California State University-Long Beach Top Questions

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

Samantha

In high school, I was constantly concerned about getting into that perfect school. The one I had falling madly in love with. So when I first applied for colleges, I only appied to one; Long Beach State. This was the only place I wanted to be. Only there was one problem. I didnt get in. I went to community college my first semester of college, something I never invisioned myself doing. I was pathetic, but not because I was at Mount San Jacinto Community. I was pathetic because I had convinced myself that because I was in this place, I was a failure. I had not only hit rock bottom, I had thrown myself there. Then I got a letter. Long Beach State was inviting me to enroll for their spring term. That was when I realized it wasnt about how I got to where I wanted to be. The important thing was that I got there. I didnt fail by going on the path I had. I had become stronger because of it. And if I could go back knowing what I do now, I would take a breath and think. There are no shortcuts to anywhere worth going.

Haewon

First and foremost, do not be lazy! Do well in your Extracurricular and academic lives because it will help gear you towards good study habits. Remember to grab as many AP scores and credits if you can, it all pays off in the long run. Even if you aren't doing well academically, don't be afraid to see what you can do to boost it, or supplement it. It's important to talk to your professors and go in at office hours, even if it is just to say hi. It will help you, believe me. The more assertive and more curious you are, the better chance you have in suceeding. Remember that and never stop asking questions or getting outside of your comfort zones!

Amanda

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to never give up and that life gets better. High school was not the best for me, and in college I definitely was able to find myself. As much as I am overall happy with my current university, I may have told myself to apply to other universities as well. When in high school, a little thing goes wrong and you feel like your life is over. I would have tried to explain that things get better and you grow and learn from your mistakes. Also, i would tell myself that the friends in high school may not be the most important people in your life, and that as you get older, you find people that you click with that you will be truly compatible with. Being open minded going into college is another thing that is important, because you meet so many new and interesting people with ideas that you may not be used to hearing. College is fun and exciting, and is definitely a new beginning to your life.

Karen

College is important to me because it is the first step of doing something on my own. No one can force you to go to college. It is up to each of us to do so. People that go to college want to be something more in life. They want to make better salary than they would by just attending high school. This is important nowadays because many jobs want people that have went to college and earned a degree. By ending our education at the high school level is not enough anymore. We have to achieve for greater things in life and college is the first step in doing that. As my first semester in college, I would have to say that being in college is so much freedom and you must use it wisely. I learned that I must manage my time for studying or else I won't succeed in any of my classes. This I know now.

Vanessa

I have made many friendships at my college. I want to transfer and meet new people and have the oppurtunity to network with other students. I am in love with Journalism and I am a people person, so everything I am involved in at my college involves communicating with others. Working for my college's newspaper has given me the oppurtunity to meet the college president and other great people that work hard at my college. So far it has been an amazing experience at the college and transfering to another college will only further my journey in Journalism.

Crystal

CSULB is a school infused with cultural diversity and sensitivity. Despite not being completely satisified with my major, it was through one of my classes that I became compelled to take up my minor in Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies. In my experience, my minor really challenged what I thought I knew about different communities. The education I received allowed me to be more aware and empathetic towards the many populations I hope to serve after I attend graduate school. As a social worker, I feel that it is imperative to educate yourself on the needs of your clients. CSULB provided the tools and resources for me to do just that as a professional. Additionally, as I worked full-time through school, I recognized the practicality in projects assigned to students. I felt many of them were applicable to professional environments. Overall, I believe that my experiene at CSULB was beneficial to both my personal as well as my professional growth.

Terresa

College has been the most exhilerating and liberating experience of my life. I am a first generation college student, and I have worked extremely hard all of my life to achieve what my parents never even attempted. I feel very priveleged to be able to experience college to the utmost. I am proud of my involvement on campus as well as my academic achievement as I have made the dean's list multiple times in my time on campus. This experience will have lifelong benefits for me. I have found mentors and advisors extremely helpful, and I have met some career professionals who have helped me immensely. I am grateful for this experience, the many people I have met (including professionals and lifelong friends), and the education I am gaining.

Maria

Through my college experience, I have made invaluable friendships and have gained professional experience that has allowed me to apply theory to practice. I have had the opportunity to serve my campus community but in general, the community overall. Attending CSULB has been such a valuable and irreplaceable experience because I feel that I have received a wholesome experience and education. In addition, I feel like I am prepared to go out into the community and find a job even in this poor economy. Finally, our school receive sso many accolades about the students it produces that I am proud to be one.

Sabrina

Before college, I was timid and reserved. I refuse to voice out my opinion even if it may help out others. But attending college, specifically CSULB, I learned to speak up and own my words. I joined a national service-based organization and I am currently holding an executive committee position. Looking back, I have never imagined growing as a person the way that I have grown now. I knew I had the capability to grow; however, I never thought that it would happen so fast and in a totally different environment from high school. I have touched so many lives by volunteering and doing services around the community, but what is equally--if not more--rewarding is meeting life long friends while helping others. Honestly, CSULB was not my first choice, but my college experience would have not been the same if I went to a different school. CSULB has given me the opportunity to turn my life around by providing service to other people. Also, CSULB has helped to find the inner leader and a better friend in me.

Elissa

The step taken from high school to college is enormous. From living at home, with my family and the same friends I’ve had all my life, living in the same area, and doing the same daily routine, to living in a dorm with hundreds of diverse and new people, in a different city, where I personally had the responsibility to create and take charge of my own schedule; I was forced to adapt, change, and most importantly, grow up. I have loved every minute of my college experience so far. I have developed relationships and met people that I know I can trust, and have changed my perspective on life. I cannot stress how important and influential it has been to move away from my home town to a completely different environment. It has opened my eyes to what is out there in the real world. Not only does choosing my own classes give me responsibility, but it also provides the opportunity to take classes and learn about subjects I am actually interested in. I have learned more in the classes I took my first semester of college than i did throughout all of high school.

Bryan

From the college experience I've gained a valuble skills, though does not pertain to my education, it does set me up for a well structured adulthood. My eating habits is the skill I learned to control. All types of food become completely available to us, the meal plans contribute to unhealthy eating habits because of the all you care to eat buffet with an open frozen yogurt machine making the healthy food look unappetizing. But eating healthy becomes a lifestyle change that rewards me, not in grades or saving money, but I've gained a sense of self control. It has been valuable to attend CSULB because it has a different diverse set of people that would be hard to find in any other school. The people change my social life to my lifestyle. Just as the people, the school provides different perspectives in displaying the real world such as the blue collar workers aren't much different than a bachelor's degree, the difference pertains on the satisfaction of the life they live, rather than just saying that a person with a degree would be happier because of the more opportunities that they gain with a college degree.

Diego

My college experience has been the best years of my life. It has made me a different person, a person who wants to succeed in life. Throughout high school, I didn't care too much for my education, but ever since starting college, I have gained much more than an education. These days, I know that without having a stable present, a stable future cannot be accomplished. College has made me a better, more sophisticated, educated person, and I would never give it up for anything. One can take away everything from me, but will never take away my education.

Nolly

I have gained the opportunity to learn from the most interesting professors. All of them I could say I have learned a number of things that will continue to help further reach my goal to one day become an optometrist or I may have learned a life lesson that will assist me out in the real world. I have had the chance to gain friends and meet new people; these people who share a common goal to make something of ourselves and strive to get through the semester. I have gained the gift of being educated, a gift that not everyone has the opportunity receive. The United States is a very fortunate country where education is prolific and all children are given equal opportunity to go to college where in some countries, students have to compete or have the funds to attend college. As Americans, we should take advantage of this gift which is truly a blessing to contribute to society and use ourselves to our potential. Why miss out on the opportunity to learn from amazing people, meet someone who could be our roommate or life partner, and accept the possibility to become a prominent figure to our community.

Felicia

I believe in the power of education; I did not grow up with the belief that I would attend a prestigious institution, or even graduate for the matter. I grew up without a home. The state recognized my brother, my mother and I, as homeless. The opportunity to have a college experience like this one means much more than a possible chance of having a more financially stable lifestyle; California State University Long Beach has provided me with a home. The dormitory is the home I have always hoped for. I have two families now. I am able to study engineering in a safe and prominent environment and this gives me a peace of mind. I can continue to work hard, just as I always have, so that one day, my mother won’t have to. College is valuable in that there are limitless opportunities offered to any and all who are willing to work hard. Education is priceless because it can open up doors for people who are use to having doors closed on them. I value education because it is the stepping stone for me to pull others out of poverty, poverty I am all too familiar with.

Chelsea

The benefits I've attained from attending Cal State Long Beach have been numerous. I've made life-long friends, learned more than I could've imagined, been given amazing job experience and research opportunities, made connections that will be helpful to my future career, and more, and my time here isn't even half completed. Because it is a commuter school in a port city, I've been exposed to many ethnically diverse people and their cultures, and I feel that this experience has given me an appreciation for cultures outside of my own. A very important thing I've taken from my experience is the quality of my education. The classes and programs I'm enrolled in and participate in are of such high caliber, and I take full advantage of the ample resources offered to me as a student to enhance my academic repertoire. The willingness to help students by the faculty and staff is also a note-worthy attribute of Long Beach State because students at other large public universities often do not get the opportunity to personally interact with their professors, which can be a very useful tool.

Tiffany

In high school, procrastination was a deadly disease that was easily overcomed . However in college, I've learned that procrastination is a big NO. With so many classes its important to learn how to manage your time, esspecially since grades are mainly determined by tests.

Christine

The most valuable college experience I have gotten is independence. I went into the university fall of 2008 and I immediatley had to learn to live without my parents help all the time. I moved into an apartment with four other girls and the independence kicked in. Just from the new housing situation I learned that not everyone is the same in how they live. I learned to respect others' space and judgements. The college experience has also made me learn the importance of networking. I have learned a lot from many different people and keeping in contact with them is always a great thing. College also has many valuable resources like advisors and counselors that can help you at virtually any time you need them. I was very undecided about what to major in and what I wanted to do with my life but the advisors and career center have helped me out. I'm now confident in my studies and am even planning to study abroad this year to expand my world view and network some more. College is valuable to attend because you have the beginning of the world at your feet.

Rac'hel

Despite the fact only one semester has finished I have gained multiple social and academic skills. By interacting with my fellow peers I've learned about another form of respect and unity. No matter what major others may want the both of us still have a desire for success as we achieve a higher education. Through a series of study groups and tutoring sessions I have enhanced my study techniqes. Completing college is extremely essential to me becase it is the key to achieving my long term goals as a Criminal/Civil Justice Lawyer.

Cecilia

My college experience has been one of a kind. I am extremely happy with the environment my college provides to me. I have met a lot of different people from different places and cultures. I have learned to be responsible with my schoolwork because now I have to be the one driving myself to school and I buy my school supplies and books. I see how much school costs and I am trying my hardest to succeed in my school work. I see how education is very valuable and I am applying to this scholarship to achive my educational goals.

jasmine

The main thing that sets California State University, Long Beach apart and made it so valuable to attend is the vast amount of opportunities it has to offer. There are countless clubs and student organizations to choose from. My experiences in some of them furthered and diversified my knowledge including joining a group of researchers in the Costa Rican rainforest in the summer, playing in the concert band, taking a fencing class, joining the Christian organization the Navigators, being involved in the American Society of Civil Engineering and joining the concrete canoe team, where I researched lightweight concrete and collaborated with a team, which I eventually led as captain, and was able to see my own design progress from a humble AutoCAD drawing to a 20 foot buoyant boat. Through these experiences I have made many friends and been through countless invaluable events that have shaped me into the person I am today.

Cambrian

Being in college has given me a taste of the real world. To some extent I still have a lot of support, but I'm a lot more independent than I used to be. I've learned I'm not as big of an intellectual as I thought, and that I have so much to learn and discover. Ive met so many different people, from different places around the world. Ive gained friendships that have the potential to be forever. I cant imagine not being in college. Its so valuable because it opens your eyes to a new world; talking to my college friends is miles different than my non-college friends. Its valuable is a scholarly sense, but it has just made me so much more aware of the world around me and parts Ive never even thought about. I look forward to the years to come.

Daniela

My college experience was extraordinary and I wouldn't change a thing about it. It was exciting, challenging, intimidating, exhilirating, memorable, but most of all it was a learning experience. Colllege was my first opportunity to act as an adult, make my own decisions that directly affected myself, and indirectly affected my family and loved ones. I learned to become more responsible and also the meaning of self-discipline. Throughout high school I was always involved in school organizations. Going to a school with more than 30,000 was intimidating at first, but I knew the only way to get the whole college experience would be to be as actively involved in student organizations as I was in my academics, just like I did in high school. It was important for me to not only learn the material, but also make connections with individuals who I would later become my network in a professional environment. Because of my college experience, specifically at Long Beach State, I was able to accomplish the goals I set for myself and continue to strive for excellence and lifelong learning.

Nicole

I have learned a lot in the classroom setting from my professors and even more from the students in my class during group discussions and projects. I am and Interior Architectural Design major and the support system of the students in my department really give me inspiration and drive. I spend most of my free time on projects for class at home and on campus after class hours. During this time we learn and teach eachother drawing techniques, shortcuts and how to apply our skills in the real world. We discuss our hardships from the drop in economy and the stress of school and work. The study and work enviornment on campus is where I learn the most about me as a person and about the world outside myself; and that to me is just as valuable as the education I am getting from my professors.

Roseanne

Thus far in my college experience, I have developed further appreciation of my opportunity to achieve success in an education and career through my school. In addition, I have regained enthusiasm for learning and discovering enriching experiences that college provides. In today's world, ultimately college education is vital to ensure I can make my way through the world and thrive. College will allow me to benefit those around me as well as myself as I become well-rounded and better informed.

Jovan

The college experience is like no other experience you can possibly have. It is a feeling of adulthood and responsibility. For most people, it is the first time they are away from home. You have to do every thing for yourself. There is noone to wake you up in the morning for class, noone to tell you when to go to sleep or when to study. You have to know and decide what is right for yourself if you want to suceed in school and in life. The college experience taught me a lot about life and myself. I realized that life is not as easy as a lot of people make it look. College taught me that you have to work for everything you have and everything you want. Nothing is just given to you. College is a place where you make a connection with people from all over the world. And the people you meet in college just may be people you see and need in the future. College is not to be taken for granted. It is an opportunity to better yourself that many people do not get.

Sharon

I truly understand how important it is to have an education after having to take two educational leaves due to financial issues. It has taught me that I am able to survive on my own, even if I miss my family every second. I will do anything it takes for what I love and to stay determined no matter what challenges arise. College is much like the stars, when looking at them, you cannot help but feel insignificant, as well as extremely significant all at once. I found a purpose to my life. I know what I want to do, who I want to become, how I wish to live my life and how I will get there. As my favorite quote says: "If you are, you breath. If you breath, you talk. If you talk, you ask. If you ask, you think. If you think, you search. If you search, you experience. If you experience, you learn. If you learn, you grow. If you grow, you wish. If you wish, you find. If you find, you doubt. If you doubt, you question. If you question, you understand. If you understand, you know. And if you know, you are alive".

Daisy

I grew up not knowing a single thing about college and how college worked. No one in my family had attended college or even graduated from high school, but I was determined to achieve a higher education to better myself and help my parents prosper while being a good role model for my two younger brothers. Graduating from high school, and getting accepted to Cal State Long Beach was the best thing I have accomplished yet, and having my parents as my personal cheerleaders leading me on, has made my first year of college an exciting journey. Attending CSULB has opened many doors and allowed me to share my experiences with my brothers, in hopes that they will also value education. I have met numerous people from various ethnicities and created friendships that last, while creating study groups with many nice people I encountered. I have learned to value education from my parents status and observations, and I am grateful for having the possibility to attend college as I hope to provide a better life for my family and my future family while value the dream of graduating with a bachelors in criminal justice, and break the drop out tradition.

Cassandra

So far out of my college experience, I have grown in my major, improved on many things about myself in general, and enjoyed my time attendng. Teachers are so helpful and they give me ways to succeed in my future, and with this support I see so many more possibilities of what to do. In addition I have met alot of people that are helpful and good company as well. I am able to be more well rounded in my studies and I have joined a club (ASU) that makes me much more conscious in myself and my background. Along with this I have already experienced fun basketball games with the Monson Maiacs, and worked at the Queen Mary for Halloween! With all the things to do at CSULB, I look forward to the next year to see what else I can get into. So what I can say about my experience is so far, I have gotten nothing but assistance, learning experiences, and improvement in myself really. Oh can't forget fun!

stephanie

Out of my college experience i have gained knowledge and friendships that will last a life time.

Jessica

I have learned so much, not only from the course information given, but also from the people giving them and taking them. The teachers and students provide different outlooks and experiences that have helped me gaining a stronger sense of self. I think that if I did not attend college right out of high school and waited, my life would be drastically different. I would not have had to opportunity to grow as an individual or as a student. Cal State Long Beach has helped me in deciding what I want to do with my life and what I don't. In attending this school, and graduating in the future, I am able to give back to my family and repay them for everything they have done for me. This is why I am in college and why it is so valuable to attend.

Brigham

I have learned what matters most in school and how to prioritize my life. The school gave me a broad understanding of what life is and what to expect in the real world if you want to survive.

Julie

I have matured a great amount since I started at Long Beach. Unlike high school, I know who I am and what I want out of life. I'm no longer that scared girl who got nervous to give a presentation in front of her class. I'm driven and will go the distance to achieve my goals. College has taught me to be this strong person because I'm on my own without parents or my childhood friends to guide me through. Being here, I have made new friends and connections that will help me better myself. I now feel that I can do anything that I set my mind to and my college experience has taught me that.

linda

What I have gotten out of my college experience is confidence and a renewed sense of self. I had a difficult decade in which I lost my job, my dad, my self-confidence. I struggled with health issues and a troubled marriage. My kids grew up and moved out. I felt completely adrift in my own life. Going back to college for a Master's degree gave me an anchor; it was the best thing that I ever did for myself even if I am getting in over my head with student loans. Most of the other students in my classes are much younger than me, and being amongst them has made me feel younger. I am an English major, and my ability to get all A's and praise from my instructors has bolstered my confidence and sense of self worth. The challenge of reading new material and writing papers has awakened my mind which had been dulled by years of watching reality TV. I am attending the same campus where I got my Bachelor's degree 25 years ago and because little on the campus has changed, I feel welcome there, as if I'm returning home.

Samantha

College has been a big growing experience, academically and emotionally. Through the last year of college I have exerted my independence, and began to explore the world of making the decision of what I want to study. Throughout grade school and high school I receive little choice in the classes I took to meet graduation requirements, now I have a vast field of opportunities in majors, minors, and classes just to take for the fun of it. College is an experience I wouldn’t trade for anything, I like how it has helped me grow in to a more mature strong person.

Sherry

Attending College has afforded me the opportunity to start a new phase in my life. My children are nearly grown and my husband works full time. While a mother never stops being a mother, her children do move forward in their lives. It is reassuring to have a goal that will provide me with a new and exciting chapter to develop and see to fruition, much as I have my children. Being new to this state, going to school has also allowed me to make new friends and contacts, easing my transition. I look forward to the day I can take my diploma and put it to good use in a career that has been a life long dream. Attending college has also been valuable to me because it is inspiring my children to do well in school and work toward attaining the goals they have set for themselves. What more value could a mother find?

daisy

I have received many valuable lessons at cal state long beach but one has stood out over the rest which is giving back to our communities. I have learned that giving back to the youth can make a huge impact on a young childs life. They are always looking for guidance and very little is given to them when its time to graduate, so i have made it my destiny to guide those who want to make a difference and those who seem to be lost and steer them in the right direction.

Dianna

I am a 27 year old women who is currently in the nursing master's program at CSU, Long Beach. The experiences and everything I have done in college helped me focus in on what I ultimately want to do in my professional live. I started off getting my general education at community colleges because they were more affordable. Because they were less expensive I had more time to dedicate to student affairs such as participating in the student body at Grossmont Community College. Participating in the student body helped me develope leadership skills and teamwork which benefit me as a nurse practioner. I also had time to volunteer at a hospital, there my interest in nursing was sparked. However, I wanted to see what the arts offered and at CSU, Long Beach I joined the theater department. I got a great deal from the theater program and I learned a lot about myself. The long hours and working with the staff, crew and actors of the shows helped me realized the importance of working as a unit. Knowing I want to be a nurse, all these experience from my education will help me succeed and be a dedicated nurse.

La

What I have gotten out of my college experience so far is great long lasting friendships. I have also gotten great educating advice from my school counselor. These things are valuable because having long lasting friendships nd relations to people of my major and of different racial and religion differences is beacuse you learn so much from them. Also its just like being in a soroity or faternity you make connections for a lifetime. Getting advice from teachers nd counselors who are in my field of study is valuable because they can help you on what you need to do to reach your goal in that specific field of study. Going to this school period is valuabe because it opens you to a lot of new experiences. Especially staying on campus and participating in some if not all activities that are going on on the campus. Its also valuable because there are people here to help at all times with what ever it is that you need help with, writing papers, resumes, interviewing, any school subject, etc. they are here to help you.

Alexis

I was able to get a lot of great things out of my college experience. I was able to meet new people from all over the world and learn about their culture and the things they do. Before college I was not a social person but now that I am in college I talk to everyone. I was able to break out of my shyness shell and meet new people. College is very valuable to attend because you will receive a great educattion and in a few years, I will have my degree in nursing and have a wonderful medical career. Also, being in college prepares you for the future. College classes help you work in groups, even if you don't want to and college helps you have an open- mind about everything.

Elizabeth

From the bottom of my heart and in all honesty, I feel so lucky to be attending CSU Long Beach and taking from it all of the knowledge and amazing experiences that have fallen upon me in the last four years. From the first time I set foot onto the campus, I knew there was something unique and worth while. Everything I was looking for from a college, Long Beach possesed. It had the easy going and down-to-earth atmosphere. It had the perfect blending of education and extra-curriculars. It had the gorgeous nature of my native Northern California and the sunshine of the beachy Southern California. Long Beach was my home and I knew it. As the first person in my family to attend college, I did not have a very wide knowledge base of what to look for. However, I did know that the most important thing was my education. What I am so lucky to have found at Long Beach State is a widely diverse, socially developed, and educationally passionate and esteemed university, one that I gladly and proudly call my home. Go Beach!

Ruth

My college experience has taught me that world is a bigger place than I had ever imagined. I recieved my undergraduate degree in 2008 and went into the world with a new purpose and hunger for life. My degree in Recreation and Tourism Managment opened new doors and experiences for me. It took me Guantanamo Bay with the US Navy, to Los Angeles and eventually to Florida where I now work for Hilton Grand Vacations. It is now 2010 and I am returning to school because of the joy that came with my undergraduate degree. I am persuing my Masters in Hospitality and Tourism Management at UCF and i truely cannot wait to see what unfolds before me.

Charles

College has given me a sense of pride and accomplishment since I began two years ago. Being one of the only members in my entire family to attend college has motivated me greatly to become something in life, and be all that I can be as the saying goes. After I attain my Bachelors in Business Management, I plan on helping out my parents who have tried so hard to give me the life they could never have, and the things I have always wanted. Although they struggled a lot financially, my parents have always supported me in every aspect that a parent can support a child. College is valuable to me because aside from the fact that I will graduate and go on to make a better life for myself, deep down inside I know I would be giving my parents the one thing they wanted most from me. And that is to have a better life then they had, and in turn provide a better life for my children when I become a parent, so they could do the same when they have children. Because family is important in life, and I believe that family is love forever.

Samantha

Even though my college experience has just begun my preconceptions and my reality of it were quite different. I thought that a college experience was supposed to be about meeting tons of new people, participating in a lot of clubs and being in a new educational environment. I thought it was supposed to have the perks of high school with more independence. However after my first year of college, I found that my experience made me really think about long-term goals for myself that had to do with not only my education, but with life decisions as well. My college experience ultimately taught me how to be an adult. Even though most could say that college is supposed to or expected to mature a person, to experience the feeling of truly making decisions on my own and having career goals, among many other things was extremely rewarding. Unfortunately poor financial problems caused my college attendance status to change, and at that point I realized that experiencing college is valuable because it is a privilege where making the most of your time there can only benefit you and just like that it can be taken away.

Justen

As I entered college, all I wanted was to see the world. So, i entered CSULB as an international studies major relying on the school's options and people to help me figure out my path. I got more than I bargained for. The college has many different courses to choose from. So, you can explore many options and pick the one you like. The people are friendly and extremely diverse. So, you get to learn in a open environment. The staff are dedicated to helping you, and most are already successful in the field of the subject they teach. Therefore, you obtain knowledge directly from people with life experience doing what you want to do. This school has been a privilege to go to and an important decision because without the things listed above, I would still be lost in this world with no direction or decision. Pablo Picasso once said... "My mother said to me, "If you are a soldier, you will become a general. If you are a monk, you will become the Pope." Instead, I was a painter, and became Picasso." I believe that with CSULB's help... I can be the Picasso of my field.

Heather

What I have gotten out of my college experience so far from attending Sullivan University is that it is very important to study and ask questions. The teachers here are really helpful in that they give real-life experiences as their examples for the lesson they are trying to teach. I feel that by going to college I have learned how to communicate to another employee or customer. I have also learned a lot about how to handle conflicts when they come my way if there is ever to be an employee conflict with myself I know that it is best to always try to talk to them one on one in a rational way that they will not feel offended. To further my explanation about how I feel that I have learned that communication can be useful in feeling confident while developing relationships by asking questions about work. It has been valuable to attend because I feel that what I have learned will greatly advance my opportunities to develop, grow, and mature as a young adult in the Business field.

michael

I've gotten the best experience that anyone about my age could ask for, a taste of what it's like to be an adult and have responsibility of you own. To be my own man and go all about, to have the college life that everyone always talked about. I love the fact that I get to take any and so many courses that corresponds with my major or just for fun. It's so statisfying that i'm just enjoying my life and going through college and learning so many things along the fact. Wisdom is priceless.

Amanda

Not only has college expanded my academic knowledge and prepared me for my career, my college experience has given me the opportunity to discover my individuality. The knowledge that I have gained from my various courses has helped me develop my goals and discover who I want to be as a person. Sociology introduced me to the diversity within our culture, and from that I decided to be an accepting individual, who understands the complex factors of how and why our society is the way it is. My critical thinking course taught me to search for the deeper meaning in people’s decisions, which cultivated my desire to understand a person’s motivations and relate to his situation, rather than be judgmental. Because of the information that I was introduced to throughout my first year, I was able to make personality changes that I believe will benefit my career, as well as my personal life. Without attending college, I do not think that I would have developed into the person I am today. College has fueled my maturity as well as enriched my education, and gaining both of these attributes constitutes my definition of a valuable college experience.

Alejandra

I have met some really amazing people and Professors. It has been valuable to attend because of all the opportunities I have been given; example - Masters program !

Kristina

When i started college i wasnt really thrilled but now that i have attended for some time i realize that its the best enviroment in education. it is where you create your schedule and take the classes you want unlike high school and all previous years. i was the last person to say i wanted to go to college but now i have a different life and cannot have that attitude. i have a 2 and a half year old daughter and i have had to grow up quite fast and make all the right decisions. not for me but for my daughter.

Lauren

My college career has opened me up to so many new experiences. I was able to meet new people while experiencing an entirely different school schedule and life. I learned how to manage my time between class, homework, work, and sorority while living on my own and becoming more independent. For me, college has been more than just an amazing educational opportunity; it has allowed me to grow from all sides and become more independent. I have grown up in so many different ways and to me, that's what college is all about. It's about learning not only what you need for your future job, but learning how to balance your priorities, become independent, and learn the tools youll need for your intended career.