University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus Top Questions

My undergraduate college experience was absolutely amazing. I learned so much about myself as an individual, and was given a means to challenge myself academically in ways that I had never done prior. University allowed me to meet individuals - students and professors alike - from all over the world and gave me much needed perspective on how different cultures may view the same things. As a student of both Psychology and Sociology, I was able to dive headfirst into these fields by conducting my own research about issues that I found interesting.The University of Pittsburgh also has an excellent Psychology research program that allowed me to get a first-hand look at what is currently being done in this rapidly growing field. Classroom lectures were facilitated by professors who are experts in their field and were incredibly passionate about the material being taught. The city itself also functioned as a "living classroom" filled to the brim with museums, galleries, and community outreach programs that were determined to draw in the public. If it were not for my experience at Pitt, I know I would not be inspired to pursue my Master's Degree this coming fall (2010). Hail to Pitt!

Firstly the people I've met have greatly added to my life experience and made my college experience that much more fun. Being a member of the University of Pittsburgh Varsity Marching Band, I get to know a lot of people and enjoy going to all the sporting events the band attends. The experience of being in the band has helped me to be a more outgoing person and taught me how to deal with issues that may arise between someone else and myself. Also, my college experience has showed me the importance of understanding what I am studying and how hard I have to work in order to get the job done. Overall, I've learned a lot of life lessons from my college experience do far, and it's only been one year so far.

I have learned that life throws you a lot of curves and if you just choose to hide under a rock the rest of your life, you will never get anywhere. The first time around I loved college. That was back in 1994. I finished 2 full years and the summer before I went back for my third, I got in some trouble and couldn't afford to go back. I was devastated and instead of doing something about it, I gave up,but I never forgot how much I loved school. 15 years later, it took a tragedy to get me back to school. And I love it. I like the idea of getting up every morning and knowing I have an education to look forward to. It is very valuble to me. Knowledge is power. It will take me places I have never been before. I am thankful eveyday that I had the strength to go back.

When coming to the University of Pittsburgh I was very nervous; about classes, friends, being away from home, etc. But once I arrived, all those fears went away. I learned how to live on my own, manage my money and time, deal with people with very different personalities than mine. But in the end, the most important thing I learned was who I really was as a person. I now know who I am, how I function in society, and the immense impact I can have on others' lives. I realize that I am a valuable asset to society, and that I can survive on my own out in the real world. No one can stop me from being myself and achieving my goals. I will succeed if I am myself with others and if I try my hardest.

Upon entering college I was exposed to many things that I had never seen in my High School years. Things such as parties, alcohol, and drugs. While seemingly bad and not valuble aspects of a good college student, I believe that these things have shaped me into a better person. I made some bad choices in school, but every bad choice I have made as shaped me into the better person I am today. The first semester of my college career I went to a lot of parties, drank a lot of alcohol, and even tried marajuana for the first time in my life. While, this all seems detrimental to my education it turns out that it was not. My first semester I recieved a 2.5 GPA. It was when I recieved this that i decided that i had enough fun and needed to focus on school. Second semester I work extremely hard and greatly increased my GPA. I do not regret anything that I did my first semester because it was those bad decisions that allowed me to realize what I must do to become a good student and most of all a productive member of society.

My education has always been very important for many reasons, not only because of the sense of a professional accomplishment and meaning; it is to lead a happy and successful life, build a family and encourage them. I attended an online university that wasn't what I was looking for, but it was for the best. I wanted to catch up considering that I had fallen behind in attempts to acquire my own independence. Imagine a young girl out in the world on her own, without guidance. It was hard but rewarding at the same time because I learned how to deal with maturity. I'll admit I had breakdowns, and probably have many more challenges left to face, but now at least I know that I have the strength to endure whatever life throws my way, God will never give you anything you can't handle. I'm the type of person that likes to be involved with the community, meet new people and live new and exciting experiences while I am still young and able to do so. That is why I would like to attend school on campus, for the all around spoken of college experience.

Going back to college for me has been a very rewarding experience, very challenging at times, balancing two children and family life, but very rewarding. My children are 18 and 10, my son heads off to college this summer. I wasn?t sure I could afford to go to college at the same time as my child, did I want to, could I afford not to? I have truly enjoyed my time spent engaged in my studies, and being able to provide my kids with the unique experience of their parent attending school. It?s hard to give your mom a convenient excuse for why you didn?t finish your homework when I?m sitting beside you doing mine. I hope I have instilled in my children that education is not just for when you are young and that you have always something to learn. I feel much more in touch with my children and with my world. Getting my education has allowed me to recognize in myself all the untapped potential. I will graduate in May of 2011 with an AAS and AAA and have plans to attend a four year institution in my area to attain my BSN.

Attending the University of Pittsburgh has been such a valuable experience because throughout my studies as well as my participation in clubs and activities on campus, I have been able to foster a truly global and international experience. Brazilian festivals, Spanish movie nights, Indian Bhangra dancing and other cultural events are very popular and have helped me to meet international students, who share their experience of what life outside the U.S. is like. A more specific international event, the G-20 conference, was held in Pittsburgh during the fall of 2009, bringing with it peaceful protests, riots, as well as a series of lectures, by all different public officials open for students as well as the rest of the community. These opportunities for involvement in the international realm have been extremely important in helping to cultivate my career and personal goals for the future. I think by attending a diverse school in an urban environment that encourages students to take advantage of such opportunities, helps students not only learn about the world around them, but also learn more about themselves and how they as individuals fit into the big picture.

So far out of my college experience I have learned that I am actually following my dream. I want to help people and guide them into the right healthy way of life. So far, college has proven to me that I can actually succeed. I will one day have my own private practice in psychology. I really would recommend the college that I am attending, such a friendly helping environment. I just would like to go past getting my associates, but the cost of school is very high. Where I live there is no program to get into psychology, which is why I am going about it online.

From my college experience, I have gotten independency, lifelong friends, culture, and the ticket to a journey of my choosing! For most, being in college means that you have to learn to do some things on your own with out your parents. Most financial-related business I left up to my mom, but when I got to college, I had to learn these things on my own. Moreover, whether staying on campus or not, you're bound to draw tremendously close to people on campus. Thats the thing about college (especially large ones); there's a place for everyone to fit. My floor did almost everything together, and about the only thing we had in common was the fact that we lived on the same floor! Furthermore, being in the midst of the city provided many opportunities to see shows, dance productions and more. Pitt recognizes the importance of the arts and the power of its cultivation so as a result, so do its students. And finally my golden ticket! I have not only begun to learn how to make a living, but how to make a life. To me, all this is much more valuable than any monetary value.