Purdue University-Main Campus Top Questions

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

Lauren

Procrastination has been my weakness while in college. I always finish all of my work but many times I am up all night the night before it is due to finish it. I would tell my high school self to maintain a schedule that sets time aside each day or week for school work. I would also give myself advice with regards to social skills. I would tell myself to not be shy around people I do not know, but instead, get to know many other people from different backgrounds. I would also tell myself to make sure not to stop believing in myself. I have overcome many personal and academic obstacles and I have learned it is just part of life.

Savannah

I would tell myself as a high school senior to listen to my heart. I would reassure them that no one's opinion should out weigh your own because in the end you have to live with the consequences. If something is important to you, no one should influence your decisions away from your own morals. I would tell myself to make my own decisions and voice my opinions more often. These are things I learned when I got to college. I realized people aren't who you think they are and the most important thing is that you are happy. Nothing should prevent you from following your own dreams especially when you know your parents are going to support you through everything.

Johnny

College is a place to experiment, dive into new situations, and expand the mind. Stepping onto campus for the first time can be daunting, but you should embrace the feeling. The fears, the excitement, the confusion, the sense of wonder, all accumulate into the realization that life is based on the actions you take and the hard work you put into it. Join as many clubs as you can. Take the dance classes your two left feet wouldn’t let you walk toward. Explore nature with the outing club. Let your breathe escape you as you witness how perfect the unrefined wilderness can be. Become a leader and a good role model for those that look up to you. Give back to your community and volunteer whenever you have the chance. Don’t forget about your academics. Attend workshops and business expos to familiarize yourself with job opportunities. Talk with as many professors as you can to gain research experience, and build your professional network. There’s no doubt that you’ll make great friends that’ll stick with you and encourage you throughout your four or more years. You have the potential to be great; take advantage of it.

Kelsey

You are talented. You are smart. You are strong. You have a voice. You are one of a kind. Being accepted by the popular group of kids is not the main goal of high school. Underage drinking and drug use does not make you cool. Having the hottest date to prom will not matter in three years. Enjoying school and excelling in your studies does not make you a geek, a nerd, or weird. Embrace who you are. Take the time to find your true passions and pursue what actually makes you happy. Do not let others define who you are as a person. Be joyful. Remember, life is short. Accept your best effort even when it sometimes does not produce the desired result. Reach out to others and find the support you need. You are a passionate person. You have the ability to change the world. Embrace that challenge and be excited about the differences you can bring to the people around you.

steven

Traveling back to highschool to talk to my former self would be a painful and embarracing event. There is so much that I know now that I wish I knew then. It seems like just yesterday was senior year in high school. The year and a half I have been at college has flown by. The first thing I would tell my former self would be to come prepared. The first semester being in college is very stressful and can be easily be made more stressful if you don't have what you need. The first few weeks should be a time for making friends, learning the campus and settling into your courses, not gathering what you forgot. There will be plenty of free time, and so I would tell my former self not to get too relaxed in the free time. It is easy to overlook work that needs to be done when you have days to do it. Another thing I wish my former high shool self would have known was how awesome clubs and organizations are. They let you network and make friends, can provide a break from studying and also look amazing on your resume.

Alex

WARNING, WARNING, WARNING YOU ARE ABOUT TO ENTER AN ACADEMICALLY RIGOROUS LIFE. I would give this warning to myself as a high school senior. When I entered college I thought that it would be good for my GPA to retake math that I had taken in high school and did not receive AP credit for. This was a huge mistake as not only was I bored in Calculus 1, I was also not doing well because math in college is significantly more difficult than in high school even if you had already learned the material. Retaking both Calculus 1 and Calculus 2 after taking Calculus BC in high school was a mistake that hurt my GPA significantly as well as delayed progress in proceeding through math, making scheduling a little more difficult. The biggest lesson that I would hope to tell myself as a high school senior is to obtain as much college credit in high school as possible because it makes college life a lot more manageable dealing with fewer difficult classes. I wish I had a loud all caps message warning me about how to prepare for significantly more challenging academics.

Colin

To my high school self: Talk to your principal… there needs to be a real positive influence to look into college, scholarships, and preparation. Choose to take math your senior year, you would have made a much smoother transition into calculus the following year. It is never too early to look into to internship opportunity’s as they are not easily obtained. Also if you would have sought help for you learning disability sooner your academic performance would be much higher. Also look into different clubs you can get involved in there are a ton of great ones out there. Oh and another thing college is so different in so many ways then High school or anything else you might have experienced, but if there is one thing you should know it’s that once you in a college you hold a lot of power over what you do with your there form organizations and participating in things you normally wouldn't. Go in with the mindset that you can leave a mark there! One last thing establish friendships whit your professors early on... I mean hell you guys have common interests, and they are there to help you.

Donnell

If I could go back in time and give my senior self advice for the upcoming year, it would be "Don't be so stubborn." This was something I learned the hard way. I applied to only Johnson and Wales. It had been my dream school for as long as I could remember. I got accepted to Johnson and Wales in Providence RI and was head over heels about it. I had applied for many scholarships, but no one seemed to wanted to help. My parents ended up paying for the first month of school. We tried to find scholarships and loans that would cover the rest of the tution but sadly, no one was able to help. So I went to school for a month in RI, learn a ton and had to come back home. It was horrible. I believed that if I hadn't been so stubborn or dead set on the school, I would have been better off when I came home.

Monishia

I would tell myself to apply for as many scholarships and grants as possible. When filling out the fafsa if i wanted to stay on campus be sure to say that in the fafsa application. Try and make friends dont hide from everyone. Do your best, don't procrastinate because this is the worse thing you can do. Make sure you do all your work because your college gpa is going to greatly influence if you can get certain scholarships.

Andrew

My family slowly lost our house from late 2008 to early 2011. My parents kept me in the loop because if something happened, they didn't want it to be some horrible surprise. It was undoubtedly the hardest time of my life, and it affected every single aspect of my life. I became a different person with some changes being for the better and some for the worse. The thing is that everyone told me to relax, but I couldn't listen. I was extremely worried about what was going to happen. If I could go back in time I would tell myself this: "With everything you've gone through, I know you feel like you've lived a thousand years. But things will get better. You're parents are happier than they have ever been. Your sister just took an amazing job offer. There is light at the end of the tunnel. In due time, you will realize everything happened for a reason. You just have to wait a little longer. And remember, "If youre going through hell, keep going."" Winston Churchill said that last part. He has to be one of the smartest men to ever live.

.

There are many considerations for freshman at Purdue University. The first thing, they should know before they start is the layout of campus. Looking up the university map and locating class buildings before the first day of classes will save a huge headache and alleviate some first day jitters. Another incredibly important thing to consider, is checking the weather report every day before leaving for class. Many students forget that unlike high school, attending Purdue requires going from building to building and the walks between them are outside. Many freshman learn the hard way (I know I did) that a compact umbrella and checking the weather report are critical considerations. The final thing freshman should know is that before they get used to the campus layout and get into a good weekly routine for class, they should allow twice the amount of time to get to class that they think it will take to get there. This prevents the stress of hurrying and worries about being late. It also makes a great impression on teachers and fellow students when you show up early to lectures.

Samantha

As a high school senior, I was ready to go to college. I wanted to get out high school and have a new life, one in shich I did not have to be the second mom in my family. I believe that I did a great job transitioning to college life. I had given myself some great advice at that time, which was to get out and make friends and do crzy fun things that I'll never be able to do again. I don't know that there is any other piece of advice as great as that. I was wise enough then to know that I had to push myself in order to have fun. The advice that I would add onto that today is that grades aren't everything. I need to make sure I embrace this time and love every minute of it.

Spencer

If the chance ever came, I would tell my younger self that it is time to grow up and move forward. Start preparing for the future. This high school adventure you are living now; that is all it will remain. Beyond this is a whole different world, where you really experience and learn how to be a responsible, respected independent. Yes, there will be times when you want to go party with friends, but there will also be times where a project is due the next day. Yeah, you will want to go out to eat, but then you will soon find yourself lacking funds needed for later. You have to discipline yourself in order to accomplish all you need to down the road, because it is not going to get any easier from here. Become more involved in the community; receive all the help you can get to avoid money headaches later on. Learn to really study now to minimize those sleepless nights later on. Learn to push yourself now, because you will have to later on. You have the skills buried inside you; you have the drive. Pull it out now and learn to utilize your gifts.

Collin

I would just tell mysefl to prepare for a lot of hard work and that there will be times when stress will start to get to me. Despite my performance in high school, the college experience is almost entirely new, and classes run a little differently that what I expect. Stress is a common occurrence in college, and the Navy ROTC just adds to it. The best way to deal with stress is to not procrastinate on the homework in order to have that time to relax during times of high stress. Exams are not to be taken lightly, as they are different from the tests in high school. Also, while I may feel prepared for what will happen through the ROTC program, there will be new experiences that will be extremely stressful. Just remain mentally strong, work for the best, but prepare for the worst and everything will just play out. Don't give in to stress and everything should work out.

Amanda

Talk to someone at the university you want to attend. Whether it is a friend, or someone you see in the student union on a college visit, make sure to ask about the school. Get the insider's perspective because what the tour guides and professors tell you about a university is extremely different that the real-life advice you will get from a student. Also, make sure you feel comfortable in the environment. It all boils down to the fact that you will be spending your every waking moment in this place, and you don't want to be in any situations that may be potentially harmful or dangerous. Finally, choose something you want to do with your life and pursue it. Don't go for the major your best friend is taking. Be your own person, don't be afraid to change your plan of study, and don't be afraid to make mistakes because they are going to happen whether your like it or not!

Andy

Fill out more scholarships.

Jennifer

The best advise I could give to myself as a high school student would be, consider your future in every decision you make. There are several ways in which you can ensure a challenging, yet rewarding experience throughout your college journey. First, complete college bound coursework. This will give you an idea as to what will be expected of you by your professors. English, mathematics, and science courses are essential for a successful college experience; developing strong skills in these subjects is fundamental for college as well as your life beyond school. Next, earning exceptional grades is an indispensable element of success. Achieving good grades will not only ensure that you grasp the subjects you are studying, it will also open a unimaginable amount of doors to the future and provide you with a sense of personal accomplishment. Finally, make as many contacts as possible. By meeting people from all walks of life you will expose yourself to the incredible diversity this world has to offer. It will also give you the opportunity to meet the most passionate people, get a taste of many different fields, and even play a role in rounding your own knowledge and education.

Brittany

To fill out as many scholarships as possible. Also don't slack off at all in college, the classes are much harder than high school.

Elaine

In the wise words of Ellen Degeneres, "Procrastinate now. Don't put it off." Just kidding! Now in your senior year of high school, you need to start practicing the art of hunkering down and gettin' 'er done. There is no time in college for procrastination. While the homework load appears significantly less without all the busywork that high school teachers load on you, the amount of time needed to study for exams is a million times more. Start studying a little everyday so when the seemingly distant exams sneak up, you'll already have studied for them. But in the rare event that life happened and procrastination butted it's way in, do not panic! Breathe. It's going to be okay. Just do your best with the time you have, and realize that it's not the end of the world. On the same note, it's never too late to start anything... join clubs, form teams, make friends, get job experience, find your niche. Most people are going to seem so much smarter than you, but remember they're probably thinking the same thing about you. Relax and enjoy... the college years really fly by quickly.

Caleb

I would tell myself to keep focues on learning and not necessarily my grades. Although grades are important, it is more important to make sure that I have learned the material. College course work is a major change from high school, and I need to not let it all get to me. I also would tell myself to get more involved in campus life my first year such as joining my residence hall's club. Serving those around me is something that I have found that I loved, and it has opened up opportunities for me that I never thought were possible. My first year of college was spent almost entirely in my room doing homework. I would tell myself to make sure I took the time to take those much needed breaks, even if only for a few minutes.

Rebeka

Be open to new things! If your college offers a program for incoming freshman, take advantage of it!! I met so many people, and really learned my way around campus that initial bonding week. I learned of groups and activities I could take part of that were absolutely wonderful! If your college offers Learning Community opportunites, as Purdue does, take advantage of it! This program is outstanding and really helps you connect with people, the school, and your major. I loved my group so much that I have volunteered to by an Ambassador for next years group. Above all, do not be afraid to jump in. I have, and I love every aspect of college life!

Kiley

During the past several years of college, I have learned more about myself than I thought possible. I've learned how to cook for myself, meet new people with different backgrounds, change a tire, learn to live with a stranger, and even how to choose a career. This may sound a bit silly but these things are often taken for granted. Before college, I don't know if I would have had the confidence to learn how to do them. College has taught me that I can live independently and happily. So the most important advice I would give to myself as a high school senior is to think about who I really was and who I want to become. I would tell myself to create a mission statement for my life. Although I didn't know what I wanted to accomplish then, I would give myself the chance to really sit down and think about it. Because knowing what you want from yourself will ultimately guide you through college and the rest of your life. I know that I still have much to learn about life and about myself, but I am looking forward to every bit of it.

alethea

1.Take all of your classes seriously. 2. Try not to miss school because colleges look at that. If they see that your not dedicated to going to school everyday then why would want you to attend their school. 3.Try to get all A's and B's in your classes because graduating with a high gpa is what all colleges look at. 4. Try to get involved in organization at your school. It will help you prepare for college.

Samuel

If i could go back and talk to myself last year as a senior in high school, I think I would have a lot of advice to offer. I was a fairly active student during all of my high school career, however I never pushed myself to the extreme in the field of academics. I did maintain a 3.95 GPA that I was quite proud of, but it seemed like I was just coasting through all of my classes and I never truly earned those grades in my opinion now. I would tell myself to focus much more on actually learning instead of just memorizing for tests and then forgetting the information later. Having moved from North Carolina my sophomore year in high school, I knew quite a bit about transitioning and being outside of my comfort zone. However, moving from a high school scenario to that of a college scene is a much different situation. I would've told myself to keep focusing on learning and everything that is most important to my career. This advice would be very meaningful to me as I still have the rest of my life ahead of me.

Katherine

As a previous undergraduate student, I can genuinely say Purdue University has had a major impact on my educational and emotional development, as well as encouraged my pursuit of a graduate degree. Through Purdue’s mission of Learning I have developed a passion for expanding my knowledge and sharing it with others. It is this passion that has led me to pursue further education at Purdue in order to achieve my career goals. With Purdue’s graduate program specifically tailored at teaching English as a second language I can attain a degree doing what I enjoy in an environment I have already come to love through my undergraduate experiences.

Madelyn

I have learned study skills. In high school you can get away without studying a lot. In college you need to spread out your studying and study more in depth. I have leanred it's imporatant to get involded. Students and faculty encourage students to get involved because your social life is an important aspect of college. You wont have a fulfilling college exerpience without getting involed in some group or organization and meting new peolpe. I am getting an education which is an important first step to reaching my career goal of becoming a lawer. It is valuable to attend college because its a learning and growth experience. You learn more about yourself while in college. You learn more about your likes and dislike and how you interact with others. You learn social skills because you constanly have opportunities to meet new people and interact with them. You learn to be independent since you are on your own. You learn to take care of yourself, time management, and how to set your priorities. I think people miss out on a great academic, social, and personal growth experience if they don't go to college.

Benjamin

I have learned many life lessons, leadership qualities, and just had a lot of fun in my two and a half years at this University. It has been well worth the money spent, especially when I am making good money once I graduate, and I can pay off all my student loans. I am a Boilermaker for life.

Ayana

I have gotten a new sense of how to live on my own. I learned how to do laundry, get my own food, find my own transportation, and basically get in control of my life.

Ryan

I have found something that I think I'll enjoy doing for the rest of my life and I have met so many new people.

Jeff

I have learned how to focus, buckle down on studies, and maintain a successful career track

Allyson

I had always planned on attending college but had not decided what major I wanted to pursue. I decided to graduate early from High School and soon started the nursing program at a local college. I had always been a homebody but after a year of nursing school I decided that was not the life I wanted, so I took a leap of faith and applied to Purdue University. I planned on getting the “real” college experience by moving away from home and in reality I began to find out who I really was and how much determination and hard work it takes to pursue your dreams. Perfect grades don’t come without hard work and numerous hours of studying. Money does not grow on trees. Practice makes perfect. All these sayings that my parents said over and over again to me as I was growing up were really true. College has been a learning experience in every aspect of my life not only educationally but it continues to give me a taste of what reality really is. Every day is a learning experience and without college I would not have received these valuable life lessons and education.

Emily

Out of my college experience I have grown into myself. I grew up in a smaller town which was not the most liberal of sorts and by opening my eyes to all of the differences of college, instead of subconciously trying to impress people all the time-- I am completely at ease with myself. I have gained a sense of comfort and self-confidence through being at Purdue and have loved every second of it. I do not feel as though this could have happened at any other place!

Jacob

So far, I have gotten a decent education, and I have learned to study more than I did in high school. I think it has been valuable to attend because Purdue has helped me decide on my major, and that I would like to transfer to University of Tampa because of the environment, people, dorm life, and weather most of all. The main things I would miss are my friends here, and the town around Purdue has one of the greatest coffee shops in the world.

Jim

I have gotten so much from my college experience. Even thought I've changed my major three times, I feel that Purdue gives you those second and third chances through their professors and curriculum in general. I have to stay in school for a fifth year, but I'm happy to stay. I easily could have switched schools when I changed majors the final time, however I just couldn't leave Purdue, a place I knew and loved. It has been valuable to attend Purdue for the diversity, the challenging courses, and the social network in general. Purdue is one of the most diverse univeristies in th nation and I am so blessed to experience interacting with people from all over the world. The courseload is dewfinitely tough, but I feel that's the only way to grow and actually learn, if what you're trying to learn is difficult. The social network at Purdue is amazing. I've made so many friends and will be so sad to leave them after graduation. Purdue University is one of the most amazing places on earth and I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a challenging, yet enjoyable college experience.

Amy

Through my one semester here at Purdue, I have gained knowledge not only of my major, but a greater understanding of a small portion of the world through a young adult's eyes. I have been broadened to diversity, ethnicities and what being an employee in "the real world" truly means. I have learned to value every experience presented, like it is the only one you are given. I have also concluded that all first-hand experiences such as internships, job shadowing, externships, and studying abroad are some of the most undervalued accounts on campus. Overall, college is a time in a students' life where they can grow as a well-rounded individual but also gain a larger understanding of their major and future expectations.

Christopher

During my college experience, I have learned that nobody is infallible and that you should never procrastinate or preoccupy your time with something else, unless you wish to fall behind. Attending college has indoctrinated me to the fact that high school doesn't prepare you as much as you'd like, but you have to learn to adapt to adversity and to do the best you can. Additionally, seeking a professor/classmate for assistance is never a bad idea and you learn the material better as a result. College is a much better experience, if you don't attend locally to avoid the ravages of different factors distracting you from doing what is required or expected of you. Personally, I believe that living on campus a few hours away from home has allowed me to mature and achieve a higher level of responsibility for my actions, which prevents me from blaming anyone or anything else for my performance in school. Staying focused is a major factor in success at college, but making friends and getting involved are as equally important and helps you develop a stronger character for your future career.

Elizabeth

College is a rite of passage that every person should have the opportunity to experience. It has taught me responsibility and accountability with people and my work as a student. As a college student, I am expected to perform to the best of my ability in everything I do. I have learned that you need to study what you are passionate about because it will motivate you when you're struggling in classes. In college, you also learn how to manage your time. It is extremely valuable to attend college because it will open so many doors in the working world. My dad always says, "the more education you have, the more opportunities you gain." I have only been in college for a year and a half and I have already talked to quite a few people who decided to come back to college because they did not decide to attend right after high school. The one piece of advice they have all given me is to stay in school and to pursue as much education as possible. I am very blessed to be able to go to college to pursue my dreams of becoming a meteorologist.

Stephanie

I have not gotten anything out of my college experience yet. I am currently enrolled to start in January of 2011. I am set up with online course and plan on getting a lot of experience from it. I am hoping to further my computer knowlege as well as my business knowlege, specializing in human resourses. It will be valuable to attend so that I can show my 5 small children how it is never to late to gain more knowlege. It will help our family to suceed further then we have already been able to.

Brianna

Attending college has changed my life in so many ways, but I going has strengthend my family relationship. I have developed so much more confidence in myself, especially since I am the first to attend college in my family. Ultimately, I feel like I broke a barrier, that I am not destined to be like my parents. However, at the same time, I've realized how important my parents are to me, how much of an influence they have had on me. It is my goal to make them, as well as my sisters and brother proud. I want to be their role model. My family is not in the greatest financial situation, which is why I want to accomplish so much in order to show my siblings that they too can have a better life. Therefore, attending college has created a strong goal to achieve, as well as to inspire. I rarely see my family nowadays, and I cherish the moments when I do get to see them. I dread leaving them to return to my art projects and books, but I return knowing that I have a purpose: To make my family proud and to give them hope.

Keith

College has made into the person I am today through the trials and tribulations that I have endured both in and out of the classroom. It has defined who I am and what I take pride in to this day, with my biomedical research. I truly know they have put all they have into making me the best engineer I can be and I feel like it has given me the tools to be successful, no matter what the challenge.

Christopher

College has shown me that the journey to success is rough road that often times can't be traveled alone. I came to school with a lot of pride. After getting grades that were less than passing, I soon realized the true meaning of being a little fish in a big pond. After talking to my advisor, i changed majors and learned that needed I to push my pride and ask for help, which for me was easier said than done. Today I still dont have the greatest GPA, but rather something greater. What I possess is a drive and will to succeed back backed by the knowledge and courage to use the seamingly infinite pool of resources thatis presented before me.

Karyce

They say that your future depends on your degree. They also say that your lifestyle, emotional well-being, and financial standing depend on the status of your degree. For someone, like me, who wants to travel the world, meet new people, and achieve great things my degree goes hand in hand with my future. The scariest thing for a student in their first semester of college is getting an email that states if two-thousand dollars is not paid within seventy-two hours, all of the current classes you are taking will be dropped and you will be currently un-enrolled from this institution. I have already beaten so many statistics, achieved many goals of my family and myself, and done things that I didn’t even know I could. I also want to do so much more. I feel as though my future is through a door and my diploma is my key. I plan to get more than my bachelor degree and go to graduate school, but all of these hopes and dreams come at a cost.

Anita

I have learned a lot in just the first semester of my freshman year. College is nothing like high school. There is no one to watch over you and make sure you make good decisions. Once you’re in college, you are truly an adult. You make adult decisions. Things like signing for loans opened my eyes to the responsibilities I now have. Being money and grade conscious is a responsibility of my own. Although my professors make resources available for me, it is up to me to take advantage of these resources. I have found that it is easy to slip up or get caught in bad situations. No matter what college or university you go to, there will always be someone to put a drink in your hand or a joint in your fingers. It’s ultimately up to you to fall under pressure or remember the morals you were raised with. But that doesn’t mean you should not have fun, its college after all. It’s your decision whether your time at college will be a waste of money, or a great education experience. Overall college offers an experience that you cannot obtain anywhere else.

Hannah

Most people are concerned with the cost of higher education. I am not economist, but I do know that the opportunity cost far outweighs the monetary one. I have made friends for life, learned information that I couldn't even dream up, and got to witness some of the best times Big Ten sports has to offer. The times here are more than a diploma. My education has opened doors into the world in which I will soon join, and I'm not afraid because of what I have learned here.

Dallany

College has certainly made a difference in my life; i have learned many experiences with my teachers and the new friends i have made. College has tought me how to be more responsible and accurate with what i do, i have learned a new way to life. I had to pay for the classe i took this semester and it was very hard but my dad always says that everthing requires a sacrifice, and so i did it. Even tough it was hard and had to work alot to pay for it, that is what made me responsible because now that i know how much it costs i appreciate more the time and effort i put on it, i also pay more atention to what the teacher says and do all my homework. i figured if i'm paying for it than to take advantage of what i have, and t give one hundred percent to college.

Morgan

So far in the three months that I have been attending college, I have developed really great studying habbits. I have learned to take advantage of all of the resources provided for me to succeed. I have really learned the importance of networking. I have also learned that in order to really be successful in the occupation that I plan to pursue after college, I must start volunteering and interning now in order to receive hands on experience and become a better candidate for being hired in that field of work. I have not yet obtained all the other great experiences that I know will come from a four year attendance at Purdue University, however, I know that I am off to a great start.

Katie

It has been valuable to attend college to further yourself both physically and mentally in the working environment today. I feel those who attend college are more likely to be a well-rounded person, and are better at being independent than those who did not attend college.

Corey

What i received from my education so far is an education to last a life time. My view on problems went from just my home town to start thinking about the problems the world is facing today and how to use the education I’m receiving right now to help solve those problems.

Brett

My name is Brett Kennedy from New Jersey. I am currently a freshman at Purdue University in West Lafayette Indiana. Here I am studying Management Information Systems, which is basically the middle ground between technology and business. I feel I deserve this scholarship because I am a very hardworking individual with a constant desire to always do my best. I am the type of person who would be studying for a math exam on a Friday night. However, I know this will eventually payoff in the future. A know a successful education from Purdue University will allow me to strive in the real-world.

Melissa

Currently, I have only been in college for about 2 months. I came in undecided and was required to take "career exploration" and "general studies" as classes, and I have figured out what I want to do (professional flight by the way). I never really knew what I liked or who I was before I came to college. Now I must make all decisions on my own and my parents can't make them for me. Attending college, just in the past 2 months, has been a whirlwind experience, discovering who I am and who I want to be. I have branched out and joined clubs/organizations I never thought I would (AFROTC, Habitat for Humanity, Purdue Catholic Students), and I have explored and been exposed to many many options for my future (who knew you can get a degree in which you outfit dogs with braces?!). I feel as if I was almost forced to grow up and mature now that I'm on my own, but it wasn't a bad experience to do that. I am extremely grateful I was given the push I need to get on the right track into my future.