Saint Cloud State University Top Questions

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

Samantha

I have gotten so much out of my college experience thus far. I have met life long friends, grown as a person and gained valuable knowledge to take with me into my career. I have learned new ideas and have gained training for my future career, along with learning life lessons. It has been extremely valuable for me to attend college. The main reason is in order for me to become a Social Worker, I must have a degree. In order to obtain a degree, I have to complete the course work that is expected. It has been valuable to me personally has well. I have grown into a stronger more mature adult, because of my university life experiences. This past semester I have served as a Community Advisor for students in the Residence Halls. I feel that this work has helped me to give back to my university and grow from each new experience that I encounter. I have throughly enjoyed my college years thus far and look forward to my future years .

Kayla

I have gotten so much more than I ever expected from going to college. I thought I would learn things acedemically and I did but mostly I learned about myself. Over the last few years I have learned to rethink everything I thought I knew about the world around me and myself. I have learned skills in writing and public speaking but most importantly I have learned to look at things from different perspectives including those opposite of my own. I have also learned to take nothing for granted always look into things you hear on the news and through social media. I have been able to find people that have things incommon with me and those with very different opinions and still have conversations with them in a civil manner so everyone can learn. College is valuable because it gets you out of your comfort zone and opens your mind to new and different ideas. College is a good place to refine and learn who you are and what you stand for as a person.

Kimberly

I have learned to become more independent. College has helped me plan things out more and be more social. I have also learned that some people are people that you just can't trust completely and your friends may change over the years. If you start out with a group of friends and 4 years later you guys are still together, then you know they are your true friends. I've gotten involved with organizations on campus and have had a great time getting to know others.

Brekka

From my college experience, I have recieved many useful academic and social skills. Some of these skills include; academic success, cooperation, organization, knowledge in my field of study, and patience. I'm pursuing a degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Reading and Coaching. I will rely on my academic success to obtain a job and my cooperation and organization skills to keep that job. My knowledge and patience will help me reach the students in my classroom. As an educator, my goal is to reach at least one child. If I can make a difference in one childs life I will know I made a difference in the world.

Katharine

Not only have I received a great education from college that will be able to place me in whatever job market I choose, I've also created a strong network of friends and faculty to help me on my way. I can truly say I have made lifelong friends that are all diverse from each other. They give me a great perspective on life. Also, the faculty on campus has been absolutely tremendous in helping me excel in my classes, find job placements, and have a better sense of community. Since I am originally from out of state, I cannot express how much I appreciate the "family-feel" of St. Cloud State. The community and people I am surrounded by have helped keep me from becoming homesick, and realizing my true potential. I hope every single student can have the same experience I have had in the past few years. I have created so many memories that I will never forget.

Jordy

I went to college earlier in life and it didn't pan out, partly because I had no idea which direction to head? So I went out into the world and got a job; tried a few things, found something I liked and even turned it into my own small business eventually. I owned my small business for 3 years promoting concerts and running down a dream. I was not rich but I was doing my own independent thing and making a comfortable living while doing it. In December of 2008 I was no longer able to keep my business operating due to the financial related stresses from the crash of the banking industry, what has now been coined the recession. So I decided to go back to school and take a different approach next time around, I am an Entrepreneur at heart but now see the benefit of having a degree to match the natural skill set. In this Global economy in which we now live I couldn't think of a better pursuance than an International Business Degree. I now know which direction I am headed and this has enabled me to maximize my potential through my education!

Kyle

Since im going for a management degree I want to talk about how going to college could affect us our work place. In college they put you in situations that you wouldn't normaly find yourself in, and they teach you life leasons without people really knowing it. Like when you have a group project and everyone in the whole group is a different race then you. So you have to adapt and find out how to work past race and to focus on the goals of the group. College gears you up to be able to work with anyone at anytime with nothing slowing you down. Without college you don't get to test out some of these situations as I said earlier. In college your supposed to make mistakes and learn from them. Lets say you skip college and you deal with no race issues ever in your life. But then you get a job where thats all you deal with and you have no clue how to work these problems out. And in most times if you can't do it they will fire you and get someone that has the experience they need.

Amy

The list is both trivial and impressive. I have learned an abundance of information about history, ethics, and what it means to be culturally competent. I now appreciate many things that I took for granted in the past. Such as, being warm, having drinking water, food in the refrigerator, and a vehicle that runs. I have also made small positive changes in my life, such as having the cool brand clothes is no longer something I care about, instead I enjoy shopping at thrift stores and love finding those one of a kind treasures. I have been emerged with great diversity; I work very hard on being non judgmental, and encourage the people around me to have a open mind and positively accept the differences of all humans, cultures, races, religions, and sexual orientations on a daily basis. I am learning to balance and prioritize my time between class, homework, volunteering and having fun. I’ve learned great communication skills and adapted a way of life that continues to challenge and assist me in becoming qualified for my career in social work. College has taught me to keep an open mind, think critically and to keep learning every day.

Alana

Saint Cloud State University has been a great stepping stone into my future. They have provided me with a great understanding of the course material that I will apply to real life situations. I have a strong value for my education and I believe that Saint Cloud State University has encouraged me to go beyond my best. The professors within my major see potential in all students and are excited to pass on their knowledge to these individuals. Thousands of students attend this university, however, I feel that I am still treated as an individual. Students are invited to share their ideas amongst their peers and voice their opinions on all subjects. This interaction between students allows for optimal learning experiences. During my time here I have learned a great deal of information both in and out of the classroom. I am thankful that I was able to attend a college such as Saint Cloud State that has given me a positive outlook on the road ahead.

Kalina

I have gained a better knowledge of other cultures, gained life-long friends, networking, and have become many steps closer to becoming the first in my family to get a college education.

Kyle

In my college experience, I think that I have grown as a person in various ways. First I have become a much more responsible person, I put school first and strive to do well. I also have learned to be more self reliant. Living away from home has taught me a lot of things because I don't have anybody telling me what I should do. I also think that my time management skills have improved greatly. I have learned how to manage my time between school work, work, homework, free time, etc. My social skills have also improved. When I came to St. Cloud State University, I didn't know many people and I had to make new friends.

Jennifer

I have gotten so much out of my college experience; it is hard to put it all into words. Some of it I am sure I have yet to realize. What I am sure of is that, when I graduate I know I can make a difference as an Occupational Therapist. My professors especially have instilled that confidence in me. Since the start of college they have always given me the "my doors always open" saying. Unlike other colleges, I feel the professors at D'Youville actually mean it. This has allowed me to approach classes with less anxiety, and in turn has made me a much easier going person. This is something very valuable I can take with me as I approach graduation and become a health care professional. My education alone has made it worthwhile to attend college. Without the necessary training, I know it can be a tremendous struggle to find a job. In today's society, everyone is looking for the next best thing. For me, attending college is just one way of bettering myself to prepare for my future.

kaitlyn

I have learned lots in both the criminal justice and my generals. I am currently taking a class I took at Alexandria technical college, but this class focuses more on just the area of stress managment for law enforcement. This class is teaching me how to manage my stress and keep my personal interests outside of Law Enforcement. I feel this will be help full in not losing myself as a person and hitting that hypervigilance as fast as some cops. I know this is going to be very helpful. I am also taking a juvenile justice class for juvenile detention and this will help me in the future. I want to become a juvenile detention officer. I am getting a minor in psychology. I have big plans for my future and I know I will soar high with St.Cloud State University.

Kaitlyn

College has been one of the best experiences I have had in my entire life. I have made life-long friends and have gotten to meet and interact with people I would not have otherwise. I have learned so many things I did not learn in high school. The classes I have taken have shown the other side of the stories that were taugh to me in high school. I have been able to do things I have not done. For instance, studying abroad to Europe, joining an intramural volleyball team, and going to sporting events. College has been very valuable all around. Education is never a waste of money, it is always an investment. It is valuable to me, because it has made me a better understanding person when it comes to different populations in the world. I have also been able to find my passion and learn how I can help people in the future. I now have a more analytical sense when looking at our world, but that is someting I feel should be appreciated.

Carl

I have to say I am a 39 year old recovering addict/alcoholic and have been in recovery for almost three years now. As soon as I graduated from treatment I went straight to college to change my life. I am going to be a chemical dependency counselor to help all the people who want recovery. I know the horrors of addiction and I want people to know if I can do it, so can they. I really enjoy helping others and trying to make a difference for people to have a better life. I have learned so much from being in school and learning to be a counselor. I believe that this was what I was supposed to do in life. I have a passion for what I am doing and to prove it I have just made the Deans List. The longer I am in school the more I love it. I hope others feel the same way I do. I love helping people and making changes for better lives. I hope and pray I recieve a scholarship to further my life and better the future of those I will counsel.

Katherine

I remember my first day of college vividly. My mother’s car fading away into the distance, I slowly began walking toward something both exciting and a little frightening at the same time. College turned out to be both, but it has been the experience of a lifetime. One thing I've been learning in college has been independence. Going to college was difficult in some aspects, but doing so has helped me to grow in many more ways than I anticipated. I've gotten the opportunity to experience new places and cultures, and I’ve been better able to develop my own opinions and ideas, while hearing those belonging to others. This past semester, I had to write a 9 page and an 18 page paper simultaneously and had to give a 20 minute presentation. I worked harder this semester to succeed in my classes than I have ever worked for something in my life. I was stretched, stressed, and a little scared at times. But I am the better for it. College has not only prepared me for my future vocation; it has given me confidence that I can achieve excellence. And that is something that is invaluable.

Patricia

College is more than going to a class and listening to a professor lecture. In fact, the most important part of college is getting the "college experience" of dorm life and having the opportunity to meet new people. Out of my own personal college experience, I have learned how to communicate and work with others, which will help me in the work force. Also, I have been able help others when they need help which means a lot to me, because it is one thing to be smart, but it is even more important to be a good person. It has been valuable and worth my while to attend college because I have been able to build relationships with others and still get a quality education that will eventually help me earn a great job. I would not change my college experience thus far, and I am looking forward to more lessons learned in and outside the classroom.

Maria

My college experience has helped me gain many life skills such as interpersonal skills, communication skills and critical thinking skills. During college, I have had to develop interpersonal skills because I no longer rely on my parents and I have to be able to go to others when I need help. This has made me resourceful and I can usual find out how to fix my problems. My communications skill are constantly being developed in college because I have to write many papers for classes and give speeches. Most employers want perspective employees to have great communication skills so it is imperative that I have this skill. I am currently enrolled in a business law class and my professor said his main goal is to teach us to think critically. With these skills that I have developed from my college experience, I will be better able to find a job and live my life well in the future. Thank you.

Jessica

Things that I have gotten our of my college experience is that I have been exposed to different cultures and people through attending college. I believe that the more you know the better your life will be. Education is the key to success in life. I feel that I have gained many life experiences through attending college. College also gave me the opportunity to read books and hear lectures from experts that are in the field. College has given me the ability to think, ask questions and explore new ideas, which in return has given me an advantage in my field. I feel that the economy has become increasingly competitive and as a women it would be very difficult to find a high paying job without a college education. Even though I have a college degree I want to better my situation and continue on with more education.

john

So far I really enjoy college. It's a lot more laid back than high school was.

Lilian

College experience has opened my eyes into believing the American dream. I have learned that i can be who i want to be if i take responsility in whatever i do, and work hard to achieve dreams. I have also discovered how support from the community like here in St. Cloud State from all the departments, faculty, classmates and sponsors is having a very positive impact on the way i value the education that i receive , and get motivated to pursue my career. Attending college is going to enable me to become a professional and be able to give back to the community. My parents did not get the opportunity to pursue a college degree and i want to make them proud because they have taught me the value of education, and continue to support me even now that we are many miles apart. I would like to become a registered nurse because i like helping people who cannot help themselves and i am enjoying doing it as patient care assistant in St. Cloud hospital . College is giving me the opportunity to enhance my skills and become competent in the health field. Thank you for this opportunity.

Sara

I have learned alopt from my first semester of college. I have learned that there is a great deal on temptations and distractions. So its alot of work to stay focused on school. I was able to get a 3.0 my first semester, which i was happy with because my friedns and i did our share of having fun, and i still paid attention in my classes. I wasnt going to let having fun ruin the reason why i came to st.cloud in the first place and that was to learn and to get a degree. I plan on continuing how i have been managing my studies.

Katie

Katie Hernandez [email protected] 9524574405 Attending college has been a very beneficial experience because I have learned multiple things, not just in classes, but in my everyday life. The most important lesson I have gotten out of my first year experience is that you need to become independent and not rely on other people. It wasn’t until I started college that I realized how much I relied on my parents for everyday decisions, like what to eat, when to clean, and when to buy groceries. The first week of school was the hardest because I had to put myself in a routine that fit my schedule, just like I had at home. I had to rely on myself to get up in the morning, and to do my own laundry, which both are not easy tasks. These experiences will benefit me now and even in the future because I have become more comfortable with myself and I have learned how to rely on myself more.

Katie

I am only a Freshman, but already have received a lot of indpendece from living on my own, but also knowledge from only completeing 1 semester of school. Also it has made me realize how hard life can be, mainly financially. I work a part-time job while going to school to help pay for the essentials in life. I have made more friends too and been introduced to many of people lifestyles and ways that their family do, quite interesting. The most valuable thing I will take out of going to College is the education, but also the things not taught. By that I mean the people you learn about and the experiences you have with them. I am going for Nursing and am excited to be able to finally practice somewhere after all the hardwork and effort. Thank you!

zachary

College is about more than degrees and classes. College has taught me about independence and responsibility. I have learned how to be a leader and that gives me something more to strive for. There are ups and downs, but through them I have learned how to deal with life. I believe that college is an important step in a persons's life because it prepares you for the 'real world.'

Christopher

So far out of my college experiance I have obtained the number one thing college students need. That is friends who can go through college with me and are willing to attend events all around the college. To have people who I can talk with and have a good time with is the best part of attending college. College has taught me how to learn to live on my own and learn to manage my time appropriately. Living on campus as a freshman in the dorms I eat at the colleges cafeteria. This makes it so I need to eat healthy and go to the gym to stay in physical health to help enhance my mental health. Attending college has opened the door for myself to life long learning and a chance to earn a college degree. College has allowed me to live life to the fullest.

Brittany

I have gotten a new life out of my school experience. Coming to Saint Cloud State allowed me to become who I want to be and meet new people from all around the world. The experiences I have had just within the last year and a half are life changing. My teachers are helpful and understanding. Classes challenge me but if they are too challenging there is more than enough help. I am a new person! Happy, energetic, and dedicated to my major and now minor as well. It has been very valuable to me because I am actually doing something with my life and I have the help to successes! I love college and would never go back on any decision i have made so far. I thank Saint Cloud State for helping me be a better person and helping me reach my over all goals.

Rachel

At first when I started college I was very unsure of how to act or what to do. I didn't know if it would be like high school or if things would be compleatly different. What I found out was that things were completely different, and I loved it. College has opened my eyes up to so many different opinions and ideas that young adults like myself have. People weren't afraid to be themselves anymore and I discovered what kind of person I can be. Discussions in classes have so many different view points and both sides can articulate their ideas so well. I understand that college should be about learing and getting that degree, but what I have learned can't be tested or written down. My college experience so far has been made up of experiences, and people, and ideas. What I have learned will be taken far past what is says on my diploma. College has given me an identity of my own, and thats something I will always be grateful for.

George

What I have gotten from college life is knowledge, an new experience in life and learning how to be a independent. After high school, I didn't know what to exept from college, but college has been one of my best experience in life. Living away from home makes me feel like I have grown up and not being dependent on my parents on doing things for me. I believe college has helped me grow up and become more mature. Also college has given me more knowledge, with the adavance classes that I have taken. I'm learning life learn leasons and getting more knowledge on what to do in the future.

Sara

There are many valuable things I have gotten out of college in my first semester at Saint Cloud State University. I have discovered that if I try hard and do not give up on difficult tasks, that I will not only feel accomplished but also I will have accomplished and completed outstanding work. My work-ethic has increased drastically and it has made me more determined. Saint Cloud State has been and is a valuable school to attend not only because it has diversity but also because I have so many supporters in what I want to pursue in my life. I feel that attending this college makes me a well rounded student and more open minded to take in the world as it is and try to make positive changes.

Ashley

The most important aspect that college has offered me is the responsibility to make my own decisions. I have become more independent by attending college. I have the freedom to make my own choices even if those choices help me prosper or not. I am able to learn from both the positive and negative choices I make and see how those choices affect me. I feel that the best way to learn something is to experience it for oneself. I have been able to set reasonable goals for myself and achieve them. I understand that I can work my way through my undergraduate studies to attend grad school and study what interests me the most. I am interested in gaining valuable experience of how the brain works and what happens when it malfunctions. I am proud of myself to achieve a status that the rest of my family doesn’t have. College has also provided me with a valuable social network. I have the ability to interact with fellow students to enrich my learning experience. Interacting with other students also gives me insight to different points of view and helps me understand both my view and others’ through constructive criticism.

Vanessa

My college experience has been a lot better than I had hoped for. I didn't truly want to come to SCSU at first, but it was cheaper and closer to home in case my mother needed me. However, somehow it has become a great choice. I entered the campus with a force stronger than ever. I started working immediately on campus at the recreation center and signed up to be on the Rowing Team (a sport I had never even heard of before then). My social life and free time center around the two of those now. I have made life time friends, found a passion for a sport and made professional connections that will help me after college. I also have become involved in the multicultural and fitness programs on campus that has led me to an Anthropology minor and a level of fitness I have never reached before.

Vanessa

College has taught me the importance of time management so that I can have fun with friends and still get information from my classes. At first the thought of having to pay thousands of dollars for my education seemed ridiculous, but now I see that it will be worth it later on in life so that I can get a good job. College can bring me the oppurtunities to travel the world, and also meet people from all over the world. I can't imagine what would have happened if I had not gone to college. I would probably still be working at McDonald's.

Dan

Through my first semester here at SCSU I'm already really beginning to understand the importance of a good, solid education. I've met many people who are going to be an aid to me in my college career and I'm positive that I have the potential to go above and beyond with the support available. One of the main things I've really taken from being here is knowing that you have to get involved to set yourself apart from other people. Getting involved either in volunteer work or in student clubs and organizations is an excellent way for someone to build a resume and to ensure success after college.

Samantha

I began my college experience in Fargo, North Dakota at North Dakota State University. It was a nice school, but I just didn't feel like I fit in. I tranferred after my freshman year, back to my roots, in St. Cloud, MN to St. CLoud State University. I grew up in this city and everything I know and love is here. I have a great family and friend support system. Beyond that, I have an amazing school support system. I have several professors with whom I keep in contact with here at SCSU. They are truly concerned with my academic success and are always making sure I am stay on track for graducation. I have made many friends in my classes that have been of much help to me. I have learned so much about becoming a teacher and all aspects of my field. I have grown as a professional and feel ready for whatever life throws my way. I am now an active volunteer in the schools in my community and I want to continue to be more active in my community. College has made me into a more accpeting and mindful person.

Greyson

I was accepted into the Honors Program at St Cloud State University in the fall of 2010. I have found the experience to be intellectually challenging and personally enriching. The faculty and staff have been very accessible and offer support when needed. The wide variety of classes gives the ability to choose classes that are interesting to me as an individual. Living on campus offers convenience and accessibility to be active in campus life. I have met people from around the world and developed friendships that I will value for years to come. I recently participated in a service project for “Kids Against Hunger”. The project involved me and fellow students assembling care packages that were sent to a third world country to combat hunger. This experience was a very interesting and rewarding. I have many goals and dreams for life. Meeting people, traveling and continuing my education are all important to me. Most of all I would like to make an impact on my community and beyond. I believe my education and experiences at St Cloud State University will help me achieve goals.

Jason

My college experience has taught me alot about myself. I've learned tons beyond the classroom about what i really want out of life. Since beginning i have learned that my so called dream job when i was younger isn't really what i would want to be for the rest of my life. I'm now set i want to be in the law enforcement field because i love to help other people. I feel it is valueable to attend because more then just learning the requirements for class you learn to widen you perpective in life and be accepting toward diversity.

Eryka

So far through college, I have gotten aquainted with how it is different from high school. After completing one semester, I know now that professors are every accomodating. Professors are also every easy to contact and get ahold of to help on assignments. I have also gotten to know the campus through campus activities, such as intermural sports and being apart of community council. Being able to help the campus while I attend it for the next four to five years will only benefit me. I look forward to graduating from St. Cloud State with a quality education and many memories.

Michelle

My college experience has been a rewarding and trivial time. During these years I have been a full time student, part-time student and working full time and many other combinations. I have found that the balancing school, work and personal life is very challenging but highly attainable. Taking courses in college is very similar to having 4 different jobs a semester. You have to learn to work with your professor and learn their most important values in order to succeed. Each teacher is different as well. These lessons have been valuable to me in my daily life as well as in my academic career. College has taught me patience in communicating my needs with a variety of different people; perseverance in my goals as a whole and in each class; the ability to acclimate myself with others easily.

Jessica

There are so many wonderful experiences I have gotten from attending college! The most significant is cultural diversity. Growing up in a small town of white, middle class students, I was never exposed to anyone different than myself. Attending college at SCSU has opened my eyes to what the world holds! It has also inspired me to be active in the community. Since I began school I have volunteered in a preschool class and really tried to give back to the community in anyway I can. I love to work with other students, and I think it has been valuable to learn from their experiences. Throughout my life, while I was growing up, my father always told me that getting an education was the most important thing that I would ever do for myself. And now that I am in the middle of my undergraduate degree and beginning to research graduate programs across the country, I am so thankful for that little piece of advice.

Carrie

In my experence, my attendance in college has shown me that a college education is extremely important. Many individuals of all ages are attending college. Many are unemployed and are needing to make a career change and go back to school. I am in my thirties now and have had a hard time finding well-paid positions that don't require a degree. I am finding they are far and few between. The medical industry is one of the only industries that will never go away, decrease, or go bankrupt. I also love to work with and help people. That is why I have chosen to attend college. The future is uncertain, especially with our economy being in the condition it is. A college education is going to be life-saving in a sink-or-swim environment. I have sacrificed much in order to attend college, and consider it a blessing to have the opportunity to attend. Thank you for your consideration.

Jessica

The most important thing I have gotten out of my college experience so far is time management. When you manage your time, everything seems to fall into place. When you plan and know what you are doing with your time, your stress melts away. It may sound cheesy to other college kids, but if you asked them, they would probably say the same. Even if you are setting time aside to play video games or going out with your friends, you know the time that you are allowing for yourself before you get down to business and do the best you can on your work for school. St. Cloud State University has some great classes to help students learn time management.

Kirby

College is the doorway to so many opportunities and experiences that it would be ill advised not to attend. The Life lessons one learns at an institute of higher education is an opportunity to try new things or attempt what they thought impossible. College is the time for a student to decide what they want to be when they grow up or what they may be interested in. It opens so many paths, that were once only open to a select few, and gives a student the tools necessary to strive for their goals and reach them. In college, so far, I have rediscovered myself and found that I am enthusiastic about business and learning the ins and outs of the business world. College is a time of change and a time to learn, when i recieve my 4 year degree... then I will know the true value of my experience.

Claire

In the beginning of my college career I did not care to take it seriously. I would skip class, not put in enough time and effort, and I simply wouldn't care to do any of the work. After failing a course because of this and it hitting me that I wouldn't have to be paying for this course again if I cared originally. I took some time off from school and became a Flight Attendant for a while. Soon after I realized that I valued an education and needed to continue on with mine. I finally got serious and focused and have gotten so much out of it. I have learned that professors are very good at helping you succeed and go into the world as someone that they taught to be better. College courses are so valuable to attend not just because of the money that would get wasted if you don't but it's for yourself. Knowledge is power and the more I know the more brain power I have which only betters myself and my future.

Jennifer

On February 20th, 2010 I was involved in a car accident. I was driving back home from a high school state swim meet with three friends in the car. I hit black ice merging onto the highway and crossed into traffic heading in the opposite direction. The two girls in the back seat, Rachel Revolinski and Leah Bolin, were injured and the girl sitting next to me, Natalie Bolin, was killed. I spent a month in the hospital, three weeks of which I cannot remember, and was told that due to my traumatic brain injuries I couldn't finish high school. Despite what the doctors had said, my parents allowed me to return to school. I was able to graduate from high school, but only on a pass/fail basis. Considering that I had been accepted to St. Cloud State and committed to the swim team I made up my mind to give it a try. After the first semester I am proud to say that I have received a 3.51 GPA. If I had not made the decision that I had I would never have recovered my confidence and I have my college experience to thank for that.

Kristina

So far in school, I've gotten a lot more out of it than one would expect. I've met and befriended some people that I never thought I would be friends with. For example, people from different cultures and backgrounds. I've learned to have more of an open mind and I am teaching others and my family to do the same. College has given me a whole new outlook on life as far as trying to better society. Through volunteering, social issues classes, and real life experiences, I've learned that one person can do a lot in this world. If I've learned this much just in one semester, who knows what I will accomplish in four years! That is, if I can afford it!

James

I don't think I would be nearly as motivated nor as driven as I am today, had I not left home to attend Saint Cloud State. Living away from home really drove home the point, more than anything else, that I am no longer a child and that I must strike out in the world to carve out a niche of my own if I want to survive. A huge part of my growth as a person here at college was learning exactly what the value of a dollar is. I got my first job here, to help pay for expenses, and the long hours I would sometimes work, combined with the time I would have to squeeze in to get my coursework done as well, really opened my eyes to the seriousness of financial responsibility. This was especially noticeable when I would compare how much work it took to make a minimum wage paycheck with the massive cost of tuition. On a lighter note, my college experience has really helped me open up to other people. Be it work, class, or interacting in the dorm, I have really opened up to people, and embraced my fellow man.

Daniel

it was good because i had the opertunity to learn more while enroled and will end up with a licensed usable degree that will allow me to get a job in a field that i enjoy.

Mike

Over my college career I have learned many important contributions to life. It is very important to have friends and it is also very helpful to be optimistic about your future. Friendship and networking can get you’re a long way in life but it is also important to not rely on those things solely. It is also very important to attend class, and do research on classes and their professors before you register for them.

Hannah

The average college freshman gains about 20 pounds that first year. My freshman year, I lost that 20 pounds. During my college experience, I have become a more motivated individual. I am motivated to stay in shape but also, be involved. In high school, I got lost in the crowds. I was an average student with no leadership roles. I understand now that I was fighting with depression. But in college, I stood out. I excelled in my classes, in my social life and took on four leadership roles in my second year. My attitude has changed completely. I am a nicer person and more fun to be around then I ever was in high school. My college experience has defined me as a person, and made me a better one. The college experience saved my life. Attending college was the best choice I made in my life. I learned how to deal healthily with my depression, become a leader on campus, be an activist, and be involved in the surrounding community. I will take a lot from college and I hope that my leadership roles follow me throughout life, as well as, staying involved in my community for life.