LOUISA
I would have challenged myself more. I would have tried new things and joined clubs and activities where I could meet new people and find out what my interests were. I was really lost senior year and had no idea what I wanted to study in college, I wish I had explored this more. I would also tell myself that high school is not the real world. That the cliques end and often times the bullies will end up working for you.
Nancy
What I have gotten out of my college was rather unexpected. I learned that people don't care as much. At first I took it bad, it was depressing that people at campus did not care about me, only that I had enough funds to cover my schooling. Now I view it in a different way. People still don't care but now I don't expect them to. I've become much more independent and self-sufficient. If I don't understand something I will ask it in class a few times. If after that I don't receive an appropriate response, I will look up the answer myself because nobody else will do it for me. This is a great lesson to learn but not one I believe is worth 100K! Either way, going to college has made me stronger and in the end, it's all I can ask for. I want to be strong individual and leader for my future.
Casey
In my many years of college I have experienced quiet a bit and it has been valuable to attend because I got a great education and met wonderful people and instructors in the process. I have learned how to be determined and to work hard for what I want because taking the easy way out won't get you far in life. The education I have received so far has been amazing and I am so thankful to everyone involved in my learning.
Natalie
Community college was not initially a choice, but was the disappointing result of a deteriorating economy. Throughout my first semester at Pasadena City College, I gradually came to realize that attending PCC was truly a blessing in disguise. For the first time in my life, I genuinely believed myself capable of succeeding; my self-doubt diminished, while my determination grew. I fell in love with learning, and, in the process, had my eyes opened to countless opportunities I had never previously considered nor thought possible, such as studying abroad, finding a niche in psychology, or considering the pursuit of a masters or doctorates degree. With the encouragement from an incredibly supportive professor, I began to recognize my own gifts, talents, and potential. My diligent efforts were positively affirmed, and I noticed a transformation in both my GPA and self-esteem. This feeble attempt to verbally express the significance of this experience seems overwhelmingly inadequate, compared to the profound appreciation resonating within me. PCC unearthed a blossoming confidence and ignited a fervent fire in my heart, while challenging me to love myself, and gain new perspectives and understandings of the world, society, people, the future, my career, my education, and myself.
Bronte
My college experience has been wonderful ever since I have attended West Coast University. It has not been confusing as other students from school had descirbed, but rather exciting. I have met new friends and learned many things from the people that I have interacted with. It was a valuble experience to be here in my school because I have opened up to a new life that I have never been introduced to before.
Lynn
I have received an education that is transferable to the real world. Being able to approach my outside life logically, intelligently, and cognitively has been of extraordinary value. I see ideas through different perspectives as opposed to one viewpoint. I can offer my opinion on a matter with decisiveness and conviction. Through college, I have grown exponentially and have broken the odds by mastering classes that will transform my future. By having a sound education, this will allow me to be the best I can possibly be, which is why college has been valuable to attend. Thank you.
Susanne
Each day is a new college experience. Looking over the course catalog in the beginning I felt overwelmed with excitement and fear. What if they asked something I did not know. What if I wasn't smart enough to go back to school and get my degree. A multitude of thoughts raced through my head, each one creating a slat in the fence to keep me from completing my education.
Finally, I picked a class, registered and began to pull those slats away. Upon entering my first class I was told I needed an e-mail account. Being I never used a computer, I called my daughter and she set up an account for me and then she had to tell me how to use it. This was the beginning of my great adventure. Learning how to use a computer, write an APA report, acceptance from other students many years younger then myself and teachers that raise the bar and push you to do more then you think is capable of yourself, this is true acedemia. These are only a few of the great things I have experienced. College is a valuable asset, it is life unfiltered including an education.
Michael
So far my college experience has taught me a lot about possibilities for my future, and what I will need to do in order to be successful. My time at a community college, still living at home, made me understand the importance of higher education. It also teased me with the opportunity of independance. Even though I'm dissappointed in myself for lacking motivation during highschool, I'm very appreciative of my continual education at junior college, without this experience i wouldn't have fully been able to appreciate the education I seek at the University level. I hope my efforts now will not only make up for the lack thereof in high school, but surpass my goals for the future.
Sabrina
I feel like going to college has made me more mature and has made me grow up. Having to get a loan on my own and since college is so expensive, I feel like I have to pass all my classes. It makes me more deteremine. I want to graduate and start my future. I feel like finishing college would be a great accomplishment.
Cynthia
If I could go back into time and could talk to myself regarding college; one thing for sure I would instruct myself to hold on tight for the roller coaster ride! College life is exciting, it's when one gets to experience their independence after high school; however, you must make wise decisions. Freshmen make no mistake the clock is ticking; do not brush off your precious time! The more productive you can be the better; you will have plenty of time in life to party! I know you are thinking; what does she know?
Well been there and done it; wasted time parting and not studying and when you look up, it's fifteen or so years later and you are still trying to achieve your primary goal! Colleagues have moved on to expand their goals and you are stuck behind! Remember to stay focused; it is a short sacrifice for your life's dream of success. I have always been a giver; however, there comes a time in life when one must be selfish. I feel that when pursuing your dreams, one must be selfish; allowing no one precedence over your goal!
Go get'em tiger!