduate early! I have only been here for one semester but I have already proven that I can do well in school. I earned good grades last semester and got a GPA of 3.52. I realized that the only reason I did not want to go to college was because I did not think I would do well. Now I see that I can do anything as long as I put in a lot of effort. I have evolved into someone who enjoys going to class and enjoys learning. I owe all of this change to my decision to go to college, and my determination to do well.

I would say, "Relax. If you take things one day at a time and work steadily instead of procrastinating you can succeed without stressing out. Find good friends to study with so that studying can be fun instead of just work. Also, talk to older students to find out which teachers have the best teaching method, are the most fair graders, and are helping and kind. Look for a school that you fall in love with and connect with people whenever you get a chance. If you don't make an effort to make friends, you won't. College can be fun and will be fun. Don't worry about your whole life right now. One day at a time, one exam at a time, one semester at a time. You are responsible for your own success and it's not as overwhelming as it seems right now."

I would tell myself that college is important and to go right after you graduate. I would tell myself to make excellent grades because they will help you get into a good school and get scholarships. I would say you want to be a nurse.... so that it doesn't take me 8 years to figure out what I want to do.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a senior, I would definitely tell myself to do several things different in making the transition to college life. First, I would tell myself to look at schools based more on academics and college life rather than solely on softball. I would tell myself to not even play softball in college and to instead have a job because money will be more of an issue than I thought. I would make sure I saved as much money as possible and apply for scholarships like crazy. I am not a fan of cold weather at all, and so I would be realistic and look at schools in warmer states. I would stay closer with certain friends but not worry about the ones who don't show care for me.

If I could go back and give my "high school" self advice, i would say two words, focus and develop. During high school, like so many others, all I wanted to do was make it to graduation day. I never understood that high school was actually my orientation to the beginning of my life. I always thought that it was too early to think about what I wanted to do when I grew up and that I had plenty of time to decide once I went to college. What I did not realize was that my senior year was the time for me to decide these things and my opportunity to prepare myself to take on these challenges. Instead of going on senior skip day to the beach, I should have gone and sat in a college lecture to get an understanding of what I would be experiencing for the next 4 years. Had I done so, I would have be able to develop the study habits and focus required to be successful in college courses. By doing this, I strongly believe that I would have had an easier transition to college life during my first year in school.

Focus more on your grades from the beginning of school, it's harder to dig yourself out of an academic rut. Find time to relax and enjoy the things you love to do. Don't forget who you are in the process, or where you came from.