Hood College Top Questions

I have learned to excel in all areas of my life that I otherwise have not been able to or been given the opportunity to. College has been my outlet in many aspects. I have learned how to do things on my own; register for my classes, make payment plans, stay organized, seek advice and guidance. It has helped me gain knowledge and continuously maintain knowledge. College has helped me to stay focused on what is important and easied my woes as a single mother. What I have gotten out of my college experience is how to be an assest to society (mother, daughter, co-worker, and friend) and it has been valuable for me to attend so I cannot only reach for my goals but I can now also obtain them.

Since I have been in college I have learned that, although the work is not extremely difficult, it is not as easy as high school. I feel that I will appreciate getting a degree a little more than getting a diploma because I will actually have to work hard to acheive it. I feel that it has been valuable for me to attend Troy University because the class the school is not a giant nor is it a community college. THe teachers actually take the time to learn all of the students' names and they try to help you in any way possible if they feel that you may not grasp the information.

Out of my college experience, I have experienced a number of things that have changed me. I decided to go to a school where I knew absolutely no one and I am a very shy person in new situations. Going to college has taught me to come out of my shell and let people get to know me. I now have friends from not only other states but from other countries. I attended a high school that was not diverse by any means socioeconomincally or racially. At Hood, I have learned about different cultures and different lifestyle experiences that my peers have gone through. I was never one to be very into politics or what the government was doing but my classes have taught me that I need to know what's going on in the capital because it affects me. I now pay more attention to legislation and political elections. I know what's happening in our country and can make an informed decision on my opinons.

I have always been an overachiever when it came to my education. Throughout high school I was in honors and advanced placement courses. After high school I began school at Elizabethtown College in Pennsylvania. Due to a death in the family, I moved home and started school at our local community college FCC – losing half of my credits in the transfer between states. At Frederick Community College, I became a member of the honors society. I graduated from FCC with my AA. I am currently taking five classes at Hood College. Since my move home, I have been paying for college independently and will continue to until I am finished. I plan on double majoring in Psychology and Law and Society. I express to you my journey of my education because even though I have had many setbacks with college, I am determined to finish school. My plan is to finish college and get my BA degrees at Hood. It has taken me five years to get to where I am today with college, but I am proud to say I am going to college for me and that is the best way. I have learned how to be determinated.

Because of my college experience, I now have a clear direction for my life. The professors at Woodland Community College guided me in the completion of my prerequisites for nursing school by clearly explaining scientific processes and lab procedures. I am prepared to handle the classes in nursing school because I learned how to go to my teachers for help; I learned how to study for science tests. I learned how to read a textbook. I know I am capable of doing well in school and in the real world because I took the initiative to apply myself to all of my academic tasks, and I learned how to seek advice from fellow students and my instructors when I really needed assistance wading through difficult material or tasks. I have learned that no one can take away knowledge. No one can take away the skills I have learned. It has been valuable to attend school to further my education in pursuit of a better career, a better life, for myself.

Although I have only attended college for a semester, it has been an experience that has put everything I have ever learned to the test. The independence that I have received can be compared to when a baby bird leaves its nest for the first time. At first, the excitement of being on my own, in a new school, with new people, and a different rhythm, turned into fear and I questioned myself if I could actually do it. But, after letting going, making some mistakes, but also learning from them, I learned how to be on my own. Of course, being on my own didn’t necessarily mean I didn’t ask for help, on the contrary. It was, and still is necessary to ask those who are wiser and that have more experience, to help and guide me in the right direction. I have also managed to find a job on campus that helps me pay my bills and, by being so close to home, allows me to save up some money for my future.

I left Arizona State University at 19 after my second semester. Restless with school after thirteen years of attendance, I wanted to experience life free of academic responsibilities. So I lived in different parts of the country and worked. For a long time I regretted my decision to leave but have come to realize that it had to happen. Living on my own forced me to grow up. After a few years something in me began to change, I felt stagnant and needed to be challenged intellectually. School beckoned and I returned. Attending Northern Virginia Community College has prepared me for the next step in my education. While getting re-acclimated to academic life, I have learned to work hard and witnessed it pay off. Earning a GPA of 3.8 has helped me get into many great universities. Now 27 and ready to transfer to University of Wisconsin - Madison, I am excited about my academic career and proud of the achievements I have made so far. Honestly, I have never been happier. Before I returned to school my life had little direction. Now I have set myself on a course toward growth and opportunity.

The college experience I got at Penn State university was not very helpful or productive. Class's that are hundreds of people and no 1 on 1 attention with the students. More then half the professors speak very bad english and are hard to understand. So I worked for a few years and now I am enrolled in South Hills School of Business and Technology because it provides small class size's and very strict structure with very little " fluff class's". Several of my friends have attended and graduated South Hills and it was a great experience for them because of the hands on training along with South Hills job placement rate for graduates. I am looking forward to attending South Hills in 2011 and due to lack of financial aid I am in search of scholarships and grants to help pay for tuition,books and housing.

It was always a goal of mine to go to college. Hood college has not only given my the "homey" feel but makes me, a commuter, feel apart of the college community. Being in college has helped me to mature with my education and with my responcibility (home, class, ect.).

I believe that I gain more personally growth the more that I attend to my college education. College allows me to interact with others in a way that I did not have the chance to in middle or high school. Hood believes in an honor code and that code is followed. In addition, the aid from our professors is invaluable. They really care for their students. Hood may not have been my first choice school, but it is my right choice.

I have discovered how much a college education is needed to better my life. I was only planning on getting olny an Associates degree but I have realized that I want to get my Bacholors degree to further my education.

My college experience has made me learn a lot about my self. I have learned how to deal with life changes as they come. After living on my own for the first time and being somewhere that I didnt know a single person made me break my shyness barrier. I finally got comfortable at a school and suddenly I found out that I could no longer afford to go to that school and I was crushed. Having to up root my life twice made me realize that I am a strong person and that I cant let one thing ruine my life. I have moved on to a new school that im comfortable in and I think Im a better person for that. Going to college has taught me to have faith in myself and know that change is a big part of life and I know that had I have just staied home I would have never learned this about myself.

I have recieved aid to push me in the right direction for the major I want. I have found out that I want to major in iddle Eatsern Studies and minor in relgion and criminaolgy and delinquency. I ahve also learned how to teach myself to learn material and go toclasses becuase this information is for me to have a great future in the job I intend to have. Which is working in Home Land securitys and prior to that I want to be in the Army. Going to this institution has help me learn how to be more accomplished and know what I want and how to get it. I will let nothing stand in my way. I will get the major and two minors and become a officer in the Army and then work for Home Land security as a officer.

I HAVE GONE TO COLLEGE FOR ONLY 2,5 MONTHS. DURING THIS TIME I HAVE DISCOVERED A LOT OF INTERESTING SUBJECTS, HAVE MEET WITH SOME OUTSTANDING PROFESSORS, HAVE LEARNT LIFE LESSONS.

I've gotten so many things out of my college experience, and I still have more to learn. I've learned to the steps to become a Master Student. I've learned that I have many different ways in learning, I don't have to learn in just one way! I'm a Kinesthetic learner. I've learned more about my self here in college than i have any where else. I've gotten friends, gained responsibility, learned to accept my mistakes, I've learned to change whatever I'm not happy with during my college experience. Its been valuable to attend Hood College because this school teaches you discipline how to be determined and how to stay dedicated. College matures you as a person, when I first came to college I thought i could get away with everything by procrastination and still being able to manage my time as well as my friends. I was wrong high school don't prepare you for the freedom you have in college and how strict you have to be on yourself. College is where the winners make it or break it. College isn't a joke its responsibility!

Even though I am only a freshman, and I haven't been at college for a long duration of time, I have already experienced the unimaginable. So far I have realized how a college student must pursue the traits of independence, leadership, as well as perserverence. I am an individual who values independence, and while I am at college no one else is going to diminish my goals and dreams. I strive for the best in everything I do. I also think it is great to have perserverence, this way one can make it through the tough times. My goal after college is to attend dental school and the begin my own dental practice. I know that I won't be capable of seizing my goal if I didn't pursue the right traits--independence, leadership, and perserverence. College has been valuable to attend in various ways, one being the chance to make new acquaintences. Progressing in life without friends is like a newborn trying to crawl around to places. In either situation, the person isn't able to go anywhere. Friends are such an important factor for a successful life because it is those friends who lift your shoulders.

I am going for dental assistant at kaplan college. I feel that I,ve learned so much while attending. I never relized how important it is to take goog care of our oral hygene, perdontal disease can lead to heart disease and many other complications. I've learned the importance of teaching my twin daughters how to better brush and floss. I hope they will continue to see the benefits to having a healthy mouth. They are five years old and many of their friends already have had alot of dental work done on them. I try hard to limit the amount of candy and soda they drink. I preach moderation. Ohter things I have learned is discipline in studiing, I don't want to just pass, I want to excell.

The education program I am in is wonderful. I'm in my second semester here and I am at my 2nd internship. My next/last two semesters I will be teaching part time and then full time. Hood gives a lot to their students and i love how small the campus is and the character surrounding in Frederick. I've learned how to write lesson plans in every subject and how to give assessments. i feel i will walk away after graduation and be very well prepared for a teaching job, more than someone who went to another university, maybe a larger one. The teachers in the education department are helpful and knowledgeable. They really care for your success and you have the same 5-6 teachers throughout the program.

Before I attended Hood, I was not sure what I wanted to do in life. When I finally discovered my goal to become a Psychologist, I began searching for schools. Hood offered a different environment than the other schools in my area. My experience here has been heightened by its location in rural Maryland, the low student-teacher ratio, and the knowledgeable professors provided to us. I will be the first in my family to graduate from a four year institution and it has meant a lot to me that my school has been so supportive. More specifically, mid-way through my time at Hood I was in a bad financial state. I sat in the Financial Aid Office crying at the thought of having to put my graduation on hold until I earned enough money to pay for my final semesters. Then, like a superhero, the head of financial aid looked me in the eye and said "As long as you attend Hood, we will provide you with the financial means to continue on until you graduate." Those words changed my life, and so has Hood. My financial state has not improved much, but I will graduate nonetheless.

I have gained lifelong friendships and have learned so many social skills. I have come out of my shell here at Hood and am much more active around campus than I ever was in high school. I have always been the one to sit back and not be involved in school. Now, I am an executive member in two clubs, am very focused academically, and I have best friends who are more like family. The skills I have learned are helpful on and off campus. I have had many opportunities, whether it be working at the National Institute for Standards and Technology as a summer intern or being active in sharing my stories of Hood with incoming freshman as an orientation assistant. I love it here, and do not see myself attending any other college.

I have gotten a strong education, played sports, and met some amazing people during my college experience. It has really helped me to excel when classes get tough and sports have worked me mentally and physically. I have learned the things I like and do not like. During the next few years over my college experience I hope to discover the true me and that would be the most valuable aspect I receive from my college education.

I have never been more enthusiastic about my future until I started college. The other students are so outspoken and eager to learn. I took a government class over the summer and everyone had so many opinions about politics. A countless number of classes were so interesting because the students' different opinions conflicted with each other which allowed everyone to engage in a good argument. Everyone in the class was a different age, from 18 to 55. I got to learn so much from people who are starting their lives, people who are at the peak of their lives, and people who have lived their lives. I was taught life lessons through my classmates's experiences, which is something I could not have learned in highschool. My college experience has given me new perspectives, new interests (Politics), and a stronger drive toward my future.

College has been the most valuable experience in my entire life. I wake up everyday to the sound of the most obnoxious alarm ever and my calendar goes off through out the day telling me all the meetings I have to attend, the deadlines for assignments, events occuring on campus. By the end of the day, I'm absolutely exhausted and it's just now time to study. But right before bed in that half awake/ half asleep stage, I get a great sense of accomplishment. Not only for the day or the week but for my life. I think about everything I did in a matter of 24 hours and I feel a sense of relief. Relief that everything I'm doing is paying off. That yesterdays meetings, assignments, events, they all added to today. Everything is just a step to the top. For once, I feel like I'm reaching my dreams. That not only will I graduate with a degree in Social Work but a sense of accomplishment that I didn't know was possible. So, even though the days are long and the work hard, I'm grateful for everyday I attend college.

I have been lucky to be able to attend this college because of the relationships I have made. Being an athelte, is has been a much easier transition from high school to college then I ever thought it would be. The relationship with the staff and faculty make it very easy to make connections, something I have done very well since being here. Hopefully, having Hood College on my resume allows me to acheive my goal in life, and I really do believe that it will.

I have learned alot from my college expirence. I have learned it is very important to know what you want a fight for it. It is alsow important to work hard and never give up no matter what stands in your way.

For the amount of time that I have attended college I have received a lot from my experience. I have learned to be more open with those around me and also to be open to new ideas and people. From an academic stand point I have learned a lot from the classes I have attended and am excited to further my education after I receive my bachelor's degree. College has been valuable to attend because it has opened my eyes to things that I did not know, not just academically, but socially. I have met students from other countries and learned about their lives in their native countries and have shared my own experiences with them. College has made me a better person because I feel more comfortable to be myself around new people and to engage in social activities that I previously would not have experienced.

I have learned how large of a work load i can handle which relates to real life stress. Being able to realize how much stress I can handle is extremely valuable to me because it helps me plan out other things that I do in my life.

Attending a community college before transferring to a four year university was a good choice for me. Many of my friends and acquaintances went straight to a four year university and regretted the decision. Although many would argue that a four year university offers a better overall education, I feel that it also comes with a large amount of pressure and confusion which results in a higher chance of failure or withdrawal. In my Community college I was given the flexibility to explore different classes and subjects without the pressures of deadlines or high class costs. I feel that my time in school has been rewarding in the way that I had the freedom to leisurely choose my area of study and complete my classes without the added stress that so many my age, in my same situation face.

By going away to college, I have gained independence and responsibillity for my life and for my education. College is not like high school in that you are not forced to attend and pass classes; a person's success is entirely dependent upon themselves. As such, college has taught me that education is what you make of it. You can choose to scrape by, only learning the minimum necessary to pass your classes, or alternately, you can choose to take advantage of the opportunity to learn as much as possible, with the end goal focused toward becoming the best that one can be. College has taught me that it is not the school or the teachers that are solely responsible for your education, that they are only the vehicles to get you there. College has taught me that I am responsible for my life, that I am responsible for my education; I have to make the choices. Most of all, my college experience has taught me that education is not merely a specific institution, nor a few years of your life, but a lifelong journey that continues to shape who you are and what you become.

I have only attended for a semester so far, considering that I have just turned 18 and graduated from my high school in the spring of 2010. However, this does not mean I have not already had a vast amount of gain from only a few months. I've learned to live with someone who I have never met and get along perfectly, reach out to others, and become more responsible as I now control everything in my life. For instance, I now have my own room, and am responsible for its upkeep as well as being compatible with my roommate. Also, I am in control of my time, and how I should put each minute that isnt in class to good use whether it is working, studying, or enjoying the college life. Overall, I feel as though I have reached the next step in life, and I am very confident as well as excited for it to progress throughout the years here at Hood.

Out of my college experience I am learning to be a nurse. It has been stressful be worth it. It has been extremly expensive, but even with me having to get a student loan, it is still worth it. It has been valuable to attend because without attending I would not be able to become a nurse.

I graduated High School at 15. I graduated Cosmotology at 17. I am 19 and a single mother of 2. I am currently attending Everest College in Ft. Worth, Tx. I love the Medical Assitant program I am enrolled in. I plan to continue furthering my career in the Medical field to one day become a Pediactric Doctor. I want to support my sons and I without the help of the Government. I have learned through this program this is what I want to do and to be self supportive.

What I have gotten out of my college experience is that it is rewarding to know that I can continue my education and still achieve my goals. It has been valuable for me to attend because I had such a bad experience at my previous college that I had pretty much given up on ever going back to school. With some thought and encouragement from my husband and other family members, I enrolled in a local college. Doing so has made me push past my limitations and has made me realize that there is more to the business world than working in retail and being unhappy for the rest of my life. The institution I have chosen offers online courses so that I can still work forty hours a week to help provide for my family. Now I feel like I am bettereing myself and setting a great example for my future children.

Not only have I gained valuable knowledge, but I have gained independence. I chose to go to a college that is a few hours away from my home. I have learned how to live on my own, do many things for myself, and be a stronger individual. I have also gained amazing friends who I love. The school has also provided me with great teacher relationships, the ablility to work in classrooms for my Education degree, and a strong sense of accomplishment in all that I do. I have to work hard to make good grades, but that means that I'm learning much more than I knew before. College has helped shape me into a better person.

I have learned that plans change when you least expect them, and to keep yourself open to new opprotunities and career paths. I have met professors whom I value their opinion and have sought advice from them for classes and future goals. The student body is difficult to get to know if you are not traditional aged and live off campus. The Education Department is very political and I would not recommend anyone attending Hood for that program. I have learned that I need to stand up for myself and my dreams, to not let anyone belittle my achievements, and to push myself to higher goals and expectations.

My college experience has tought me to be independent without insisting to do everything on my own. I have learned how important relationships are and how having other people around to give feedback and to help you is a part of success. Each person that I have met at Hood College, including the students, have all gone out of their way to help me with any and every task that I needed assistance with. I have also learned that it is ok to be different. Once college came around, I saw a lot of my friends go in different directions. At a time when my friends were excited about going on their own, I only cared about furthering my education. I knew what I wanted but I had a hard time finding a school that fit me. I wanted to go to school with people that were in class because they wanted to learn. Not watching the clock waiting to get back to their dorm. I wanted professors that would push me to learn and do things I never thought I could do. I found that at Hood College.

I have learned more about life in a few months of college experience than I think I have in most of my K-12 education years. My college treats all students as responsible adults and expects performance, values, and attitude in return. The staff and faculty set a friendly interpersonal tone, and the student body embraces new members. The college is a microcosm of what I would like my entire life to be--morally, mentally, and physically. I have learned what it is like to really be a good student of subject matter and of life itself, and I have learned how integrity and ethics can make a big difference and be put into action, not merely mottos. I have learned what it takes to expand my mind and my horizons. I cherish my college experience and find myself wanting to return there whenever I'm away too long. The environment feels like the home I want to make for myself in this world. It's simultaneously comfortable and exciting, friendly and challenging. It's like a loose rope just waiting to be pulled. Or a lump of clay asking to be sculpted. How could anyone not love that?

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to buckle down and study hard. I would tell myself that the SAT's are important and to take them. I would tell myself that I do need to go to college and not to wait because the older you get, the harder it is to go back to school. I would tell myself that college life isn't as hard as some people make it out to be and that getting a higher education allows you to get a better paying job. I would tell myself that going to college creates so many opportunities for those who graduate and that most of the professors are very knowledgeable and willing to help you succeed in your career goals. I would tell myself that by going to college, you can make some new and lasting friendships and have some memorable experiences. And, if I could go back in time to my high school senior year, I would tell myself that it is only 4 years and that I would have the rest of my life to play after that.

If I could go back in time knowing what I know now about college, I would give myself the advice that I need to work much harder in college; therefore, I will need to study more and acquaint myself with those that are on my level. I would leave the friends that are keeping me from attaining the higher education that I need and familiarize myself with those that are on my level in my first year of college. I know that I would do much better than I am currently doing now, if I give myself the advice about being more independent in college.

If I could go back and talk to myself as a senior I would tell myself that it is time to get serious about school again. I would encourage myself to get into the habit of studying which is something I did not have to do in high school to get good grades. I would also tell myself to be prepared that professors are not going to constantly remind you when assignments are due. I would encourage myself not to get into the habit of missing classes because when you miss a lecture it's hard to understand the concepts you are learning. Lastly I would encourage myself not to get discouraged because with hardwork and dedication you can do anything you set your mind to!

If I could go back the time when I was a high school senior and talk to myself about college life I would give myself advise on three major areas. First, start school right after graduation because it is hard to find the time, motivation, and energy after several years of not being in school. Second, go to a school that interests you on many different levels, including going away to school even if it is just for a year. Establishing independence and interests outside of your family can be motivating and allow you to develop responsibility for yourself and your actions. Finally, if you're not sure what you want to do and want to stay local at a community college it is important that you come up with the money yourself. This not only motivates you to make a decision but it also helps you create a since of self worth, while at the same time prevents you from constantly changing majors, because you are working hard for the money to go to school. College life and making the transition from high school can be stressful and complicated but it is also rewarding and should be enjoyed.

I would tell myself to start to prepare ahead of time and to try and apply for more scholarships. I would also tell myself to not be so nervous about college and to start looking for interships to help myself along.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would give myself the following advice before my college journey begins. 1)Expect the unexpected-there are many new positive experiences that you will soon encounter. Be patient, open-minded, and enjoy the ride to come. 2)Take chances-in the words of Will Smith in "The Pursuit of Happiness," "If you want something, go get it. Period." 3)Never forget where you come from-home and family are always with you, no matter what choices you make. 4)Stay the course-stay true to what you believe in and what you want out of life. 5)Be yourself-which is the ultimate tool for gathering friends, and making your mark in the world.

If I could go back to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to work harder and not slack so much. Although I knew I wasnt going to a 4 year right after graduation, but rather a 2 year community college, I still wasnt prepared for what was to come after high school. I wish I could have told myself that life at 17, wasnt what I thought it was and to not be so care free. I really wish I could tell myself to pay more attention to the course work and not what was going on around me. I wish I could have had this advice 3 years ago when I was a senior.

I would tell myself to learn whatever skills it takes to make my craft that much more professional and presentable for the opportunities that will be coming my way. No one really prepares the young for the many facets of life that they will go through. No one ever tells the young that there will always be moments and challenges and yes, opportunities that will present themselves to you. I would tell my younger self the following: Learn to use the computer well (whether software or hardware applications); Learn an instrument or work on your vocals (great part-time gig); Travel (as much as you can, you?ll really get to love the person you are and respect others because you have opened up your horizons); and Don?t beat yourself up so much (the world does enough of that, and besides you have to have someone you can count on?why not yourself!) Remember, just as you open your eyes in the anticipation of another day, every day you have the opportunity to do anything you want to. Learn to accept the responsibilities of what your decisions may be, after all YOU are ?Captain of your ship.?

On the eve of turning twenty, it is hard to believe that not 2 full years ago I was on my way to a new life far away from home where no one knew me and I knew no one. It was all an experience that part of me wishes I had known a bit more about. If I could go back in time to talk to myself as a high school senior there would be many things I would stress to myself about college. First off I would let myself know that college is not like the movies; it is not something that always ends with good grades and the perfect boyfriend. College is life, hard, confusing, and all around unpredictable. I would stress to myself to not stress, wasting time stressing about things that you cannot control like if your proffessor is going to like you is a waste of time when there are more important things to do. I would also give myself the advice to go outside my comfort zone. When I went to college I was completely alone, knowing no one, make the effort to go out to randomn people, they're feeling the same.

Choose a small school in order to get undivided attention from your professors. Dont drink or do drugs. Choose a school which is famous for the program you are looking into. Get to know your professors well. Have an open mind. You will encounter many people different from yourself, be accepting of their differences but dont compromise yourself. get involved in campus activities, organizations.

After spending a year in a college setting and knowing what I know now, I would advise myself in high school to put more emphasis on actually finding a school to go to that would meet my needs and to be more excited about the college experience. I had little to no plans for going to a non-community college because it meant spending more money and having to live away from home. Now, having experienced living away from home in a controlled environment, I think this was and will continue to be a valuable experience not just academically but socially as well. Without being thrown into the world all at once, I have learned what it's like to have to support myself through living on campus. This is an opportunity I would not have had if I chose to stick with my original plan of going to community college. Along with the higher education I feel like I have received thus far at school, I would encourage myself to consider more heavily the bonuses to looking into and applying to schools aside from my community college so that I could grow emotionally, educationally, and socially from the experience.

I would tell them to look at a school, for the right reasons, despite costs or pressure from peers or various sources.

When I first began searching for colleges, I asked my friend, Kent, the chief editor of the Washington Post, for advice. His answer: ?Brian, where ever you go, you're going to get a degree. So do what I did, and choose the school with the best twisty-cone.? Of course, my decision was based on more than just the twisty-cone, but Hood College does have some great twisty-cones. If I were giving someone advice on choosing a college, I would recommend that they consider the food (the twisty-cones, of course) as well as the academics.