Florida Gulf Coast University Top Questions

I would tell myself to work harder at each class, join more organizations and clubs, become more involved in sports, campaigns, and strive to be a great example for my peers. I think that many people feel like they are not independent enough when they are in college, even though some do get their cars at an early age as 15 or 16, but they feel the need to move out in order to set their lives on track as being a "real adult". I think that's how I felt the majority of the time in my high school years because I didn't like the fact that I was depending on my parents for everything, and didn't have a job of my own to feel liberal enough. My best advice, though, is to try your best at each task and take advantage of every opportunity. The more seeds you plant for yourself now, the brighter your future will turn out. Before you know it, you will get married and you will need the money and education to keep yourself in a good financial state and be able to support your family in a stable way.

My college experience has molded me into the person I am today. I have met life long friends through my sorority who I know will never leave my side. I have gained a great amount of independence and responsibility from being on my own and it has made me much more mature from when I first started here at Florida Gulf Coast University.

If I had to go back to my senior year in high school and decide if I was going to go to a community college or a four year university I would still choose to attend a four year university. I live three hours from home so I don’t go home a lot and from being so far from home has made me an independent person. My mom is not here to make sure I get out of bed to go to school or to make sure my laundry is clean. I have learned how to shop for two weeks of groceries on $50, how to reuse food containers as tuber ware and to not go out when you have an 8 a.m. class the next morning. I have matured so much and learned how to be an adult. College has been extremely valuable towards me and I strongly recommend it to my friends all the time.

As a current student, I find that my goals have greatly increased. I have had the opportunity to advance my educational level and I have gained a much great appreciation for hardwork. I am a a new college student, being absent from the classroom for over twent years; although, I have exceided my own expectations. I am presently a work-student for the psychology department at Hodges University and have also accomplished a 4.0 GPA. I am a single mother and acting as the only example within my family as a college student, my responsibility is to act as my daughters example now. My dream is to someday watch her walk across stage and receive her degree, smiling, and knowing I had done my job as a mother.

I have gained a significant knowledge in my specific field of learning in terms of creating an arguable claim and formulating a critical analysis of texts and media. My college has helped me gain the confidence to further my academic studies into research. My professors have helped me expand my ideas into possible future thesis topics, and they have offered assistance in achieving those goals.

When I was in high school I couldn't wait to go to college I thought it would be easy seeing as how I went to a Academy, which was pretty much like a college. So far what I've learned in college is, the people you were hoping to get away from are still there, they just manifest themselves in a different person. I have learned that the work load is so much harder then I thought it would be, and showing up to class isn't optional. Note that the professor will fail you if you don't show up, they refer to that as participation points. On the other hand I do have to admit that the people you meet do tend to be wiser and you'll have some parents in your class and some old people, who are nice. Another good thing about college is you get to have more in depth discussions and you wont be afraid to have your own opinion, and dressing up to go to class is highly over rated. So yes it has been valuable and it is definitely worth it, and I can't wait for my second semester.

Going to college has been an amazing experience. At this time a year ago I would have never thought I would even be able to go to college because of my legal status. No matter how qualified I was (I got my IB Diploma and had a 5.21 gpa in high school), it was frustrating that because of this I would not be able to claim bright futures scholarship I worked so hard for in high school. Upon graduating from high school, however, I was able to obtain a scholarship covering the out of state costs of going to school. Nevertheless, I still find myself struggling to pay in-state tuition costs. Without being able to obtain a job, it seems almost impossible to be able to save up enough money to pay for school. Having already completed a year of school, I have exhausted all my saved up money and am in desperate need for any kind of scholarship. All I wanna do is be able to go to school and work hard so I can become something in life

My college experience has really begun to open my eyes to the real world and how competitive it is. The most important concepts that I have learned through my college experience thus far is that determination, hard work and persistence pay off. Attending college has shown me that there is no room for procrastination or time to goof off. Prioritization has been a concept that I have learned very well. My college experience to date has also opened my eyes and shown me that education is insanely important, however, it is extremely expensive. To make matters worse tuition continues to climb higher and higher each year. In this aspect my college experience has not been pleasant. However, the price of education makes me value my education more and make me approach courses with a determination to receive a high grade. Overall my college experience has been extremely valuable in preparing me for my future in the real.

My college experience at FGCU has taught me how to be a nurse. There are a few professors who care deeply that a student is prepared to perform their job duties. I feel confident I can take care of a patient with the skills I have been taught by my professors both in class and in the clinical setting.

i have learned that there are a lot of other people out there like me, who want a good education and also want ot have fun.

The best thing I've gotten out of going to FGCU is my current girlfriend, and some friends I've made on the road of college education. I just recently selected a major so I haven't started my core classes yet, my pre req classes were all very simple and did very little to motivate me. Because of stupid class rules and other factors I have a GPA that doesn't seem right to me. Instead of a near 4.0 GPA I have a 3.25

College life is a wonderful experience. So far my experiences have brought me to be a more independent, intelligent, and resourceful person. Their is no one here to make sure your doing what you are supposed to be doing, so you learn how to manage your time juggling fun and social time with homework and study time. The variety of courses to take and the wonderful and intelligent professors the school has makes learning fun and easy. The school has a great library where books for every course can be found. It is valuable to attend college because it is a nice transition period from being at home with your parents and fending for yourself in the business world. College provides the studies in feilds that high school was not able to offer making job hunting a bit easier and completing your job to the best of your ability. A college education is only one step between you and the job you have been dreaming of since you were a little kid. It is a place where you can truely find yourself in the present and the type of person you wish to become.

Going to college part-time while still in high school has taught me to be a driven and passionate person. College is something that is an option open to young (and old) people. If you're going to get through the four years and get that highly prized degree, I have learned to stick it out through the hard times and remember why I'm here: for my education, which means a better future. It has taught me to not only apply myself in school, but in work and my relationships as well, as cheesy as that sounds, it really has. I'm driven and passionate about enduring to the end, and I think that in itself will be worth the time I will have spent at Florida Gulf Coast University learning how to build my future as a teacher.

My once very narrow view of my opportunities in the world has been broadened by my college experience. When I began college I was basically directionless in the sense that I was trying to go in every direction that I could think of. Unfortunately I was not truly excited about any of them. I wanted to find a path that would allow me to enjoy the education I receive and the career it would lead me to. Going through my basic classes such as English ignited small sparks of passion in areas I did not know existed but it was not until I took a yoga class for my kinesiology credit and learned about healing the body through strength and flexibility that I eventually decided I want to become a physical therapist. What have I gotten out of my college experience? I have a path that I am more than happy and proud to walk down. Why has it been valuable to attend? Because the more classes I take, the broader my view of the world becomes.

I have gotten responsibility and respect out of my college experience. I have learned to not always over look things and to think critically when observing different things. I have learned time management and what it takes to be a leader. There are many different mnemonic strategies I have also learned to better my grades on exams. Exams normally stress me out but since being in college, I have learned different ways to calm myself down before exams. Trust goes a long way in society and over the past year I have learned a lot about trust and how to ensure you are being trusted by others as well. My college experience has been a great one so far, I hope to graduate with as much knowledge as possible because so far I have obtained a lot. College is a life full of experiences and so far all mine have been satifiying and life-fulfilling.

So far, everyone is just so friendly and loves to offer you a hand.

Since this was my first college class l got so much for attending. First of all college is nothing like high school. Another thing l got out of college is to get a book ASAP. l got my book 3 weeks after class started and got so behind in the reading so when l go to college in the fall semester this will never happen again. If l had not attended this college class l would have been so screwed in the fall semester because l signed up for 8 classes and now l'm just taking one class. My college experience was great so far. l like everything about college and l learned this is the only place that will make me have a better future. l really don't have a family and if college or school did not exist my life would be horrible than it already is. I grew up super poor thats what l mean that l have a horrible life. l went to school and wore the same clothes and shoes everyday and no one cared to buy me new clothes. lt was really hard but l'm glad high school is over.

My college experience isn't over yet, but it has been exciting so far. You will always meet new people, always learn something new and you will always be growing as a person. You will change, mature and become more intelligent. You become a part of something much bigger than you and set out in life to work towards your ultimate goals. College is your doorway to success, take every oppurtunity to learn something new and meet people. You will always be experiencing something different, so far college has ascended me to a new level in my life. I'm loving every minute of it!

I've grown since attending FGCU, I've become even more confident. I believe FGCU is a great place to attend school.

i have learned many life lessons that will help me through some of the toughtest times of my life.

I have learner a lot about myself by attending college this spring. Without college I would not have been given the drive to complete tasks as I do now; I have become a more responsible person through my college experience. I am now more motivated to finish something I start and I am gaining knowledge I did not have. When I first began classes I was not confident in my work, but after a few weeks of hard work I saw my confidence in my abilities grow tremendously. I now know that college not only gives us a degree we can use to gain a place in the world; it gives us the tools to become responsible adults. My college experince thus far has been valuable because I am finding strengths I did not know I have. I have gained confidence in my work and I am more responsible today then before I began attending college.

I have learned that it takes alot but in the end it is worth everything you put into it. I have learned that in order to succeed you have to put forth your best effort. I have also learned that college is a place to grow as an individual and as a students as well. I have learned that what we take away from the classes that we take is what is going to help us the most in our jobs after. I have learned that the professors really do want you to succeed and it is never a bad thing to ask for help when you need it.

I have not yet started college. I am enrolled into Florida Gulf Coast University and I have toured the campus and asked many questions about it. I am unable to start college yet because of military responsibilities. I will be attending affter I finish my duties as a soldier and hope to get the most out of my college experience as I have been told. When I do get to attend college it will be a valuable to me to attend because I am looking forward to become a military officer once qualified as a trained officer and graduated college. I am looking forward to attending Florida Gulf Coast University in hopes of my goals to come together.

FGCU does a great job keeping the class amounts low to get that one-on-one relationship with the professor and student. At FGCU your not just a student, they make you into a leader not only in your community but on campus as well.

I have learned that an individual's success in college is completely dependent on that persons dedication. Unlike high school there is no one pushing you but your self. I have also learned the greatest respect in the area of time management. My family is not wealthy in any regard so i work as a waitress and write for a newspaper to come up with money for tution and living expenses. I work full time and go to school full time and this has taught me more than my fair share about responsibilty and maturity. I hope to graduate with a degree in nursing in the next two years. Of course I have learned an ambitious amount of information in the field in which I am studying but I must admit that it is the life lessons in which I will benifit for the rest of my life regardless what job I have.

My college experience has made me a better person, in each and every aspect possible. Florida Gulf Coast University has made me a better student in that I work hard to do my classwork, but I also seek out further knowledge using outside sources. It has made me a better friend and classmate, because I have learned to take time out of my day to help others study or just to be a friend to them. My school has also provided me with knowledge and a new perspective about the environment, and I am now much more environmentally conscious than ever before. It has been incredibly valuable to attend Florida Gulf Coast University in that I have been provided with an amazing education, an appreciation for great faculty and co-students, a drive to volunteer and help out in the community however possible, and a gratefulness of being able to enjoy the simple things in life.

Making the decision to come to Florida to go to school was one of the hardest I have ever had to make. However, after obtaining a near 4.0 GPA for the year and being accepted into the limited access Athletic Training program, I have a renewed positive outlook on life in general. There is no way I could have succeeded to this degree in my home state of Minnesota. Attending FGCU allowed me to get away from all the distractions I had back home. Every day I walked out the door to go to class, I felt energy and determination I had never felt before. While attending this school I realized my full potential as a student and as a citizen. I can now do so much more on a day to day basis because my eyes have been opened to all there is in the world. Before attending FGCU I was walking through life, whereas now I'm running. Nothing can stop me now. I will succeed.

I have received an education and nothing is more powerful than knowledge. While my college experience at Florida Gulf Coast University may not be what I had expected, there is one thing FGCU has provided me with and thats an education and a degree that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. Their teachers were nothing but helpful, my grades really reflected the work I put into them, and when I needed extra help with a class, Supplemental Instruction(SI) awaited my call. I have met one of the most diverse class of people I will ever meet and have made friends that will last a lifetime. The availablitly of teachers and class times allowed me to hold a part-time job as well as continue my love and passion for competitive horsbackriding. I may be transfering colleges but one thing I will take with me is the work ethic and the diverse nature that FGCU has instilled in me!

My college experience has shown me how much there is to learn in the world. Everyday whether in class or socializing with other classmates I am learning something new. Furthermore it has tought me responsibity and is a great step into being an adult.

I've learned to fully appreciate what I have, and to appreciate the precious gift of knowledge. I've learned to fully combine my social and learning careers, as well as an outside job. The multi-tasking that's required, in my opinion, gives me a slight upperhand. Raised in a middle-class family with a single mother, along with my two little brothers, growing up was very difficult. To settle at one home, make friends, and focus on homework was not a common thing for me. We were always on the move, and times were often difficult, but I managed to get my life on the narrow path it needed to be on. I know what's important after these few years of school, and despite the hardships and set-backs in my past, I know what I need to do to better myself. And that's the most important thing I've ever learned here at my university.

As I conclude my bachelor?s degree, the importance of a profound education has become ever so apparent to me. This is precisely why I am so exceptionally determined to attend graduate school and receive my Master?s Degree. I want to continue my education and flourish into an enlightened, cultured, and knowledgeable individual. One of the aspects that I have enjoyed most from my undergraduate college experience, is the internship that I was able to complete. After continuously working with underprivilaged students and their families, I quickly realized that I wanted to peruse my education further and strive for a Master?s Degree in a field that allows me to aid families that are in need. I believe that attaining my Master?s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy will allow me acquire knowledge about families as well as individuals, the struggles they endure, and how to assist people in such a way that will enhance their lives. I hope to succeed in the program of Marriage and Family Therapy and then ultimately receive my Doctorate?s Degree in Clinical Psychology, becoming a licensed Psychologist.

As I walked down the empty science hall at Land O? Lakes High, I approached my locker to gather my homework. In an instant, I felt as if someone was breathing down my neck and I was puzzled because I thought I was alone. I didn?t hear any footsteps behind me, but when I turned around, it seems like I was looking into a mirror. I was confused, but all of a sudden the spitting image of me began to speak: ?When you start college everything will change and I?m here to give you some advice. No matter what classes you take, always try your hardest, you can do anything you set your mind to. Being far away from your family is tough, spend as much time with them while you can and treat them with love. Last, be true to your friends and be careful not to ruin friendships over fights. Remember the words I have spoken to you and use them to your advantage." My future self disappeared into a haze as I stood there dumbfounded. I reflected on the words of wisdom I just received and decided it was gift that I should use wisely.

Focus is key. Studying is important. Take all of your tests seriously. Choose your friends wisely. Do'nt go to EVERY party. Discipline yourself. Follow through on every endeavor. The road will be tough but it's worth the hassle in the end

The advice that I would give myself if I were able to go back in time would be to spend as much time as possible with my family before I leave for school. Before I left for college I didn't realize how much I would miss my family back home and I wish I could spend more time with them when I visit. I love my family a lot and it's often difficult for me to go home because of work but when I do go home I try to enjoy every minute with my family that I can.

Going back I would tell myself not to worry as much and have more confidence in myself. I went into college a little skeptical, because of all the stories of huge papers and impossible test, but overall it has not been that hard. I have realized as long as I don?t procrastinate and show my best effort, I will succeed. I would also tell myself to learn to manage my time better. Once in college your parents aren?t there to help you keep track of your time. In college it seems like I am always busy with something. I have found it very beneficial to get involved on campus, whether it is participating in a club, going to an event, or volunteering your time. By staying active you will meet endless amounts of good friends and also stay out of trouble. Having good friends also helps you achieve better grades by studying together and working together to figure things out. Overall I have experienced the hardships of college along with some of the most memorial times of my life.

Anna, I know those Advanced Placement classes are very difficult, but stick with them because colleges like to see that you were able to succeed in these classes even if you do not pass the exams to receive college credit. Apply to your college choices no later than December to avoid any stress of doing it at the last minute. You should actually study for the SAT! The practice tests really are extremely helpful. Start creating effective study habits now, because you will definitely need them in college. Manage your time wisely, which means stay away from distractions such as T.V. and Facebook! Also, start projects as soon as they are assigned because though you may think you have plenty of time, those due dates creep up on you, and before you know it, you are pulling all-nighters just to finish. The most important piece of advice I can give you is to apply for as many scholarships as possible! There are so many out there, but you have to search. Being at the top of your class and getting straight A's does not mean that scholarships and grants are necessarily going to find you!

I would tell myself that being a music major is a lot of work. If I could go back, I would try to get ahead of myself, that way I would not be as stressed out in college. Although I have learned and grown a lot during my first year of college, I wish I had prepared myself better in the academic and mental sense. It has been very hard trying to juggle eleven classes (in one semester), sleeping, and trying to have a good time. All in all, it is probablly a good thing I was not as prepared. If I had gone back in time to talk to myself as a high school senior, maybe I would not have grown as much. But who knows?

My life as a high school senior was probably pretty typical: I tried to be involved in as much as I could, I liked to make friends wherever I was, and I always tried my best academically. Knowing what I know now about college life, I would go back and tell myself that I am extremely proud of all the choices I made throughout high school, and to keep it up because college life does not get any easier. I would say that doing a little more volunteer work would be helpful, and being more mindful of the environment benefits everyone. Being nervous of the transition from high school to college is not needed either, everyone here at FGCU is open and willing to new friendships, and the professors are incredible at what they do (and yes, they actually do want you to pass and succeed). I would remind myself that calling home every once in a while does not make you a "momma's girl or daddy's girl," it just shows that you still love and care for your family. Do everything you even think you might be interested in doing, and don't be afraid to fail.

The most important thing that I would tell myself as a highschool senior is to really take full advantage of going where you want to go to college. College life is what you make it and you will get as far as you let youself get. I would reccommend to live on campus for the first year or so to get familiar with the school and its surroundings and to also meet new people. Try not to overwhelm yourself during your classes, just take each day as it comes and make sure you are getting the proper amount of sleep. Also, make sure to have fun and don't miss out on extra curricular activities if you have the time! Another impotant thing is to make sure that you are living a healthy lifestyle! These college years will only be as good as you let them be and it's up to you to become who you want to become in this time.

The one thing I would tell myself would be to just relax and enjoy it. Try not to argue with my family as much and appreciate it while u have it.

I would tell myself not to worry so much because transitioning into college life was not as difficult as I imagined. I took alot of precautions over the years of my highschool career so that I could get ahead in school and finish my bachelors at the age of 21. Even though I am very ready to move onto Graduate School in the Fall of 2010 I would could give myself the advice to enjoy the experiences of the next couple years of my undergraduate career because it will pass by quickly. I would also tell myself that experience matters as well and not getting a degree quickly. Overall, I feel that I did every step the way I wanted to and am ready to embark on another rewarding journey through my upcoming Graduate Studies in Environmental Science at FGCU.

As a current college freshman, I have learned many things in my first year away from home. I was an International Baccalaureate student and high school was quite the challenge for me. Many times in high school there were times when I felt like I just wanted to give up. If I could go back to high school now I would tell myself to not give up and keep on going, because honestly college is easier! I have found so far that the work load has been lighter than in high school and all those long nights last year were really worth it. I would tell myself that those all nighters will truly just be experiences to look back and laugh at. I would also say that the essays in college are simple comparably to high school - so just keep going and don't give up!

If I were to go back and give advice to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to apply to more scholarships. Apply to as many as you find. I would also tell myself that I need to start my school year organized. I need to keep all of my collage papers organized and do not throw anything away. One thing that I would tell myself that is very important, is that when the teacher says the only homework is to read certain chapters. It does not mean that you have no homework, you need to read those pages. Because if you don't read them, when it comes to finals time, you will have a whole semester worth of readings to do in all of your classes. Also, not only read it but take notes and highlight because when you go back during finals, you will know what to study . Another piece of advice that I would give myself is that when I was given a writing asssignment, do not wait till the last minute to do (that goes for all homework), and take the draft to the writing center on campus to get help.

Don't wait so long to go to school. I did not go to school to get my AA degree until I had been out of school for 5 years and than I did not go back to school to get my BS for another 11 after that. I would also encourage myself to focus more on school in my high school years as well as taking a language. Most universities want you to have a language now, not to mention how much ot could have helped my in the job market. I would also encourage myself to go for the degree that I was interested in, not what everyone else said. I would remind myself that it is my life and that I was the one who would be living it. Than last, but not least I would tell myself that life is too short and that I should not hesitate to live it to the fullest.

If I could go back in time and see myself I would tell him that when he becomes a freshman a FGCU that he needs to buckle down his first semester because that is the determining factor for the rest of his college career. This is because if I failed then I would not be eligible for many of the upcoming years scholarships, thus I would not be able to pay for college and my college career would come to an abrupt end. I would not end on a sad note though, I would tell myself that if I learn to balance academics and fun I can do both, which can make my college career more than just going to school like high school and more fun and enjoyable to me.

I would tell myself to become involved with my classmates and my teachers. Being super-shy is not the way to have a pleasant college experience. I would explain that it is always easier to speak up and discuss things in class. When you are outgoing, it is so much easier to make friends and feel comfortable at school. Your professors will recognize your passion for learning and will be more willing to help you understand if they know who you are. Being social with your classmates also has an academic advantage, because it's much more fun to do homework with a group at a restaurant than it is to do it by yourself. Who knows, maybe a friend has the answer to that question you've been working on all day. Do not ever be afraid to seek help from others; you'll learn so much more through open communication.

I would have to say that i would be sure to tell myself learn to love who you are and be sure to not change for anyone. The only way you should change is for the better. Since coming to college I feel that too many people have compromised their values and morals to change to what someone else wants to see. I would tell them to write down their values and ideals and be sure to take that list with them to college to be sure they stay true to themselves. Whether it be change with academic standards or moral, I see way too much negative changes in people once they come to school. As Doctor Suess once put it, "Today you are you, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You." I believe this is a quote to live by and keep reminding ones self of.

Now being a college student, I would tell the high school senior I once was to strive for the expansion of views, opinions, and aspects. Graduating from a class of ninety at a private school, while a truly privileged educational opportunity, was not realistic with respect to applicability. Very sheltered, I graduated from a largely Caucasian male class consisting of wealthy backgrounds. While a great education was bestowed upon me, I feel I was robbed of real world perspectives. As a college student, especially at Florida Gulf Coast University, I have been enlightened that not everyone shares my individualistic concerns and opinions, as being a male, I suddenly find myself in the minority. As a result, I have been acquainted with the realistic 21st century, not the impractical past. Fascinated and inspired with this concept, upon enrolling at FGCU, I changed from a Biology major to a Political Science major and haven?t looked back. Enrolled in 15 credit hours of upper level Political Science courses this semester, I realize enlightenment holds the key to mankind?s future. Ignorance and aristocracy cannot be tolerated any longer with the progressions of society, as they are inversely proportional to one another.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, the biggest piece of advice I would give to myself would be to focus my high school courses and extracurricular activities more around college. I would have taken more AP courses than I did in order to get a bigger headstart on my college courseload. This would have also saved me lots of money, considering that high school courses and books are free. I also would have volunteered at numerous places, rather than just at the community hopsital. This would have helped me be more specific about what I want to choose as my career. I always knew I wanted to work in the medical field but it took me years after high school to figure out what I wanted to do. Now I know I want to be a nurse and I am planning on starting nursing school this Summer....if only I had the means to pay for it.

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 what college is going to be like. I would mention to myself that college is a lot of fun, no matter where you go. Also, I would say tell myself not to worry about not having any friends when I go to college because there is such a broad variety of students at school that I don't have to worry about meeting new people, that's what college is all about, meeting new people, having fun, and of course staying focused on your work. I would assure myself that living away from home will be fun, and that my family will always be tehre for me even if I am living three hours away when I leave for school. College is fun, but it's also a lot of work, so I would have to remind myself to keep my priorities straight, and if I can remember to do that, I will make good grades and have a wounderful college experience!