Ruby
When I began college I felt that I knew exactly what I wanted from my life and college experience. However, from the day I recieved my accpetance letter and learned that I was not accepted into the nursing program as I had hoped, I was forced to reconsider my options. For a type A planner such as myself this was a tough reality to face, especially since I really wanted to attend this school. Through this defeat I was able to learn the importance of considering all my options and what is best for me before even setting foot on my campus. Throughout my first semester I have repeatedly been challenged to reconsider my beliefs and desires. For instance, when my roommate and I did not get along I was required to think critically about creative ways to solve the situation and although in the end, we did separate I was able to learn to be more assertive and stand up for my beliefs and what is best for myself. This will allow me to continue my college experience in the same way; with an open mind and growing values.
Nicholas
During my time at college I have learned alot but possibly the most important and helpful thing college has given me is independence. Living on my own at college has given me more confidence and taught me how to deal with the people around me. In turn college has helped me to grow as a person.
Linnea
My college experience is far from over (I'm in my final term for my Associate's degree, and will be in college until I complete a Master of Library/Information Science degree, hopefully in 2015 or 2016) but I've already gained so much knowledge of myself and the world around me. I've changed my prospective career path from teaching English to teaching German to becoming a Librarian; I've experienced the marvels of Shakespeare for the first time; I've met amazing people, students and professors alike; and I've learned about my amazing abilities to complete impressive work under the pressure of a deadline. My mother holds two associate's degrees, but no one in my family has ever completed a bachelor's degree, and it means everything to me to have the opportunity to complete my higher education and thus enter a career which will enable me to provide even better opportunities for my future children. My mother and sister have lived on goverment aid for the past 18 years and it's very important to me to be able to provide independant income for myself, and my family.
Leanna
My college experience has opened up many possibilities and helps me to build and reinforce a strong sense of self confidence and worth. It continues to aid in my personal growth by broadening my perspectives while adding to my knowledge of the world. The different points of views of the students and professors I have encountered have enlightened my life, their perspectives and personal experiences adding value to my life and my education. Also, as my personal values and beliefs are challenged, I am being refined. Outdated or incorrect knowledge, old views, and empty beliefs are changed or transformed as I learn new things and later manifest into the principles and values found in my everyday life. My education is quickly becoming one of my most cherished experiences and I believe because of it, I will make learning a key part of my life well after my collegiate career has ended. What is most important is that the quality of my education will help set a shining example for my son, showing not only how important a good education is but its value both on a personal and social level.
Freda
I grew up miniutes away from the city of Boston. I have always been in or around the city majority of my life. When applyiing to college I knew I wanted to go to somewhere that was not city like. The University of New Hampshire was my pick of choice. I felt a sense of community, and called this my home away from home. In the classroom the professors challenged us, because they wanted us to succeed. The administration has been more than helpful, especially with my tough financial situation. My mother is a single mom and the financial advisors have gone out of there way to help my family. Though they have done that, we still continue to to just barely get by. My mother is glad that I attend the school which is why I have not transferred to an in-state college. Being here at the University of New Hampshire has taught me to be a stronger and have a better out-look in life. You have to work hard to get to where you want to be, being here has showed me that, and I am very greatful that I attend the University of New Hampshire.
Christopher
I have learned that there are plenty of holes to be filled in our teaching systems. Teachers can be flawed, and we can learn just as much from those that disappoint and betray us, as we can from those that inspire. The inspiring few are now even more precious to me, because I have seen what can constitute an "educator" in the most technical sense. I have been horrified at the conduct and skills of more than one professor, and this makes it all the more special when I come across a great teacher. Both the good and the bad have inspired me to seek a life as an educator, and to guide and instruct truly inquisitive minds. I have had few professors that I could call mentors in the truest sense, and I aim to fill the role of what a teacher can and should be. My displeasure at my current college experience will be what drives me to greater heights in the future, and has led me to demand more of myself. I will succeed where others have failed me and my peers.
leticia
I have learned how to deal with people and to believe on myself. But most important, I have learned that there is nothing impossible, with hardwork and dedication I am able to reach any goal I set to myself. My dream is to become a dentist, and now that I am in college I am not going to give up until I reach my dream.
Rachel
The most valuable thing that I have gotten out of college so far is all the new friendships I have made. I am meeting people all across the states and it feels really good to finally feel like you belong in a community that understands where you are coming from. There are others that understand what you are studying for, and every person that I have met on campus is there for the same reason; to better themselves. It is uplifting to be surrounded by people that are just as determined to succeed in life. It's also liberating to feel that sense of independence while living on campus. I am attending college, not only to make lasting friendships, and gain independence, but also to pursue my love for Biology. I get to learn more about stem cell research and the advancements in biomedicine, which only a college experience could provide. Without the aid of my professors, I doubt that a career in biology would be possible for me in the future. I believe that everyone should have the right to a college experience.
Alaina
Since I have started college, I have found it much easier to sort through, organize, and accomplish my goals. I have also figured out the direction that I want to go with my life, I want to be a midwife. College has shown me that I am able to accomplish much more than I ever thought possible.
Jessica
Throughout my college experience, I have made great relationships with many students and professors who have made my education more memorable. I enjoy learning new things regarding Healthcare, nutrition particularly, and I feel well prepared to begin a career based on the education I have received. Education is very important to me and has enriched my life more than anything else has. I feel that without education, I would not be as equipped to do my part in society and give back.
Andrea
I've learned to be independent with studying and my every day living experiences. The people on campus are friendly the events are planned professionally and we all look forward to the special concerts the school offers. I find my courses at UNH are of value to me because I have learned so much more than what I was taught in high school. I truly believe the professors know what they are talking about and they make sure each and every student understands the criteria. I am eager for my next few years of college so upon my graduation I will have a large advantage over others coming from such a great school.
Daniel
I have really enjoyed learning. In high school I didn't pay that much attention and just got by, but at UNH I like the classes I take, I like most of my professors and I am pretty excited about community planning. I have also met some great people and made good friends. Since it is only 1 hour from home, I can go home and work in outdoor rec, such as Cranmore Mtn ski area in the winter and Monkey Trunks ropes course in the summer. I think these positions are giving me good experience in the working world. My classes have also let me work with some amazing people for research projects. For instance, I worked with someone from NASA who has a vacation home in NH and lets people come and invent "green" ideas to help save the enviroment and make energy more productive. I know alot of my professors and we have great discussions in the classroom. I know college will be valuable to my future career, but I think it is valuable to the enjoyment of my life right now.
Andrea
So far, my college experience has been a sense of accomplishment. To know I can stand on my own without my parents help anymore. Confidence. I've made many friendships along the way and there is still more to come. College makes me feel like i'm succeeding and that's the best feeling in the world. When i'm done with school i'll know that I have completed a long term goal and start on another one. College is valuable to attend because nowadays you need a college degree. No matter what you go into, jobs are starting to want to see a degree. You won't go far without one.
Michelle
When entering college, don't get me wrong I was excited to break free from my house and small town, but I was beyond nervous. What would my roomates be like? Will I have enough to do? Will the large lectures allow me to ask questions and be an active learner? These questions and hundreds of more consumed my thoughts when I arrived, but quickly, and as cheesy as this may sound, I felt I really belonged at UNH. My three core science classes were challenging, which taught me to put in more effort than all my other years in school. I learned how to study and work in a lab setting with a partner for a whole semster. I learned about the stresses of exams and how to finally over come my weakness of test taking. But, besides the advances I have made in education, which will continue as I progress through my next four years. I have already made friends that are real and more down to earth than the "convienent" friends of high school. These friends have helped me to break out of my shell and to fully enjoy all the aspects of college.
Patrick
My college experience has exposed me to other cultures, and allowed me to realize their importance. I have been privelaged to have to the opportunity to learn Arabic, and learn not only about the rich and vibrant language, but the cultures and peoples that speak it. I have taken geography courses, which have exposed me to countless fascinating areas and groups of peoples. Also, I have been able to take a course in international affairs, which examined the relationships between different states, organizations, and groups of peoples. This course showed enlightened me to the fact that these relationships and awareness of other cultures is increasingly imporantant, due to globalization, and integration of all aspects of international affairs.
Attending college has also been valuable in that it has given me firsthand exposure to people of other cultures. My roommate is of Iranian descent, and has given me much insight into his culture. I live across the hall from a South Korean student, who has also taught me much about their culture. Many of my professors, guest lecturers, and other friends are of different backgrounds, which has given me invaluable understanding about different cultures of the world, and their importance.
Samantha
Throughout my college experience, I have learned valuable lessons in time management and responsibility. I have learned what it means to work hard and take my time to do well. I have also learned that my grades reflect how hard I worked and in order to get the better grade, I need to put in that much more effort into my studies. I have made many good friends at this school and feel like I have found the perfect career for myself. I also feel like attending this University has given me a better sense of who I am as an individual and provided me with the space and resources I needed to become more independent and responsible. The course work is at times vigorous and challenging and assingments at times seem impossible, but I have learned that I am much more capable of doing complicated work and problem solving than I had ever thought. Attending this Univeristy has made me very proud of myself and much more confident. I feel that I am able to accel in life and make intelligent decisions in life and also come to knowlegable conclusions in my studies.
Leandra
At this school I have meet some of the most interesting people, I have taken classes that I had never imagined, and I have produced work and gotten results that I could only have dreamed of before. Countless opportunities have been presented to me because of the school I go to, and I am proud to be a student there. It is the perfect size and location for who I am and what I need. In attending this school, I was assured that I could do whatever I wanted and I was even given the chance to try them all out. I have gotten who I am today out of my college experience.
George
So far my college experience has been memorable . I'm studying what I love to talk about and I'm playing my favorite sport at a level I never thought I could play at. I have gained so much knowledge about nutrition in the past three semesters and there are still two years left. I'm apart of an amazing track team, a team that I have dreamed playing for. The brotherhood and leadership skills I have obtained from this team is unimaginable. To me there is nothing more valuable than doing what you love and i'm doing just that.
Justin
College is a time to learn and grow. My experience in college has been no less than spectacular. I've attended community college and a vocational school where I've made long lasting friendships. The knowledge I've attained has helped me through some tough times. I've been able to use my skills as a culinarian to supplement my pocketbook throughout my college career. I can not wait to return to school so I am able to develop new skills and create new networks for my long term goals and careers.
College has provided me with a new outlook, and it has given me a new perspective. I value learning from someone that is passionate about the subject he or she represents. My former English professor has provided me with a passion for reading that I never had before. I treasure the passion she ignited for me. It is because of people like her that students will be inspired for years to come!
Theresa
I have received a vast amount of knowlege! I have also been blessed to have made friends and acquaintances on and off campus. It is a daunting task of returning to school at my age but I tell everyone it was the best decision I ever made. Perhaps by my proclaiming this to people I don't even know it would inspire someone else of an advanced age to return to school to complete their studies. The camaraderie of the student body, regardless of ones age, the professors that are easily accessible and the campus facilitators have all been great to work with and I would recommend to everyone if you are going back to school to do it and always check out the community college!