University of Florida Top Questions

From college, I have learned independency. Whether you are ready to take it on or not, college will force you to have some responsiblity AND will give you a ton of freedom. I can stay up all night studying and sleep in as late as I want to next day, and no one will yell at me! I also love meeting new people. Every night is an adventure and I meet new people all the time. At UF, everyone is very friendly, because we are all here working for the same thing. The University gives so many opportunites for me to do things, like Gator Nights (free movies!) and over 900 clubs to join. The best part is cheering on the Gator boys at football and basketball games with other students! You really have to be in the Swamp at a game to understand the energy that the 90,000 fans surrounding you can have!

My first semester in college, I decided it was time to crack down and really take this college experience seriously. I finished off with a 3.5 GPA and was invited to join the honor society at school. On top of just joining, I took an active role and was elected as an officer, managing my chapter's budget. Joining this society has opened numerous doors for me including access to scholarships I would not have otherwise known about and volunteering in my community which really showed me what individuals can achieve. I would not say that it was easy, but once I started, it just motivated me to do more. I found a healthy balance between the things that I wanted to do and the things that I needed to do. I’m thankful that I grew into this lifestyle and that I have been able to maintain it.

From college I have learned independence. I know that everyone says that they gain independence in college and in a way that’s true, everyone at college learns independence, it’s just whether or not they embrace it that makes them successful in life. My newfound independence has taught me many things including responsibility and dedication. I no longer have my mother or some other person standing over my shoulder or reminding me to finish homework or study for a test. I have to remind myself, I have to show up to class on time, I have to study and be diligent to be successful. College has taught me one of the most important lessons of my life, how to be successful.

I have learned to relax and take things as they come. I can't control or dwell on the negative, but concentrate on all of the good things in my life. The opportunities presented to me and the people who care for my growth and success are invaluable and should be given any attention that would be wasted on a negative thought. Even more, I have learned to trust that their faith in me is not misplaced, and that though I cannot know my future achievements, I can be sure my loved ones are right in believing I will never stop striving, and always be prepared to work my hardest. I consider this to be priceless personal growth: to know what is truly valuable and the unyielding strength of my own willpower.

In respect to strengths and weaknesses, the most important thing that I have gotten out of my college experience has been a greater understanding of my humanity and a more genuine appreciation for the humanity of others. During my initial years in college, it was particularly easy to let others reduce me to what was visually obvious. Just as easy was reducing them to, and penalizing them for, the same. The process of becoming familiar with my aforementioned strengths and limitations (in terms of academics, socio-cultural identification, leadership style, religious outlook) has made my experience a valuable one because at every stage, I have acquired a new skill, friend, and richer vantage point from which to view myself and those laboriously pursuing societal relevance alongside me.

When I started college, I was very depressed and anxious around people. I was highly qualified academically, having completed multiple AP, IB, dual enrollment courses, ISEF, etc, and starting college almost as a Junior. But I have always had interpersonal problems. Being on campus has opened me to a plethora of cultures and ideas, and I now revel in meeting and interacting with people. I have met people from all different backgrounds with whom I hope I can work with in the future. I have met friends scuba diving and rapelling down a cliff, something I never thought I would be doing. And I have learned to be an adult. To respect people and property, living in an apartment with three other friends. To pay bills on time and plan ahead. College is more than just academics. It is a series of life lessons distilled into at least four years, and for them I am thankful.

High school was hard, but I always came out on top. My assumption throughout was that the high volume of AP classes that I was taking would make college indefinitely easier. After all, how could it get much harder? Then came the slap in the face. College classes proved to be more challenging that any other singular task that I have ever taken up in my life to this point. Though I was once able to conquer any academic challenge set before me, I felt that I had reached the limits of my abilities. I had never encountered something quite so difficult; however, as time progressed, I adjusted. I worked harder and studied longer. Battle after battle, it became apparent that I was beginning to make progress. I was regaining the dominance that was seemed long gone. At the end of my first semester of college, which once seemed bleak, I had earned a respectable 3.82 GPA. Thus it appears that what I've gotten out of college is a realization and acceptance that no challenge is insurmountable. The value of this is that it is a universally applicable concept, one that I can carry with me throughout life.

It's been difficult for me to get a "typical" college experience. I entered college as a sophomore at the University of Tampa. I then transferred this year to the University of Florida as a junior. I will be graduating in 3 years total, so my education has been extremely fast-paced. However, I do feel that in transferring to University of Florida I have gotten the best education I can get. It is frustrating at times because it is so competitive here, but I know it's all worth it. I know that I will get hands-on experience and skills I need to accomplish my goal of becoming an equine veterinarian.

I feel like everyday, I am learning something new about myself. College has removed me from my comfort zone and has allowed me to see my potential and excercise my brain power. This institution has really instilled in me the concept of critical thinking, common sense, and the desire to suceed for my benefit. In addition, college has taught me how to fend for myself and care about my advancement. Competition is constantly practiced so one has to be constantly on their guard if they want to stay ahead.

I have been attending the Art Institute for two years now. Through the classes and teachers I have reaffirmed my desire to continue my studies in Interior Design. My professors and academic advisors have inspired me to not only gain knowledge about my field, but to also be passionate and innovative, seeking new and creative ways to design a space. I have also learned more about the technical aspect of Interior Design than I had expected. For example, I learned in my Building Codes class that the importance of codes is to protect the health, safety and welfare of the public. When I first entered the college, I was unaware of the extent and complexity of my major. Today, I am more than half way through with the program and I feel well equipped for a career in Interior Design upon graduation. Attending Art Institute, I believe, has fully prepared me for a job in the real world through classes such as Career Development, AutoCAD and Internship. I am confident that I will be able to apply all of the necessary tools and programs at the career of my choice. This is why I value my college experience.