University of New England Top Questions

High school was not the high-point of my life. I had a lot of misconceptions about who I was, what I wanted, and what life was about. Going to college opened up a new world, and if I could talk to myself as a high school senior, I would remind myself that high school is not a defining time of life. When I began my college search as a senior, I wanted to study English and become a teacher. My plan changed when I decided I disliked my English class so much that I couldn't stand to study English anymore. If I could go back and talk to myself, I would remind myself not to judge every book by those few covers--that college would be an experience separate from high school. The love of English would still run in my veins. As a senior, I was stuck in a world where I believed that I would always be the loner I was then. The University of New England attracts many students, some of whom are similar in interests and hobbies to myself moreso than my high school peers. In colege, I made friends and became much happier.

I am originally from Buffalo, NY so going to school in Maine was definitely a big change and it took some adjusting. That being said, it was also one of the best decisions I've ever made. Moving away from home and living on my own has taught me so much about responsibility, being independent, and myself. I started and am continuing to figure out where my place is in the world, what I want to do, and who I want to be. I've also learned how to manage my time, be a leader, and take charge of my own life. College is about education and learning primarily, and that aspect has also been very valuable to me. Unlike high school, you can choose what you want to study and what classes you want to take. Taking classes that actually interest me has really helped nuture my love for learning. I find that I want to learn more, especially in my field. Overall between my learning experiences and my experiences on campus, college has helped me figure myself out. They say college is one of the best times of your life, and I'm experiencing that right now.

I am only done my first semester here at the University of New England, but I think that being here as made my transition to college a lot easier. The classes here test your acedemic ability, and has prepared me for what my college career will be like in the future.

My college experience is one that I will never forget; I have formed a stronger bond with my best friend, who attends another school, and my family. I have made new friends and learned that these are people who I hope will be in my life for a long time. All of the people in my life challenge me and now I truly understand why they push me to do better and be better. I would look at things in a black and white world and discovered that so many things are grey and different shades of grey. How one looks at a topic does not make them wrong just different opinion. College is making me a woman who will be a productive member of society, help others and grow every day.

So far in my first year of college I have learned the basics in the field of dental hygiene and it has shown me that this carrer is perfect for me. I love the challeneges they set for us as students because it shows us that nothing is easy in life and that you have to work hard for what you want.

The greatest thing I will take away from my college experience is the people I have met. When people say you meet life-long friends during college, they are right. I love attending a relatively small University because walking around campus you know so many people on a personal level, rather than seeing a bunch of people you do not know. The people that attend UNE are genuienly focused on better their lives through their education. The proffessors are very involved with all the students, doing what they can to help. Overall, the University of New England is a great college and a perfect fit for me. There are so many things I will take away from this university that has bettered me as person in many ways.

UNE gave me the opportunity to excel in both academics and research. This would have not occurred if I did not go to UNE because most school hierarchy is set in stone and nearly impossible to further yourself as a student. For example, most school do not allow student to be accepted in their honors program after they already attended the school for a semester or after the honors program deadline has passed. Although my school gave me the opportunity after my first semester of college. This school is definitely worth attending because the connections you make here are for life which is an added asset when applying for internships and graduate school.

You are young, smart and beautiful. Don?t set yourself up to meet expectations, set yourself up to exceed them. It doesn?t matter where your friends go, they won?t be there tomorrow. It doesn?t matter what your parents think because they support you no matter what. This is the time in your life when you learn and discover. Don?t miss any opportunity to show the world who you are. Don?t take life so seriously and laugh, laugh at everyone, everything and never stop laughing. Smile, be genuine and most of all be true to yourself. You are the only one who can?t let you down. I applied to only one school. My biggest regret is not taking a chance, to see what else was out there. I feel content, happy, and secure here. I am an easy going, fun, energetic person so I knew making friends in college would be no big deal. But sometimes I wish I would have gone to Chicago for school like I always wanted to or somewhere else away from home. If I could go back, I would motivate myself to take a risk and see what happens.

If I were able to travel back in time I would do many things. But that is irrelevant in relation to this topic so if I were to just go back in time and tell my High School self one thing it would be to work on study habits. Out of the millions of possible answers, that is the one thing that will definitely help a person in college. I did not perfect my study habits in High School and my first semester grades showed that. But this semester I am working on my study habits, getting together with friends to study and going to the Learning Assistance Center on campus. So if I was able to go back to High School I would tell myself to work on study habits because studying helps grades and grades are what make or break a college student.

If I could go back now, as a college student, to talk to myself as a high school senior there are many things I would want to tell myself. The first being, I should have taken more Project Running Start classes. My high school offered college level classes for $100. I took two my senior year, but could have definitely taken more. I came to college already having six college credits, but I could have definitely gotten more. Also, the other thing that I would want to tell myself is to pick a different major the first time. When I first came to UNE I was a Medical Biology/Pre PT major. I realized during first semester that I didn?t like medical biology, and that I was really interested in psychology. I switched majors halfway through first semester, and I currently love being a psychology major. The professors in the psychology department are amazing. I also have a new academic advisor who is willing to help me with whatever it is I need. I would also tell myself not to worry about living away from friends and family. I feel like UNE is my second home now.