Washington State University Top Questions

What should every freshman at Washington State University know before they start?

Kathleen

My college experience is irreplacable. I learned a lot about my selected area and a lot about myself. College is important to make a career for yourself in todays society. I want to be able to support a family and wouldn't be able to with out a college degree. I have learned to communicate, socalize and be professional while in school. Without attenting the college I believe I would still be stuck in a high school communication style lacking professionalism. I also learned that what I had origanally planned on doing for a career was not really what I wanted. I spent time learning about myself and discovered where I really belonged in the working world. I moved from a biology/zoology based career to a nursing career. I am currently enrolled in an RN program.

Nicole

My college experience has taught me that things aren't ever going to be handed to me, and that I am going to have to work for things in my life in order to get it. I learned that I am going to be handed responsibilities instead of freebees, and I am ready to take on those responsibilities because of my college experience. College has been valuable to attend because it has enlightened me more than any high school ever did (especially in math! haha)

Theodore

I have gained a greater understanding of the Nursing experience, I have also gained a greater knowledge of what it entails to be a leader in the healthcare industry. I have found that the college experience is both challenging and rewarding. I have also found that one recieves what one puts into the experience. College has also helped me set higher education goals and has ecouraged me to keep learning and to not stay stagnant too long. I have also got to show my 4 children that college is a worth while endeavor, as they have all witnessed me taking my classes and recieving my degrees, so it has also helped teach by example for my children and those around me.

Alicia

I have learned about myself, my goals, my priorities and values while attending university. I know that it is my desire to dedicate my life to serving others and am pursuing social work in the long term in order to help make others lives better. I want all children to be raised in safe environments with adults who make healthy choices for their children and themselves. I study race, culture, language and people to become the best person I can be and to pass on my knowledge, always remain tolerant and assist others to open their minds, support one another and create harmony. Attending university has allowed me the opportunity to experience a plethora of situations I would otherwise not have a chance to participate in and learn more about myself, my environment and life in general. I am grateful to have the opportunity to attend college and grow!

Sara

While still in high school, I did the Running Start program at Columbia Basin College. While there, I expanded my cultural awareness in high level Spanish classes, improved my writing skills in english 101 and creative writing, and obtained a better understanding of current issues in biology, chemistry, and political science. I graduated with a General AA degree in June 2010. Though still in high school, attending CBC prepared me for my academic journey at Washington State University that just began. Being freshman age, 18, but a junior academically has been a challenge because I don't have two years to decide on a major. I came to WSU interested in Athletic Training, changed my major to Movement Studies, and have now changed to Pre-Nursing. After one more year here I will go to Spokane to complete a BSN. Here at WSU, I'm learning how to manage my time as a full time student and an NCAA athlete. The education I gain here will give me the tools to help others in my career as a nurse.

Patricia

After being out of school for roughly ten years, I see now that it isn’t as scary and difficult as I was making it seem. I am learning to broaden my spectrum in all aspects of my life. I’ve been communicating with people from different walks of life, thought’s, and idea’s. I’m also learning how to be professional. It’s giving me the tools I need to handle any situation I may need to deal within the work place as well as personally. College is teaching me to manage my time, and work in group settings, as well as alone and under pressure. Making the choice to go back to school has given me the sense that I can accomplish anything I put my mind to. I know the skills and tools that I am learning will lead me to a healthy life filled with stability, happiness, consistency, and constant growth.

Heather

I attended a Community College immediately after graduating High School. I have changed my major as well as my interests many different times and I was finally able to settle on Business Administration and Health Care Management as my main focus. I think attending the community college that I attended really helped me to figure out what I wanted to do in life. I have had many great professors that I was able to connect with and who helped me out more than I would ever expect. I am now going to be attending and huge public University in South Carolina to obtain my bachelor's degree and I am excited for that as well even though I know it is going to be quite different from my small community college.

Brittany

My college experience so far has been a huge learning experience for me. Having a college education is extremely important in todays society. In highschool, you learn the basics, but college prepares you for working in the real world. Even though having a good education is extremely expensive, it is well worth it in the end. When I first graduated highschool, I recieved a 2 year scholarship for my grades to attend Prairie State College. There, I worked on my prerequisites for pharmacy school, and earned my Associates in Science Degree. Attending these classes taught me so much, and I realized how lucky I was to only have to pay for my books and not tuition. I have taken more classes that I had to take out loans and pay for myself however. Having these student loans teaches you how important having a stable career is. These bills are just the beginning of starting my life as an adult, but I know it will all pay off in the end when I walk across that stage with a college degree.

kacper

The value I have discovered from college is the value Columbus discovered when he sailed to the new world. I found a new world in which possibilities were endless. In this new world, my horizons were broadened and I rediscovered ways to see my life and to think about my life. I discovered the value of philosophy and the art of questioning. I questioned my beliefs and became an atheist in the process. I discovered the value of economics and the art of entrepreneurship. I incorporated a business and am teaching myself the fundamentals of growth. I discovered the value of marketing and the art of the sale. I have since found creative ways to persuade and influence, as well as sell myself. All of these values I discovered in this new world were life altering and priceless much the way the new world Columbus discovered altered the course of history. This new world I discovered altered my history.

Michelle

Out of college, I have gotten valuable skills in both the areas of education and music. I have met some amazing people and some very intelligent, helpful professors. It has been valuable to attend this college because of its school spirit, its honors program, and its fantastic academic advising program. For the most part, my experience here has been positive, and I am glad that I chose to attend this school.