Lyndsey
I was able to attend college during my Senior year of high school so I was able to get an early jump start on college. I've gotten a positive experience out of my time at college, I have realized what my intended field of study is through my experience in college. High school wasn't much help in helping me choose my career path because they didn't offer the actualy experience of figuring out my career. While I was attending college I realized what my weak and strong areas were and only by that I realized what I should be doing in school. I originally thought I wanted to become an orthodontist (which I would still like to) but I realized science was a very weak subject with me, after coming to this realization I figured out that math was really where I was strong. College has been the only one that has helped me to figure out where I should go in life. Only the experience can help me.
Nathan
My college experience has really shown me a different side of education that I never would have received, had I stopped after high school. Through my general education requirements, I've been exposed to subjects and critical thinking skills that I would not have learned. Within the first week, I already found myself more open-minded and eager to try new things and learn new information. I agree completely with the saying that college is the best four years of one's life. The feeling of newfound independence of budgeting my own time, coupled with the new friends I have made, and the knowledge that every day I learn things that will only continue to make me grow as a person is incredible. Finally, I have never felt more prepared for the real world, and each day's experiences make my future seem more secure.
Michelle
After my first year at the University of Connecticut, the realization that I am that much closer to completing a long term goal of becoming an educated, well-rounded role model, has started to set in. From UConn I have learned that when beginning any new chapter in life, it is beneficial to start with an open mind. To hope for the best, but always to keep in mind that the complete opposite result is possible. If one idea doesn’t produce the desired outcome, there is always another opportunity to achieve success. It all depends on how a goal is tackled. Now I know that one must try and fail, and then try again. After all, college is all about creating your image, developing skills and harvesting knowledge. I know the value of a dollar, the value of your time ,the value of hardwork and also the value of good friends. I feel that I am more prepared and confident about my future academic and social careers due to my college experience so far!
Kirsten
I have met amazing people, gained a great amount of life experience, and just learned more about myself than I ever would have anywhere else. The environment at UConn is unlike any other school I've ever visited, and I would recommend it to anyone.
katie
I have been a student at Cuyahoga Community College in Parma, Ohio, for a little while now and as of August became a Tri-C graduate. My experience at the school was absolutely fulfilling and very informative. I feel that because I started my college career at a two year school I am better equipped for my next two years at Kent State University. My experience has helped me grow as a student and also as an individual.
I know that a lot of students go immediately out of high school to a four year institution often wasting funds, but because I chose Tri-C as my first step I saved time, but more importantly, I saved money. It also gave me room to form my “tastes” and allowed me time to make a decision as far as careers go. The value of my education at a two year school has been priceless and I would not change a thing about it if I had the opportunity to do so.
Brittany
Going to college is a huge step in anyone's life. UConn has been an amazing stepping stone for me. I was at first reluctant to stay in state and attend such a large university. Yet I would never change me decision. I have learned so much about myself; my strengths and weakness, what I like and don't like. These are things that I probably never would have discovered if I wasn't pushed out of my comfort zone and forced to experience new activities and surroundings. I had to make new friends and try new foods. I had to speak up in class and seek my professors for help when needed. While my high school did prepare me for college, UConn has prepared me for life; for the real world. I feel more capable to make my own decisions and lead my own life. I still don't know exactly what my future holds for me. But I know I am equipped to make the right decision when I come to a fork in the road. I may be walking blind for a little while, but I trust I will get to where I need to be.
Kiara-Nabil
Currently being a college freshman attending summer school, I have learned a tremendous amount. The experience is so much more mature and my fellow students share the same interest in wanting to learn. Being independent and able to control what classes I want and what times I want to take them is very freeing and empowering. The experience has taught me that ultimately it is me who is going to be fully responsible for my education from now on. No teachers or counselors are going to be pushing me to work hard; it is all going to be me.
Jeanne
It's valuable to attend because a lot of people learn things I already knew growing up. I've always been mature for my age growing up. What people learn here, I had already learned at a very young age in Haiti. I see my classmates learning about diversity issues and differences in culture and such. I think it's important to learn to have an open mind which the school provides for those who want to learn. Everything Uconn teaches I learned from experience but I think is important for others to know. I've mostly benefited from courses that I will need for my career choices later on such as: biology, nutrition, mathematics. But I hope to learn more about how to manage and maintain a business which they also provide.
Thank you,
Berenice
Victor
The most valuable aspect of my college experience is the involvement I have been able to have on my campus and the chances to help others. In my time at my college, I have served as the Secretary of the Student Senate and a member of the College Activity Board. I am also the elected Student Trustee for next year as well as a soon to be member of Phi Theta Kappa and the Criminal Justice Club on campus. I also volunteer at most campus events such as the commencement ceremony and our community day at our local hockey game. During the summer I am continuing to serve my campus and fellow students through my work-study position in our Student Activities Office. Academically, I have managed to maintain a 4.00 gpa while taking classes in a wide range of subjects. This has expanded my world view, or as I learned in my Nazi Germany class, the German term Weltanschauung. I am the first member of my family to ever attend college, and my decision to attend is one I will never regret in my life. Education is a never-ending pursuit that is invaluable.
Kelly
I have learned so much by going to college. Attending such a large university as I am, I have found that it is much easier to avoid problems associated with cliques, but rather to form friendly get-togethers between INDIVIDUALS. College has also been a way of showing me what it is like to have freedom. Due to my current status, as an upcoming college sophomore who still doesn't have their license, this freedom is some of the first I have experienced. I am therefore able to travel to destinations on my own in order to obtain the necessities such as a job, food, research materials, etc. without having to rely on others. I have grown attached to the responsibilities I have as a college student -- having to manage my time with studying, a job, and a social life -- showing me that I am very strong as a person and that I have the potential to go far in life.