Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis Top Questions

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

Clifton

I would tell myself to continue to do my best. I would push good study habits and listening skills as well as good note taking skills. I would encourage myself to be more open to new experiences and new people; to enjoy the world as it comes every day. I would also encourage myself to have fun but maintain my integrity - to plan for and strive for my long term goals. Always remembering where I am going but remembering to have some fun and take the less traveled route to get there. Don't always take the same classes but experiment a little. Find new things to experience and enjoy.

Macey

Dear high school Macey, College will be where you meet your true friends and build your future. Don't worry about where your friends are going or why just worry about yourself. Don't pay attention to those who call you a nerd or make fun of you for your study habits. Just remember that your the one who will be ahead in the long run. IUPUI is a great school and you did a great job listening to yourself on attending their school. You're a studious girl and always have been, don't let anyone change the way you are. Study hard, avoid the parties, and focus on your schoolwork and what matters most. You're gonna do great kid! Love, Future You

Kimberly

Speaking to myself as a high school senior and knowing about college life and making the transition, I would give myself the advice to do plenty of financial planning. I would explain that while seeking out college scholarships may seem tedious, it is a great investment in yourself to be able to afford your studies without a loan. At minimum, a goal should be set to find enough funding to cover the cost of attendance. I would encourage myself to apply for ten to twenty scholarships per week, using a number sources ranging from the Financial Aid office to privately owned agencies. I would talk to my high school senior-self about alternatives to buying books like renting them online or from the school library. I would recommend living a low-cost lifestyle, cutting out frivolous items like fast-food and long drives, so that money could be saved for future educational costs. I would remind myself to maintain balance between studies and potentially expensive social life events. Finally, I would encourage working often with study groups and taking advantage of a professor's office hours for personal consultations, boosting my grade point average and gaining eligiblity for grant funding.

April

I would tell my senior-self to get rid of my bad study habits as soon as possible. It would have been so much easier to get out of these habits (example - only studying the night before exams) when the schoolwork was simple versus now when the work is much more difficult. I was definitely not prepared for how much harder the work would be trying to learn it in one night than in high school. The amount of information was just too much to absorb and memorize, and I therefore received a rude awakening on the first exam. Now I know much better and start studying for exams a week in advance, but the transition from my high school ways to studying in this manner was very difficult. This is why I should have started doing this in high school and why I would tell myself to slowly work up to studying a week in advance. First two days beforehand, then three and so on until it was routine.

macey

What should high school Macey know? For starters, don't worry about what people say or think. Once you start college popularity, nerds, average, jocks, and hicks all disappear and it just becomes life. Never turn down the opportunities you get; join clubs, put yourself out there, and most importantly have fun. High school is just a stepping stone to college so absorb as much information as you can and take the time to appreciate the free things high school has to offer. If you have a bad day just shake it off and remember one day, these people will all be going on their own seperate ways. Appreciate what you have Macey, because you never know when you could lose it.

Courtney

If I could tell the 18 year old version of myself anything, it would be to take more time off between high school and college. More importantly, do not feel inadequate for not going to a traditional univeristy right out of high school. I wasted a lot time because I was so focused on trying to live up to society's expectations. Travel, work, support yourself, live out in the real world, and expereince as much as you can while you are young. You do not have to have your world figured out at 19, so don't try to force it. Really, that is advice I would give anyone graduating from high school. That time between high school and college is so crucial, that now looking back I wish I would have embraced that opprotunity for exploration more than what I did. Taking time off will give you perspective and allowed for growth and maturity before entering into a college setting. College is not a place to find yourself. Once you know what you want out of life, then you are ready for college. Finally, do something you feel passionately about, everything else will work itself out.

Jordan

High school is a very important time. I would tell myself to focus on school and get involved in as much as you can. Stand out, don't be afraid to be yourself and take chances. High school is the toughest time socially, not academically for most, so live out loud! Make lasting relationships and be confident with yourself and that will take you far! Love the Lord and share it with others!

Tucker

Get ahead of the game and study your butt off. This is a new life and completly different from high school. Take it serious cause once your in the hole, it is almost impossible to get out.

Nichole

If I could go back in time and give myself advice, it would be to never doubt myself. I would tell myself to never think that there's something I can't do. I would tell myself to go and do what I always dreamed of doing, to follow my childhood dreams, to not wait, to not settle. I would have told myself to get the loans and go to medical school. I would have told myself to not worry about the money I would owe later on down the road, but to go on to get the degree I want and worry about paying them back later. I would have told myself that life is too short to second guess. Life is here and now.

Jennifer

I would tell my self to stufy a whole lot more. I would have also advised myself to not take BC calculus and stay in AB. It brought my GPA down a lot, and I'm having trouble raising it up. I would have also told myself to not goof off and study in front of the TV. It's a really hard habit to break. Over all, I would just tell myself to focus a lot more on school work and less on the drama and social aspect of high school.

Heather

The IUPUI motto states: "Where impact is made." After having only attended this school for one full semester, it's clear to me that this statement rings true. Impact is most certainly made here. What I have gotten out of my experience so far is an education worth my while that will contribute to my future career, and experiences that will help me network, as well as multiple activities that are fun yet rewarding at the same time. My education so far has pushed me, yet taught me how to be a responsible adult and learn to manage time well. It has taught me what to expect in the work force and how I can improve communication and customer service skills to help adjust to work. Also, multiple opportunities to network with alumni, serve the community on service days, attend fun campus-wide events and trips, and travel out of state and country are presented often. IUPUI has so much to offer if one only strives to reach his full potential, and whether a student takes advantage of all of these opportunities or not, impact will still have been made on this student for the better.

Summer

I tutor at New Horizons Alternative School in Indianapolis. On one of the teacher's doors, there is a sign that reads, "You think school is boring? Try sitting in the unemployment line." That thought is very sobering to me, and I don't want my lack of interest in a certain class or college as a whole to keep me from obtaining my full potential. I strive to get the most out of my schooling, so I can be successful and follow my dreams without feeling hindered by my lack of education. IUPUI is helping me live up to those standards every day. The classes are relevant, my teachers are excited to be there, and I am learning so much about Journalism and a variety of other subjects. IUPUI provides students with ways to give back to the community. I am also encouraged to start planning now so that I can achieve my goals, and I have received countless pieces of advice on how to do that. I feel that I am receiving a quality education in an urban environment where I will be provided with the resources to start living my dreams. Now.

Alexander

I have not started college yet but I imagine that college will be an extremely maturing and intellectually stimulating experience. I am also looking forward with much anticipation to get started on my studies to help me succeed in my pre-decided major of forensic science. I fully expect it to be very rigorous but especially rewarding on a variety of different levels. Being that it has been almost 4 years since I have graduated high school, I have realized during these difficult past few years, you get out of life what you put into it. That being said, many underestimate the value of a college education. I will not dwell, I would like to return and take full advantage of the opportunity to advance myself.

Kelli

I have gotten out of my college experience the satisfaction of actually feeling like a college student at the young age of 38! I am a wife and mother. I work part-time while I now attend school full-time. I am ecstatic to be attending full-time this semester. I have developed a burning desire to get my homework done as soon as possible so I am positive that it is done. I make my son do the same thing when he gets home from school each day, so I am really am doing as I say and not as I do! I have a great thirst for knowledge and I am excited to continue with new classes every semester. My college experience has been very valuable to me because it has taught me to become more disciplined with my time. I am working on improving my GPA. Every semester I exepect to get nothing less than an A in each class. I continue to study and study to ensure that I know the material inside and out. When I study like this, is where that discipline is applied. I am teaching that same discipline to my son.

angelica

hi : I learned a lot about the function of its patholigies and body treatments also ethically I have learned to empathize with patients and help the nursing especially elderly and children is my especialty .

Joshua

I have had the benefit of working for my college and thus receiving partial tuition reimbursement. I have learned as much in the classroom as on the job. My school offers a wide variety of degree programs and academic discipline and it has been a pleasure to sample classes representative of all of my interests before deciding on the degree programs I elected. Though the school is nontraditional and faces problems ranging from parking to funding for particular programs, I have learned a lot both on the job and in the classroom about being adaptable. Serving as an employee at IUPUI has also afforded me the opportunity to make friends and valuable connections with professionals in my field of interest. I recommend immersing oneself in extracurriculars while studying to allow yourself to grow personally and professionally.

Erica

Because I am only in my second semester of college, I really cannot say that I have gotten a lot out of my experience. One thing that I can say is that college is nothing like high school. One thing I have learned is that studying is really important in a person's college career. In order to be successful in college, I realized that I have had to make a lot of sacrifices that I normally would not make. Work has become a problem because I have noticed that my school work needs more time than i am giving to it. But I have come to understand that that is okay because when I get my degree, I can truly be happy with what I am doing. And all that hard work will pay off in the end. It is always important to continue on with school because the end prize is so amazing! I know I have not received my ending prize yet, but I am looking forward to that very special moment. As long I keep my faith in the Lord, I can achieve anything.

Kiara

What I got out of my college experience is opportunity. When you enter college there is a whole new world. Everytime I turn around there is something for me to do or get into. Its so many opportunity here that you just need to take advantage of them. You just have to be commited to what you are doing. The most important thing to set goals for yourself so you can achieve them. Now that I am in college I dont have time to play, this is my life and my career that I have to worry about when I graduate. I want to have a nice paying job so I can take care of my family and also I want to make enough so I can pay for rehab so I can send my drug abuser grandmother. I feel that college is a eye opner for me I value it so much that I got accepted in. Now that I am in college i feel good. I am the only person in my family that grasuated from Highschool and also who has went to college. This is major for me and my family .

Samantha

I have decided to go back to college after graduating with a double bachelor's degree 5 years ago. My choice to obtain a business degree was one that I believed would help me succeed in life with a career, instead it just got me a job in what I had been doing while still in highschool---retail. I have now chosen to go into nursing; as it is a field I have always considered studying. My first college experience was a traditional one, just out of highschool; but now this time around I will be a returning adult, working full-time and raising a family. This experience will be a totally different one, and I'm very anxious to finally be able to start my career.

Cole

I have learned my true calling in life and that everything is not black and white. I have grown and matured since the start of my college education and continue to thrive for my life long goals. With the campus being in the heart of the city, it is fast paced and busy. It is also diverse and has allowed for many opportunities to learn about different cultures. The school overall is a wonderful place to attend and be apart of.

Cole

What has been amazing about college is that I am always passionate about what I am learning. I had a hard time in high school because I never was learning things that I wanted to know or that I saw as valuable.. Both of my college experiences have been incredible because I am learning things that I have always wanted to learn and not only am I doing very well I am enjoying it. College is valuable to me because it give me hope that I may learn to do something I'm passionate about for the rest of my life.

Danielle

I am a Division 1 Student-Athlete. I play tennis for IUPUI and I have learned so many things by attending my first semester. I learned to be even more independant than I was going into school and I also have learned that college was the right choice for me. I have also learned that I am able to do anything I set my mind to, I was first overwhelmed by practice, classes, school work, projects, game matches, and workouts but I over came it and really showed myself and my family I could do it!

IWUOHA

To me, college is not only about acheiving ones academic goal but also extends to areas such as morals,socials and activities that will help one progress in life. Being in college has set me right on this path, making me more devoted to my work as a student, showing me the right path towards success and stressing the implications of not doing it right. In terms of socialization,I now understand the importance of communications between individuals of various races, due to my college experience. I have also learnt how to interract with my fellow students , feel free with them regardless of their racial status . I have also learnt that being diciplined , dedicated and open hearted will be a credit towards acheiving my goal.Therefore, it is valuable to attend college because it makes one more matured to face the world as it is, to be able to treat people fairly and when eventually you find yourself in the workforce,you will be strong, dedicated to your job and be able to treat both young and old with love and respect.This is what i take out of college.

Yalana

What I have gotten out of this college experience is that everyone wants to be of help or assistance to each other. The professors give challening work, but create a laid-back environment for students to be comfortable with. The professors are easily approachable and honestly want each student within his or her class to succeed. We do getting-to-know-you activities which shows that the professors want to actually have a relationship with the students rather than giving a pass or fail grade. I have made many friends within the same major as well as other majors who enjoy discussing different clubs , college life, and being on their own as oppose to living with their parents. Each student wants to leave with the same diploma, which means success and have similar goals to mine. The campus diversity as well as the countless number of clubs offered has made my college experience even more spectacular because there is never a dull moment at my school and I am always meeting new people.

Lucas

I have gotten many things out of my college experience. I have learned so much about motorsports. I learned how to take an engine off of a dynamometer. I learned about aerodynamics and chemistry. This will help me when I get a job after I graduate.

Monica

I've learned that life happens and you have to roll with the punches. I have also learned that how you represent yourself is important in life and in your future career.

Anthony

I have learnd the importance and value of staying focused and getting things done. I have learned about work ethic and what its going to take to survive in this world. I have learnd that sometimes just a dream is not enough, you need determination, dedication, and drive. I have also learnd of the tools needed for my future career. No one cant take away your education, you can lose your house, your car, everything you own. But you can always rebuild if you have your education, and use it.

Alexandria

In high school, I never dreamed of going to a community college. I thought it was for people who just didn't really care about their future. I wanted to play soccer at a division 1 level and become a lawyer. How many lawyers do you hear about that brag about their community college days. But that was a few years ago, now as a sophmore, I've completely changed my opinion. I'm so thankful that I went to a community college. It completely changed my whole future. Since I went to a school that was famous for their conservation program, I've decided that its in th envrionment where I want to make my mark. I found amazing teachers who are passionate about their classes and take us outside the classroom where I've found is the best place to learn. I also was on a winnig soccer team where we won our conference and I made a lot of great friends. I've realized community college can be as impacting, if not more impacting on my life than any other college could be. It's helped me choose my path in life and at a small cost.

Vivian

Besides gaining actual factual information in my BA Biology degree, I also have achieved a sense of achievment that I persevered through the good and bad days to finish and accomplish my goal. I feel a sense of pride that I was able to finish this degree as it is not the most easiest major i.e. biology. I have gained valuable experience in time management. I have also discovered how detrimental it can be not managing your time efficiently. A person learns more from their mistakes sometimes than if they did everything perfectly everytime. By having a degree I feel more marketable in the job market and it is allowing me to pursue my dream of getting my teachers license and Masters degree in teaching. I plan on being a biology teacher and hope to bring enthusiasm into the classroom for the subject as kids respond much more positively to a teacher who is enthusiastic and enjoys the subject that they teach, especially since there is a shortage of science teachers currently.

Amanda

A good college student is one who has an open mind. This means that they go into school with a goal of finishing a degree, but open to the possibilities of getting there. Maybe they have to take a class that they had no interest in, if they go into the class with a firm opinion that they are not going to like it then more than likely that is true. However, if the student has an open mind then they may find the right professor that will spark an interest in them that would cause them to gain a new hobby. This would only make the student more diverse and more willing to adapt once they get out of college. This is what makes me a good college student. I live by the quote “Life is a journey, bring an open mind,” and this is how I enter the classroom and my college campus every day. This goes for outside the classroom when it comes to activities that I participate in and makes me willing to try things that I may not have thought I would like and delighted myself with the outcome.

Kayce

I think college should be mandatory. It gives you the skills you need in life to succeed. I believe that high school students are not focused enough or mature enough to retain all the knowledge that is being passed on to them. College is a perfect way to reintroduce ideas to the matured mind. Students are more focused and willing to learn. People can not expect to make good salaries without graduating from college. College is the best thing that has ever happened to me and I am so glad that I'm finally realizing how important it truly can be.

Allison

I have aquired many values by attending IUPUI . The one thing I am very grateful for learning is time management. At my university every student must take a university college class that teaches about time management and it has helped me tremendously through my studies there. I recently got into the BSN program there and I have learned that perseverence is key to applying to any major school at this University. I have taught my self never to give up and to always live in the present because I know that if I am living in the future it causes me to be stressed out more than I have to be. I am thankful to be attending a school so close to my house. I get to be with my family everyday and I don't know what I would do without them they have taught me almost every skill I know. I have learned that you definitely need to stay close with your family to successfully get through college and still have a relationship with them.

Heather

My college experience has taught me how to balance life in general. It is very important to balance your class schedule, job, homework and studying, health and wellness and your social life. If you cannot achieve the perfect balance then it becomes difficult to excel in any of them. It is important to stay on top of all of your school work but you also have to make sure to get enough rest and exercise. You have to be able to decide when you can hang out with friends and when it is smarter to stay home. Also you have to learn how to balance your finances. Money is hard to come by with a busy schedule and tuition and books are expensive. Tuition and books are not the only thing that is expensive; groceries, gas, rent, and other bills really add up quickly. It is tough to balance every part of your life, but it is crucial for success. Once you find the right balance, then you can achieve your academic and life goals.

Linzi

My college experience thus far has not only gotten me closer to reaching my goals of becoming an Elementary Educator, but has also allowed me to grow as a person. The professors that I have had the honor of learning from have been extremely supportive and helpful throughout my time here at IUPUI. Opportunities that I have been given to experience my career field before actually going into it has given me a good taste of what is to come and has made me more comfortable in the classroom setting. Not only have these opportunities prepared me for my future career, they have also helped shape me into a more professional student and person. I have learned a lot about myself in the last year and a half and have become more comfortable in my skin than I have ever been. College may not be for everyone, but I am certainly thankful that I have gotten the opportunity to experience it.

Samantha

Considering that the 2010/2011 school year is my first year at IUPUI after transfering from University of Indianapolis, I have learned an extraordinary amount of information in regards to my major, Tourism, Conventions, and Event Management. My experience at IUPUI has taught me that the hospitality industry is no walk in the park and i will face many challenges on a daily basis. Challenges that i will need to learn to overcome include balancing work life with social life and learning that i am not a robot who can meet every single one of the guests' expectations or requests. Aside from the challenges that have been brought to my attention by my professors and guest speakers, i have also learned that job satisfaction can be found within the hospitality industry. I have learned that i can be the liason of making a bride have the best wedding of her life; i can introduce my clients to magnificent ideas they never imagined possible; it is absolutely essential to set my self apart from other prospective event planners through participation in clubs, volunteering, etc. I value my experience at IUPUI because without it, i would be completely clueless about my future!

Abigail

By going to college, I have learned a lot about myself. I have gotten a taste of what it is like to be the "new kid," and how to overcome the lonliness. I am now content with hanging out by myself. I have also become very independent. I like the fact that there aren't cliques in college - it has made me open up to people of all sorts, whereas in high school I stuck to the same group. Being in college really pushes my brain at times. I have learned so much, and I am barely through my first semester.

Jeff

It seems as if I have gone to the place where I am in tune with my own feelings and never do I question my happiness, never do I question my well-being. I sometimes wonder why some lack the desire to show everyone that this world is just their stage, and whatever you want--you can have. My own satisfaction comes from the job I have done, was it done right? Was it done completely? Did I learn something? Did somebody feel satisfied that they taught me something? Did I teach somebody something they will carry with them? Why does it seem that so many brag and boast about so many things they have barely even tasted??? Because, I know, I have a way about me and it is a weird way, one that not most share, its a weird understanding of how things happen and preparedness for the upcoming--its incredible, without higher education I don't think I would have such confidence. The tube is telling me about the tornado watch that seems permanently fixed in the top left corner of my t.v. but I don't fear..

Cassandra

Obviously education is something that I have gotten out of the college experience. But it's not just about education and classes. It's about impact. In the short time I've been there, I've already learned so much about life as an adult, about being part of a big community, about giving back and helping others, about my goals and my future, about my strengths and my weaknesses, and about the habits to pick up and the habits to kick. Along with all of this knowledge that will help me for years to come, I've met great people, and gotten great connections and networking out of it as well.

Bobbi

My college experience has brought a sense of accomplishment . I have been able to see where I want to go and how to get there.

Clint

I have learned that the current belief about human existence is centred around the idea of truth. In a word, truth is relative, and everyone must find their own. There is no such thing as absolute truth. Those who promote the idea of absolute truth should be proven wrong, since otherwise many would feel left out of the truth equation. I have also learned that instructors can make a huge difference in the success of students. One particularly good teacher that I know consistently turns out grade A students, in Calculus no less, simply because of his teaching style. My own instructor in Calculus encourages his students to think of how hard the course is, and teaches so fast that students do not have a chance to think of appropriate questions, let alone receive answers. Finally, my college experience has taught me that preparation for the work world is extremely important. Taking five courses (which I am doing) is a huge, time-consuming, overwhelming undertaking, but the purpose of all the work is to teach students how to meet deadlines, and to submit work on time.

Jasmine

I have gotten out of IUPUI more responsiblity and independence. It has been valuable to attend because I have learn so much more about myself. Coming from a private high school, everything seemed very one-sided. I see other people's point of views and the increase of diversity in my life has definitely made me less ignorant. My eyes have been opened to different cultures, races, and much more. For me, IUPUI has given to me more than the previous college I attended and helped me be more open-minded.

Frederick

I am a single parent and I have been to school which has given me a diploma as a medical assistant. I have choosen to continue my education goals to become a LPN and once I finish that I plan to continue to further my education for my RN. I am a parent of two a soon to be young man who's fourteen and a little girl that is four years old. I am currently enrolled in my program for nursing at Brown Mackie College in Findlay, Ohio and I am expected to graduate in April of 2012 although I will be done with my trainning in November of 2011 the program is really expensive its nearly 30,000 or a little more . I dont have the expenses to pay for it I am applying to student loans and grants, and scholarship that I hope to help me pay for a part of these fees which I hopeing that comes threw cause I really believe in myself and know that I will complete it but I just need a little help.

Daphne

I have been able to acquire a undergraduate degree in Mathematics Education, enabling me to become a high school mathematics teacher. It is always encouraging to accomplish one's goals. In earning this degree I had to discipline myself to study so that I could earn the highest GPA possible. I gained wonderful friends through my time at IUPUI, friends I still keep in touch with after 3 years of graduating. Those friends and I would study and discuss our academic goal and courses. IUPUI also equipped me for the professional world. I was hired within a month of graduating and have been employed in a wonderful school corporation ever since. I believe that my time at IUPUI has helped prepare me for earning my master's degree, which is next on my to-do list.

Kelly

This school has allowed me to get away from my abusive family. They were all alcoholics, did drugs, and even abused me in every shape and form. One of them drug me across the room by my hair once, and none of them have provided any financial help on anything for college, including food and school supplies. My father was a child molester, and my mother yells at me often, saying things like, "I wish you were never born!" This dorm has allowed me to study quietly in peace, and has allowed me to live on my own. The school will teach me the skills I need to head off to a degree in Video Game Design. I am the author of a book that I plan on publishing to a video game company to publish the original idea. I think this school is valuable for me to get a new life on my own, peace, and reach the success I really wanted, to publish ideas to a famous company. My skills have once allowed me to be a finalist in a $100,000 and $15,000 scholarships, still though, I need financial aid for housing or support.

Emily

After receiving my first undergraduate degree and entering the workforce, I realize how important it is to attend college. I also realize how important it is to make the right career path and choose the correct major for yourself when you enter undergraduate school. After graduating from high school, I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. I went to college and chose a major I thought would get me where I wanted in my career. Now at 28, I realize I was too young to make that choice. The bachelor's degree I obtained is too generic and did not give me a good career foundation. So, I have decided to go back to school to get a second bachelor's degree in a more specialized degree. I have realized the more specialized degree a person obtains, the better opportunities they will have. Therefore I have decided to go back to school to get an accelerated BS in nursing. I know after I receive this diploma, I will be able to reach the career goals I want.

Jordin

Well this is my first year and I have not started yet, but so far the people have been great and very helpful. Also, I have become more mature and responsible. I have learned what it is going to take for college and I am prepared. I have learned a lot about my major and I am looking forward to becoming an elementary teacher.

Timothy

I have gained experience from the dealings with people from all walks of life striving for the same goal "education"

Lauren

I believe that I have taken away many different skills from my college experience. During my time at the University of Connecticut I learned how to conduct myself in a professional manner during interviews and while functioning in a work environment. Additionally, I acquired study skills that have helped me greatly in my graduate studies. When it comes to paper writing in particular, I find that I am head and shoulders above some of the other students in my classes. I believe this has a lot to do with the quality of education and assignments that I was exposed to at the University of Connecticut. I also believe that due to the sheer class size I was forced to adapt an independent work ethic when it came to coursework. Now that I am enrolled in an accerlated program, this skill has proven to be extremely beneficial to me.

Kathrynne

It has been valuable for me to attend college because it has allowed me an opportunity to grow up a little. I now have to pay for my own education, get out of bed on my own, and work to get the grades and the money for the grades. Out of my college experience I have found friends, I have found struggles; I have found a husband and I have found a career. To me college I feel lucky to have been able to attend college because it has allowed me to maximize my potential, bringing to light just how awesome I am.

Karen

The knowledge that I have attained in college has been beneficial to my current job. It has given me a better understanding of the roles others have in addition to technical applications that I have been able to use at my position. It has given me a broader understanding of the economical and political standings in the United States and abroad.