University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Top Questions

? 12 years of compulsory education comprised of garbled information and various teaching techniques has left our generation stumbling to come to terms with what we "know" and why it matters. An education without a college degree is crude and unfinished. It puts together the pieces and acts like rebar- stabilizing the foundations acquired in middle and high school. It broadens the perspectives of its students- focusing on the "why?" and "so?" rather than the "how?" and "what?". As an institution, it brings together individuals from across states, regions, and countries and forces students to regard alien perspectives with open-mindedness. As humans, we’re meant to explore- to expand our boundaries. We hypothesize, experiment, and conclude with every glance and judgement. We are made for higher education. It has broadened my perspective and made me more cognizant of what it means to be a global citizen. I am pushed to excel not only academically, but morally and ethically as well.

Going to UNC is truly different from any other experience I have had before. Some of the most enjoyable experiences I have had are the conversations I held with other students and faculty. You can always find someone else who interested in something that you are interested in or passionate about . Even if you think you know a lot about something, there is always someone who either knows more or can show you a different perspective on the subject. At UNC, you can always get involved in something new or become a leader. Even if you do not have previous experience in an organization, you are invited to participate and getting involved in an organization is very easy. Although the academic experiences (the classes, discussions, research papers etc.) have been intellectually stimulating, the most valuable experiences I have had are the ones I have out of the classroom. The students around me and my hallmates have taught me a lot in the short amount of time I have known them. The things I have learned from them are applicable to daily life and help me prepare for what will come after college.

My college experience has allowed me to expand my world view while also narrowing my sense of purpose. I have found out that the world is much more complex than I could have imagined and that its problems are not easily solved. However, I have learned that it is always better to do something, no matter how small, than to do nothing at all. When I started college I was not really aware of my own strengths and passions, and I have come to realize that I am good at creating situations of community service that allow everyone involved to maintain their dignity. For instance, I started a partnership between my Campus Ministry and a Spanish-speaking church in a poorer area of the state. Because I have learned about systems of oppression and the value of diversity from my college, I was able to create a mutually beneficial relationship. I have discovered my own leadership voice because I have found causes that I believe in and have had the opportunities to do something about them. My classes have been sources of inspiration. Because of my college experience, I have discerned my future vocation in bilingual ministry.

I have gotten many things out of my college experience. One of the first things I learned was how to prioritize and be responsible. I came to a stark realization that if I only embraced the social life at UNC I would never develop as an academic. I also learned a lot about my strengths and weaknesses. When it came to making new friends I found I was a lot more reserved than I had initially expected myself to be and I also was able to view myself more objectively because of the diverse student body around me so I was able to more readily identify irritating or offensive behaviors that I had retained from childhood. I also have learned how to be on my own. Living at home I maintained constant company, but at school that is not always plausible. This makes me very apt at spending time alone.

My college experience and shaped me to who I am today. As a senior, I look back to my first year at Carolina and when comparing, I notice a huge difference. The amount I have matured since 2007 has been exponential. I came into college with my priorities mixed up and was not focused on my future and what I needed to do with my life. I was too focused on the social aspects of college and put the academics on hold. This reflected in my first semester GPA. It was a wake up call telling me that I need to get my head on straight and my path on track if I wanted to pursue my dream of dental school. I worked hard, raised my GPA and became involved in many organizations on campus. I started to work as an undergraduate research assistant exposing myself to other options and new experiences. My hard work paid off because I was accpeted into dental school for the class of 2015. My experience at UNC shaped me and guided me to become the driven person I am today and I could never give up my experience here for anything.

I have not only learned in the classroom, but outside of the classroom as well. I have had so many new experiences in every facet of college life and by the time I graduate, I know I will have plenty of applicable knowledge for my career as well as my everyday life.

I have made lifelong friends and a career that truly makes me happy.

This is the first time I have actually been called a student in twenty years. I have learned alot in just these few months about myself, what is expected of me in a workplace now, compared to a few years ago. I have joined a club called the Ambassadors Club. We help the teachers, other students, and the community. That has helped me out more than they know. It has been very valuable to me to be here because I have three children ages 16,17,18: two future step-children 14, and 15. They need to have a better life than I had and to know just because high school stops does not mean their education has too. I want to give them and others like me hope. My mother says I will be the first one to graduate college in her family ever. She is very proud of me. It makes me feel really hopeful that maybe my life is still worth living ,not just existing.

Carolina has helped me identify a career path that suits my personality and interests. My experience here has been richly rewarding. I feel competent that Carolina has equipped me with knowledge and critical-thinking skills to succeed in the world beyond college. Go Heels!!

College has been very valuable to attend because I have learned so many things academically and socially. Academically, I have learned about many different fields. I have learned some anatomy. Just the other day I learned about the fibrous skeleton of the heart. It is partly responsible for preventing all four chambers of the heart from contracting simultaneously! I have learned some geography. Did you knwo that the contiguous lower 48 states can fit into North Africa? I have learned some medical coding. Coding has provided employment so I can continue with more school. Socially, i have learned a lot about roommate interaction. I have learned that loyalty and respect among roommates is priceless. I have learned that is not easy for me to talk calmly when I get really angry. I have learned that washing the dishes myself isn't a very good answer for a roommate who does her dishes very rarely. I have enjoyed learning a lot academically and socially through my college experience. I look forward to furthering my education.