Washington State University Top Questions

What I have gotten out of college came not from the lectures that I attended, but from the experiences that shaped me and the professors and peers who inspired me to aim higher in my dreams and ambition. Although my school was most definitely not my top choice or near it, what I have gained through my experiences and interactions with the people here have molded me and allowed me to take the next steps in attaining my dreams. While at this school, I fell in love for the first time, was heart-broken shortly after, lost my family home in a fire, betrayed by "friends" who turned to alcohol, was attacked physically, and ostracized by others who perceived my ambition as a threat. The last two years of my time here was spent trying to "fix" the mistakes I made during my first two years. Yet due to my inspirational teachers and the true friends I made, I have come to realize that those "mistakes" were the necessary events that I needed to experience in order to truly know who I am as a person, and now I can leave confident that I can face whatever the future brings.

When I arrived at Washington State University I loved the environment amongst my peers and had every intention of pursuing a career in Chemistry. Today, nearly two years later, I feel the same about my career goals, and my school of choice. I, like most everyone else on this campus, am pumped up to be a Cougar and know that, even after I graduate, I will be involved in the University in some way. Also, I have already been able to acheive research experience in research facilities on campus. Throughout my own research experience I feel a greater enhancement in my knowledge of Chemistry and my desire to continue in that field of study. I love Washington State University, the Palouse, and Chemistry now just as much as when I arrived, and I do not believe that standing will change anytime soon. This is the place for me, and Chemistry has become a wonderfully valuable part of my life both academically and socially.

I first attended college right out of high school (SUNY at Buffalo), first majoring in music, then in art. I matured greatly in those three years, and saw that I would want to eventually follow some art therapy and/or counseling path. I moved to California and took art classes, then returned to SUNY Brockport to receive my Bachelors degree in Art. Returning to CA (where I've lived for over 25 years now, I taught art to both children (grades K-8) and seniors (in convalescent homes, Alzheimers facilities, and hospice). I returned to school to get my AA and CA certificate in Alcohol & Drug counseling, and AA in Advocacyl, to continue using the creative arts in helping other professions. At this point I wish to pursue my Masters in Arts degrees in both Art Therapy and Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) at Notre Dame de Naumr University (in Belmont, CA) to further my work helping different populations, including rehabilitation, mental health and disabilities, utilizing creative arts therapies. I have greatly enjoyed all my college experiences, and found my learning to be both crucial and self-transforming.

My college experience has been a little different than most. I attended college out of state, so I pay nearly twice as much for tuition and travel expenses as my classmates who pay instate tuition. I feel this extra cost is justified because its important to branch out and experience new places as well as attend a university that has a reputable program that you're interested in. My college experience is also different because I studied In Italy for the first semester of my sophmore year, which was one the most eye-opening, amazing experiences. I cannot recommend anything more for any student than a study abroad. I feel i've made some great friends so far in college as well as realized that mechinical engineering is a field that suits my interests well. Its been valuable to attend Washington State University for a couple reasons. The career opportunities created by attending school have been important, but college has also made me realize which careers are not for me, and most importantly, being at school has reminded me of what I truly enjoy most, meeting people, experiencing new things, and traveling to interesting places.

Independence. Independence is one of the major things I have gotten out of my college experience thus far. I am no longer fully dependent on my family for money, however this time in my life has been one of heartache and the building of personal strength. Transistioning to this new life of shared rooms, new people, a world of endless possiblilities and knowledge, and the freedom to make a better life for myself has been more difficult than expected. I was not mentally prepared to be living away from my entire system of love, support, and hope, and moving was unbearable, at least until I settled in and realized that this was a huge chance for me to become something and someone. I told myself I had to be strong, that I could make it through this difficult time and come out on the other side a new person. It is now almost the end of my first year, and I have achieved my goal of strength. I am not affraid to be away any longer. I am stronger and have so much more hope because of it. I just have to tell myself "I will make it".

The most valuable lesson I have learned while at college is that perserverance is crucial to great accomplishment. My college experience has had many ups and downs and more than one serious obsticle that I have had to push through to further myself towards my goal of graduating college. Each time I was faced with an obstacle I wanted to give up and say that it wasn't worth it, but I pushed through every time and my tenacity has helped me not only in my educational career, but in my personal life as well. My struggles have helped me to appreciate the easy times and have also encouraged me to be a positive force for others that are going through some of the same difficulties that I have experienced.

I am a nursing major. The program is preparing be to be one of the best in my field. I have no regrets about pursuing nursing and WSU is invaluable in my pursuit.

A chance to grow and learn both academically as well as personally. While in college I had the opportunity to explore many different situations that allowed me experiences I would never have encountered. These situations were varied as were my responses and actions to each. It is these personal responses to the situations to be what I consider the biggest value from attending college. From ethical based encounters to uncomfortable social interactions, I have learned how to handle each with my personal viewpoint. Through this, I learned who I am, what is most important to me and how to reflect my individuality to the world in a positive light. College has allowed me to learn about the world in a steadied, supported environment. My experiences through college are the biggest value as it has prepared me thoroughly to handle life outside of the academic world. Thanks to my college experience I am now ready, eager and primed to take on the real world and all of its glory.

I will be attending college in the fall of 2010

Not too long after starting elementary school I can recall my mom telling me that college would be one of the most important things in my life, andthat no matter what I needed to go and graduate. I?ve done exactly what she said; I got into college and am on my way to earning my Bachelors degree in Anthropology, but I didn?t expect to have such great experiences while I was in school. In the past three years I found that other than debt and stress, I?ve gained valuable knowledge in how the world really works. I?ve learned that internships are extremely valuable in landing a future job and that being able to multi-task can be a life saver. Throughout my time at school I?ve been too busy studying to really see how valuable my experience has been. Looking back I see that, because of my education I know that I?ll be able to hit the ground running after graduation, giving me an advantage that I wouldn?t have had otherwise. So, in the end my mom was right and I?m now glad that she pushed me into being a college graduate.