Abiola
I would tell myself to put more effort into my classes, to take the time out every day to go over notes or homework; whatever it may be that will help me understand my class material better. I would tell myself not to wait to the last minute to ask for help; that if i know i'm having difficulty in a class, to seek help as soon as i need it.
Adam
Go to a different school.
Adam
I would tell myself to not be afraid to meet new people and put myself out there for everyone. It's hard meeting new people but it's important to realize that everyone else is just as nervous to meet others as you are.
Henry
I would tell my past self to make sure you get into the habit of using all academic resources (TA’s, tutors, professor office hours, etc…) available. They will prove to be invaluable for you and the sooner you know how to use them the better. I would also tell my past self not to live in a dorm. Living off campus cost half as much and is twice as fun.
Chelsea
If I could back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would advise myself to not take one second for granted. I, like many other graduating seniors from my school, could not wait to leave and longed for freedom. I resented my town and thought college would be so much better because I would be on my own. I had no idea how hard the transition would be and how much I had taken for granted. I would advise myself to be thankful for every day that I had in each class, each test I took, and each teacher I talked to because it would never happen again. Looking back, I miss the little things that I once overlooked. Even the simplistic idea of walking in the door after a long day of school and being greeted by the wagging tail of my dog is something I wish I could relive again and again. Going to college taught me this extremely important life lesson, and now I have learned to cherish every moment. If I had not taken life for granted in my senior year, I would have been more prepared for the change.
Emily
My undergraduate education was critical in making me the person I am today. I was challenged academically, and explored different areas of study. I came to know what I wanted out of a future career and what I definitely did not want. As a student of URI I gained independence and learned how to be on my own. I was exposed to many different types of people and learned to get along with people who were different from me.
I now can respect other viewpoints and am a more empathetic, well-rounded person. I am thankful everyday for graduating from URI and learning how to define myself and my future.
Chelsea
As most people say, "college is the time of your life," and I could not agree more. Initially going into college I was scared of being lost, but instead I actually found myself finding the true "me". Upon arrival, for days I struggled with finding a secure major fullfilling to my talents, ambitions, and hapiness in life, but the university helped me through several advising appointments and career explorations to find the most suitable major for ME. Now here at URI I find myself the happiest I've ever been. I am known here on campus to be a welcoming and personable person that everyone likes to be around and that feels so good to know. I have the perfect balance of time between fullfilling my rigorous classes while all the while meeting new friends and even being able to live my dream of playing field hockey in college. I have always dreamed to major in what makes me the happiest but all the while be able to balance the things I value most such as family, friends, athletics and personal time. URI is my new home where I work to my potential and blossom effortlessly everyday like never before.
wynton
I have learned so much in the short time that i have been here. Not just academicaly but socially as well. This is an experiance that i wouldnt trade for anything, and wish to continue.
Lillia
I have made new friends with every new class. I have also been able to learn so much about myself such as what I want to study and how I learn best from my learning abilities compared to the classroom. I discovered my strengths and weaknesses when it comes to working in groups or by myself as well as a study technique that works for me. I hope other students have a wonderful experience like I do!
brittany
What I have received out of my college experience is something that I believe I couldn't have found anywhere else and that is my independence. Before I arrived at the University of Rhode Island I was a very dependent person. However, now I find myself having the capabilty of taking care of my day to day problems and other actions with complete confidence. This confidence comes from the help and mentorship from the staff, administration, and fellow-students at the university. When I first left high school I thought I would barely be able to handle college alone, but today, I am able to tend to my personal needs as well as balance being a full time student, a part time employee, as well as a volunteer at the emergency medical services on my campus.
Emily
My college experience has been one that has included many challenges. Engineering as a major, especially chemical engineering, is extremely challenging. I have met this challenge head on and maintained a GPA that has kept me on the Dean's List not only at Alfred University but also my second college, The University of Rhode Island. During high school I did not feel challenged in academics, this is what drove me to chose the major I truly wanted, chemical engineering. I chose to challenge myself and I could not be more proud of myself for it. I was able to begin a life in a field that I know I will love and that will continue to challenge me my entire life. I have also had the opportunity to drive myself to a second life long goal of being a Division I athlete. Maintaing my grades along with competing at such a level is difficult, however my college experience has taught me to welcome these chances to succeed at the highest level possible and I look forward to being able to do so for the remainder of my college career.
William
What I have gotten out of my college experience is that I learned about techniques about networking and computers. I learned how to communicate more effiectently to a big group of people. I also learned how to manage my time more wisely with college, work, and everything else I do. Why has college been valuable to attend for me it made me learned how to take the world. I think without college I would be just a uneducated high school student. What college has in store with me also helped me attend by actually having a job I will enjoy once compeleting this semester of college. I enjoy the thoughts of what college will do for once I graduate and what great things I will learn before I graduate.
Alicia
There are so many aspects of college that I have already experienced that have made my time there so valuable and special in such a short period of time. I have learned how to socilaize and become quick, best friends with some incredible people and have grown by meeting them. I have utilized a lot of the resources there that are there for me to be a better student and person, such as the gym, the library, the acedemic enrichment center, and much more. Most importantly, the reason I am attending this school is because I was accpeted into the college of nursing. Already having my major has made my college experience so valuable because I know what I want to do with my life, and as a college freshman i'm already starting my career! As hard as the work is, it is most definitely worth it because one day I will graduate and will have my whole life in order with a job at a hospital somewhere great. I'm very happy with my college choice and I can't wait to continue my adventure there for three more years!
Denise
Being in college i have gotten and experienced alot of things. I have gotten that just because someone is in college does not mean they are going to make the best out of the situation. It is left to the individual to strive for what they want and settle for nothing but the best. It has been valuable to attend because college helps prepare you for what the future may hold and not everyone gets such an opportunity.
Jeff
A typical answer would be "knowledge." I guess this is quite obvious, but since college, I have been able become useful to my family. I have been able to diagnose my grandmother's swollen, bruised legs to be ruptured blood vessels--something I learning in my second semester's Human Anatomy class. I have been able to recognize a clogged blood vessel in my father when his foot felt swollen and his leg was almost not functioning--something learned from my third semester's Human Physiology. I have also been able to help others eat healthier thanks to the Nutrition Club i joined.
Starla
From my college experience I have gained a great deal of self-cofidence that I can do what I set my mind to and stick with it. I was determined to make a better life for my two daughters and I am now well on my way to doing that. I have my Associate Degree and am starting my Bachelor's Degree in December. It has been valuable for me to attend college online because it works better with my schedule then having to sit in a classroom. If I am working on an assignment and one of my daughter's need something, I can take a break and help them with what they need. I value my education dearly and am thrilled that I have stuck with it this long and now I am pursuing to go even further. My daughters are the world to me and with me going back to school I believe that it will set a better example for them as well.
Rachael
I have taken great classes and have had the opportunity to do things I would never have been able to do unless I was at a Univerisity. I have gotten involved in my community in ways I would not have been able to otherwise.
Attending college opens doors to careers, ideas, and meeting new people, all of which are more than worth it. An education is the most valuable thing you can invest in.
Kamila
College has helped me to develop and improve my oral, writing, critical thinking, self-management and social skills. Being an international student, I didn’t know anyone in the United States, however my classmates and teachers have helped me to have a smooth transition from one culture to another. College also taught me importance of helping each other, like volunteering for instance. In college I have become more responsible and organized. It was not easy to manage time by myself without parental control but I developed discipline that helped me to stay at the top of my class. College became a very important part in my life because I believe that being well educated will help me to serve our society and community better. Education is not just piece of paper to get a well-paid job; it is knowledge of our past and present. We all want to live in a peaceful advanced society where people treat each other equally. Education is a key to brighter future because myself and my fellow students of today are going to be part of a successful society tomorrow.