Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus Top Questions

My name is Amanda Gorman. I now attened Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College Jefferson Davis Campus in Biloxi, Ms. I am aspiring to become a nurse, and this school has helped me emmensely on my journey to this carreer. What I have learned in my college experience is being able to talk to people with confidence, learning the skils to become a nurse, and becoming a well rounded person in society. The reason it is valuable to attend college is to become a better person and learn a skill to make a person more succesful in life. It also is an advantage to help others with those skills that a person recieves in college. I would greatly appreciate being awarded this scholarship so I am able to help others in life.

I have only been in college for a short time but I have learned so much about myself. I have gained new friendships, study habits, and skills since my time here at Penn State. My first semester here I learned that I wasn't doing enough to prepare myself for quizes and exams. I have had to struggle to find new ways to help me succeed in my classes. The quality of work is much higher than it was in high school. Because of this I have gained better mental math skills by doing all calculus by hand and my writing has improved by getting the guidence i needed for my papers. Attending college has been a valuable experience for me. I know that all the hard work I am putting in will payoff. I feel like I am moving forward in my life and I have a bright future ahead of me.

I once remarked to a friend that my college experience thus far has generally been focused on un-learning what I had previously thought about education, work and life. My classes, professors, and mentors have encouraged me to become a self-motivated learner and actively take part in campus life. I am trying daily to take them up on the challenge. Examples of my efforts include volunteering weekly at local nursing homes by playing Scrabble and Wii Bowling with residents and at LifeLinkPSU by accompanying students with developmental or learning disabilities to classes. I am also involved in ESL tutoring and serve as a member of the Council of LionHearts, an organization consisting of service leaders on campus. All of this plus my 21 credits this semester are preparing me for the fast-paced, technology driven, and competitive world. Learning how to navigate a bureaucracy like Penn State and applying my professional experiences will give me the upper hand in this competitive job market. Learning to stand up for myself is one of the most valuable parts of my educational experience.

My school has that most loyal alumni network in the country and they are always willing to help students find jobs after graduation. There are so many opportunities to get involved and meet new people that will change your life. My schoolwork is often difficult and time consuming, but I have learned a lot due to my professors and other students. I have been so involved on campus and have learned so much about myself by attending Penn State University. Penn State becomes so much smaller after joining organizations and getting involved. Our school spirit makes this an amazing place to live and study. Although football essentially consumes Penn State, there are other opportunities for students who are not into sports. Penn State is home to the largest student run philanthropy in the country: THON. Each year we raise millions of dollars to help kids fight cancer and give up our weekends to can for the cause. THON has changed my life and I have Penn State to thank for that. Everyone who attends Penn State is extremely loyal to the school and faculty. In conclusion, I honestly cannot imagine attending another university. You are never limited at Penn State.

In the past two and a half years that I have been at college I've grown in every aspect of life. I am more confident, stronger, and more understanding. I'm constantly finding myself in new situations and problems and having to work my way out. These include social situations, roommate disagreements and academic trouble. I have come out of each situation stronger and I would have never been in those situations if it wasn't for college. I look back and I feel that I can also help others more. Helping people is something I really enjoy doing. Even before I got to school I felt that I could really understand people and their problems so that I could help them from my own experience. I feel that I can understand people even more now and I am very grateful for that. Attending college has been very valuable to me in just that I have grown and become a better person.

I have learned how to be a better and more well-rounded person because of my college experience. Education and learning have always been important to me, but I have learned to value other things just as equally such as friendship, fun, and life in general. Not everything you learn at college can be learned through a text-book. Some things need to be learned through experience and hardwork. I feel that attending college has caused my outlook on life and the future to be more optimisitc. I am confident that I can achieve great things and make a difference in this world.

In all honesty, I had not a single idea what to expect when I first arrived at Penn State. I decided on the college because it "felt right" and none of my family members had ever attended a university. What I have gotten out of Penn State fully satisfies me and encourages me to pursue anything I dream. I have joined clubs I never imagined joining, both for fundraising for children with pediatric cancer (THON organizations) and for support of women in science (AWIS). I pledged a sorority (Phi Mu) even though I always told myself I wouldn't, and it turned out that my sorority is consistently the highest annual fundraiser for Children's Miracle Network. College has been valuable to attend because I've discovered parts of myself that I never knew were there. Every organization I've joined has welcomed me with open arms and illuminating encouragement, also helping me to excel in academics. I haven't doubted a single decision I've made at Penn State, and I owe it all to the college which has shaped my personality, tenacity, and pride.

I have learned about many different and diverse cultures that I was not previously familiar with. I moved from Ohio to Washington this year, and I have been attending a community college. I have met people from all over the world, and learned about where they come from and their cultures. It is very different than what I was used to, or what I had expected from college. I have also gotten involved in the student life. I frequently participate in school activities, and this year I am working for the Student Government. I am the Campus Affairs Senator and my job is to inform students about the school and to raise money for scholarships. I am a member on some committees such as the Tenure Committee, the Graduation Committee, and the Safety Committee. I also work as a tutor at the college. Through all of this I have been able to meet and connect to many other students. It truly has been a life changing experience to get to communicate and befriend people from all over the world. I also value the education and responsibility of being a college student. The experience is something I will cherish forever.

Throughout my college experience, I have learned so much about myself, time and others. But, the biggest lesson I have learned so far is time management. In highschool, teachers brag about the college work being difficult, but they never seem to express the need to manage your time. I have realized that every free time you get should not be devoted to watching tv or surfing the internet - but going to the library or reviewing your studies from classes. The amount of effort you put in to your work, will definitely show in your GPA. In terms of time management, I learned about myself for the better. I learned what I do that can help or hurt me and I know what to do, to change. In terms of myself, I learned many of my strengths and weaknesses. Being in school on your own sets the bar for the real world, letting you know that you are out on your own and the decisions you make matter. College is valuable to attend because it can teach you so much that cannot be taught in books or by professors. That hands-on, out in your old world, experience matters the most.

In my college experience I have learned not only life lessons but also excelled academically. I would say the most important expericence would be being exposed to the variety of cultures and beliefs and the overall diversity of the campus. It has helped prepare me to be tolerant and accepting of all persons in not only my career and social surroundings but also has encouraged me to explore and try new cultures and beliefs. Overall, the greatest experience in my college career is exposure to diversity.

Back home with my family is definitely not the best place for teeming young adults. And since I don't have a car, I'm usually stuck at home with nothing to do and unable to hang out with friends anywhere. My first semester of college has actually allowed me to go out, interact with others, make decisions, suffer consequences, basically live as a young adult and to learn from my mistakes. It really is all about responsibility. I'm the one who has to make sure I go to bed, that I wake up and eat, that I go to classes and get my homework done. Going away for college is priceless because it allows you to grow. It allows you to grow as a person as you find your own niche and become friends with some of the best people you ever met. You truly can be yourself around them and you simply grow and mature. It is the best thing a teen can experience and enjoy.

College has taught me that there is no limits on getting an education, that you can be what you want to be without any restrictions. No matter what your background is, college does not discriminates and offers equal opportunities to everyone. College has opened different views towards the World in general, making me see that no matter how different we, humans, are on the outside, we all want the same thing, which is to prosper in life. College made me see the potential I have and had made me see that while others may have an influence of the decisions I make, at the end of the day I am truly the sole owner of my decisions. Most of all, college has taught me that the mind is the most powerful and valuable asset that us human beings own, and nobody can't take it away from us.

When asked what i have gotten out of my college experience, i can definitely say that from my college experience, i've made so many mistakes, but also i have learned from them. Although my gpa may not show it, going to Penn State has made me a better student and my college experience has taught me to be more focused on my academics and help others who are struggling in classes to not give up, but to keep fighting because at the end of the day you will succeed if you don't give up. My college experience has taught me that you never fail until you give up and because of this i'm glad i am at Penn State and that even though college has not gone exceedingly great for me, it never too late for me to do what i want to do, to become a doctor and make the world a better place. My colleg experience has taught me that i can impact the world and make it a better place if i don't give up.

It is very hard to describe what I got out of my college experience in less than 200 words, but I would say that I have received an experience for a lifetime at college. Prior to attending Penn State University, I never would have imagined myself actively involved in my school's diverse community. Currently, I am involved in the world's largest collegiate philanthropic charity organization, one of the fastest growing and developing programming/entertainment clubs at Penn State and am managing an average of 16 credits a semester all at once. I never would have seen this potential in myself had I not gone to Penn State University. “College is like a fountain of knowledge - and the students are there to drink.” This anomynously stated quote is 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} accurate. The opportunities for advancement in college are limitless and have no bounds. When I joined the Penn State community, I decided that I was ready to seize every single chance that I had. As a result, as a person, I grew both intellectually and spiritually. College allowed me to be thirsty for life, and now I will always have the desire to drink from the fountain of knowledge.

A sense of security in the future, and in an interesting field.

At Penn State I have gotten more than just an education, I have made relationships that will last a lifetime and opportunites I will always cherish. Penn State has made it possible for me to do a service project in the Dominican Republic over spring break which has inspired me to help others and gave me assurance that I have chosen the right career path for my future. I have friendships that will continue even after I graduate. It's often said that college is the best time of your life, and I can't say whether this is true or not since I have so much to experience yet but I can guarentee that if it isn't, it's definitely a runner up. Tuition is very expensive and the bills continue to come in but overall Penn State has given me more than I could ever ask for, not only an education but a lifetime of memories and friendships.

In my time at Penn State, I have done so much more than memorize facts and take exams; I have become part of a proud and loving family. I am no longer an outsider to the storied traditions and thriving community of the university; I am now a part of something much bigger than myself. Few words can describe how it feels to be in Beaver Stadium, surrounded by over 100,000 people as we put our hands on each other's shoulders and sing the alma mater. It is a very powerful and moving experience. The sense of pride and family at Penn State is fantastic, and like nothing I've ever known. Attending Penn State has been a valuable experience in many aspects. I am receiving a high-quality education, taught by the best and brightest professors. I am being trained and prepared to enter the workforce in my chosen field. Most of all, I have become a part of a family of hundreds of thousands of students and alumni who will all have Penn State pride for the rest of their lives. I would not choose to be a part of anything else.

By attending college the first time 12 years ago and finally returning as a full-time student this past year, I have learned that anything is possible with time and perseverence. I now realize that putting more effort into my studies is extremely advantageous and I am learning by leaps and bounds. I love the fact that Penn State is a large university because it allows for many more opportunities to interact with talented professor and researchers. Also, I have the chance to work in a research laboratory setting, which is invaluable experience. I am thoroughly enjoying my coursework and excited about the upcoming years. I can't wait until I graduate and possibly go on to attain upper level degrees.

College Education is most important because its knowledge that can never be taken away from you and you will always have your college education to fall back on. First of all, the value of a college education can be taken in all different kinds of aspects. WBeing that college has its many expenses I look at it like I am buying a house. You have to be positive when looking at what all you have to put in when attending school. College very much itself has to be valued. You have to put a lot of your work and long hours when working on a degree. Going to school is not easy as it seems. Good study habits are one main factor when valuing college. then enrolling in school I look at it like this is my pride and glory and no one can take this from me. You can lose all your fame and fortune but if you have a college education it remains the same. In my prospective college education is valued. College is a goal of mine that I'm going to achieve.

I've got a lot things out of my college experience. For instance, responsibility, hard work, and specially staying focused. There are several distractions that may occur in college notably parties, alcohol, and girls. As a young man these distractions are extremely difficult to handle however, I always keep in mind the percentage of minority men dropping out of school and I don't want to be apart of that number. Also, I don't want to let my family and friends down. I want to live a good life in which I work at doing something that I enjoy and am good at. Lastly, I want to be a role model for the kids from my hometown, I want them to have belief in themselves and know that it is possible to live in a wonderful home, travel the world, and have enough money to not worry for things.

Aside from the obvious, that being a great education, it has been the great circle of friends that I have developed and hope that I can maintain it for years to come. However, the one thing that will be most valuable is the goal that I'm striving for; and that is to get my commission as an officer in the United States Army, funds permitting.

I am the first person in my family to go to college, so this is very important to all of us. going to college and becoming educated is very important for me if i want to succeed in life. i want to become a social worker and help abused and neglected children. without a degree i am not able to do this. this has been my life long goal since i was 12 years old. college is a completely different experience than what i could have imagined. it has given me so many possibilities and has made me learn to grow up and be responsible. now days an education and degree is one of the most important things one needs to be fulfilled in their life. if i won this scholarship i would be so grateful because it would help me those others that are in need of help. thank you for considering me for this wonderful scholarship.

College has been an invaluable experience for me not only for the academics, but for my growth as a person. I’ve learned to open my mind to new ideas and ways of thinking. I’ve made friendships that would make even the closest siblings jealous. I’ve found love and lost it. I’ve had ideas and turned them into reality. But most of all I’ve discovered who I am and what I’m capable of becoming, because that’s the confidence that Penn State has given to me.

Attending college was not high on my priority list just out of high school. My parents never went to college. Why should I ? And for many years I stayed away. I didn't see the point of studying until I knew what it was I wanted to learn. Many years later, I now know. I want to learn everything! College has taught me how to play nice, get places on time and appreciate my mother's cooking. It has humbled me and shown me that I don't know as much as I think I do. It has inspired me to never stop learning, never give up and question everything. The value of college cannot be summed up in just a handful of words on a page. It embodies challenging memories, relentless life skills and unforgettable friendships. College is priceless. I've taken a lot out of college and hope to take even more. But, I also hope to leave a bit of me behind - my gratitude.

My first attempt at college, I tried to find my way on my own, without an academic advisor. I failed miserably. In retrospect, I learned the value of academic advising. Even though I was down, I got back up and tried again. I was working full-time and took some classes so I could try for a promotion. I did not get the promotion and I was down again. I got back up and obtained my real estate license, became a Realtor and sold some houses. I still felt like there was something missing in my life. I've always been interested in healthcare and medicine, so I sought the help of an academic advisor and decided to pursue a career in nursing. She took all my college transcripts and deciphered what transferred and what I needed to take. I have followed the plan. I made the Dean's List and am about to make it again this quarter. I am awaiting transfer to The Ohio State University where I will enter the Nursing program to obtain my Bachelor's of Science degree in Nursing. Had I not had these experiences, I would not be where I am today.

I have obtained knowledge in the engineering field and made many new friends.

I did not start out college as an A student who knew how to study and teach myself. College has been a learning experience in more ways than one. Not only have I learned the material from the classes I have taken, but college has taught me how to be a better student. While attending college I have learned how far I can push myself and what I am capable of. I believe that college has helped me to learn self worth and pride.

I have gotten more than I could ever ask for out my college experience. Penn State feels like home to me and I feel like I have a family at Penn State, a family of good friends that I am going to have for life. I know that I made the right decision choosing to come to Penn State.

I would say that the most valuable component of my college experience is the education I've received. Although I am involved in extracurricular activities and I have a busy social life, it has been my studies that have kept me grounded. I do focus a lot on my grades and GPA, but at the same time, I study and attend class to gain knowledge, not just get superior grades. After attending community college for three semesters, I realized that the courses offered there were the same as the ones a four-year university. I was very pleased with the community college I attended, as I learned a lot from my courses and I saved a lot of money on tuition as well. In my fourth semester I transferred to Penn State and I have found my courses to be equally challenging, but enjoyable at the same time. I do not regret for a second my decision to attend college, and I hope to continue to develop educationally as I finish up my undergraduate career.

What I Have gotten out of my college experience si somewhat limited, as I have only been in school for 3 weeks. So far though I gotten alot of culinary knowledge from chefs who have worked in the field for years. I have also found a school that is full of like minded people, which is something that really appeals to me. At my school everyone is an artist os some kind, so everyone si open minded, and bery helpful. I can only look forward to getting more deeply into school, and starting to get involved in the numerous school activities programs.

I have been able to be apart of numerous clubs of my choosing such as cross country, kines, HEAL, S.T.A.T.E.R.s, etc. I have met and made friends with amazing people and have great professors in my academics. At Penn State I have been given opportunities such as internships and scholarships along with many ways of improving my lifestyle for the future. Here at Penn State I am able to be who I want to be, and decide what I want to do. There is no stopping what you can do at Penn State. You just have to take advantage of all the opportunity. You can study abroad, take dancing classes, take part in research with professors, have a blast with the club of your choosing, or even one of the best parts of Penn State. . . be apart of THON! I am on Morale Committee myself and it is one of the best decissions I have ever made at Penn State. Whatever you want to do in college you just need to know the one thing that you need to do is get involved.

Im a single mother of two young children, so as you may know an education is our best bet at having a good life. Getting my Degree in nursing has always been a dream of mine, but having these two precious beings that need me very much are exactly what I needed to push me enough to reach those goals. I want my children to be proud of me, but most of all I want them to go on and get a higher education as well. My example should be what they need in return. Since my parents did not attend any type of higher education I really cant say how that does effect ones self. Im going through with it, and that is my experience thus far.

My college experience is different from most. I attend school online only. I have 2 children that have severe hemophilia, and I homeschool them as well. I attend Penn State online as a full time student. I have met many great classmates and teachers through virtual means. My major is Information Technology. I find that I spend a lot of my time learning how to operate a lot of new software so that I'm able to complete my assignments. This can be tedious at times, but it's actually giving me a lot of experience that I can use directly with my major. My school uses Eluminate which is an online classroom. I have virtual lab environments. One example is the Virtual lab for my database class. I have to use a remote desktop connection to connect to Penn State's SQL server to complete my work. Basically, I'm learning how to create an entire database from scratch. I have chat rooms and partners to work with others just like I would in a work place. This gives me valuable experience working as a team, and learning how to manage others at the same time.

My college experience has been one of personal realization and motivation. I came to school as a naive student without any definitive direction or desire. After 4 years at Penn State, I recognized my own potential and ability to suceed, not in light of my talents, but in light of my personal dedication and drive. I am leaving college with the understanding that the world is far greater, far more intricate, and far more complex than I could have ever realized otherwise. I am perhaps a little smarter, but certainly also a lot more confused than when I got here, but I have also come to see this as a good thing. College has been a humbling experience that has grounded me in the knowledge of my position in this world. I am a grain of sand on the beach, but the beach is beautiful, so thats quite alright with me. I have realized the scope of my dreams and the overwhelming weight that they bear on my shoulders. College has changed me personally, although I disliked it and even hated it at times. Attending this university has made me a better citizen of the world.

The biggest thing I got out of my college experience thus far is time management. With classes and the respected work load each one demands along with my job, free time is very slim. That's why I have to really think about priorities. I have to think about starting papers and online quizes now rather than later because I know that I simply won't have any time later. Every time I find myself just idling infront of the TV I have to stop myself because there is just too much that I have to do. It's even a wonder how I found time to answer this question. so time management is definately the biggest thing I got, and am still getting, out of college.

Attending college opened my eyes to the world. Previously from a small town I was not aware of the big picture the entire world creates. Now I see how the various societies of the world are intertwined and how they influences their individual members. I believe being educated this way is crucial to the continual intellectual growth of the human population. Without the ability to open our minds and see the larger picture, we as a population, would not be able to work side-by-side in making the world a better place. Attending college has taught me this essencial skill and inducted me into the wave of educated people working to improve the world we live in.

My Univeristy has allowed me to realize the feasibility of enjoying life after school. Penn State delivers more than most Univerisites, public or private, can offer. My education benefited me greatly when I was offered to run an ecotourist business in the Caribbean right after graduation. The social networks allowed me to have quite an amazing social life through out and after my college career. The faculty have continued to connect with me to this day to lend advice in my social and professional life. The University and its faculty urge students to USE its resources as a hub to be the change you seek in the world. Hell, I made my own course, and conducted my own research at PSU! If I did not attend Penn State, I do not believe I would have believed how much education can make a difference around the world. Our colleges (e.g. Agricultural Sciences) have fed the world, our philanthropy (e.g. Dance Marthon) has fought pediatric cancer, and even our audacious students have made their own show (GhostHunters). College should be the best time of your life TO DATE. Penn State instills this upon and after college. WE ARE - PENN STATE!

I haven't attended college yet, but hope to soon. I have always wanted to do well for myself. But it wasn't until I had my son that having an education became a priority. In order to make my son's life as easy as possible I need an education. I want him to have the things that my parents couldn't give me. I want to like what I do when I go to work everyday and know that what I'm doing may potentially help someone else other than myself. I hope that college will give me the dicipline I need to do everything I want in life, I know having my son is driving me to make our lives better.

well i been getting alot from being here at penn state university just for a couple months. Like i learn that we come to Penn State University we all should respect each other

I entered Penn State University with absolute confidence in my career aspirations of becoming a surgeon, specifically a cardiac surgeon. Little did I know that I unknowingly stepped into a vast ocean of ideas, opportunities, and incredibly alluring and fascinating new fields of study. After merely a semester, my once set-in-stone career ambitions had been intertwined with tiny unnerving flickers of doubt and uncertainty. Specifically, college has awakened in me an intense desire to travel, investigate new cultures, and expand my perception of the diversity of this world. With this realization came an uneasy sort of panic that this thirst for adventure and exploration of the world around me would, eventually, be lost in the struggle to achieve my “dream” career in the field of cardiac surgery. Although I have certainly not lost the desire to heal others and gain significant insight into the workings of the human body, this new awakening has prompted me into investigating fields such as medical anthropology and surgical programs in the international medical organization, Doctors Without Borders. The value of these new experiences is immeasurable, as they have shaped and sculpted me into the increasingly open-minded person I am today.

I have gotten so much self awareness. I have learned who I am and who I want to be. Everyday I go to class and I learn something I did not know before. I have gotten a sense of accomplishment and self worth that no one will ever be able to take away from me again. I look forward to waking up in the morning and going to class. I have gained so much motivation that I have never had before. And I have gained so much support from my loved ones and they are all so proud of me for making the decision to finally go to college and do something with my life.

The most excited and new experience in college that I have learned so far was to live independently in a dorm and take care of everything by myself. I now came to realize that when I am living closed to my family, I feel so warm and comfortable and whatever food I like, my mother usually make it for me, whatever I need, she tries to get it for me, but right now everything need to be on my own. I need to prepare everything for myself. However, I did enjoy and learn so much from this experience because it helped me became more organized, manageable and responsible with my own situation. It also helped me realized that my parents are not going to support or stay with me for the rest of my life, so I have to start preparing myself for my goals as well as my future. Lastly, I hope that I will learn more about my own interest of study and explore new experience and skills that I will desire for my future dream.

In the few months that I've been at my college I've gained many experiences. I was forced to become so much more independent and learn everything on my own. I no longer have my parents to guide me and make my decisions for me so it has been very tough learning to make the right choices all by yourself. I am very glad that I have gained these qualities though because it has made me mature as a young women and learn to follow and abide by my own morals and values and not allow other to negatively influence me. It has been so valuable to attend Penn State because I have learned what it takes to survive in the real world and it has made me become an adult that my parents can be proud of. I have learned to corporate with others and think of others before myself. I believe the value of a college experience is very important and should be experienced by anyone who can. If you take the college experience as one to learn and grow from and not one to take advantage of your freedom, you will truly become a better person.

A college education is the best resource you can have when entering a specialized career. College teaches students how to learn within a more specified area. In grade school you are taught how to learn generally and you use a very similar style no matter what the subject is, whether it be math, history, or science. College is about learning how to learn something in a specific field, and how to utilize this knowledge to accomplish your task. As a computer science student, I have taken a course called Programming Language Concepts. Many of the assignments for the course were assigned in different programming languages. But the point of the class was not to make sure that you new exactly how to write a program in Scheme, but to make sure that you understood functional programming as opposed to imperitive programming. Having this exposure will be valuable later if you ever need to learn how to use a functional programming language for a job.

Although the obvious answer is a college degree that opens more career options, there is so much more to attending college. You learn socialization skills with having to move into a dorm with roommates or even an apartment. Most students are not used to sharing space or even bathrooms. You learn budgeting skills. I had to rent an apartment on my own my senior year and worked two jobs while still attending full time. That year, I had also learned time management! You learn who you are and not just what you want to be when you are able to explore your options without judgement and a parent always over your shoulder. You learn by your mistakes and grow from an overwhelmed adolescent to a confident young adult. College leads you down paths that you may never would have discovered without attending. Besides the vaulable education that can not be matched, you also recieve valuable life lessons while still under that protective umbrella of adults. It truely is the opportunity to learn and make mistakes that, for the majority, can be fixed while under the guidance of experienced adults. College is an opportunity everyone should experience.

i will love o do something for my self because i want this more then any one i want it i need it!!

I have found my calling in life thanks to my college experience. I have met people from all walks of life and have grown to be a better person because of it. I have learned compassion, drive, focus, self-discipline and perseverance. I've had some of the most stressful times and some of the most fun times of life at college. I have received an excellent education and have developed a desire to be a life-long learner due to my college experience. I have met some of my best friends and confidantes here, at a campus of over 43,000 undergraduate students. With a school so large, I also developed better social and communicative skills. I have learned to be independent and strong. College has been the perfect transition for me to prepare me to step into "the real world", and although I would stay in college forever if I had my way, I know that it has given be the tools I need to be successful (in all senses of the world) in my "real world" life.

I am in my 2nd year at Penn State. What I have gotten out of my college experience to this point is learning about diversity and independence. Until arriving at Penn State, I was not exposed to the diversity of people that exist and have enjoyed meeting new people, learning about their cultures and lifestyles and developing friendships. I have also learned to become a responsible, independent person. I have leaned to budget and manage money and also about making responsible choices. Aside from the educational knowledge I am gaining, it has been valuable attending Penn State in that Penn State is helping me grow and mature and gain life experiences I would not have been exposed to had I remained in my small rural town.

I have experienced different situations that taught me time management. I've learned better studying skills as well as became more resposible. College life has taught me to focus more on me and my goals in life. With the past two years being able to finish high school and community college at the same time has showed me to aprreciated God and the things that He has blessed me with. So many people have said that they have never heard of an 18 year old with an AA degree but I achieved my goal and I am still doing such and striving for the best and I think its because my experiencing in college these past two years that brought me to this conclusion.

It's often said that you enter college as one person, and exit a completely different one. And though most of my morals and values have remained in tact, I would have to agree with this statement. When I entered Penn State in the fall of 2008, I was convinced that I had to do something huge to change the world. I wanted to impact peoples' lives by doing something that I deemed significant, like being a doctor or a lawyer. But after two years, I've realized that I don't need to have a so-called "important" degree to change lives. Now, I'm a writing major. I write things: fiction, nonfiction, poetry, anything, and I've realized that I can still change lives. I can still have a major impact on the world by affecting people with my words. This lesson came to me from a string of outstandingly helpful professors, to whom I owe my intelligence, and whom I thank for their excellent guidance. Penn State opened my eyes to ideas that I never had previously considered. I now greatly value the person I've become and look forward to really developing as a responsible adult.