University of Louisville Top Questions

I would tell myself back then to not worry so much about figuring out what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I would remind myself that even though everything seems like such a big deal when you graduate high school, it's just the beginning of your adult life; graduating is a part of life and you need to continue to focus while you're in school to get the rest of your life started. Don't worry so much if you don't have a plan. You're 17 years old; your plan will change a hundred times before you start to figure it out. Find someone that makes you happy and stick with your true friends and you will eventually figure out who you're supposed to be.

My college experience has guided me in many aspects of life. It has provided me with and extensive well-rounded education that allowed me to pursue several fields of interest while focusing on my anthropological studies. The variety of anthropology, history and religious courses that I was enrolled in provided a substantial outlook into many avenues to learn of the various historical and religious perspectives of both ancient and modern day cultures. I have obtained great friendships and professional connections with several of the faculty members. Their research has influenced my avenues of pursuit and cultural interests. The value of my college experience and education is one that is priceless in my mind. Without my education and experience through my university, I would not be where I am today. It has allowed me to grow as a person and really evaluate life and what it has to offer. Through all my studies and experiences I have realized what specifically I would like to pursue further in my career and how I can approach it from an anthropological perspective. Without my valuable education I would not be able to further pursue my career to a graduate and professional level.

In only a short amount of time I have aquired a wealth of information and knowledge that I will be able to use for the rest of my life.

My junior year at the University of Louisville, I was sitting in a Sociology of Murder class awaiting the arrival of my professor, and lo and behold a middle aged man (who could pass for actor Andy Garcia’s twin brother) came into the classroom. Dr. Shawn Schwaner entered the classroom with an old 1980s “boom box” on his shoulder with the sounds of “Let Me Clear My Throat” radiating through our ears. Dr. Schwaner made learning fun and interesting. He had such energy and passion in the classroom and I wanted to be able to give my future college students this same energy and passion for teaching. It wasn’t until the end of the class period that I realized what that one class meeting did for me—it made me believe in a dream. My dream was born in that moment and space in time. I was immediately fascinated by the idea that teaching in the college classroom could possibly alter learner’s lives, affect their appetite for learning, and perhaps even give them what Dr. Schwaner gave me—a dream. Had I not attended the University of Louisville, I wouldn't have had this opportunity.

I was blessed to turn 50 years old in 2010, although I may not be financially wealthy by some people's standards, I believe I am rich beyond my wildest dreams. Faith and family are most important, but education has done more for me than anything to help me grow and live life to its fullest. The University of Louisville provided a rich and diverse opportunity lto earn and be exposed to so many things. Although I didn't appreciate it that much at the time, it wasn't long after graduation that I realized the value of learning as much as you can--even learning about things unrelated to my field of study. I realize college is not for everyone, but I am committed to living the remainder of my life encouraging, supporting, and investigating opportunities for others to take advantage of the educational opportunities that help make their lives more focused, productive, rich, and philanthropic.

As I type this my sons plays in the other room, he is almost 4 years old and in his few years here on earth has been both a joy and inspiration for me. I graduated high school at barely 18; I never would have believed it if someone had told me that by 23 I would still be working to earn my AA degree. In high school I was an honors student and graduated 4th in my class, yet when I reached Stetson University I was shocked to realize that it takes more than just being smart to pass a class. After several years of hard work and hard times the birth of my son showed me the importance of a real education and through the hardships prior to his birth I had learned the value of true hard work. As I entered back into college I realized that my intelligence was nothing without the hard work and determination needed to succeed. I have implemented a no fail mantra into my life because what I have learned at my college if I am determined to pass then I will and that is true for all things in my life.

This student’s education in psychology has helped her develop a strong sense of self and purpose. Her undergraduate education led her to seek a Master’s degree in counseling. Through the Master’s program at Capella University, this student has been afforded an education that not only gives insight into how the human brain processes and internalizes stimuli, but how those processes can become problematic behaviors that can require the compassionate and competent hand of a professional. This student’s education will enable her to be an important contributing member of her community. Her education has taught her the importance of ethical behavior in the therapeutic setting, the need for increased mental health awareness in the workplace, and the importance of self-awareness. This student’s Master’s program has moved her from simply echoing expert opinions to researching and pondering those expert opinions to truly forming her own opinions. This student has taken on an internal responsibility for personal and professional growth. She has begun that process by becoming a member in the American Counseling Association, reading journal articles in her free time, networking with experienced professionals in her field, and taking her education seriously.

College has taught me self-motivation and time management. Both have shaped, and will continue to shape, me into a hard worker and ultimately a better person. I plan on attending medical school after undergraduate school. I want to attend medical school at UofL and getting my undergraduate degrees there increases my chances of being accepted. The study skills that I have learned so far will help me for the rest of my education.

My college experience has enriched my life in multiple aspects. It has been mentally engaging and I've learned so much in just a couple semesters because of the wide array of classes offered at UofL. It has been physically enriching because of the student gym and healthy food options. On the social side, I've made many new friends and developed professional relationships with campus staff and faculty. They're all dedicated to helping me succeed and truly go out of their way to see that I do. I've become a tutor on campus, which has taught me that teaching only helps you better understand your major. It's also been valuable to attend UofL because of the future opportunities provided to me by obtaining a double major in History and English, allowing me to reach my ultimate goal of becoming a history professor (preferably at UofL of course).

The college experience has provided me with an opportunity to be amongst some extremely bright and intelligent individuals. In the process, I have been able to grow as a person and will, upon completion of my education at the University of Louisville, be able to go out into the world and to give back. I have been enlightened by some of the most phenomenal scholars, met lifetime friends, and have been exposed to many cultures and traditions. Hard work and discipline pays off, and add time management and a little fun, and college has been a blast.