Appalachian State University Top Questions

What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

Jessica

If I could go back in time and talk to my high school senior self, I would have told myself to have tried harder in school. Although I made great grades academically in high school, I could have made better ones. I started to slack off senior year and did not push myself as hard as I would have like. I would have told my high school senior self to make better study habits, eat healthier, and exercise more to stay productive. Learning new ways of studying would have helped me to make an easier transition into college. In college, the way you study is different than it was in high school in the way you prepare for tests and quizzes. Also, I wish I could tell my high school senior self how to manage and balance out all the things that will be happening in your life. As a nursing student now, I had to learn the hard way on how to focus on one goal at a time to succeed.

Sarah

If I could go back in time, I would tell my high school senior self to save more money. Of course I knew college is expensive, but it didn't sink in as much as it did when I got here and realized all the extra expenses I didn't expect. I didn't realize how often I would go out to eat after getting tired of dining hall food, not to mention, having a social life is just expensive in general. I also thought that I wouldn't still want to go shopping and spend money on the things I did when I was at home. I will definitely be saving much more of my money this summer. College is definitely a big transition, but if handled well, it can be easy and painless.

Sydney

Don't listen to them. The teachers in college are nicer than everyone says. You'll do fine. You will make friends once you get there. You will keep in contact with your high school friends as well. No matter what, you will be fine. Don't listen to those who say you will not.

Adam

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself not to worry. College is a place where people go to discover their true identities and to become grounded in a core set of beliefs. You will come in contact with people who are very different than you. You will have the ability to manage your own time and you need to make sure that you use it wisely. College is an opportunity to meet new people and network with those who will become beneficial to you during your professional career and your personal life. Bring in your ideas and experieces, share them, and listen to others and you might learn something new. Education is something that we as Americans take advantage of and I want you to have a fulfilling experience so you can change the world. Have fun, be safe, and make intelligent decisions on what to do with your newly found freedom.

Alyssa

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to enjoy every moment of the time I have. I am currently a junior in college, and as I plan to attend graduate school and get my master's degree, I look back on the past few years and wish I could go back and enjoy everything all over again. It has been such a joy to be at Appalachian State, and now that I am moving into higher education soon and learning a lot about the real world, I realize how valuable time is and how important it is to enjoy the present. I am a very dilligent student, and I worry often about my grades and my success. However, I am slowly learning that doing my best and enjoying it all the while is what truly brings the most success and happiness in my life. This is a valuable lesson that I've learned, but I wish I could go back and learn it three years ago instead. I would tell myself that sometimes life is hard, but to work hard, enjoy life, and just be happy.

Barry

Forget about my initial degree idea and go straight for what I graduated in. It will be a much more rewarding experience and I will have a blast.

Katherine

Get involved! You will miss this time in your life, so enjoy your senior year. Don't let anything pass you by. However, also spend an immense amount of time with your family. As exciting as you are to move out and be independent, you will miss your family more than you ever expect. Don't ever dismiss them because you will soon long for that time with them back. However, know that you will soon enter into the most amazing experience of your life. College is everything that people say it is and more. You have the chance to meet your life long friends. You will have the chance to find out who you really are. There are ups and downs, though. The Freshman 15 is real, so make sure you don't let yourself go. It can be scary, but I promise you that it will get so much better. Join clubs and put yourself out there. College is what you make it, so choose to make it great!

Austin

If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to not be afraid to take risks. All through college, I missed out on numerous opportunites because I was afraid of consequences that may or may not have happened. I would also tell myself to push yourself outside of the classroom both academically and socially. Both of these aspects will have a huge impact on the college experience.

Danielle

To my high school self, I would advise to be ambitious. I would tell myself to have applied sooner and been more determined when it came to getting financial aid and scholarships. There's nothing I regret more than waiting so long to take advantage of the opportunities that were sitting in front of my face. I would tell myself not to hesitate, to take a bold leap of faith and ask for help when I needed it. The transition wasn't difficult for me, but I would've told myself not to let my family's past scare me out of trying to go to college. Through Christ all things are possible, and there's nothing I can't do if I put my mind to it.

Oscar

I would tell my high school senior self that you are going to lose friends, even those that you once held dear in your current stage of life. I would tell myself that its okay becaue friends come and go and not to waste energy and effort to fix what is broken in a friendship. College is a time where people change, some for the better or for the worst, and that I must simply accept that. On a lighter note, I would also tell myself that there are true friends out there who will understand you. These true friendships are forged by people in the same walk of life being brought down by similar trials.

Daniel

I would tell myself to relax and enjoy the four years that I was at Appalachian State University, and to make sure to focus on my studies because that is the main reason you're attending school. There will be plenty of time to go out and have fun, but make sure that all you work and studying is completed first. I would also tell myself to join more clubs and groups because it can be beneficial. Lastly I would tell myself to get involved in research earlier than I did. It can add to your learning experience and be very fulfilling. Overall just enjoy it and have fun the four years that you are there.

Jade

I would tell my high school self that the little things don't matter. Don't panic if you oversleep once- just don't do it again. Go to class, even if you feel like it doesn't do any good. Don't let yourself get swallowed in he thousands of students. You are a natural born leader and you need to stay that way. Truely consider advice. Don't just think 'Oh, that sounds good" but really sit on it for a while- it could come in handy.

Heather

I would tell high school self to go on and start at Appalachian and not go to the community college. If I was able to tell myself that I would have saved a lot of time as well as a lot of money. Another thing that I would have told myself would have been what degree to go after. The last thing that I would tell myself would be to study hard and make good grades.

Desiree

If I could give myself advice, the me that was still a high school senior not getting enough sleep and developing a bad habit of drinking too much coffee, I guess I'd tell myself to not worry about feeling lonely. That sense of emptiness you feel when you move somewhere new by yourself, goes away. You fill your own empty spaces in your life, and become so much stronger and larger and vibrant than you ever thought you could be. I'd tell myself that although I never thought I was capable of doing so, I could become the artist of my own life. It's really such a beautiful thing to feel yourself growing up and out, soaking up all the rays of the sun and coming into your own. I'd tell myself to stop worrying about how I'd cope, because there is no circumstance which you can't turn into a learning experience, there's nothing you can't do or be. The world is your oyster.

Hayden

Let’s see. Senior year was too recent to tell myself to put my money into a good company and call it a day! (like Microsoft in the 70’s!) So I would say “Hayden young chap! Go to college, get a good education, but go for the knowledge not the certificate! Getting a degree is a must in today’s society, but so is the pursuit of knowledge for the rest of your life! Education doesn’t stop after college is over, nor does your career begin once it has! Follow your dreams now boy-oh! Don’t wait till you’re out of college to start makin’ a difference in the world! And also… Don’t make that Toyota Corolla your first car. Definitely not worth it.” Good times! But in all seriousness I have made outstanding breakthroughs in my experience in college, it isn’t about finishing* college for me, it’s about succeeding in life, which no piece of paper (on its own) can give me, It’s up to me to make a difference! I’m so grateful for the opportunity to go to college, and for the opportunity to compete for this scholarship!

deshawn

Pay attention!

Christy

Take it seriously and do not slack off! I would also highly recommend speaking with an academic advisor as to what type of job/career that you want to pursue to ensure that your degree matches up to what you want to do once you graduate! Explore all of the job markets that best suit what you want to do.

Bailey

To my high school senior self, don't be so worried about leaving Hawai'i. Sure, it will always be your home, but soon, so will Appalachian. It's going to be scary, and daunting, espeically those first few days, but it is eventually going to be the most comforting and wondeful place you have ever lived. It is going to feel so natural, just being there. It is going to seem scary and new, but that won't last long. Remember, everyone isn't going to be your best friend, but everyone isn't going to be your worst enemy either, open up to them and make friends. Keep certain people close, but let others go. The ones that leave, you won't miss them for long. Try and be a bit of a joiner, but stay where you are comfortable. You don't need to do it all just yet. And soon, the time will come when you have to make hard choices. Go with your gut, trust me, it is the best guide. Most of all, though, keep your chin up. It gets better, even in the worst moments. I promise! Love, Future You.

Amanda

Dear Me, Believe in yourself. If you do not, then no one will. Do not be afraid of failure. Go after those dreams of yours that reside deep within your innermost self. People will tell you that you cannot do it, and maybe you cannot. But if you do not try, you will never prove them wrong. You will never live up to your potential. You will settle for mediocrity just like so many other people in this world. Do not be afraid to fail. Go on; chase your dreams. Apply to that Ivy League school. Join the Swing Dance club simply because you enjoy dancing, despite the fact that you have two left feet. Brush off the awkwardness; the memories will be worth it. Try out for the Club Soccer team. Exhibit self-confidence and remember to have fun. Do not be afraid to make new friends, especially if your old friends already have. Things change; let them. People will come and go out of your life. Be thankful for the time you have had with them, and let go of your bitterness towards those who have hurt you. It is not worth it. And most importantly, have faith.

Jessica

If I were able to have a conversation with myself as a senior in high school, I am not sure I would change much. However, I would tell myself to not blow things out of proportion. Take things as they come and do not spend so much time worrying about little things and matters that you cannot control. Do not try to be anyone else other than yourself, you already spend too much time worrying about what everyone else thinks and college is a time too precious to squander. Do not waste time, work harder and smarter because you are absolutely capable of doing so. Call mom and dad more and check on Jamie because she grows up so quickly. Visit as much as you can and do not take any of them for granted. Being away from them is hard and you have not realized it yet. Have fun and work hard. Cherish the friends you make and do not be afraid of being independent. Love yourself and be strong. You have a great future ahead of you.

Lauren

If I could go back in time and give advice to me as high school senior I would have several pieces of advice to give. First I would tell me not to stress so much because things have a way of working out for the best even if it's not the way you planned or hoped for. Second off I would tell me to not be afraid of the future but take it all in. Third, I would tell me to learn from mistakes and admit when you're wrong because it leads to personal growth which will help you become the best version of yourself. Fourth, I would tell myself to continue exercising and eating healthy because a healthy body helps you keep a healthy mind. The fifth thing I would tell myself is to not be afraid of failure because it happens sometimes but have the perseverance to push through and make things happen. Last but not least I would tell myself to reflect on the person I am and decide if that is the person I want to be in the future; if it’s not then make a change and make a difference.

Shannon

Dear Shannon, I know you're excited about the upcoming move to college. Talk to people! The first few months in your new dorm is going to be the best shot at making new friends that will stick with you through-out college. They all feel out of their element just like you. Don't be afraid to change your major, or double major. You future career is why you are here, make sure you prepare by majoring in something that you not only love, but will enable you to get a job. Speaking of jobs, get an internship! I know you say you don't have the money but listen to me when I say, just do it anyway. It will be a lot harder to find an internship post-college. Definitely get that waitressing job, you'll meet more friends than you could ever expect working there. Don't forget to call your family, they miss you even though you're busy experiencing life on your own for the first time. Most of all walk to class on nice days, make friends, put 110{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} into your projects and have fun. These memories will last forever.

Jaimie

Get out there and make friends. College is all about meeting new people and making friends. It's important to be well-rounded and enrich your life with many different things. Become involved in many different clubs and groups in order to learn more than just what you do in class. College is about gaining experience, not just getting good grades.

Samuel

If I could go back to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to make the decision based on my morals, not on my fickle likes or dislikes. I came to Appalachian for the small town feeling, the beautiful mountains, and the ability to hike, fish, and camp at my leisure. Since I have been here, I have felt the overlying weight of the morally divided atmosphere pushing me farther and farther away from even wanting to be associated with Appalachian. Going to Appalachian has definitely been an eye opening experience for me. I have looked on as all of my morals that I originally held were smashed into little bits by the multitude of diverse thinkers and I was left to skulk away with not even an ounce of pride. On the contrary to telling myself to reject Appalachian though, I would inform my old self to attend for this reason: even though my beliefs and morals have been destroyed, I have been able to undergo a re-establishment period that has allowed me to better understand what I believe and why I believe it. In the long run, attending Appalachian has been a positive experience.

Emily

I would tell myself to make sure you always go to class. If you go to class you will learn, its better than laying in bed being lazy. I would also tell myself to make sure you are involved on campus. College can be a lonely place if you don't get invovled with clubs and activities that interest you. I would also tell myself to put myself out there. There are ovcer 10,000 people at that school, be yourself, have fun, make friends and get to know other people. Don't stay in your dorm room and expect the fun to come to you. Ask for help. Everyone is lost at some point and needs advice. Finally, I would tell myself to stay ahead. All nighters are no fun so stay up to date on your work and due dates. College is a great time but you have to apply yourself and be successful. Don't slack off and stop caring or you may hurt yourself and your future.

Kasia

Apply for scholarships! Apply for scholarships! Take Concurrent Enrollment classes! Enjoy life today, yesturday is gone, and tomorrow may never come. Apply for as many scholarships til you die. Find a job. Study for the ACT and get a good score on it so you don't have to take the alternative tests such as the "Accuplacer". Apply for scholarships! Go to college and get an education. Go into Dance because you have a passion for dance. Don't go into doctors, dentists, or something you get paid in big bucks because you're not going to like it in the future. Apply for scholarships! Any scholarship would help me and put less stress in the cost for college.

Holly

It's funny how time changes your perspective. If asked this question while an undergraduate in college, I would have said to learn better study habits, get more involved in clubs and take more school work more seriously. That wisdom would have helped me at that time. Sure. I graduated with a BSBA Cum Laude and felt very successful. Now, 16 years later, as I enter Grad School that advice may have changed a bit. Life experience and seeing how my high school social self made my college honor student self work harder, take class more seriously...well I wouldnt change a thing. High School is about finding yourself, learning your cababilites and how to manuever in social settings. Very important lessons. You have the rest of your life to work hard and study.

Amy

I would say to not take so much to school. Last year, I felt I had way too much stuff and that I should have taken less items that were as necessary as I thought they were.

McKale

Being a senior in high school was, without a doubt, the easiest section of my high school career. Going back, I would tell my younger and more apt to not listen self; You did good. Life isn't about regret, and I made decisions that year that were good decisions for my life. I decided to go to massage therapy school before traditional college, and I am thankful I was not in a huge hurry to rush into my college career. Learning that having a career and job you love is a big obstacle in life. Many people get blinded by the dollar signs, and the extra income a college education can accure. But truly understanding how to love what you do made the transition back into college so much easier than if I was that high school senior. Now I know how to make the educated decisions to make the most out of my college career, and truly enjoy the experience.

DeeAnna

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to stop panicking and that everything would be fine. I would also tell myself to save more money for college expenses because as a senior, you do not realize how expensive college will be. I would also tell myself to be more confident because college is not like high school. I would assure myself that I was capable of handling college life and that everyone will support me. I would also tell myself that going to community college first was a wise choice. I would assure the high school me that I am not ready to venture off to a four year university yet so staying at the local community college is the best choice.

Joshua

If I could go back to high school to give my former self any advice, I would tell myself to push myself more academically and extra-curricularly. I was always an above-average student; however, with the work schedule I was unable to participate in extra-curricular activities and sports as I would have liked to. I believed that it was important to work and make money, both of which helped me learn to budget and manage my time; however, I should have enjoyed myself a bit more than I did. I also would have told myself to apply for more scholarships and grants to pay for school. More than anything, I would have advised myself to begin dancing earlier than I did because I learned that dance is my passion and I intend to positively impact others through my dance, and if I had begun earlier, I would be further along as far as talent, understanding, self confidence, and physical fitness. Although I would like to give myself advice, I am happy with the way that things turned out, so I would urge myself to attend Appalachian State University for undergrad. -Joshua M Carr

Jamison

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself not to stress out about where I went to college because I'm sure that wherever I chose, would end up being a good match for me. I would also tell myself that going into college with an open mind and putting myself out there to make friends is the ideal outlook to have when first starting college. If you aren't willing to be open-minded, no one is going to want to be your friend, or at least you won't make the friend you truly want.

Lauren

Many people feel like they need to know what they want to do for the rest of their lives, but they don't. I stressed out about it and that ended up being for no reason because Nursing just kind of fell into my lap. Bottom line, my advice to myself would be: Enjoy today, don't stress out about tomorrow.

Brittany

If I were able to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would give myself a couple words of advice. If I could go back I would tell myself to make my college choice decision based solely on myself. When deciding where to attend college, it is the individual that is most important. One should not base their decision on their friends or family. With this advice I would be sure to make the right decision on where to attend college and know that my choice would lead me to a wonderful four years in college getting my education. If I told myself to make my decision on just myself then I would know that the school I chose would be everything that I wanted and lead me to a brighter future.

Melissa

If i came back in time I would tell my self right away to start early on applying for colleges and sign up for the SAT or ACT because it is going to be a lot of stress for you if you sign up or apply to colleges in the end of your senior year. It will be difficult and maybe to much to handle in your senior year. Right away when you are as senior or even a jumior start ahead.

Katrina

I would tell myself that I do not have to decide that very moment what I want to do for the rest of my life and not to be in such a rush to grow up. I would tell my teenaged self to stop being so hard on herself and to really explore the world and her interests. The general education requirements and the variety of courses available for electives is a great opportunity to try things on for size, so to speak. I would encourage her to dabble in these electives, to try something completely new that she may not have originally tried as it just might become something she loves! I would tell her its ok to be undecided on a major at 18 years of age. The world wasn't created in a day and neither does her lifelong career decision have to be made in a day. I would also let her know that its ok if she doesn't rush right into college. I am a non-traditional student now and I think my life experience is a tremendous asset in the classroom. I would encourage her to take her time with the whole process.

Justin

I would tell myself to stay focused, and be aware of all the opportunities that await during my entrance to college. The weather is one thing to ponder on and enjoy. Club sports and other athletics take a lot of time in a very hectic schedule, so don't believe it's do or die on days when you may be able to get exercise. Always choose to study and do homework over having fun with video games, TV, or doing some sort of physical activity. Friends are in abundance, so make sure you take the time to speak with them, hang out, outside of class and group meetings. Try to plan mealtimes for the week, so you're not constantly on your own improvisation and end up eating alone. Speaking of food, the meal plan has already been paid for. It's a lot of money, and a lot of good food to go along with it; therefore, resist as many times as you can the sugar cravings, because you don't need dessert at every meal. Lastly, make sure God is the top priority, from sunup to sundown.

Kristine

Dear Self,You are now a senior in high school and are doing well. I am your future self from the summer before your sophomore year of college. This has not happened to you yet, but this summer you will re-connect with the handsome guy you met at church years ago and have lost touch with since. He has a significant age difference and your family will not appreciate this. After dating for one short month, he will decide to follow you to college. Your family will give you much grievance about his quick decision to move away to college with you, where they cannot watch over you. Just try to remember that everything they do is truly because they love you. Even though what they will do will hurt your feelings, do not let them break you. Use this anger to feed your intense will to succeed. Remain strong and prove them wrong about his presence affecting your grades and college experience. However, you should also empathize with them. They love you very much and just want you to be successful in life. Show them the potential that you have to become a mature and independent college student.

Lauren

I would volunteer or shadow at a variety of different places, so that I could get a better idea of what I wanted to go to school for. Learn about all the options out there, and don't just go for what you already know about. If you know what you want to do in life as a high school senior, then it will save time and money in your college years. Never give up on your dreams. If you need to get a tutor, or ask someone for help, DO IT, because you won't be less of a person for it, and it will help in the long run. Believe in yourself that you can accomplish whatever you want in life, no matter what your background.

Courtney

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself not to be scared to ask for help. Sometimes your going to fail and that's ok because it only makes you stronger. I would also tell myself that money should not be you're major concern, and school should always come first. I have always had the motivation to succeed in life, but was always afraid I would be held back because my family wasn't financially stable. I had a job at a young age so I could save my pennies for my future. College costs thousands of dollars and my stomach would hurt just thinking about it. Today I know that if you put school first and try you're hardest to receive good grades, there are programs and scholarships out there to help students like me, reach their goals of becoming a nurse. I must be doing something right because I just received my Associates of Arts degree and still have the motivation, and support I need to make it through the nursing program.

Michele

I would tell myself that everything is going to ok. Don't worry about eveything so much and just roll with the punches. Life will go on regardless of what you get on a paper or exam and I shouldn't worry about what is going to happen after graduation. I would tell myself that planning for the future is a great thing to do, but having flexibility to allow for change in a plan is key to not being stressed out and enjoying everything that is occuring. Most of all, I would advise myself not to leave my bed at my old house because they are going to change the locks and I am not going to get it back. Hind sight is 20/20.

Marsel

Since I am an adult learner, I would tell myself as a senior to continue with school. Do not wait, go on. While you are in the learning mode, stay with it. Going back at a later date is difficult - not impossible, but difficult. I think I conquered school and am going to finish with my dream career (Education, elementary). I would tell myself that moving away from home and going to school at 18 is easier than going to school, working, raising three teenagers and keeping a home while going to school.

kelly

"If I could do it again, you know I'd do it the same..." sings the talented Cory Smith. But would I? Would I do my first semester of college the same? Theanswer is no. Coming into college I was so excited, soready to start over. Of course you hear things like "make sure you sleep!" or "excersise so you don't gain your Freshman 15!" But there are so many other things that I would go back and remind my younger Senior self. I entered the doors of Appalachian State ready to make new friends. I was ready to start new relationships. But I trusted all too soon. I allowed people to know me much better than I ever should have. And it backfired, it fell through. I would warn my younger self....about everything. I never doubted that I would end up in music. It was and continues to be my life. Entering the music school I was sure things would work out exactly the way I planned. However, if I could I would remind myself that I perform because I LOVE IT and not because it is my "job" things would have turned out so much differently.

Jonathon

My college years have taught me to be self reliant and to understand that it is no one else's responsibility but mine to make sure that when I graduate that I am prepared to enter into the business world and use the knowledge that I have learned here to be successful in life. Even though I will be facing @ $40,000 in student loans to re pay, it was worth the expense to get the quality education and direction in my field to have a long and successful career in the healthcare industry.

Katie

College has been the most exctiitng time of my life for a variety of reasons. First of all, it has given me the chance to figure out what I want to do with the rest of my life once I leave college. There are so many majors and knowledgeable advisors and professors on campus that I can go to for help and advice whenever I need it. Also, college has allowed me to meet friends that I know I will be friends with for the rest of my life. I have meet friends in classes, in my sorority, in clubs and organizations, and in the dorms - App makes it very easy to meet people as their many different types of people that attend App. With the general education curriculum, I have had the chance to take a large variety of classes outside of my biology major including British literature, introduction to film, and naming generation Y. At Appalachian, there is something for every type of person to get involved with which allows the students, me included, to get more out of college then just classes, but helps prepare resumes, and give experience that can be applied to our futures.

Evan

College has given me the confidence to go full steam into the future. Through my college experience, I have gained a lot of discipline and this has given me a better insight into why I am doing this for myself in the first place. I know that my education will enable me to conquer life with confidence, and it will give me the tools to eventually land the job I have always dreamed of. I want to be an ambassador for the United States to Germany. I love diversity, and my community college in Dayton, Ohio gives me the opportunity to come into contact with people from all walks of life. This is a special opportunity, and I am very greatful for this!

Oluwatobi

I have slowly but surely understood that everyone has a story behind their face, mask they put up, and scars. IThe stories will eventually slowly open up like a flower opening up to the sun. One day a good friend will be patient enough to understand your the story and accept it for what it is. We are all the story tellers and we are all the good friends, some better than the others. Eventually our story like a flower will fill the field and give joy, sorrow, happiness and saddness just by being.

CALLIE

I feel the college experience makes one a more rounded person: when I first signed up for a history class, I thought, 'Why do I need this, I'm studying Kinesiology?" When the class was completed I had more knowledge of what present day life is about and how we got there. I can hold a more knowledgable conversation and have a better understanding of what is being said in the news. Another example is completing my general education credits, Political Science and Art (these are my two least interested subjects), saving them for last. I will start these classes in two weeks and am excited to have more knowledge in these areas.

Bailey

I have only been in college for one semester so far, but in that time I have gotten a lot out of it. Appalachian State University (App State) is where i dreamed of going because of the outdoor recreation that surrounds it. When I arrived here I found that I love it for so many different reasons. The people are friendly and most like to spend a good amount of time outside. The teachers that I have had are caring and they know what they are talking about. In high school I did not care about learning anything, but now I do. I plan on going into the business school in order to own my own bakery one day. Now that I'm being taught about things that are going to help me in the future I actually pay attention. App State has a great general education program that keeps the students well rounded. They also have many social opprotunities. Some of the clubs I ended up in were ones I never would have suspected, like biology club and quidditch club. I have met some great people through them. App is everything i dreamed of.

Elizabeth

Who knew college could take you around the world? A study abroad program with my college made it possible for me to travel the world. The Teacher's College of Bejing University allowed American students to interact with Chinese students learning to teach English in China. Across the campus, students were extremely friendly. Within the first five minutes of meeting, the students were anxious to know where we came from, names and ages, and the things we do for fun. Socializing is an important part of college life, especially at Sias International University. It gives students an opportunity to communicate with people who can help them with their major. The type of eagerness they have when meeting us is something I have only noticed in America when someone is meeting famous people or long lost family members. They always greet us with sometime nice to say and they always leave us with a smile. The cost of this study abroad trip was immeasurable compared to the experiences I had with Chinese students and knowledge of Chinese life and culture that I now understand. Many people have opinions and certain beliefs about China, but I know firsthand what really goes on.