University of Kansas Top Questions

I received a bachelor's degree in Philosophy. It's difficult to count how many times I've told people what I studied and received some kind of variation on the "What can you do with THAT??" response. As a state-certified "philosopher," I'm here to tell you that there's actually quite a bit to be done with a philosophy degree! Honestly! Ideally, philosophy teaches you to think. My education gave me the tools to clearheadedly weigh my options concerning the "What do I do now?" issue upon completion of my studies. After a long and careful examination of my beliefs and values, I decided to apply to the U.S. Peace Corps. I was accepted, and spent two wonderful and challenging years as a volunteer in eastern Uganda. While there, I worked towards sustainable development, made many lifelong friends, grew emotionally and spiritually, and met my future wife. I firmly believe that without my education in Philosophy, I wouldn't have considered joining the Peace Corps. So I suppose the short answer to this question would be that my college experience led me to make one of the best decisions of my life!

I have learned to work with diverse group of students a teachers. I have learned my strengths and formed career goals based on those strengths. I have met friends and enjoyed campus sports. I have learned to really study, to take notes, to learn from all different kinds of people. I have realized the benefit of working with others. The courses I have taken have enlarged my world view. I have been encouraged to participate in research projects and do community service. I have taken several courses that helped me explore career choices. I have learned that even on a very large campus, there is help when needed. The advisement counselors are awesome. There are tutors available for most classes. There are small discussion groups and peer mentors. The university also provides mentors from their alumni to help students explore their career path. If I had to sum up what I have gotten out of my college experience at KU thus far, I would have to say, with the excellent academics, the support programs and the people I have met, I have become a well rounded young adult ready to pursue my future.

I attended a small Catholic high school, where the great majority of students were white, Conservative Republican Catholics. Attending college has opened me up to meet so many different types of people that I never would have been able to meet in high school. The freedoms that I got at college have helped me to grow as a person. As for actual education, I switched majors after two years as I learned that what you plan is not always what will fit you best. i was then able to choose a major that fits me well. My life has been significantly altered by learning that I want to teach other people. College has also given me the opportunity to try out teaching while still at school. I will be a TA in the fall, and will also teach at the high school level. I have really enjoyed my college experiences, and would not trade them for anything.

the thing i have gotten most out my college experience thus far is being able to take care of yourself. to me college is like putting one foot in the real world and realizing what you have to do in order for you to grow up. i realize the without making sure your doing the right steps in order to succeed in college you could easily fall behind and get lost in the system and just be another statistic. it has been so valuable to attend because college is somewhat like the real world. in order for you to succeed you have to be able to take care of yourself and not have to depends on others so much.

Attending a university is obviously an educational experience. However, there is much more to be gained than book knowledge. Some of the most valuable things I have gained are derived from cultural and social exposure. I have learned how to view the world differently, to view people more openly and less critically; while at the same time having a critical mind in order to understand the environment around me. By betting understanding others and seeing the world through their eyes, I have also gained a better understanding of myself.

My Metamorphosis Many people have different views on the importance of a college education. During my childhood, I always had dreams of eventually working for myself. Since my childhood I have come to realized I was not going to achieve my dreams without a college education. Throughout the years I worked many jobs that did not pay well. Then there were jobs that paid not much more, but there were benefits. I knew then it was up to me to make a difference in my life. I enrolled in college when my daughter was two years old, had my son a year later, had to stop, and resumed going back to school when my son turn six. Confidently helping my children with their homework has been a major accomplishment. During high school I had a fear of math; I struggled with it. When I got an A in college algebra, it was as if I received an Academy Award. As a woman I have grown to be self assured in myself. My goal now is to obtain my nursing degree, go back to school, obtain a healthcare management degree, and be on my way to working for myself.

I learned many valuable lessons during my first year at the University of Kansas. I was taught academics, but also passion, pride, friendship, and responsiblilty. KU has one of the best sports traditions I've ever seen upheld, and it felt so amazing to be apart of such famous and recognized rituals. It gave me the oppurtunity to develop a passion and passion for something that I will carry through my life. I also learned a great deal about friendship. I learned that relationships are two-way streets. If I hope to find those I wanna care for, I have to be willing to open my heart up and let them love me back. Learning this was healing and progressive. My main progress was made in responsibility. Working, paying for my own school, and attending full time taught me time managment, money saving, and basic ideas of respsonsibilty. KU taught me to give myself, give TO others, enjoy the moments, love and laugh, and overall, how to be a big kid! :)

Some people come to college trying to figure out what they want to do with their lives. Unlike them I have path and I want my college experience to help me fine tune and exercise my abilities towards a job in public relations, and towards a more informed and enlightened life. Now is the time to be able to focus on one aspect of my life and perfect it, to make mistakes so that I can learn from them. Learning about who you can work well with and who you can't. Learning about what your strengths and weaknesses are in school and in life. I have done things during my time at school such as joining various clubs, joinging a sorority and joining the advertising staff. Some might work out better than others, but that is the most valuable part of the college experience: The ability to try things and hope for the best. In the end your GPA is only a minuscule fraction of your time there, but the relationship you make and the things you learn are something that you can take with your for the rest of your life.

Have not attended college yet.

People will tell you that college is all about academics; they are lying. Yes, the main purpose of attending college is to learn, earn credits, and end up with a career you enjoy. But college is so much more. College is learning how to not ignore your alarm clock because your mom can't call you in late. College is developing relationships with professors and becoming your own advocate. College is learning how to balance school, work, and play, and being successful at all three. College is about a personal journey in which you learn who you are, what you stand for, and what you will not put up with. Yes, all of these things can be learned in other places at other times, but being in college forces you to learn them all at once and on your own. College is not for the faint at heart, but if you take the risk, you will be greatly rewarded. College is about learning; it is about learning how to live.