Old Dominion University Top Questions

My college experience is showing me the true meaning of responsibility. All my decision making reflects on my own actions; I have been learning from my flaws and use those failures to my own advantage. I see college as the foundation to my adulthood and the experience is changing me for the better as a responsible young adult. I feel confident in myself when I make choices and create a sense of accomplishment when I overcome challenges. I learn to manage my time wisely and everything about college has been valuable: the freedom, the responsibility, and the experience itself.

i have gotten a lot of knowledge and the ability to more beleive in myself and know that i can go anywhere that i want in life. it is not always easy to go further or even want to when everything seems to be against you but i think that came from my personal life so the college has been great for me and evertone else.

I've been able to find myself as an individual while attending school. I've learned how to network and connect with all kinds of people regardless of race, gender, or religion. I know my strengths and weaknesses when it comes to studying and learning the material and now have a better and clear understanding of what it takes to obtain an A+ in a class. Last, but not least, all these years that I have been attending school, I have learned that one of the most valuable things to me is my education. Without an education I cannot be the professional I long to be or obtain a job in my field of choice.

I got the sense of growing up and being an adult. Being at college and away from home i had to make my own decisions and my own choices without the help or guidance of my parents. As well as, having to do things and handle business about financial aid and problems on my own without their help. Attending college has been very valuable in helping me grow up and become a man.

Out of my college experience i have gained a different outlook on life and opportunities. I now understand in order to be successful with your intended goals, you have to be willing to network with a broad number of people; including students teachers, and alumnis. I have also been able to accept the fact that there are lots of people that have different cultures, but yet could have so much in common as one another. However, i also have learned in order to recieve the grades you want, you have to be willing to put in hours of studying all days out of the week to do well in class courses. It has been valuable to attend college because in modern day working society, the task and skills are becoming more elite for jobs than in the past. Attending college is capable of preparing each student for the working career they intend to pursue. College is a life changing and preparing experience!

College has been a great experience for me. It has gotten me out into the real world, being that I don't have to live under my parents anymore, I am free to do as I please. I like to be in charge of my own schedule and not be forced to go to school for eight hours straight everyday going to the same classes, being spoon-fed everything we needed to know. Being able to study as I please, and having to solve my own problems is going to help me in the real world. By paying for my own education I feel like I am trying harder to do well. High school looks like a joke compared to actually having to do work now. I have learned how to study, I have never in my life had to study before, and now I know how. College is acually preparing me to live and be successful.

By attending Old Dominion University I have received a valuable amount of college experience. Around six months ago, college experience only meant getting out of my parent's household and living by my set of rules. Quickly I learned that the college experience is what sets you up for success in the "real world." I am majoring in Business and have met several other more experienced students along with helpful advisors who have given me very valuable tips. I now notice that long lasting relationships that you build in college can help you better yourself along life's journey. Therefore, you cannot take for granted one person you meet. College not only gives you the proper education to succeed, but gives you the benefits of meeting potential colleagues or personel in the future. Also, the help I gained from others led me to the career path I felt that was perfect for myself. I feel confident that the education I am retaining from the diverse Old Dominion University campus will ensure myself a bright future later on in life. Perhaps, if I decided to attend another university 6 months ago, I would not feel this great sense of accomplishment today.

A college education was not important to me while I was a high school student, I knew I was joining the U.S. Navy after graduation. After nine years in the service, I decided that getting married would be a good idea. After finding a "job" I decided that when I grew up I wanted to be a counselor. In order to obtain my dream, I knew I needed to go to college. After a four year break, I took the time off to care for my daughter, I decided that I would attempt the traditional college route. It has been valuable for me to attend college, because not only am I setting a good example for my daughter, I am also finishing a goal that I have set for myself.

I am currently attending college for the second time. I received a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration in 2002. Over the past 8 years, my degree has not benefited me in the workforce. I realized that my true passion is Pharmacy, and that is what I am going back to school for. I am currently attending a 2 year community college, but plan on going to Auburn University Summer or Fall of 2011. My passion for helping others is what leads me in my choice of career field. I have worked in a pharmacy environment for over 10 years and I love that I get to help people everyday. I feel that as a Pharmacist I will have more opportunites to help others throughout the world, hopefully in third-world countries. I would greatly appreciate your consideration for the scholarship as it would greatly help me in my pursuit of a new profession. Thank you for your time. Jamie Lawson

I've gotten out of my college experience as pursuing a career under the major of Communications. I have chosen the field of Communications, because as my college experience has progressed, I’ve noticed that I have a natural skill that is outstanding under the field. With Communications I’m able to always connect with others, whether it’s words of encouragement, the persuasion of a bargain, or representing a committee. With the attribute of communication skills, I learned there comes the power to make change. This field of study will help me reach my future goals of becoming either a successful TV show host or film producer. I've already gotten myself involved with organizations throughout the school year such as FSI, Student Council, WODU Radio, Women’s Basketball Scout Team, and Intramural Sports. FSI stands for Freshmen Summer Institute, where incoming freshmen are chosen to develop leadership skills that will prepare them to help guide others in the freshmen class down the right path to have a successful first year as being a college student. Student Council is an organization that schedules social events to bring all of the students together to interact with each other.

As a lifelong learner, I have attended several different colleges. I am currently enrolled in the RN to BSN program at ODU. This is a "portfolio" program. I feel that I have gained an increased ability to write formal papers. Writing papers is time cosuming and requires much research. I would like to become a hospital administrator. Therefore, I feel that this experience will afford me the ability write and obtain grants for medical institutions I may work at in the future.

I have gotten a lot out of my college education so far. I have discovered what I want to do in life. Before, I attended college I had some ideas of what I thought I wanted to do, but I was not passionate about any of them. During my first semester of college, I took the basic English composition class. It was during this class that I realized my passion was reading and writing. During my second semester class, I had to take a Biology class. The teacher of this class was the best teacher I ever had. She made me discover that I wanted to be an English professor. Another thing that I have gotten out of my college experience is the ability to make friends quickly. Before, I attended college, I was very shy and did not feel confident enough to go up to people and talk to them. College has turned me into a completely different person. I no longer feel scared to talk to people. Now, I actually enjoy meeting new people and learning about their life. College has been extremely valuable to me because it has shaped me into the person I am today.

I have gleaned so much wisdom from the various professors I have had. I bonded first with my Literature teacher; I liked her from the start. She taught me to second guess meanings, challange the way I view topics. I was so linear in my thinking, I began to expand my horizons. College was a chance for me to be someone else. There were so many lables in high school, but at college, I made more friends then I have ever had. The fresh start has given me confidence to be the person I was created to be.

If I had to choose one thing that I have gotten out of my college experience at Old Dominion University it would my ability to be more open and confident around people I am not familiar with. Shyness and self-consciousness has always been something that I've dealt with in from a child up to highschool. Often my teachers in school would tell my parents that I was a very bright and smart student but their one concern was that I was too quiet and rarely shared my views during classroom discussion. My original excuse was that I chose to be quiet and that I could "turn on " my openess anytime that I decided. I soon realized that I was just lying to myself and began trying to make improvements. Though I somewhat improved my shyness, I didnt see major progress untill this year when arrived at ODU. In just my first few months of attendance ODU has forced to be more social in order to get ahead, allowing me to break out of my shyness and become more open. So now I dont "turn on" my openess because it is never off.

In high school, I was an aimlessly wandering student who was just having fun, relatively unaware of my academic potential. When college rolled around, it was as if I started a new chapter in my life, titled “Reality and Maturity finally kicked in”. I enrolled at Saddleback Community College and, for the first time in my academic career, I became self-motivated and inspired to learn. I encountered a thought provoking counselor and a couple of gifted professors who inspired me to reflect on my future and solidify my goal to attend Marshall School of Business at that University of Southern California. My college education has taught me to fine tune my academic and study skills while becoming a critical thinker and effective problem solver. I’ve also learned how to more effectively work in groups, embrace individual differences, and to use the available faculty, resources, and support services to thrive in the academic arena. But, most importantly, my college experience has helped me to realize the absolute need and value of continuing my education through to at least the bachelor degree level.

Yes. It is preparing me for grad school and beyond.

Through my experience at Old Dominion University, I have gained confidence in myself and others. I have joined organizations on campus which has made me more comfortable around people and more open to others. Fellow students have helped me to become more tolerant and understanding of other people's beliefs and ideals. In my courses I have gained confidence in my academic abilities and learned new study habits which have helped boost my grades. Faculty members at Old Dominion University have been very helpful in guiding me to a career that suits my ideals and personality. With a major in engineering, I can design equipment for the military and for the betterment of this country and it's people.

Starting my college experience at Old Dominion University has finally made my long awaited dream of going to school a reality. For many years I have worked hard to get where I am today -- a full-time student. Due to financial difficulties, I enlisted in the Navy right after high school for the educational opportunities that were promised. Six years later, that promise was delivered to me a week after I was honorably discharged when I step foot on campus fully transitioned from servicemember to student. All my life it has been impressed into my mind how important education is and the achievable goals and attainable rewards that are waiting to be discovered. Without education, there is no room for growth there is only a state of maintaining. To fully advance in life, we need to be able to pull out of that state of maintaining and push foward. I am absolutely ecstatic that I am finally pushing forward with education to achieve and attain my ultimate dream of becoming a physician's assistant!

My college experience has been a wonderful time to explor my interests and strive for my goals. Because of the need for self discipline in ensuring one completes school work and homework on time by ones self, I have learned how to prioritize. I have learned what my interests are and how to reach and create stepping stones for my goals. By creating those stepping stones it has allowed me to reach some of my goals sooner and get closer to others than I ever thought imaginable at this point in my educational career.

Although I haven't started yet I'm looking forward to continuing my education so that when I start my family my kids have the opportunity that I had. A warm home with two loving parents. Education was the most important which is what I hope to install in my kids.

Education has always been passion for me. i have desire to learn new things everyday. attending college and continuing further education is best way to learn and develop yourself and also discover new things. i started my college 6 months ago after i was out of school for one year. going back to college has added some strength on me. when i was working after i finished school and was not attending college i used to think that my life is going to ruin , without education i would be working as a labor getting paid minimum wage. now getting into college has given me hope, i have developed confidence in me to do something new and achieve something on my own. my level of confidence has increased. although continuing work along with work is a tough job i prefer to take challege. i understand that to gain something you have to loose something. my major is life science, i am in a community college, i plan to transfer to medical college. i consider that my decision to return to college is most important decision i made that will definitely shape my future in differently than i thought being outside college.

Being enrolled in a community college has provided me time to live a normal life without having to give up all my time for school. I am taking an evening class, which allots me a full schedule. I am learning to manage my work, time, and preparation while taking classes. I value the oppurtunity to take classes without a heavy load on work and money. I get a professional college experience while still being able to have a normal day.

My college experience so far has been extremely valuable to me. It has showed me the personalities of a number of different people and how to handle things that I probably would not have learned elsewhere. My classmates have been very valuable to my learning process and they have showed me some extremely valuable lessons. I do not think that I would be so confident and outgoing if it weren't for the new people I have met at my school. It has showed me that everyone, no matter how different they may seem, has similar personality traits and can find a way around difficult situations. I believe that college is truly preparing me for the real world and things that I may encounter when I get in it.

Attending college has-and continues to be, a wonderful experience, as it provides me with invaluable knowledge, prepares me for my career, and helps me grow as a person. Through each course I take, I not only learn and grow, but first and foremost-I learn to let myself learn and grow, which is perhaps the most important and basic tool needed to succeed in life. My college experience will undoubtedly allow me to enter into the career of my dreams, and ultimately give me the opportunity to make my life exactly what I want it to be.

I feel that I have gotten the opportunity to learn things about myself that I probably would have never known about without going to college. I have deleveloped a sort of strength that has gotten me through my first two years of college. I love all of the things that I have been learning so far and all of the different people that I have might. I believe by me attending college I have learned to broaden my horizons and not to be so closed minded on the other things that are happening in the world.

I have gotten a lot of my college experience at Old Dominion University, and they are a deeper understanding of responsibility, determination, perserverance. There were many things that happened to me my freshman year that I thought I would never experience; for example, I never thought I would have to withdraw from a class my first semester. It affected my GPA, but not too badly. Realizing that I wasn't pleased with my results, I strived harder to make the Dean's List the second semester and I did. The professors and RA's were very instrumental with my success so far at ODU. It has been valuable to attend this institution because at ODU I am pushed to do my best in everything. I am encouraged to get involved socially and academically; moreover, the challenges that are presented to me are preparing me for graduate school and my career. I am investing in my education and ODU is most definitely making it worth while.

I have grown so much from my college experience, not only futhering my education but I have grown a responsible, well mannered, and persevering young man. Going to college has givin me opportunities to co-op at Greater Cincinnati Water Works where I am learning so many work related things as well as in my field of study. I only plan to grow and become a better person and help the environment with all my power.

I have gotten a new sense of responsibility out of my college experience. I call the admissions or financial aid offices if I have any questions about anything. I make the important decisions in my life. I fee this will help me when I am completely on my own. I know many people who are afraid to call the offices if they have a question or even call and order pizza and they ask me to make these phone calls for them. I am not afraid. I am now a responsible young adult who can handle their own business.

I have only been in college for a year, but that year has made such a difference. My dad chose not to attend college, and thus far, my sister has not either. Attending college is going to give me so many more opportunities than i could have ever imagined. I'm excited to learn, and excited to eventually start a career. I know that attending college will also build my relationships and connections for the future and i cannot wait to continue my education.

I have obtained so much information about how the world works. For example, business ethics has opened my eyes on the different ways I could deal with an disgruntled customer or employee. Also, I have grown in a personal aspect. When I first started attending college, I was shy, I always sat in the back of the classrooms and I never participated in any school events. Now, I have no issue putting myself in the discussion, I am front and center in the classrooms, and I have been the Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operations Officer in the Student Business Coalition here on campus. I feel it is valuable to attend college for personal growth and to learn the characteristics of your future career. Even if people change their minds about their major, they will always have the personal experience that they went and accomplished a task. College is not an easy task but it has enriched my life so much it is hard to describe it in words. I am a better person because of school.

Throughout my college career, I have learned a great deal about life and about myself. I feel that Old Dominion has truly helped me to realize my potential as a young adult and has helped me grow in ways I never expected. Old Dominion has helped me set and reach my goals. I will be the first in my family to graduate from college and will do so knowing that I got the most out of my time at ODU.

I have gained a great deal out of my college experience. I have learned more about the world and people than I ever thought possible. I have gained a greater understanding of what makes people who and what they are. My eyes have been opened and I have been inspired to try new things which I never thought I would have the opportunity to do. I have also learned much about myself. I have discovered what makes me tick and developed a greater understanding of just how much I have to offer and what I am capable of. Attending college has been of value to me in that now I am better prepared for life. I now have a solid foundation with which to work with for the rest of my life, especially skills and knowledge I have learned which I will use as a teacher. I know that I will be able to make a difference in the lives of children and my college experience has allowed that to happen. I have learned that if an older student like me who hated himself and school can change and become something, so can others and I will make that happen.

Through my college experience I have already met many new friends and possibly started on life-long friendships. The campus is an amazing place for social networking and academic networking. The students at this campus are very helpful to one another. A much needed study group is always available.

I have matured so much since starting college; I am so much more responsible and self-sufficient. I realized that the time and effort I put into my courses while attending college will ultimately determine how successful I am in my future career. I have become so much more dedicated to learning all that I can while attending college, because being able to attend a university is a privilege, and I understand that now. I am just so glad I picked a university that cares so much about its students, faculty, and the surrounding areas. This kind of learning environment has allowed me to grow and prosper into a respectable young woman, and I am just so thankful for that. I know I will always fondly remember the time I spent at the University and remember not only the academic information, but the life lessons I learned while attending Old Dominion University.

My experience at ODU has been one I didn't expect. I entered the college setting expecting to be swamped with assignments that I couldnt possibly complete. I learned immediately that college isn't considered more difficult than high school because of the work load or academic expectations. College is tricky because instantly youre given tons of liberty and even more free time. The combination creates an atmosphere where many mistakes will be made. The best students avoid these mistakes completely. But most of us will make one or more. What seperates the group that succeeds and the group that fails is the ability to learn from mistakes. ODU is the type of university where if you lack drive and focus, you'll end up off track. Freshman year, with no major in mind, I found myself off track. I was making great grades in all of my classes, but I had no idea where I was headed. Ultimately lack of direction stopped me from reaching my full academic potential. This taught me a valuable lesson about college. Sucess in college is the result of having self-motivation, time management skills, and the ability to balance social and academic life.

My biggest takeaway from college so far has been that there is nothing that you cannot do. I came in wanting to do or join a few things, and by the end of the year had done all of them, even some things that hadn't existed yet! I have learned that hard work and persistance is key to anything that I plan to do for the rest of my life, and college has shown and taught me those skills.

I have been able to meet fantastic people and make great friendships!

I have not yet attended college, as my Freshman year begins August 18. However, I know that college will be an opportunity for me to start over, as I have previously made many mistakes in my life that I have been working to overcome. In high school I let my GPA slide below a 1.0, and I risked expulsion several times. In addition, I just got out of an unhealthy 4 year relationship where I had been convinced by my fiance that I would never amount to anything. Attending college will be my way of proving him wrong. Him, and all the others who've told me the same thing my entire life. I have the opportunity to prove to the world and to myself that I have a fire in my heart and brains in my head. What on Earth could be more valuable?

The most valuable thing i have recieved from my college experience is the value of hardwork.

I have learned that school is the most important thing to worry about and you cannot let leisure activities interfere with it. This was a very valuable lesson learned that I do not think I might have learned at another school.

As a student of Old Dominion University, I have learned an abundance about myself. I came to the conclusion that school is only as hard I make it. If I continue to put in the work, I will see the fruits of my labor. This knowledge has helped me overcome many challenging courses.

My college experience has truly been a life lesson. If there is one thing that I may take from the entire journey, it would be determination. I have had some of the most trying periods in attempts to stay enrolled at my university. From almost being homeless, almost having to join the military, and even dropping out because of financial stress, I have been there. One thing I have never been able to do is give up on me. I am a senior student now, and without a doubt, I am still struggling. The one thing that I know will keep me here is my ambition. I am a Medical Technology student, and I know for a fact that my post-grad career will be rewarding. I also plan to attend medical school after about a year of working in my field. I don't doubt that it will be easy then either, but it will be as much of a roller coaster ride as it's been thus far.

During my two years at Old Dominion University I have gotten more than an education out of my experience, I have been able to learn how to over come my learning disability with out the help of any program or assistance. During high school I always felt handicapped by my learning disability and how my teachers would never push me to excel or go further than the bare minimum. However at Old Dominion my professors have help me learn and have a better understanding of my courses with out any assistant program. Being able to over come my learning disability has meant more to me than anything I could have every hoped to get out of a college education and more. I cannot thank my professors enough at Old Dominion University and what they have taught me in just two years.

From my college experience, I have gathered the importance of finding out who I want to be. I have learned the importance of showing full commitment in everything I do and if I have trouble I need to seek out for help. Being in college has helped me to develop independence and adjust to different surroundings and people. College has become very valuable, because within this first year, I have become a better person and have gained confidence in my future.

Out of my college experience, I have gained the power to be responsible. College has taught me to take responsibilty for all my actions in my classes regarding my grades. College has also given me the power to be an independent adult. It has been valuable to attend college to give me a future where I can better myself.

Before I started my current college career, I was very reserved and a bit sheltered. However my college experience has caused me to be more open and to connect with people. It has also taught me that there is so much to try and enjoy in life.

I have gained a sense of responsibility. I have had to learn how to manage everything on my own, from cooking to deadlines. I have learned how to take care of myself. I have earned a great education. ODU's dental hygiene program is one of the best in the state! I am so honored to be in it. I love the atmosphere of there always being something to do, I am never bored. Having to have a job and go to school has made me learn the value of a dollar.

When I first started attending Cypress Comunity College as a recent high school graduate I second guessed my choice to not attend a university right away. Though, that way of thinking did not last long. Within no time I fell in love with the lifestyle I was gaining through my junior college. Not only was I giving myself an integrated introduction to college life, but I was experiencing a new way of learning I never thought was available to me. I have gained more than an education through the words in books, I have gained personal worldly knowledge form the institue itself, and it's professors. What I hold so valuable about my education as I transfer in the coming months is that the name of the school, the cost of the books, or the tuition are not what defines my education; moreover, it is how i chose to use and interpret the college experience I have gained over the past two years as I move on to a larger University spectrum. The value of my education is based on the value I hold for myself.

I have learned to be a dedicated student, not only to my studies, but being independent. This experience has been valuable to me in ways that most college students do not typically get to recieve. Living here has taught me to work extremely hard and know that it will all pay off in the end. It has also opened doors for me for my future career goals being that there are many oppurtunities to get your foot in the door living in a city. As a woman, I have also learned how to protect myself and grasped the importance of having common sense. These type of experiences will truly help me achieve all my goals once I graduate.

I feel that I have gotten a large amount of culture from going to college. I went to high school in a small town with very little ethnic variation. When I came to college I got to interact with students from all sorts of backgrounds and I think I'm a better person for it.