University of St Thomas-Saint Paul Top Questions

I have heard people voice uncertainty before and after arriving at college. They don’t know what they will study, going in, and they don’t know what to do with their degree after leaving. I feel that I have more certainty than that for two reasons: the first, that I have nearly finished earning a professional degree and the second, that it is from a liberal arts school.During my time in college, I have been working to earn a teaching license. It is a qualification that I am passionate about; I am eager to teach or at least work in a school because the license, while not a guarantee of employment, shows that I have this passion and that I am ready to work for the benefit of our nation’s youth.However, earning this professional degree from a liberal arts institution means that I have been obligated to take a set of classes that show me different approaches to knowledge. I have been thankful for this obligation because I feel that it prepares me that much more for teaching. That is what my college experience has given me: a readiness and eagerness to serve future generations adeptly.

I think the most important thing I have gotten out of by college experience so far has been a better sense of self. I have a much better and fuller understanding of who I am, who I want to be, and how I fit into the world. Going to college was the first time that I was really out "there" on my own. I had to learn how to adapt and respond to situations I was not used to do, and in doing so, I learned a lot about my ability to deal with changes and things that are strange to me. Many of these new situations centered around interacting with people that have come from a very different background from me. Thus, college has given me a better sense of the diverse world I live in and what I can contribute to it. Lastly, I want to mention how college has given me a better sense of self in regards to the future. Upon entering college, I had no direction in this regard, but the whole experience has revealed my strengths, weaknesses, preferences, etcetera that has allowed me to formulate a clear picture of my future.

I had a breif college experience right out of highschool that I did not get much out of because I chose the wrong field. However, since this short encouter I have had much experience in the work force without a college degree. It wasn't until recently that I learned just how important a college degree is. I am pursuing a degree in early childhood education because I have had the opportunity of working with children, teaching them dance. I worked with ages 3-18, and I also have two young children of my own. It is so amazing to watch a young person learn skills for the first time that they will have for the rest of their lives. By completing the college course and making this an everyday rewarding career, I cannot think of anything that would be more valuable. Therefore, through my own life experience I now am aware of the necessity of education and look forward to passing this on to others.

I have learned more about who I am both as an individual and as a part of this community. I have gain, ot only facutal insight, but also the wisdom and confidence to apply myself to my learning.

I have attended three different universities in my career as a student. At the first two schools, I was disgusted by the lack of attention given students by both the faculty and staff, and emphasis on research instead of education. At Saint Thomas, I have found a school that gives its primary attention in all capacities to the individual student. Despite paying tuition that exceeds most other schools, I feel that I am recieving an education that will open up new doors for me the rest of my life. I am offered personal guidance and tutoring at any time, and have not once been turned down by staff when in need of answers. The student body at Saint Thomas is warm and enthusiastic, and socializing is quite easy. The alumni network is large and well connected, providing unique career options. I know without a doubt that choosing Saint Thomas as the place to finish my education will be one of the best decisions I have ever made.

I entered college as a young, motivated boy with more ambitions than could meet the eye, but family issues and personal problems lead me astray. I turned to heavy drinking and gambling that brought me to a place I never wanted to go; a place of true emptiness where the heart feels no pain or hapiness. I became truly wrapped up in the college party lifestyle and was stuck. In essence, I was truly lost in life without anyway of finding myself. Now, entering my senior year of college still in the midst of an inner battle with myself I found myself completely powerless. I truly had no ability to change the person I had become, until one day in my Christian Theology class my professor told us that God simply asks us to listen. Not being a religious man at all, I walked into a church and sat there all day. I can't explain what happened but that was four months ago and since then I have not gone back to old ways. My college experience was simply a test of faith, one that I failed for quite some time but now I have found the way.

Coming from a public high school where sterotypes and kids with a lack of determination unlike myself, are present all around me, I was eager to step away from that and St. Thomas seemed to be the best fit. My college experience here has been so worthwhile; every day I'm meeting someone new, learning something different and engaging in new opportunities. The oppotunities presented to you in college are unlike any other. I've gotten to try so many new and exciting things here. am in a group called PULSE; we break sterotypes by dancing. I am a student leader; I mentor freshmen students who don't live on campus. I work with an organization called Up till Dawn, who works in part with St. Jude Hospital, rasing money to find a cure for cancer. My chances and opportunities here are endless and I will be able to carry them all with me after college and throughout life. I would never tell anyone that college isn't valuable or worth your time; I've learned so much about myself and I still have two more years of my college experience. I will tell you, it is worth every day.

I have learned many lessons in trust, human dignity, and responsibility here, as St. Thomas. My first semester, I lived on campus in a dorm suite with three other roommates. There soon was conflict with these close living quarters. I learned some hard lessons about trust and caution through that experience. My social work major teaches us the definitions of human dignity but my time at UST has taught me more than a textbook ever could. It is the most diverse place I have ever been (I know, I sound sheltered) and it has taught me that everyone really does have something to offer. All of the people I have crossed paths with here are great, they are intelligent and lively. Their stories about their lives and backgrounds never cease to amaze me. "Never judge a book by its cover" really has meaning in my life now. Responsibility is another great quality I have improved at UST. I have learned to manage my time and think about my words and actions every single day. All of these are skills I will be able to carry with me for the rest of my life and I wouldn't change a thing.

I have received more than just an education from my college experience. I have learned how to manage my time wisely so that I can work, have a social life, and still keep my G.P.A to about a 3.9. I have also had an extremely valuable experience working with people that are of all different age groups. I enjoy college much more than high school because I do not have to learn with people that are only from my class, I am able to work with people that are younger or older than me. I enjoy college very much; I enjoy the atmosphere, the people and being able to set my own schedule. College has been an exceptionally rewarding experience that I know will benefit me in my future.

I have received knowledge on my specific career field. In addition, to the knowledge I have obtained I got hands-on experience with the daily duties that I will be performing. I am being prepared for multiple careers in the law enforcement field with the knowledge and hands-on experience that my school offers.