University of Denver Top Questions

I think what I have gotten most out of my college experience is how to balance schoolwork and a social life. In high school, we all think that we know how to balance the two but your abilities are tested in college. You begin knowing no one so you have to start off making friends, which is harder when placed in an unfamiliar environment. Also, your parents are not there check up on your schoolwork or set rules for you. You suddenly become responsible for your schoolwork and have to practice discipline since your parents are not there and you are completely independent. My study skills were put to the test since college material was much more difficult then what I was used to but I am thankful that I was challenged in such a way. After I became used to the workload I had to find the balance of incorporating time with my friends. Now that I can successfully balance both, I think I can use this skill when I have a job and need to balance work, family, and friends.

When decided that I would attend D.U., I began to debate on whether I should commute or dorm. The disadvantage I saw from staying on campus was the inevitable costliness of a private university. Ultimately, choosing to dorm not only gives me a true college experience, but it showed me the value of a higher education. My stay for the first quarter at D.U. was interesting. I’ve met many people with various backgrounds: rich, middle-class, poor, athletes, international students, etc. For some, it seems as if everything has been spoon-fed to them from their parents, and that college is defined as a time to let loose and “experiment”. Though it truly is a time to break free (from parents), going to a recognizable university I assumed everybody on campus would solely focus on studies. Boy was I wrong. Seeing others take their quality educations for granted has taught me to persevere and dedicate myself to reaching the high goals I’ve set. Though college will teach me many things over these four years, the most paramount lesson I’ve come across thus far is my realization of where knowledge can take me in life.

I have gained a great deal more from my experience at DU than I ever imagined I could. I remember watching older friends and teammates graduate from high school and going off to party hard in the college scene. When I graduated, my boyfriend and I decided to make our own college decisions which eventually meant maintaining a relationship halfway across the country. As a result and unlike many of my friends, I dedicated a majority of my time to my schoolwork. As I watched my classmates join sororities and fraternities and experiment with drugs, alcohol, and members of the opposite sex, I began to appreciate what I was NOT missing out on. Today, I have maintained a 3.95 GPA, I have been involved in multiple activites within and outside of DU, I have gained a small group of very close friends, and my boyfriend and I have been together for 6 years. I love my school because it is mine and by going to DU, I have been able to accomplish things I have always wanted to and never knew I could all while gaining a true understanding of how to balance the things that mean the most.

Attending this university is a great transition from the military. Having recently been honorably discharged from the United States Marine Corps, I have gained a disciplined set of work habits that have helped me to achieve the highest GPA possible at the University of Denver. By being self-disciplined, I have been able to learn everything I have needed to be successful in each class I have taken. The University of Denver has provided me with a greater confidence in myself and has encouraged me to try things I may not have attempted before attending this school. This university has also rejuvenated my creative thought process, my critical thinking skills, and my imaginative spark. It is helping me to reach and surpass all of my educational goals. The ability to understand and explain the observable world around us is the greatest academic gift a person can receive and I am forever greatful to the educators at this institution.

Going back to school after 10 years has been a new learning expereince for me becuase I've had to learn how to be a student again. This expereince has once again opened up my eyes to all the opportunities that come from the learning expereince. I am going back to school after a successful 8 years of running my own company, Beatport .com. I decided to go back to school as a transition for appliing my skills and expereince in other areas of my life. I have always thought of schooling as a life long expereince both in the classroom and in your professional life, so being at DU for my MBA at 32 years of age is just another stepping stone in my life. I will retire a teacher so that I can pay forward the expereinces my life has shown me.

I have gotten so much. It took me almost 8 years to realize that I wasn't happy in the job I was at. I knew I always wanted a career in the museum industry. I knew it wasn't going to be easy to go back to school because I was working full time and had a family to take care of. I also knew that it was definitelt going to be worth it in the end. I know that by having returned to school I feel so encouraged every day that I will give my family evrything. It has been so valuable attending school, I already see in new person emerging from me. I feel more confidant with myself, and even with everyday stuff as well. My children are my motivators. It's such an awesome feeling I get everytime I hear my little boy say to someone, "my mom is going to school, she is so smart!" I can't wait to finally walk the stage. Hopefully in summer of 2012 I will get my chance . This scholarship this will help me be closer in my goal because it will help with my tuition.

Attending the University of Denver has taught me many things: to be independent yet value networks. Be opinionated while maintaining an open mind. Seek knowledge but realize that most knowledge stems from experience. Embrace ambiguity and change for the better. Work ethic is important but so are correct priorities because in life we must chase the things that really matter. No level of prestige is worth undermining your character. Be kind and tolerant but do not compromise your own values. There is always a golden mean and one should always strive to maintain it. These are the ideas and voices of my professors and mentors pass onto us students at the University of Denver. The immeasurable value of attending a University is due to the wonderful professors, friends, and experiences. The culture of learning and spirit of a new start fuels lasting relationships and enduring life lessons.

I am a hospitality major at the University of Denver and have been truly blessed to have received the guidance I have been given through numerous adminstrators in the department. The major is set up so that we receive both in class and out of class experience with a 1000 hour work experience requirement. This is beneficial because you can't know if you truly want to pursue a career untill you have actually worked in it and this helps you figure out what you really enjoy about the hospitality industry or if you even are interested in it at all. The University of Denver also provides constant job opportunities for part time and full time positions that help build your resume, get experience in the industry, and possibly find your place in the industry. I am now eployed with Cherry Hills Country Club and am really enjoying learning every aspect of country club management. I am an aspiring General Manager and am learning a lot in the industry and look forward to where ever it may take me.

Since I've begun attending courses at the University of Denver, I've realized that college is not just about things learned in the classroom, but about gaining a better understanding of oneself. The college experience overall has allowed me to become stronger as an individual, while allowing me to develop a firmer sense of my priorities and life goals. In comparison to many other students at my school, I am "different" because I prefer study groups over frat parties, and fruit punch over whiskey or tequila. I have learned that I don't mind being "different" or "odd" because I know that, unlike my peers, I am working towards something- I am moving forward towards a promising career. Thus, attending the University of Denver has allowed me the opportunity to truly accept myself as well as understand and appreciate my education. I am more determined than ever to succeed in both my college education and my professional career.

At first, being an out of state student was very difficult. I never thought I would be homesick, but I found myself wanting to transfer after the first month. I decided to stick it out a full year as opposed to transferring at the end of the term and it was the best decision I've ever made. There was a reason why I chose DU and I couldn't let my emotions in the beginning get in the way of that. It took me a full year to realize this, but I couldn't have if I left when I wanted to. It was this decision that showed me what perseverence really means. Had I not waited I would have never made the friends that I did, ones that will someday help me down the aisle and ones that have taught me so much so far. College is the time to make decisions for yourself and to take advantage of the opportunities we are given. It's the time to teach ourselves through trial and error instead of doing something because we are told. Having such a tangible experience with this would not have been possible without DU.