New York University Top Questions

If I could talk to myself as a high school senior, I would say "you're doing GREAT. Keep it up, and don't forget to enjoy the ride." Too often, people waste time thinking about all the things they wish they could change or even worse, complain about having to be in high school in the first place. That's when you pause, and think about how lucky you really are. There's so many children in the world who can't go to school, either because it's not safe for them or because they need to support their families. I loved high school. The one thing I would say to my senior self would be to keep on being safe and smart, but don't forget to let yourself have fun! You can be the nerd girl, but nerd girl can let loose sometimes, too. Even today as a college student at NYU, I sometimes am way too hard on myself. But I'm working on it. Maybe in a few years, 20-something year-old me will be able to give me some advice.

You need to take college seriously. It might not seem all that great when you first start out, but you will realize how much you need it. Keep track of what you need to get done and do it prior to when the deadline comes around. The best advice I could give to myself as a high school senior is to not procrastinate as much as and as much as you think your parents are annoying and need to get off your back about college, they just want you to get on your own feet.

I would tell myself that life does not give you chances and luck does not fix your mistakes. As a freshman, I spent a lot of money on things that I thought would be fun or make me look better to my friends. I realize now that all I did was waste my parents money which was meant for my education and wasted the time I needed to study. College is fun and I love it a lot, but I should always focus first before I let loose. In my acting class, they say leap before you look, and that's the way I want to be. I need to be that way but in that class only. Outside, I need to do the opposite and see things as thet are. I am a poor college student who needs to see that life is not your parents, it does not give you opportunities, you have to earn it.

No one is staring at you. No one is going to make fun of you. Focus on doing things teenagers do. You've done enough studying. Have fun with it. Fix your problems with your self-esteem--you will have an easier time making friends if you are comfortable in your own skin. People are attracted to that. Your idea of hard work in college is only a foundation; you must build up on that. You will meet people the same age as you who have accomplished so much. However, don't compare your accomplishments to theirs. Instead, let them inspire you. If you want to be less fazed by this, surround yourself by people who inspire you right now, and continue the cycle. Take chances. Apply for that internship, even if you don't quite fit the requirements. Remember that failure is completely normal, and also remember the people that constantly have your back. Don't be afraid to ask questions in class; you'll end up learning a lot more, and your professors will remember you. Ask yourself if you really need to buy that ten dollar salad when you have the same ingredients at home. Smile.

The next four years are going to be strange and difficult. You will be introduced to your new best friends. You will laugh with them a lot and sometimes cry with them. You will have to face death in a new way, and it will be the hardest thing you have ever done. You will have your heart broken and you will fall in love, deeply. You aren't ready now, and you won't be ready when these things happen either. Keep learning, keep trying. Have fun.

As a high school senior I was eager to run as far away from home as possible. I didn't visit as many of those distant colleges as I could have. Today, I would go back and tell myself to check those campuses out before I make hasty decisions. I ended up living from home and commuting to NYU, and it has made me much more comfortable during the whole high-school-to-college transition. I would have told myself not to procrastinate my essays and to have them proofread by 10 people who could give me helpful advice. I wouldn't have changed the excitement I felt back then to be advancing to a new life in college. I would give myself a pat on the back by challenging myself with the work load, and tell myself not to give up. Because that has helped me deal with the college assignments all the better. Finally, I would express more gratitude to my parents, who really helped me with the financial/tax/legal portions of the transition. Without them, who knows where I would be.

I don’t want to lie to you… I mean, me… NYC is terrifying. A homeless person will chase you down the street. A car will be set on fire in front of your work. You will live during hurricane Sandy without power. The one time you walk home alone at night, will be awful. Not because you are in any eminent danger, but because you will convince yourself you are. Your roommate is a kleptomaniac. Your old friend will start doing drugs.You will not complain when it is 15 degrees outside even though you are from California. Stop pretending you know how to study for Italian. Your teacher will refer you to a tutor and you will eventually get an A-. The city is tempting, but you will stay grounded in your ways. Don’t stop loving board games and Sherlock Holmes.You will be better for this. You’ll finally conquer the subway and you’ll enjoy walking. Essays will become fun and the library is a safe place. Your new friends will inspire you. You will learn everything you expected and things you never knew existed.It will be a grand ole time.

Be honest with yourself. Don't play a part or put on a persona to please people. Please yourself. There's so much pressure about friends, grades, and college that it's easy to lose your footing when trying to understand who you actually are. This is precious time in high school, time for you to figure out what YOU want, what YOU are about. Not the type of person that others try to thrust upon you. I came out of the closet at the end of my senior year, seeing that I had reached a point where I could be comfortable with myself without the imagined social persecution from my classmates. It was an amazing experience, as if this huge burden was lifted off me and I was allowed to be happy again. And my biggest regret? That I didn't come out sooner. I feel new at this, like I'm just starting my actual life, that everything in high school wasn't real. I struggle to adjust, especially with the stresses of college weighing down. I wish I could have seen the type of growth I'd accomplish if I had just been honest with myself sooner.

I was lucky to have been raised as a first-generation American by 2 amazing Vietnamese parents. I grew up just south of Boston - in a beautiful, idyllic New England town. I had very little troubles growing up - I was active in extracurriculars (Editor of the HS newspaper, National Honors Society) and in sports. I breezed through with a 4.2 GPA, easily acing AP exams & honors classes. It was with this mentality that I entered New York University. If I could go back, I would shake my 18-year-old self & encourage her to not stay merely content with her achievements. NYC attracts incredibly bright & talented people from all over the world - what had been exceptional in my small suburban town is hardly average here. I want her to hit the ground running freshman year - explore to her heart's content, meet as many people as she can, and never stop questioning. New York City is both an incredible playground & classroom, and 18-year-old Kim has the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn, play, and work there. I would tell her that she has no room for complacency or stagnancy - hustle never sleeps in New York City :)

"Be open-minded towards every opportunity," is the first piece of advice I'd give. There's so many roads to success, and as a high school senior it's easy to not realize it. Don't settle for what others are insisting on. Secondly, I would advice myself to take classes I enjoy. A quote that demonstrates this perfectly is, "Do something you enjoy, and you'll never work a day in your life." College is a breeze if you look forward to learning each day.

A few months ago I was a Highschool senior. I was undecided on what I wanted to study and were I wanted to Study. I was in AVID for many years and they always adviced me to apply anywere even if I was unsure of what I wanted to do. Many times I was told to apply for many scholarship but, I never did. I regret not doing what I was told. Today I am decided on what I want to study and where I want to go but it doesn,t come for free. College is more expensive than anyone really understands. The day you apply is the day that you know how expensive education really is. If I were to go back and advise my self in Highschool, I would advise myseelf to do everything advised by teachers and counsoulers. They know what they are doing and they wont advise you somthing that would not benefit you in the future. I would say not to be lazy and take the time to actually do the things you are told, apply to colleges, apply for scholarships even if they arn't the biggest scholarship they add up and help.

There are so many people that have worked just as hard as you have, and reached the same level of success, but do not have the chance to go to college much less their dream school. Many of your friends are attending community college or just staying at home trying to figure out what's next. The fact that you are attending your dream school is partially the result of your own hard work but the financial and emotional support of your family and loved ones has made your dream possible. You should not be so arrogant to think you did it all by yourself. You should appreciate the opportunity. College should not be viewed as a badge of honor to brag about but as just one opportunity to do what you would like to do as a career. There are many paths to success. College is just one of them. Don't worry about your dorm room looking cuter than others on your floor; don't worry too much about wearing the perfect outfit everyday to class. Your parents stretched thin to send you to college. Attend and finish with as little fluff and debt as possible.

I would advise myself to prepare greatly. I would advise myself to not procrosinate anything in high school, and to always work to my hardest potential, because it will pay off in due time. I would also advised myself to invest myself into a sport in high school, which I could then continue in college to build that sense of a team and intense friendships.

No matter what take advantage of everything college life has to offer!! You are going to college to learn about the world and yourself, so don’t spend all your time worrying about money. A lot of people would cringe at the idea of taking on such a large amount of debt, but education is always worth it. That is why you should prioritize academics first by taking advantage of the fact that people are willing to help and share their mistakes so you can learn from them. Go to tutoring and office hours!! If you are going to get a job, find one that contributes to your career path!! However, college isn’t just about digging your face into a textbook. You need time to socialize and expand your awareness. Get involved in community service and club events!! But don't try to do everything and end up accomplishing nothing. You learn just as much by having conversations with your friends as you do in a lecture. Learn to juggle!! College is a balancing act between school, sleep, and your social life. Learn from your mistakes so when people ask you if you regret anything you can say "no".

I would tell myself to really re-think my choice to be a theatre arts major. Sure, it is fun to do, but why not at least minor in something else practical? Or major in something practical and minor in theatre? Look into education if you are so set on theatre, then you could teach theatre in the schools or something. I'm not saying to cut out theatre because that is where your heart lies. But remember the other dreams you have, of having a family one day. And plan for them. Also, don't be so afraid of failure. Yes, there will be things that will not go like you want, but still do them anyway! Take the vocal class while still in college. And don't forget to keep playing the piano so that you can play for yourself and your family later on. You are smarter than you know but you need to have a little bit more courage. Keep standing up for yourself and you'll be fine. Don't worry if somebody doesn't like you. They weren't worth it anyway. And money, take advice from Mom and save some as you go.

I would tell myself not to rush things and to be greateful and appreciative for everything that I have been given and achieved. Haste will not get you anywhere, however patience and persistence will go a long way. Life is very fun, but that is not the only important thing, there are thigns larger than yourself going on that need attention and you will actually feel a lot better by putting effort into helping others. Life is what you make of it, so rise above any nonsense, stay strong, and do what you have to do in order to get to where you need to go.

Knowing what you want to do for a career, is a great thing to know before entering college. After making that decision, it is key to be confident and not to question yourself, "Is this the right path for me?" It is! You just have to believe in yourself. Also study hard for all classes and participate. Never be shy or afraid to ask questions. Also make sure when registering for classes, you register as soon as it opens, because classes fill up quickly. Continuously check student e-mail and dates for when anything is important for classes or degree! It is key to always be on top of things, so you are not late or missing any madatory meetings, requirements, information, etc. Also, get involved with your school. Whether it is joining a club or sports, do something, because it will make school much more fun. Lastly, don't make work a priority over school. You have the rest of your life to work. Go to school and take a good amount of classes that way you are not taking longer to graduate. the sooner you are to your career, the better!

If I could talk to myself in high school. I would tell myself to take school more important. I would tell myself that I should've stayed in school instead of signing out and getting a GED. I would advise myself to go to college as soon as I signed out and recieved my GED instead of joining the workforce. I would definitely tell my younger self to pay less attention to my friends who did not have my best interest at heart. While I was joining the military trying to run away from my problems all my friends/classmates were enjoying senior year. I would definitely leave my younger self with a outline of do's and dont's to be more successful and make smarter decisions then I did. Although I made not so smart decisions I plan on making it right and making a better life for myself.

When I was a high school senior, I was in such a rush to get out of high school, my house, New Jersey... I dreamed of being off on my own so I could do my own thing and be myself without anyone caging me in. My parents were quite strict with me. Knowing what I know now about college life, I would still encourage my younger self to be excited. This really is the best time of my life, thus far. However, I would also encourage myself to slow down and enjoy the here and now. Appreciate it. I love college and all of the experiences I've gained that have helped me - and are helping me - find myself and be the person I was meant to be... but growing up is hard. I am slowly learning what real responsibility and maturity is. I love myself and the person I am becoming because of the knowledge I'm gaining. I would just advise myself, and all other high school students, to enjoy what they have now and take life as it comes. No need to rush. Life comes no matter what.

¿Chica, how’s it going? We need to talk before you go off to school… One, 4 years seems like a long time, but it really flies by so it’s important to make every moment count. Two, follow Mr. Zimmerman's advice. He’s a great teacher and really smart (he went to NYU graduate school). Consider going to a cheaper state school to complete your undergraduate degree and then go to a private school your graduate work. School is expensive! And, if you plan to continue your education after completing an undergraduate degree (which most people do) going to a state school for your undergraduate degree makes financial sense (especially when it’s coming out of your own pocket). Three, do extensively research on every major your top choices have to offer Part of going to college is truly discovering what you want to do in life and it can be very costly if you change your mind and don’t have enough options. Last, don’t forget to have fun! You’re smart, you got this, it’s okay to have some fun in moderation, and you’ll have a blast! Un gran abrazo, Migdali

There are many things I would tell my high school senior self. Primarily, I would limit the number of schools I applied to. I applied to some schools I knew I would not attend. I would also tell myself to be realistic about the distance that I will be able to tolerate in terms of being away from my home at NYC. I had quite a hard time being at SUNY Stony Brook in Long Island because I was raised in a city and I could not adjust to the suburban campus. I would also tell myself to brace myself for the immense workload that I would encounter, high school work pales in comparison to the work any college student has to manuever. The main advice I would give myself is to keep my priorities straight. Having a social life maybe important but my studies and my goals have to come first, always.

I would want to express the importance of managing your time and finances in a more responsible manner. Now being in a completely foreign land such as New York City can be daunting and the urge to go urban exploring can be difficult to resist at times but remember that the city will always be there. Finish everything you need to do before discovery new and exciting parts of the city because it can easily consume your time. Another piece of advice that I can't begin to stress enough is to remember that you are attending film school. What I mean to say is that you're not competing with your fellowing peers but instead you are working with them and utilizing other individual's skills and talents to enhance your overall product. Don't be afraid of collaborating because in some cases it can greatly increase the quality of your work as well.

If i could tell my high schooI senior self some advice for college i would. I would give myself a couple pieces of advice. First off i would tell myself that high school matters! The grdaes you get in high school will reflect your grades in college. I would also tell myself to make a schedual for studing and doing home work. And make time for myself. I would also tell myself how important it is to take advantage of all the tuorting your high school has to offer.

First of all, apply for every possible scholarship and as much financial aid as possible. Network with people from the arts program before you get there, so you have friends already. Research NYU's clubs and outreach programs, AND JOIN THEM. Also, start applying for jobs before you even get to New York; you WILL need a job and it's much easier to get a head start. Sell all the clothes that you even remotely dislike, and save money to build yourself a fashionable and personalized wardrobe. And most important of all, BUY COMFORTABLE SHOES!!!

What would happen if I could go back in time and talk to high-school-senior-me: 2011Me: "Don't freak out! I'm visiting from the future and there are a few things I need to tell you: first, our dreams come true–" SeniorMe: "I GO NYU?!" 2001Me: "All I'm going to say is that our dreams come true. Now I need you to pay attention." SeniorMe: "Sweet! Okay, I'm listening." 2011Me: "Good. Now, things aren't necessarily going to happen in the traditional way for you, so the MOST IMPORTANT thing to remember is to never give up because patience and perseverance will pay off. I know your job is important to you, but remember that school needs to be your top priority and it's up to you to do whatever you need to do to ensure that happens. Only you can make your dreams a reality." SeniorMe: "Gotcha. Is college really hard?" 2011Me: "Just keep in mind that your professors are there to help you however they can, so take advantage of them. Also, keep up your participation in community service organizations, colleges like that." SeniorMe: "Got it. Anything else?" 2011Me: "Apply for scholarships!"

Don't be afraid to meet new people and have fun. College isn't all about the grades, it's about making friendships and feeling connected to the people around you. You can't be afraid of having fun, every college student has to have fun once in a while. Even though you are taking a full course-load and have two part-time jobs, you can't let that take up all of your time. You can't go days without talking to people around you or interacting. You need to meet people you are interested in talking to and make it a priority to keep in contact. Friends are the key to survival in college.

So, you applied for NYU and you were accepted! Congrats! Now, I want you to think about your choice again. What are your other choices as far as school? What do you REALLY want to learn and focus on? How are you planning on paying for it? Have you applied for financial aid? Will it cover all of your tuition? Have you applied for any jobs yet? Life is all about taking risks and you're taking a huge one by leaving everything behind to move into a completely different environment. But you're young. You're allowed to take risks. If you want something, go for it! DREAM BIG! However, keep in mind that for every action, there are consequences, which could often affect your life in a very negative way. But don't let this scare you. Is this something you want? Then go for it. Good luck and take care of yourself. I love you. Your future self.

First off, relax! You will feel better and you will make clearer minded decisions. I understand that the process is absurdly hectic and there is a lot of work involved, but keep it all in perspective. You are choosing a college experience, not a tooth to get pulled. Nothing is completely final, if a mistake is made you can fix it later. The most important thing you can do is get a head start. The best way to reduce the stress of the process and get an advantage over later starters is to do as much as you can before senior year. Organize application and scholarship deadlines, and complete as many of those as early as you can. Your future self will thank for it, trust me. The college process is an important phase in your life, but trying to handle it all at once is impossible. It is a process that has to be taken one step at a time. By giving your best on each step, you are more likely to be happy in the end, regardless of the outcome. Now get out there and make it happen, you have the whole world open to you.

Don't get caught up with social events and buckle down on your studies.

I would tell myself that there is no need to panic. Yes, college is different; it's nothing like high school. The classes are different. The professors, the students, the classwork-it's all different. But you will get used to it and everthing will work out in the end. About the schoolwork-there's going to be a lot of it, but you're also going to have less classtime so you will have more time to work on it outside of class. Make sure you make the most of that time. Also, when it comes to your social life don't worry too much. You will make friends. During the first year everyone's in the same boat-trying to find their place in college. You will have that in common with the people you meet and that will lead to friendship. Some of these friendships will last, some won't. As long as you have some people to rely on you'll make it. However, make sure you don't put your social life first, all the time. The main reason you're here in college is to learn and grow as a person. Never forget that.

Try not to expect to much. What you imagine never matches what college life really feels like. You might get scared that it'll be too hard and you won't make friends, and living with a roommate will be weird. But it'll turn out that if you care about being there, you'll get the work done. You might not make friends the first week or even the first semester, but you WILL find them eventually, and you'll be happy you kept looking. And living with a roommate becomes so normal that you have to readjust to how quiet it is in your bedroom when you go home for holidays. Maybe you're excited for the parties, or the sports, or other old familiar things . But new passions may eclipse those intersts--you discover you're a foodie rather than a picky eater, or the football player who loves theatre, or the partier who loves hiking and yoga. College helps you discover who you really are. Maybe you know already, but maybe you don't. The best thing to do is relax and just see where life takes you. It'll be the adventure of a lifetime!

I would tell myself that academics and grades are very important. They are looked at and determine where you can start at in college. I would tell myself that just a passing grade isn't good enough for college. Grades tell college professors what kind of student you are. They tell how well you apply yourself and how you apply yourself to the task that has been given. I would tell myself that just getting by isn't good enough, that you have got to give it everything you got and do your best no matter what. Also I would tell myself that just taking the basics and not trying any of the prepatory subjects such as algebra, biology and so forth will not get it in college, because all of those are needed and very important to your college life. I would tell myself to apply yourself and you will be better becasue of doing so. I would tell myself that for the big picture that everything you do in high school will be worth the time when you get to college and because of it you will be better prepared for college.

Jodi: Pace yourself, there's no rush. Take your time to discover what it is you really want. At that point, you can spend all of the time you need putting your all into achieving your dream. If you don't have it inside of you to give it your all, then this must not be you're ultimate aspiration. Listen to Dad. Put aside your differences, hear what he has to say..he's right 99{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of the time. Let him give advice, and if he offers a hand TAKE IT! It only comes once!

Don't be afraid. All of these new opportunities are exciting, so try as much as you can to take advantage of them. You are right about what you want, don't hesitate so much. These next few years will fly by, in a huge blur of learning in every single way you can imagine. Sometimes this city may seem very big, while you feel quite small, but there is no obstacle (mental or physical) that can get in the way of everything you wish to accomplish. You think you are going into college undecided, but you know that helping people is what you want to do. Let that guide you. Social work is the perfect school for you, and you are lucky enough to have an amazing school of social work at NYU. Don't let an advisor try to change your mind. You know this is right for you. Don't worry about your social life, you will stumble across the friends that you will keep forever. Make the most of living in NYC, and love every thing you do. You know how important education is to you, and nothing can get in the way of that.

College will never be what you expected it to be. You're so excited for the freedom, independence, and parties, but no one ever prepares you (or maybe we just don't listen or believe them) for the responsibility and hardships that come with being an adult in college. The most important thing you can do is know yourself and what you stand for - don't let anyone try to compromise this. While these are your last care-free years, don't make decisions lightly and don't waste your time partying. Take advantage of every opportunity that will help you excel and exceed in your education and future profession - college is the biggest investment you will ever make. Lastly, college is expensive. Before you arrive, you'll think that you've saved enough, but it's hard not to spend money every chance you get. Be mindful of possible debt and budget, budget, budget!

Number one, take your self and your thoughts seriously. There is nothing more important than believing in what you think and sharing that with others. Two, travel by yourself. College is a time to explore and discover who you are supposed to become. If your first comfortable with traveling to new places, finding yourself will be much easier. Three, be social. College is very time consuming and if you don't make some time for yourself you will be crushed under the workload. Make time for friends, boyfriends, family, and activities. The time you take away from school work will give you the opportunity to stay balanced and grow fonder of school. Four, take gratification in the small things. The little battles you win everyday are crucial to staying happy and confident in yourself. College is a place where self-reliance is necessary, so all the little wins you can tally will always make you feel dominant over your studies.

Though it may seem like a cliche, the advice I would give to myself as a high school senior would simply be to be yourself and not to be afraid to speak up and make your presence known. When entering a university environment few freshman come in knowing many other students, so being yourself is the best way to create new relationships where you will feel comfortable and find lasting friendships. Being able to speak up and go after opportunities with confidence is an invaluable skill to have in college as well. Often work study jobs, internships, mentoring opportunities, and even tickets to entertainment events will go to the person who simply inquired. Getting to know your classmates and professors is also important. They can offer you new perspectives, open your eyes to different resources, and be potential references and support when you are working in your profession in years to follow. Overall it is important to stay focused, keep your eyes open for opportunity, and remember to enjoy the process of growth in your profession and as a person.

As a child I wanted to be everything in the world when I grew up. Sometimes I dreamt of becoming a mermaid with a beautiful tail that sparkled and danced in the sun, or a princess, loving and kind, who had extravagant dresses and fine jewelry, or even a Sea World trainer who got to swim and play with dolphins. Alas, I never grew a tail, never was fit for a crown, and never got the knack for swimming, but I did discover something positively magical; something that allowed me to become anything without having to stop being me. I found theatre, and from that point on I was completely entranced in its magic. I got to college and I was able to become more than i could have ever imagined. Sometimes I feel very small, like a child standing before an ocean, a tiny speck in the grand scheme of the world, staring out into the waves wondering what adventure, what knowledge, what beauty is out there. I feel that in college I am discovering the world all over again. I love being a student. I love learning. I love trying new things and discovering new facets of myself.

I have found my passion for learning. It sounds corny, and as a senior in high school I would have laughed at myself for saying it, but I have come to love school. As much as I hate staying up late and doing my reading, or writing 10 page essays, I love to learn. I realized how much fun it can be to study something that I enjoy with other people who want to be there. I never really experienced that in high school. It's no longer busy work and skipping class, now we have round table, interesting discussions. I feel like just being in college gives you a great network of people to learn with.

For me, college has represented a period in my life of enormous growth and learning. I feel fortunate to have had a transistional period these last few years of being on my own, but not fully exposed to the harshest elements of life. I've used this time to learn who I am outside of the identity set forth for me by my parents. The opportunity to be in a new place and to meet the diverse characters of New York City, as well as, the time alone to contemplate and form my own opinions on things, have been invaluable to my personal awakening. Since I started college, I've had the chance to learn who I am and what it means to be that person. Equally valuable to me has been the process of exploring the wide selection of classes available at NYU, I've loved the fateful feeling of just by chance taking a class that ends up impacting your consciousness in a deep way. The experiences I've had here have changed me; I am not who I was, I am not who I am going to be., growing everyday.

Upon my entrance to NYU, I truly felt that I knew exactly what I wanted to do with my life. However, that all changed after I started my classes. The professors have an extremely unique teaching technique and helped me develop interests in subjects that I would never have thought I would enjoy. NYU also provided me with a more diverse social circle; growing up in my neighborhood in Brooklyn isolated me from other cultures. I lived among people who were strictly from the same background as me, but that all changed when I started to dorm. I am also so pleased with the variety of internships and courses NYU offers us. The advisors are a pleasure because you can truly tell that they care about their students' decisions. Going to college at NYU provides a very different college experience. It is not your cliche fraternity and sorority ordeal; in NYU you have the world at your finger tips and an open-air campus.

I have transformed into a confident women who has the tools to implement her dream of becoming a CEO for Sharon Inc., a financial planning firm for African Americans. I am amazed at the financial obstacles that I have overcome to continue my education. It has proven to me that I am resilent when given the right motivation.

By attending college 1500 miles away from home, my college experience thus far has actually taught me a lot about who I am as a person. I have excelled in class, obtaining a 3.589 GPA in my first semester, and I have gotten involved in university activities. In middle school I was constantly involved in NJHS or any other organization of that type that represented students in the community. In high school, I wasn't as involved as I had been in middle school and that hurt me as I began my college search and an actual discovery of who I want to be in the future. In my first semester in college , by becoming involved in student council, I have revitalized a very important part of who I am and it has helped me determine much more than just the academic path I want to take, it has also showed me what I desire for a career in the future. If I hadn't been this far from home, I never would have escaped my comfort zone and really discovered who I am.

After high school, I had no plans for the future. A vague idea that the everything in my world would just fall into place was all I graduated with. Three years later, I realized a college education is the best way to progress in the world. My college experience has been amazing. If I would have know that attending school would have been this easy and fun I would have started college before I finshed high school.

My college experience has affected my life in many positive ways and has given me the ability to learn about different people from a wide range of cultures. I have learned much needed skills to work in the health care industry and am now enjoying my education to become a nurse. I have a great respect for students and teachers as well and would like to teach in the future. One of the the most important and valuable lessons that I learned from attending college is how to work with others. I was very shy growing up and college has improved my speaking abilities and taught me how to not only communicate with people but also how to better understand my role as a future health care provider in my community. Coming from an immigrant family, I will be the first to get a degree and have appreciated and recognized the importance and value of an education, and am very thankful to have the opportunity to be part of the college experience. I will pass the importance of an education along to my children and will encourage and support their future education.

What I have gotten out of my college experience is knowledge, perseverance, and a college degree. A college degree is something that no one can take away from you. It opens up the gates of opportunity in a competitive arena where only the strongest and most knowledgeable will survive. It has been a valuable experience for me because I am the first generation in my family to go to college. My father graduated from high school but my mother has a sixth grade education. My grandmother use to signed her name with an x because she never learned how to write. My college experience and degrees have enabled me to raise my girls, support my mother thoughout the years and to feel financially secure. All the student loans I took were well worth it. In nowadays without a college education you will be making minimal wage and will mostly work from paycheck to paycheck. A college degree will be required in the near future for all leadership jobs, experience is good but a college education is even better. Going to college will definitely enrich your life. Still one of the best experiences in my life.

I've gone through a lot of ups and downs about attending NYU. Like most freshman, I was exhilarated to be starting college, especially in a city as vibrant and exciting as NYC. But also like many freshman, at least at NYU, after the initial euphoria wore off, I found myself disappointed with how my college experience was turning out. I didn't quite feel that I fit--into city life and at NYU. Being a California girl, the cold reality of my first "real" winter didn't help either. I considered transferring (to somewhere both quieter and warmer), but ultimately decided to stick it out, and I'm really glad I did. NYU doesn't provide any barriers between its students and the city, and being thrust into "real" life in this way has forced me to grow up faster than my peers at other colleges --a fact that I resented at first, but am now grateful for. I've had valuable work experience at internships that I wouldn't have been able to get in any place but New York, and I feel like I've learned so much, both in the classroom and out of it.

I find that community colleges get bad reps for undergrad studies! After I have left high school I went to Onondaga Community College to save thousands of dollars in tuition. Have I seen that after year and a half? Yes! Although I did not travel far from college, so I pretty much stayed in one place for ninteen years., I do not regret it at all. Going to a four insition would have scared me. Community college was a bit like high school, but it still gave me some indepedence as a student. I did not have to worry about fitting in or join clichs. I was free to be myself and be a loner if I wanted. I also was not surround by my age group. Being around grown ups who wanted second chances and hearing there stories were inspirational. I had the college setting, the college financial responsibilities, but it went a bit slower. I am definitly more prepare and dynamic to attend a four year college. I have learn so much from these two years. Community college gave me a great insight than going to a four year after high school would have.

With a tumultuous childhood and an early adulthood that had me already living independently and working full-time, while also doing extensive volunteer work with a local animal rescue group, I was a late-bloomer when it came to realizing how much I wanted to continue my education. However, the events that led me to enrolling in community college in 2008 have put me on a path that I never would have expected. I have served as editor-in chief of my school's literary and arts magazine, was chosen as a recipient of the Jack Kent Cooke scholarship, and was accepted as a transfer student to a selective program at New York University's Tisch School of the Arts. Through college, I have seen myself grow as a person, and I have gained a life-changing experience, life-long friends, and access to a network of opportunites.

I grew up in a community and attended a high school that was not very diverse. Coming to a school like NYU in a big city has exposed me to a colorful pool of classmates and professors that have helped to expand my mind. It's extremely refreshing to not only get to know people who are nothing like you. Walking around to get to my classes proves to be an experience in itself as I encounter the characters of Greenwich Village. NYU's take on education allows me to learn about fields other than my major (Film/TV), such as Archaeology. Living in NYC has given me a sense of independence that is perhaps greater than that which I would have acquired at a campus school. This school and this city have also provided my with opportunities that I know I would never have at any other school. For example, through a club I'm a part of, I was able to work at a movie screening and director/actor Q&A session for Variety magazine. Working at an industry-exclusive event is just an example of the experiences I have the opportunity to take advantage of at NYU.