Kelly
What I have gotten out of my college experience is the ability to work with other students, withstand financial hardships, and expand my ability to understand other cultures. In serveral of my classes, I have received the opportunity to work with fellow classmates in order to write papers or complete projects. I have learned to compromise with these students, as well as cooperate ideas to incorporate a final idea. I have had a tough time affording college because of my parents divorce, I have learned to cope with the idea that I may not be able to attend college without taking out thousdands of dollars in loans. From different classes, I have studied certain cultures that have opened up my mind further into understanding other people.
Lacey
I have learned quite a bit about being independent and living away from home. This is highly beneficiary to a student because after graduation from college you are thrown straight into the world and you've got to know how to provide for yourself. The hall I live in has me cook for myself and several other women and that helps me learn how to cook, and also spend money wisely because we have to go out and spend our own money on the food. This is a major hurdle for students because many are not sure how to spend their money the right way, so having this experience helps you realize how fast many can be recieved, and then given away for basic needs. I am also learning how to socialize with people no matter how difficult. During this freshman year many people were uncomfortable because we are away from our home setting and so it was hard to open up, but when you do you learn how to talk with others and learn important facts you need to know. This skill can also help in the business world because you have to talk to people to go far.
Emily
As a college student, I have gained a significant amount of insight into what actions I will need to take to be successful in the working world. Through various jobs as a psychological technician, writing center consultant, and children's soccer coach, I have learned that I have a variety of talents, but central to these talents is my ability to work with others. Conducting research with professors has only furthered my interest in learning and constantly asking questions. The professors in the Psychology department at KU have helped me to realize that while there are many opportunities that they can offer me, there are many more that I can create for myself. By discovering my talents and learning how these can be fostered, I can achieve the admission to a PhD program in Clinical Psychology that I am seeking. Through the development of my strengths and the recognition of my weaknesses, I will be better able to succeed as both a graduate student and eventually a college professor. KU has provided me with ample opportunities for academic and personal success, and my experience thus far in college has been invaluable.
Seth
I attended my first year of college at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, where I wrestled competitively on the Division 1 level. this was a great experience for me and has helped me become the person I am today. Due to my father'sjob transfer, it was decided that my best option was to move to California and finish school there. This move has been critical in my life and it wasnt easy. Picking up and moving roughly 2000 miles away to a new place with no contacts or friends was very difficuly for me. It has worked in my advantage though. I have met people I wouldnt have normally met and experienced things I wouldnt have elsewhere. I believe God has a plan for my life, and moving to California was just a small step in the grand scheme of things.
Daniel
I have gotten more than I could ever expect from college. After attending Oklahoma State for 2 years and it not working out, I have a renewed focus for my life's direction. Because of my failures in Oklahoma I have become much stronger and resilient. Right now there is only one option for me and that is to graduate with a business degree to possibly pursue further education or head into the work force.
Simona
As a college sophomore, I feel like I have just started to explore the variety of areas that are available for students. It is fascinating to think of all the organizations, all the different academic paths, the career opportunities, the friendships that a college student is able to experience. I have joined multiple clubs and have tried to explore new interesting fields in academics in order to get most out of college. It has been so valuable to have the chance to experience a world that is so unique and memorable. It is truly an experience worth the money and even the frustration that might come with affordability. I do not regret a single choice I have made about my school. I feel like each year of college, you grow more and more as a person until you successfully discover yourself and your capabilities. Try everything out there, get involved, do well and you will truly feel lucky.
Breea
Having only attending a University for one semester I am surprised at how much I learned. While struggling to learn the balance of school, work, and friends. I also learned the difficulty of accepting myself. Half way through my semester I realized I had tried to take on too much, I couldn't handle the work load I had signed up for ; with great frustration I had to drop a class. After counsel from my mom and older sister I began to learn that dropping a class is not the worst thing. It allowed me to focus myself in a more rounded manner. I learned that it's ok to have a limit and to find out where that is at. Also, that it's better to be less stressed and actually enjoy what you are doing rather than stress yourself out and trying to do too much. My most valuable college experience at The University of Kansas is that pushing yourself is not bad, but that there is a limit to it, like anything else.
Danyel
I am a non-traditional student with a child. The assistance I have received from faculty and staff have been invaluable. Not only have I received outstanding financial assistance, but the academic assistance I have received and the accommodations that professors have made for me as well as other non-traditional students has encouraged me to do my best academically.
Elvira
I am a very hard working person. I always go for my goal and dreams. I am currently attending a Criminal Justice Program. My mornings consist of working as a waitress, and I attend school at night. This is very hard for me, but I will do what ever it takes for me to succed in life. I have two small children, and for them I will do anything. My children are my life. I regret so many things in life exept for having my children. I have always worked as a waitress and I dont make enough to support my children since I am a single parent. Due to me always working I have never spent time with my children as much as I would like. I wasn't there when they said their first words or when they took their first steps. After that I came up with the decision that going to school was a great choice. I want my children to follow my foot steps and I want them to be proud of me. Thank you for taking the time to read this. I appreciate it so much.
Amilia
Although I have only been in college a short time I feel that I have already gained a lot. I came out of my first semster at KU with a 3.57, not only did I achieve the grades I wanted I enjoyed my classes and was able to learn a lot. I became involved in many groups and clubs. I have had the chance to meet other students and people in the Lawrence community. Through all these people I have learned that although this school is not far from where I grew up, there are many new things for me to learn and discover. I have seen that I have man opportunities, I would like to study abroad and become more involved on campus. I see that KU has a lot of diversity and that I can learn both in and out of the classroom. I enjoy both immensely and hope to continue my education, and personal growth.
Lisa
My college experience so far has been bumpy and alot of work but still very valuable to me. I came from a very small high school and went to a very large college and that transition has been hard for me but on the other hand has given me a chance to experience more diversity and be more outgoing. College gives me a chance to not only advance my knowledge but to also create a better life for myself and others. One day, I wish to be a middle school teacher and as such I hope to touch many young lives in a positive way. College gives me that chance because it broadens my views on the different types of people and gives me a degree to do what I wish to do. I can't wait to use the knowledge that I have gained through college in the real world and help others appreciate it as well.
Ashley
I have gotten several things out of my college experience including education, memories, important values, and strong friendships. By joining a sorority I was able to meet new people and make great friends. The sorority has also helped me to become a stronger person by being more outgoing and becoming more involved within the institution and the community. Not only has the sorority been valuable to me, but the University of Kansas has also been valuable to attend by helping me become a more dedicated student. The encouragement of the faculty and other students has helped me be successful in my time at the university, and I believe it will continue to help me through the rest of my years there and also after graduation. KU has instilled in me values that will stay with me and continue to help me pursue my dreams even after I leave the classrooms.
Erin
I have been out of school for ten years, and struggling to pay bills through a career in the service industry is difficult. I thought it would be very difficult to get into the swing of things in college. However, after this past semester, I have realized that my work ethic and live experiences give me an advantage over younger students. I finished my semester with a 4.0 grade point average, and I gained a new confidence in myself. I realize now that I am up for a challenge and can compete successfully against other students, and this new-found confidence carries through to other parts of my life! I feel strong, smart, and successful, and I'm eager to face whatever obstacles lie ahead. The University of Kansas has awakened a part of me that urns to be the best, and for the first time in years, I feel proud of myself and my achievements.
Kayla
To put it simply, I have received a new and addicting dose of life out of my college experience. I have been introduced to a world that at first frightened me, caused me to wince or cringe at the mere thought of leaving home. However, because of people, places, and campus faculty, I've been blessed with one of the most enriching experiences a young adult could ever take part in.
Stanton
My school has a great reputation and is well known across the country. The opportunities I have received from the Business School are priceless. I really enjoy the school and the faculty in the school. I know I can be successful because of the strong network I joined when I became a part of the Business School. The only thing I want is to receieve more financial aid because my family could really use the money.
Alex
To let all of the little annoyances of a highly active academic institution stand in the way of all the valuable life experiences you gain would rob you of all the free learning you did outside of the classroom. I have learned how to live in the real-world, manage my time and money better, and prioritize what has the most importance to life in the long run. I learned how to be patient and diligent in studying for challengeing courses, while keeping a healthy balance of a social life with friends. Variety is truly the spice of life that gives it all its flavor, and college allows you to meet and experience different parts of life and different sides of humanity that I would not otherwise appreciate if I had gone to a technical college, or found a job right away after high school. The foundation that keeps life going are roots that grow deeper and branches that stretch further out, which is a valuable lesson that I am continuing to learn while participating in a diverse array of biology and psychology courses. Truly, the people I met in college are still making all the difference to this day.
Lauren
I attended the University at Albany for three semesters after I graduated High School and can say that academically, I have never done so poorly in my life. I was honestly not focused on my studies during my time in Albany and the disappointment not only from my family but from myself that followed, was life changing. To make matters worse, I had $5, 000 worth of loans in my name and my parents had loans double that figure and sadly, I had nothing to show for it. I then started to ask myself, "What am I doing with my life?" I realized I needed to redeem myself after such an academic set back so I attended a Community College back home and earned a 3.6 GPA my first semester.
My early college experience taught me that the education I am receiving is extremely valuable and should not be taken for granted. It is an opportunity that is given not only to expand our intelligence but to help us reach our career goals and although I went through an academic downfall at first, I'm glad that I was able to have that experience and grow from it.
Molly
I have really matured in the six months that I have been away from home and attended college. No one is there to wake me up, make my bed, or do my laundry. I fly back and forth from LAX to the Kansas City Airport on my own and I park my car there and drive back to college on my own as a Freshman. I check-in online a day in advance to get a good boarding pass on Southwest Airlines and have even learned to use my PDA to complete the process. In college I think more independently about my classes, myself, and bigger issues like the economy, politics, and the two wars that the United States are in. I have really begun to personally grow and now am realizing how much my parents have done for me while raising me and preparing me for this moment. They have suggested that I major in Accounting because it is practical and because I can get a job when I graduate. Now that I see how much it costs to send someone to college this seems like a really good major to help me get a good job.
Virginia
Throughout my college experience, I have learned more about myself than what I have learned academically. I have learned a lot academically, but I truly value what I found within my education. I found the perfect major for me and the opportunities to come with it. My motivators have been my professor and advisors, and without them I probably would have not suceeded in finding myself. Before I entered college I was afraid to be alone or not find my true passion, but in result I have found my passion, my support system and more importantly, myself. I know that when I graduate I will have an open door to a world of possibilities and I can not wait to see what is in store for my future.
Jacqueline
What I have gotten out of my college experience so far is as simple as this: a broader worldview. Yes, I have learned a great deal since attending college, but the most valuable thing to me is my newfound ability to think about the world from mulitple and broader perspectives. This last semester is the semester that I think broadened my wordview the most. I was taking many diverse classes, such as Peace and Conflict Studies, Understanding the Bible, Western Civilization 1, Honors Spanish 217 and Honors Psychology. These classes all made me think in a different way than I had ever thought before: from thinking about living in constant warfare, to religion 2,000 years ago, to understanding ancient philosophers, to glimpsing at the poverty in South America, to understanding how parts of the brain function, all of my classes have been valuable to attend because they have taught me things I did not know before and they are helping me shape my current worldview. Since I have been in college, I have also learned that life is full of orthodoxies we all make, and we need to learn to realize how they can be hurtful to others.