University of St Thomas-Saint Paul Top Questions

My college experience has consistently, yet necessarily challenged my mind, heart, and soul. I have been challenged my past few years of college to do what I can to survive within the realm of better education, whether I am facing a monetary struggle or an internal struggle. However, I am grateful because the experience has given me endurance, a surplus of fascinating knowledge, and a new perspective of life. Having the privileged opportunity to excel holds much meaning to me because without these given opportunities my world would not be as hopeful, rich, and innovative as it is today. No matter how rigorous the task is at hand, it is crucial for me to find a way to overcome the intial intimidation of it, and most importantly, to realize that is within my power to reach it. This is where the heart and soul of me is put to the test. Passing it means mastering my goals. Once I have achieved those goals I feel I have added valuable skills and meaning to my life. The college experience is most valuable because I have learned success is always within my reach when I challenge my will power, heart, and mind.

Leaving the small town of 3,000-some people and moving to the metropolitan area of Minneapolis/St. Paul was one of the most challenging experiences of my young life. Managing the homesickness, finding my academic niche, and living with strangers were all new to me and provoked intense rollercoaster-like ups and downs. After trial after trial and error after error, I have developed into a respectable person that I can see myself being for the rest of my life. Academics have proved time and time again to be of the upmost importance to me, while I have also come to realize I have a strong support system at home. I have learned that if I set a reasonable goal, I can achieve that goal. College, while always a transitional challenge, has allowed me to begin my development in to the person I will be for the remainder of my bright future. The value of my college education, measured in dollar signs, is enormous. However, that enormity is hugely overshadowed by the value that cannot be measured in dollar signs; UST will forever be a bright part of my life.

It is unbelievable how much I have received just from the first semester of my college experience. The academic program at the University of St Thomas is very prestigious and at times I struggled through my first semester; however, my struggling has not been in vain. It has taught me just as much as my school work has. It has taught me adversity, which has taught me how to be dedicated, focused, and determined. I have learned that perseverance is the key to all success; that failure is the first step to success and that one should look towards their future and figure out how to succeed even after a catastrophic failure. All of the great leaders and historic figures I admire, such as Dr. King, Abraham Lincoln, and Susan B. Anthony had an incredible sense of perseverance and commitment. Accordingly, the adversity I have faced thus far has helped me to remain committed to success and my dreams and to continue to preserve no matter how discouraging an obstacle. The true gift I have received so far from the University of St Thomas is learning about me and what is important in life.

Attending the University of St. Thomas has provided me with a world-class education thus far -- and I'm only just beginning my journey into my major-related courses. I can't express the value of having small classes and the many opportunities it has granted me; as a sophomore, I have a potential research position this summer with a biology professor! This is just one of the many doors that have been opened for me, along with valuable study abroad and local opportunities in the Twin Cities. I think it is invaluable to gain a more worldly view by studying in a non-traditional sense with hands-on experiences that immerse the student in the culture, and UST strives to facilitate all students who desire to do so! The most valuable thing I have learned though is that it is up to me, the student, to take responsibility for my educational aspirations and make the most out of the education I'm receiving! I believe that this is enhanced by my financial responsibility for my own education, so I have immense motivation to make (and take!) the most out of my education as possible.

I have attained knowledge that may not help in my career but has helped me as a person in finding myself and what I want to do with my life.

I am a 41 year old single mother returning to college. I have a daughter in her second year of college and feel that she is on her way and on the right foot, it is now my turn. I am greatful and ambitious to be back in college! I absorb and appreciate all of the knowledge that I have accumulated thus far, and will continue to acquire going forward. I am more focused and determined than ever before to resume and complete my education. I know that it is not too late to continue my education and am looking to enhance my existing career with a degree. I am also continuing my education for my self esteem!!! It feels GREAT to be back in school!

I have gotten a lot out of my college experience. I have a physical and learning disability and over the first two and a half years of going to this school, I have never felt discriminated against. I was accepted, which I was not used to. The people on campus are wonderful. There are many clubs and organizations on campus that a person can get involved in. I would highly encourage anyone to get involved with a club or organization, but don't over do it! The professors are great and they want what's best for the student. If a student is struggling in a class, they just need to talk to the professor and keep them updated on what's going on and the professor will more than likely be flexible and adjust things so that the student can get the most out of the class. Communicate with your professors and things will work out.

I have gained so much from attending college the last year and a half. I have grown as an individual and I have matured in ways I couldn't even imagine. Educationally I have gained knowledge in areas I never thought I would learn, which makes me eager to continue my education at a new college for Spring 2011.

So far I have gained a better ability to critically think and evaluate ideas and concepts that may have been difficult to comprehend or put into words or on paper before. This acquired ability allows me to inquire, challenge, and question almost everything I come across while in class and outside of school. I benefit from this because in return for my critical thinking and inquiry to find deeper truths and meaning, I not only learn the material but I have a better understanding of how I view the certain subject and what my beliefs are. While learning new concepts and evaluating what they mean and how they relate to the world, I actually learn more about myself and begin to view the world through a new lens. I have started to view reality quite differently since attending college. I have transformed my anthropocentric view into one which views the suffering and struggles in the world as the top priorities in which my generation needs to address. This I value above all else. The University of St. Thomas challenges all of its students to view reality differently, and I am honored to be a student of this great University.

College has been a tremendous learning experience for me, and I feel that I am very blessed to be enrolled in college since many of my classmates from high school unfortunately do not have the money to go. Being in college will allow me to reach my full potential. By nature, I’m an inquisitive soul, eager for knowledge, to know more...to be aware. There is no other place that can offer me the world, while allowing me the time to explore myself as well. I have learned the proper techniques on how to effectively manage time and how to also tackle massive projects...and not have a panic attack! My communication and interaction with my fellow peers and professors have vastly improved. I’ve also begun to discover myself. Everyday is a new day to learn new things you just never thought existed. Its imperative to attend college to develop and florish into an adult ready to take on the world.