Derrick
Thus far, college has exposed me to being in a highly populated area. I come from a small town, so this relatively small university has still been good for me. I am on my own, away from home and part of a large, active community: all things that are preparing me for the real world.
Jacqueline
College has been an unique experience for me. Most people say the college life is about partying and having fun, well, I have a lot of fun, but not necessarily partying. In my college I got an opportunity to meet people from all over the country. The college I attend provides so much more one on one attention with the professor, and that has helped me learn faster and more thoroughly. I don't think I would have been as successful at a university, if i hadn't enrolled in my community college. The atmostphere is so chill and relaxed, which helps me concentrate, and the staff and faculty are always available for the student. The scenery, the resources that are provided, and the many opportunites have inspired me to try harder in my education and to become a better person. I don't know where I'd be if i hadn't enrolled at my college. All i can say is that I'm glad I am attending Colorado Mountain College.
Rylee
I would not be currently studying abroad in Bulgaria right now if I were not in school. I would not have the friends or the wisdom I have now had I not applied and attended the University of Maine.
Brandon
One of the most valuable things that someone can take from a college experience is what to do with their lives. College has given me a solid first hand look of what it takes to become and engineer. The beauty of college is that you find yourself in it. You find who you are; what you like; who you want to be; and what you want to do for the rest of your life. College is a valuable experience because it is also trial and error. In the process of finding yourself and finding what most interests you, you can always change your minds and point yourself in the right direction. In my opinion there is not a more valuable experience then college. Everyone should be given a chance to find themselves and what they do best. College is the best thing that has happened to me. I not only understand myself on a deeper level; but i also understand the world around me on a deeper level. This is something that can never be taken away from me.
Kathryn
My college experience has given me a new found confidence that I previously lacked. I walk taller and stand prouder because I know that I can achieve great things. College has showed me that I can live on my own and take care of myself and others around me. I can be a resource for fellow students, a support system for peers or a reliable call for help. College has made me mature more and help me realize the importance of real life goals. After just a short time as a student I know what I want to do with the rest of my life and I am actually on my way there.
College has also enriched me culturally and educationally which i value. I have gained knowledge about specific subjects from various sources both inside and outside of the classroom. The search for knowledge is never ending and I finally understand that no matter where you are, there is always an opportunity to learn something. In college I am learning, not memorizing information to pass a test like I did in high school. The information I take in is retained and will help in my professional and personal life.
Alison
It has been valuable to attend the University of Maine because I have memories from attending classes and hanging out with friends that I will cherish for the rest of my life. I have discovered that translation from one language to another is fun and that being a teacher is hard work, but hopefully one day I will be a decent one. Dating is not much easier in college than in high school, but one day when I get married I want my college friends to stand alongside me as I walk down the aisle. Financial aid is a pain but it is well worth it to keep going to that office and make your face known. Finding the groups and professors that will help you without trouble is a process of elimination that takes time but it will continue to help you well past graduation day. I remember sometimes feeling alone in high school, but in college you are never alone. A new friend or advisor is just around the corner.
Kaylee
I have gotten quite a bit out of my first year of college. Joining a sorority may have been my best choice to date because it has taught me so much about myself and others. It has taught me to be able to open up to others. It has given me many opportunities to volunteer, and it has also continued my leadership experience from high school. As far as my classes go, I have been encouraged to broaden my horizons and think more on my own.
Brenna
Coming to school I have learned to be open about what I'm thinking and be open to try new things, and meet new people. Living in the dorms help you make new friends easier, and become a little more easy going, if you weren't to begin with. I have also realized that taking a variety of different classes, can help you expand your horizons. If you come to school thinking you want to become a specific career. You will soon realize your first decision in what you want to do with your life, doesn't have to be your last one. I have changed my career goal to one I didn't realize I even wanted to pursue, and now I am much happier in this decision than the one I originally chose.
Erika
I have loved every second of my experience here at UMaine. I have met many great people and learned a lot! There is a lot of variety here and a lot of activities which makes it a vibrant and active campus. I love it!
Andrew
The opportunity to learn about and prepare for a proffesion in my passion, psychology, is obviously of tremendous value, and the chance to learn under fascinating and deeply involved proffesors has been an exceptionally good experience as well. Aside from this, the friendships that I have forged at college are among the best I have made in my entire life. Furthermore, the entire college experience is one of great opportunity. The chance to meet people of vastly different backgrounds than mine or to learn about subjects from a vastly different perspective has been enjoyable, interesting, and, in some cases, quite profound.