University of Mount Union Top Questions

When dreaming about the college lifestyle, one must consider leaving their loved ones and living in a new environment. Most college freshmen have never been fully dependent and have no experience dealing with separation. Some fear the distance and disconnection, but I however, accept the challenge. At first I thought it would be difficult to find a college that was aligned with my needs and wishes, but Mount Union has everything – flexibility, opportunity, diversity, and a location balanced between town and city. Despite providing the comprehensive qualities often associated with larger schools, Mount Union's small size allows for a more personal college experience. After having to be strong through the distance separating my family and me, I’ve retained a sense of independence and inner strength. My newly found characteristics allow me to focus on my academics and my involvement throughout the University’s community. I have learned through my long distance relationship that disconnection makes you stronger. Hopefully, my confidence will serve as an example for students while finding their independence as well. Being away from the security blanket that is our home frightens most incoming college applicants, but I’m determined to complete my college experience.

College changes my life in a lot of ways, and I feel that I am a better person as a result. When I first started attending Mount Union I was unsure of what I wanted to do with my life other than go to college, because everyone else was going to college. Once I started attending classes, I learned about a world that exists far beyond my classroom. As a result, college has instilled in me a natural curiosity for the world. In receiving an education, I learned that even without realizing it that every aspect of our daily lives involves a complexity of processes and the topics that I have learned about in the classroom are day to day events, not abstract things that have no value outside of the classroom. In attending college I have learned about the variety of thoughts and ideas that exist throughout the world and acquired an overall zest for life. I want to learn as much as possible and apply it to my chosen career as I leave the classroom and enter the workforce. I owe all this to my four years of college. My life would be berefit and empty without it.

My college experience has been really fantastic thus far. The only problem I have come accross is how I am going to pay for it. I have been sort of naive in thinking that it wouldn't be that bad, but it is getting more real every day. The friendships I have made here has changed my life, and will change it for the rest of my life. The classes I take are usually relevant to my major, and I learn a lot from them. Without this experience I would not be the same person, and even if I have serious troubles paying for it in the end, I will forever remember my days spent here.

I feel that in the 1 semester and 1 month that I have been attending the University of Mount Union, I have received a great education so far. My professors are wonderful and I lover the small class sizes. Having small class sizes means more one on one time with the professors, which is so helpful (especially when you are having trouble with material). I like the fact that the campus is small because it really makes you feel like you are a part of the University community. I enjoy the fact that there are always things going on around campus and that there are so many wonderful clubs, organizations, and service projects that any student can be a part of. I love campus life at the University of Mount Union!

An education, friendships, and fun memories are often what people would say when asked what they have gotten out of their college experience. However, in addition to an education, friendships, and fun memories, the most important thing I have gotten out of my college experience is the knowledge that I can learn a tremendous amount of information from listening to people of a different background, culture, race, religion, or gender. My college experience has opened my eyes to the different perspectives that people have in all different aspects of life. For example, I have grown up a Catholic and took a course in African American Religious Traditions. This course gave me insight to an entirely new viewpoint on religion, history, music, and general ways of life. College has been valuable to attend because of the relationships that have been created, the knowledge that has been learned, and the experiences I have been a part of throughout my college experience. Most importantly, the experiences I have been a part of were only possible because of the relationships I developed with the faculty and the knowledge that I received from the courses I excelled in understanding.

My ability to adapt into another place has been excelled by Mount. I have found a place at Mount because it seriously has a place for anyone. I have been able to be myself because of the people that make up Mount Union. The professors are amazing and it is such a small community, that we become very close knit. Growing up in the same town as this university, I did not see really see the characteristics until I finally arrived on my first day to classes what this university is really made of. In my second year, I have realized how much education these professors have behind them and what I can learn from them but also see them as real people and mentors.

The college experience I have been afforded at Mount Union has been indescribable. I remember being in high school and thinking my world boundaries stopped at my town's border. However, once I came to Mount, my world expanded into a huge, unique adventure. I love the academics, however I feel most of my growth this first year has been outside the classroom. When I first arrived on campus, I was just recovering from a surgery that took me out of the soccer lineup for the 2010/11 season. I didn't let this discourage me, however, and I ended up having a fantastic time videotaping and attending the practices and games. Although I was devastated to not be playing, I learned a great deal about personal humility and compassion for others; even though I couldn't play, I had an academic opportunity that many other kids may never have. I dedicated myself to the my schoolwork and received a 4.0 for my first semester. I feel my first semester of college has let me grow up in all aspects of my life and I am beyond excited to see where the next 3 1/2 years take me.

At the University of Mount Union there is definately more one on one advantages because of the small class sizes. These small class sizes are a benefit of going to a smaller and more expensive school. I have met many people that I would of never had the opportunity to get to know if I didn't attend Mount Union. I have made many life long friends. Some of these friends coming from diverse backgrounds and cultures different from my own. I am a Japanese major and have had the pleasure of learning about the Japanese Culture from a teacher who lived and taught in Japan. My college experience has taught me valuable life lessons about getting along with others and using problem solving skills. The knowledge I have gained from my college experience will be an asset in my everyday life. I have become a better public speaker and communicator and I would not trade my first year college experience for anything.

My college experiences have benefited me in so many ways. For instance I have learned better studying, social, and test taking skills which i hadn't gotten from my high school. Also i would like to mention that the english department of my school tutored me to better develop my english/writting, in fact all of the teachers i have had have helped work with me until i better understand the subjects i have difficulty with no matter how difficult it is to make sure i completely understood it. The faculty and staff have helped me work through picking out the right classes, ways to save money with tuition and buying text books and directing me in the right direction to be a successful college student. I began going to college my junior year of high school and it taught me a lot about myself and got me a great head start in college and learning. I would not change the experiences i've had in this school for anything and i am thankful to have had the chance to attend.

Looking back on the past 3 1/2 years I have spent at Mount Union, I just think, "Wow. Is it really almost over?" Then I think about all of the knowledge I've gained and life lessons I've learned and know I've made good use of my time here, short as it may seem. More than any specific class I have taken or lecture I've listened to, though, what I value most about my college experience is the people I have met and memories I have made. There are the friends I have become close with and the faculty and staff who I've gotten to know and who have helped me so much along the way. In addition, opportunities like my internship at the university's nature center introduced me to many unique individuals that I would not have otherwise come into contact with. One of my favorite memories is going out to lunch every week with an elderly man who volunteered at the nature center, who became like a second grandfather to me. These are memories I will forever cherish and people I will never forget, who have made my college experience absolutely invaluable.

My college experience so far has been amazing, invigorating, and so much more than I ever expected. Coming from a small, private high school, Mount Union definitely reminds me of that atmosphere and has made my adjustment that much easier. I was led to believe that in college the professors won't care if I attend classes or not, and that it was all up to me to succeed, or not. In reality, here at Mount, the professors really do care and truly love what they do. Their committment is easily contageous and helps keep us all on track. Respect has become a two way street and that really has been an important factor in helping me mature and become more independent. Friendships that have been made here are different than any before. By experiencing things together for the first time, our bond is unexplainable. While it's up to me to work hard, balance school work, activities, and sports, at the end of it all I understand that life is one big game of balance. I have many years ahead of me as I continue towards a medical degree, and I wouldn't change one moment of it.

In today’s economy it is my belief that an education means the difference between living in poverty and living in fruitfulness. Possessing this specific belief if I were to be confronted by someone who felt that education doesn’t matter or that it is a waste of time and money I would be a little astonished. Looking around society while all the major companies are having layoffs and individuals are becoming unemployed an obvious demographic emerges. It is apparent by numbers and personal knowledge that individuals lacking some kind of post secondary education are of the majority of the unemployed. This is not to say that a degree will make you immune to being laid off but it betters your chances of maintaining employment. Without employment it is hard to take care of yourself or your family if you have one. Without a job paying the rent or mortgage is virtually impossible. So whenever someone makes the statement that education doesn’t matter or it’s a waste of time and money I would propose the question, “Do you like having food to eat and shelter?” Looking at education from this prospective the answer should be a no brainer.

I have truly became my own individual and have gained a lot of insight and perception into the real world. It has been a good experience for me overall, regardless of my problems paying for tuition, and I feel that if I can continue to afford to attend Mount Union, I will have a bright, successful future ahead of me.

I have made a lot of new friends and people. I have also learned a lot of things that will be valuable to me when I pursue my career. It is very important for me to attend because I want to accomplish something that no one in my family has done, which is to graduate from college.

If I were to go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would definitely tell myself to relax and be patient. College life is what you make of it, not what it makes of you. As a senior, there is only so much you can do to get prepared for college. If you have done the financial aid part and have declared a school, there is not much more you can do, other than relax and enjoy the rest of your senior year. Also, the transition to college was more easy than expected. My advice I would tell myself would be to put myself out there, make friends, and get involved. Like I said, college is what you make of it, so make the best of it. Being involved makes it enjoyable and you meet so many people and get many connections. So, as I senior I would tell myself, be yourself, be patient, get one what needs done, and RELAX!

The advise that I would give myself before going into college and what to expect would be as follows. One would be learn how to mangage your time very wisely and do not waste your time on doing nothing. Also make as many friends as you can at college, becuase having alot of friends can be beneficial to you later in life. The reason is that you never know who that person may know or later in life they remember you for being there for them and help ypu out later in life. Another thing would be improve your study habits so that you do not have to cram study sessions in before a test. Lastly, enjoy yourself during college, it is a very fun time. Then i would say, be smart and keep your head on straight becuase you don't want to make anyone disappointed of you back home.

The classes are harder than high school, but that is expected and as long as you try your hardest and best you will do fine. Don't be shy the first week, everyone is in your position and wants to make friends.

As a high school senior there is a lot of stress to pick the "right" college. If I was able to talk to myself as a high school senior this would be the first point I would address. I would tell myself to go with my gut feeling (which is what I eventually did but after a lot of thinking and stress). I would also reassure myself that I have been making responsible decisions up until this point so what makes this decision any different. This advice would have relieved much of the stress that preparing for college brings upon an individual. I would also tell myself not to be so worried about the transition. This is because while I was worrying so much about transitioning to a college student I wasn't able to see how prepared I actually was. This too brought on stress pertaining to college. Overall I would basically just keep reassuring myself that I am able and willing to do what it takes in college so I should stop worrying. Finally I would tell myself to study more for the AP test so that I did not have to take math in college.

Don't be so worried about fitting in.

If I could go back in time and give myself advice about college life and making the transition, the best thing I could tell myself would be to be open. College is about discovery, meeting new people, and experiencing new things. The best way to transition to college and get the most out of the experience as a whole is to be outgoing from the beginning. College is where you will meet a lot of life long friends and the best way to meet people is to be outgoing and open to new ideas. College is a very diverse environment and if you are not open to new ideas or types of people you might miss out on a lot of meaningful relationships that could really enhance your life. A final bit of advice would be to get involved on campus from the start. Getting involved on campus is a great way to meet people with similiar interests and also to get more out of your college experience. Overall, be outgoing, open to new things, and most of all, be yourself. College is a fresh start and a chance to be whoever you want to be. Take advantage of it!