University of South Florida-Main Campus Top Questions

College has given me more than superficial academic knowledge, it has given me the life skills to pursue my goal as a Doctor of Radiology. When I first came to college I was shy and I kept to myself. It was only when I was surrounded by tons of people of all different personalities and kindness that I learned to open up and find myself. College is not only the best four years of your life, it is also the hardest. You are introduced to home-sick-ness, staying healthy, alcohol, drugs, parties, clubs, heartbreak, internships, volunteering, getting involved and making the right choices. College is what shapes you into the person you become in the future. It helps you define your limits and take risks. Everyone deserves a college experience, no matter if it is good or bad. College has helped me through many hard times and I have made lasting friendships. I am living the dream, that not many people can say they have.

The main things I have gotten out of my time at St. Johns River State College is a sense of independence and the feeling of family. On the Orange Park, FL campus, I have found that all the teachers are more than willing to spend copious amounts of after-class time helping students with anything. No teacher wants their students to fail, and they really do care about each student's education. St. Johns State has three campuses, and each has its own events, clubs, student elections, etc. The Palatka, FL campus is the largest because it's the main campus, but all campuses give the same feeling of community.

Although I have only been in college for one semester, I feel as though I have already matured and learned so much. Within the three months that I have lived on campus I have learned to think and act for myself. I am responsible for making sure that I learn the material that my professors try to teach me, as well as how I use my finances. These are the two greatest responsibilites that have been thrust upon me this past semester, and I believe that I have excelled at meeting these responsibilities. However, I cannot take all the credit because if I did not attend the University of South Florida I believe that taking on these responsibilites would be much more difficult. The University of South Florida has provided me with both excellent professors, and an easy way to keep track of my finances so I can see where my money goes and learn to use it wisely.

I began attending college as a senior in High School. I graduated High School when I was only seventeen, and now I will be graduating college when I am eighteen. I intend on transferring to a 4-year University to continue working towards obtaining my Bachelor's Degree. I have always seen college as a way to escape from the every day drama of High School. Other people turn to alcohol, parties, or drugs as their escape, but for me: College is it. Knowing that I have the potential to succeed and truly make a difference in the future of my children and their children is what keeps me going. College has been great! It allows you to dabble in subjects that you would have never heard of in High School; you are able to meet new people and truly become involved in your school; and there are so many more opportunities. Attending college is the most valuable skill an individual can have, especially in this economy. You learn skills that will help you through your educational and social career, and you learn what you have a passion for and what you want to do with your life.

I've gotten many different experiences out of college and I'm only a freshman. First off is learning how to be independent away from home. There is no more mom and dad there to do your laundry or cook breakfeast for you. I've adjusted to that and it helped me to become a stronger more mature person ready for the real world. I've also learned how to network better with my peers. Being in college if you do not learn how to network then you will not make it very far. Connections are what can help you receive things such as internships and jobs. That goes back to the classic saying that sometimes it's not what you know, but who you know. It has been valuable to attend college because college is where you learn about the person that you are and the person that you have the potential to become. There are many goods and bads a person goes through in college but it's how you overcome those situations that makes the college experience so valuable.

While in college, I have acquired more knowledge in the field of study about which I am passionate, and that's something that can never be taken away from me. I feel that learning should continue throughout the duration of one's life. It has allowed me to think in a more mature and abstract way and has prepared me for continuing my educational career. Additionally, I learned the importance of volunteer work and networking with peers.

Coming from a low-income family, college has always been my dream. Valencia Community College enabled that dream to come true in Aug. 2008 by admitting me to their campus as a dual-enrolled student in high school. Since attending Valencia Community College, I have gotten a new perspective on life. Attending college opens doors and oppurtunities that no where else could open. Since attending classes, I have gotten on the Dean's List and President's List during my entire time at Valencia Community College. It was through Valencia that I was given the opportunity to become part of Phi Theta Kappa, an elite and top honor society. By becoming a member of Phi Theta Kappa, I have been given discounts and various opportunities. If it wasn't for Valencia, I would not have been given such an opportunity to go to college early in life to become part of the college's top 10{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} students. Valencia changed my life for the better by making me into the smart, multi-talented, and task-oriented young woman that I am today. Valencia is in fact, opportunity, potential and success.

The main thing that I have gotten out of college would be an edge in the extremely competitive job market. Having a college education will give me the upper hand when I start to apply for jobs. My education will also help give me the opportunity to make a better income. This will allow me to give back to everyone that has helped me along this journey. Because of my education I will be able to help support my father who supported me through school and through life. I will also be able to give back to my community and I can also be a role model to young people that aren't sure about getting a higher education. I have also gained knowledge that can help me in everyday life. Getting an education has helped me understand things more clearly, like the economy for example. Knowing more about what is going on around me can help me make improvements and not only help myself, but also help other people along the way. All this would not be possible if I wasn't able to pay for school. That is why this scholarship would really help.

From my college experience I have gained self confidence, and a greater understanding of life. These skills are valuable to me because I will be able to use them once I enter a professional career. I will be able to utilize the confidence to help me obtain my goals.

My college experience so far has been a very enlightening one. I have learned the value of time and money. Being on your own you must learn to discipline yourself to get your homework and studies done prior to going out and enjoying the campus life. Also without your parents supporting you financially, you learn about the true value of a dollar and what is really necessary to get by and what you can live without. Also in my college experience I have learned how to deal with conflict and work in groups on various projects and be able to communicate with professors in a professional manor if there is ever a discrepancy over grades. These skills are all attributed to my time spent on campus away from home and are a major asset to me as I am growing up and learning how to face the “real world”. I would not trade the past year and half at college for any amount of money that would be offered!