University of Montevallo Top Questions

College has been an enormous and continual culture shock to me, but I believe that it is very valuable for me to attend; because, not only does it prepare me for my future career in a job market that is increasingly requireing more training and credentials than ever before, it also gives me the social programming I lack in order to succeed and thrive comfortably. I was homeschooled for all of my pre-college education (K-12); and, while I was very involved in my community, I missed out on a lot of the societal interactions and experiences that students of the mainstream system consider givens. The University of Montevallo has been great for me, because its abundant student diversity has allowed me to form friendships outside of my previous close circle; and because I am getting to live through and experience things I had only witnessed on TV before, like eating in a cafeteria, or even just finding my classrooms on the first day of the semester.

I've learned a lot about people and how to better interact with them in personal as well as group settings. I've also gained more academic knowledge.

I did not know a single person at Montevallo when I first came here. But I joined a sorority and did cheerleading and now I have so many friends and know so many people. These people will be true friends for life. I was not used to people being so nice and polite (like holding doors and asking how I'm doing), but the people here genuinely care. Montevallo has made me a better person academically, socially and culturally. I feel a part of the community and like I truly fit here. Montevallo is the perfect place for anyone who wants a positive and rewarding college experience. I would never even think of attending another school!

I recently graduated in December of 2009. There hasn't been a day that has gone by that I don't wish I was still in school. Im actually applying to graduate school with the University of Montevallo. My experience was more than I imagined. I met friends and teammates from all over the world who I have visited at their homes in other countries. I became close with my professors who go out of their way to ensure you are ready for a career. They also go out of their way to inform you of interviews or job openings in related fields. Being a Liberal Arts college, I met so many different people with different beliefs, interests, sexualities, religions and backgrounds. The same people that you feel almost sheltered from growing up in a blue ribbon, predominantly "rich" school. Montevallo students never judged me by if my car was the newest on the market, if my outfit was in the new vogue magazine, if I was dating the quarterback, or by my family's middle class income. The school, the people, the atmosphere is the perfect environment to meet lifelong friends, learn lifelong lessons, and create lifelong memories.

I love the fact that I can gain more knowledge about a career field that I love. Being in culinary school has opened my eyes to what all I can achieve after I get out of school. I have learned that you can not put off things you need to get done, or else you are going to be scrambling at the last minute to get it done. Finally, to always attend class and be on time because if you do not go to class you could miss out on something very important, also that you are paying a lot of money for that class and missing it is like throwing money down the toilet.

My college experience, so far, has been more that I could have ever asked for. The University of Montevallo is the perfect school for me in that it is affordable, small, liberal arts, and has so much to offer. It is located 5 hours away from my home so it is the perfect distance to feel like I've left home, but close enough that I can drive back for holidays. My school also offers a fantastic program for Communication Sciences and Disorders, which is my major. This was the main reason I chose this school above others I was looking at. The teachers and staff are all very helpful and accomodating to everyone, and all my professors are extremely knowledgeable about their subjects and have Ph. D.'s. Lastly, the campus is very picturesque with its old buildings, green grass and trees everywhere, and brick paved roads from the 20's and it is so beautiful. The surrounding town is small and quiet, and I feel very safe here. It is also less than thirty minutes from Birmingham, where there is tons to do. I love my college and know that it is the perfect place for me.

I have learned how to accept all different kinds of people. Our college is so unique in so many ways and that makes me value the uniqueness of all people. We don't have a football team, but we do have the oldest homecoming tradition in the United States. That sort of thing really helps you to understand that just because something is different doesn't make it good or bad. My school places emphasis on learning and professional development, which will be extremely valuable to me come graduation. They even hand out pamphlets that say "Teacher as a Developing Professional"! The education is based on real-world practicality and I'm not the only student that notices. Our campus is beautiful and historic, and teaches us more than just how to succeed in a profession. It teaches us how to succeed in life.

My whole life I was homeschooled. I was not one of those stereotypical homeschooled child that we might see in the media, but going to college was still one of the mose eye-opening and rewarding experiences I have ever had. Throughout my first year of college I was 17 years old, I joined a sorority, I made the Presidents List, and I made friends that will last me a lifetime. My university taught me more than I ever imagined, from academics to life-long lessons. Moving away from home and into a place where I don't know a soul was so scary, but I think I did well. Ultimately, what I have gotten out of the college experience is that no matter what happens to me I can continue to move forward and excel in things I never thought possible. My school taught me that once I graduate I will be just fine on my own.

I smiled in greeting to a girl from one of my classes as I settled into a couch at the top of the Student Union Building, pulled out a blank sheet of paper, and waited for words to flow. As a former homeschooler, I did not have much experience writing papers, and it seemed every class, including Biology, had me writing dozens of papers. However, being forced to look up information and to think through and analyze ideas and concepts on my own has not only given me a deeper understanding of the subject matters, but also the skills and confidence to think for myself and come to my own conclusions. Besides just learning facts and figures, my world views and understandings of how societies, communities, and people interact and function have grown and developed since being in college, providing me with important skills for whatever my future might hold in store for me. I have gained valuable friendships and relationships with both my peers and professors which have contributed to my growth as an individual. My college experience has helped me define who I am and prepare me both mentally and emotionally for whatever challenges might lie ahead.

Academically, I am getting everything I had hoped for. My instructors are great. I am a Biochemistry major wanting to go to Dental School. I feel like I am being prepared for the next step. I also know that my instructors really do care about me. I am a baseball player so I have spent a lot of time with some great guys who I know will be friends for life.

I have accomplished much with my college experience, both personally and professionally. Personally I have developed a higher standsrd for myself and those around me. I have matoured into a young women from a child. Professionally, I know what I want todo with my life and what I need todo to get there. I have a much more open mind to different cultures, religions, and lifestyles. I have evovled into a women that can take constructive critism and inturn life's wrotten fruit into a beautiful garden.

I have learned more at this University than I did in my entire high school experience. The professors are kind and in general try to help you. The student boy is very diverse and open to new ideas and ways of thinking. The students are very accepting and could be described as liberal. This is a great school if you are looking for individual attention from your professors becuase of it's small class sizes.

I have a sense of who I am and how to take care of myself. I have learned how to be responsible and go after what I want. I am very grateful that I have a college that offers so much help.

I have earned my Associate in Arts degree, which allows me to transfer to a 4 year institute and finish up my college education by going through my program of choice (Journalism/Mass Communication). Along the way, I have obtained a great wealth of education pertaining to my major, such as the English classes I have taken (Expository Writing, Literature Based Research, and American Literature). It's also been helpful to attend a local community college as a precursor to my college career. The campus I attended was considerably small and personal, which makes you feel right at home. This kind of atmosphere gives you a chance to become really acquainted with almost all of its occupants, students and faculty alike. You're given an optimal chance to study, take tests, meet with your advisor, have some time to relax (in the student lounge), and participate in small, but lively activities sponsored by the student government association and the school itself. I went to a community college to learn basic studies and earn my 2-year degree, but I also got the chance to become familiar with the college atmosphere, albeit on a small, underwhelming scale the first time around.

Going to college has taught me many things. It has helped me broaden my horizons and step out of my comfort zone. I have learned so much, not only about academic subjects, but also about people and the "real world". More importantly, being in college has taught me new things about myself. It has helped me refine and shape my personal identity. It has taught me to be bold and not to be so afraid of what others think of me, because it is what I think of me that is the most important. It has taught me to share my opinion and stand up for what I believe in, even if I must stand alone. But the most surprising thing that I have learned in college was my own strength. I have done so many things that I never thought I could do- that I was too afraid to do before. And I never would have done those wonderful things if college had not pushed my to try-pushed me to succeed. Looking back now, that was the hardest lesson to learn, but also the most valuable. I can not wait to see what the future holds.

Money has no affect on who you are as a person. I have met the most beautiful people of all my life at the University of Montevallo and none of us have the same financial/education/life background and it doesn't keep us from loving each other. In all of my classes ,the professors have helped me incredibly and not once have they ever turned me down for help. The best thing about the professors is that it is possible to gain an relationship, especially with your major advisor. Montevallo is a very small city but I believe that is the very reason it is both beautiful and worth attending. Its not your usual college football, getting drunk everynight, sacred hazing, experience. Instead, you communicate with those around you and find enjoyment from the outdoors and the intellect of your everyday surroundings. Montevallo has taught me patience is certainly a virtue and love is everywhere in everyone!

One of the most important things that i have learned at the University of Montevallo would be that there are people of different sizes and shapes everywhere. Also i have learned that even if someone is different from you doesn't mean that you will have nothing in common. Many people that go to the university are very different from me, but that doesn't mean that i cant get along with them and have a good time with them.

I am going into my sophmore year at this university, so I have not experienced much. From what I have gotten, it has been worth it. I have learned a lot in all of the classes I have taken so far. I have also learned a lot reguarding my writing, and how to make it a little bit better. I am wanting to persue a degree in psychology, and this particular department is very helpful to all their students. I have not only gotten knowledge, but also made friends for life.

From my college experience I have gained a better understanding of my future career, and have become better at public speaking, having earned a large amount of confidence in myslef to speak to large groups. I have made friends and learned many important pieces of information concerning the law, as well as taxes.

Attending collede has been the absolute most rewarding experience of my life. Being a college student has taught me many life lessons that I might never have learned had I not attended school, such as, time-management, social networking, and truly prioritizing tasks. My experience, though, has not only been rewarding but also valuable. I cherish each August when I return to school. I cherish it even though I work full-time all summer just to be able to attend. I have made friends and lived the real college student life, a priceless experience. All while working toward the greater good of a degree with which I will be able to provide for my future family and live a long, happy life knowing that I will have job security. I would not change a single second of my college career thus far; it has been perfect. I am a very dedicated student and pride myself on academics and Montevallo is a perfect place for me to thrive. What have I gotten out of my college experience? The answer is: a new outlook on life.