Saint Cloud State University Top Questions

My decision to return to college was a choice based on desire, not necessarily need. I love my current job. I do not plan to leave my position, even after graduation. Obtaining my degree will not result in more pay or benefits, but the experience I am gaining has already had an impact on my ability to perform the duties of my job, as I have become more confident, insightful, and eager to seek new ideas and resources. I have been a student previously, however I was attending college to prove something, not gain something. This time around, I have found that the more I put into my experience, the more I am gaining. I have met amazing people, both students and educators. I have been challenged to move out of my comfort zone, leading me to search for more in life. The self-growth I am experiencing in my life is huge. I find myself looking for additional challenges and seeking new relationships.

School has not always been easy for me, and I am not talking about my grades. I have attended a community college for the past four years, because I have paid out of my pocket for tuition and books. Even though I have struggled as far as money is concerned, I have had the best four years of my entire life. I have met so many wonderful people who have opened my eyes to many different points of view. I went into some of my classes thinking the worst, but once in there the teacher really made me think. I feel like education is something that can never be taken away from an individual, and that is why I feel it is so important to continue for as long as possible. Even when one feels there is no light at the end of the tunnel - persistence is necessary, because in the end it will all pay off. Education opens doors that we never even noticed were there and I really feel that if I am able to continue my education my door will eventually open. I want to make a difference, and with education I can do just that!

In college not only have I gotten a fabulous education in teaching, I have also met many great friends and professors along the way. I have been able to network in the field of education and learn more about my teaching career and my daughter's education, as well. I have been able to meet and learn from some really great teachers and meet many wonderful students.

I've experienced a great deal of trauma in my life which began when my college dreams were crushed in 1982 when I was stalked and stabbed. After more than twenty years -- plus dealing with PTSD, addiction and domestic violence -- I decided to return to college. I began as a single mom on welfare whose self-esteem was shaken at best. I completed my 2 year degree with a 4.0 GPA. However, on the day of receiving that degree in the mail, I visited Mayo Clinic for my first oncology visit. I'd been diagnosed with breast cancer at 43. Now 2 years later, I've returned to online classes at a 4 year university, still on welfare and struggling with the after-effects of chemotherapy and my son's diagnosis of Asperger's Disorder. What has college given me? It has given me an example of perseverance (through cancer and poverty), critical thinking (to reasearch our medical conditions) and citizenship and leadership (to advocate and promote awareness of causes in our society). Personally, while life was being drained from me, I had the hope of a future on the horizon. The third time around, I'll succeed!

I have gained so much from attending my college. I have learned how to manage my money, how to manage my time and how to be an adult. It has been valuable going to college because I learned how to live. Going almost every day gives me something to look forward to and it has set goals for me in life. I am thankful I picked my school and I am thankful for what I have gained from my school.

When I began my college carrer I was a immature young woman. I didn't give much value to classes and experiences. I was soon shown the many things that I could gain from putting effort into my classes and welcoming new experiences. St. Cloud State University provided a path for me to follow in my journey of maturing and becoming the responsible, successful woman that I am today. It gave me the opportuntiy to explore new things and discover what my interests truly are. St. Cloud State steered me gently in a direction that led me to my carrer that I love. I wouldn't have been able to do this at a community or technical college. You see, I began college determined to be an account and chose St. Cloud State for their excellent business program. The classes that I took, however, led me in a different direction and I was able to become a teacher at the same college because of SCSU's also excellent teacher education program. With out the many opportunities at St. Cloud State, I may have had to change colleges, possibly deterring me from reaching my goal.

My College experience has shown me how hard you have to work to be successful in life. I'm currently taking thirteen credits and working around twenty hours a week. College has changed my view on life and has helped me decide on what major i am trying to complete and what job i would like to obtain when i graduate from college. In this day and age, you have to go to college to become successful in life. College is a great way to meet employers and start networking so when you graduate the jobs will be lining up for you. I have learned more in this first semester of college then i would have ever guessed, I have gotten many new ideas for the future and ways to accomplish those goal. As far as a social experience I haven't really had the time to get involved with social events. I have been able to attend a couple time and it was alot of fun, i like meeting new people and experencing new ideas. Thank You for your time

I have gotten a lot out of my college experience. I have learned to expand my definition of things and people. I was very restricted before and now i am a very open person. I feel like i am become a more globally aware person. With taking classes like sociology i am learning about some many problems that i had no idea existed. I am also learning how i can implement change. I feel like i have grown so much and learned more than math. I have learned a lot about how to deal with different situations and am better prepared for the work world when i finish school.

So far, out of my college experience, I have learned a few things. First, the professors make the rules in their own classrooms. No exceptions. If you don't like the way a professor teaches the class, you can leave. Even if they are feeding the entire class a long list of bullshit that makes no logical sense, you better not question it because they are in charge and they "know everything" because THEY are the ones holding the doctorate. Not you. Second, if you don't party and get drunk with everyone on campus, you are the outcast. You will not be invited to any social circles or be told any of the specific details of a certain party because you weren't there. Your peers and classmates will regard you as a "saint" or a "goody-goody" and you will damn near be shunned. The only value I can extract from this school is the strong field emphasis. I am going for Secondary Education and this school has one of the most renowned teaching programs in the country. I nearly feel sorry for anyone who attends this school for anything else.

I feel that my experience of college and what I have learned in my classes has broadened my mind. I come from a family who has never attended college before and I was wondering throughout my high school years if I would even be able to go to college given my struggles academically, financially and socially. Now that I am attending college I feel like I am living a dream and I now have knowledge and experiences to pass to my family. My favorite experiences have been my science and humanities class that have helped me explore my world more in depth than what I am used to. I actually feel smart now and I am even helping other students in my classes who do not understand the material; something I have never felt I could do before. I enjoy very much continuing my education just becausing I am learning things. Even if I do not become as successful as I would like I will never regret a single penny I have spent on college education.

During my college experience at SCSU I have learned valuable carrer tactics that will help me in my journey throughout life. I recieved job searching tips and there is a well know career services center to help me with the tools I need to find a job in my field. There are several opportunities to suceed at SCSU. The LGBT resource center and OutLoud at my school also gave me opportunities to excel as an individual. I learned my true self at college and am excited to see where it takes me in life. Thanks SCSU!

College was an amazing learning experience for me. It was the first time that I lived on my own. It was the first time that I didn't have to check in with my parents each evening. It was the first time that I drank enough to get drunk. I met many amazing people, some that many years later, I still am in contact with. College was a new beginning for me. A chance to come out of my shell and discover who I really was as a person. I believe that college made me wake up, realize that I was that much closer to living in the real world, and understand that I had to work for things in life that they wouldn't be handed to me.

Saint Cloud State University has been a welcoming school to attend. The campus is clean and welcoming to all different types of races and cultures. Everyone feels comfortable and accepted for who they are. I really enjoy the school faculties and staff so far. When asked what i have received from my college experience so far i would have to answer with the word experience. I have gained so much life experience. Saint Cloud State University has opened my mind to accepting different point of views and to be accepting of different concepts that i have not been previously exposed to. I lived in the dorms and i recommend that to every first year student. I met so many new friends and also i learned valuable life skills in regards to living with new people, and creating a peaceful enviornment through compromising with my peers. I would state that attending Saint Cloud State University has been valuable because it opened my horizons and helped me focus on the bigger picture of what a community really is made of.

I've learned alot about living on my own while attending college. For years, it was just me and mom living at home, and now it's just me, and that's has most definatly been an adjustment. College has not only taught me things in a class room, but also in a dorm and apartment setting, not everyone gets along, and not everyone will be able to stand living with certian other people. Living aways form home and atteding school is kind of ( alot ) alike getting up and going to a job everyday. There's no one there to tell you it's time to get out of bed, or to tell you to go. You have to do it all yourself, and it's wonderful and scarry.

My college experience has taught a lot about who I want to be. It taught me how to manage my finances and time. After my first year in college, I had put myself in debt through credit cards and student loans. From there I started working full-time, as the manager of the Pretzelmaker, to pay them off. Since then, I have continued working for the same company in the same position and it has shaped me as a very dedicated and hard-working student. It's shown me that I am very capable of anything I set my mind to. School is my number one priority and I have been able to achieve my academic goals, while working full-time. A lot of people would say that I do too much, but to be honest, I love how busy my life is. I love that at the end of the day, I can say I did my best.

Since the first civilization of the human race EDUCATION has always been the secret key to a successful life.BUt some people think a college formation is not that important meanwhile some do believe in it. HOW we can reach the truth concerning those two points of views? By digging the facts over the years we are going to be able to have a formal conclusion.

My college experience thus far has been very rewarding. I have had the opportunity to take a variety of classes and learn many new and exciting things. I also have had the chance to constantly meet new people and make life long friends. I will always value my time at school because of the experiences I have had and where my education will get me in life.

I'm currently applying to many scholarship programs so I might be able to afford to go to college. I deperetly wish to go to school so I might learn more about Chemistry and one day work with NASA as a part of the Ames Research team. I come from a very poor family and have been forced to move constantly as a child. Now that I just graduated high school, I'm looking to further my education but have failed in doing so as of right now because of my lack of finacial stability. I work, but most of my savings goes to get my parents out of their debt and keep their home. This is why I need scholarships so I might fullfill my dream of becoming a member of the NASA Ames Research team.

Am stiill in collage. I like learning new staff everyday. And I strongly believe that i will reach my goals, able to finish ontime with all the good teachers I have here and unending resources. Am ready take any challenges

My college experience has been valuable to me because I wan't to obtain a degree so I can make a better life for myself. My entire life has been spent in poverty, always worried about not having enough money to pay my bills or buy food I'm sick of living like that and I'm trying to make a positive change! By getting my degree I will be able to go out into the job market confidently and find not only a job but a career. Being a non-traditional student and trying to juggle work and school is very difficult but I know it will pay off in the end. I just got to stick with it, and this time I know I will!

Being a college graduate has ensured that I have the best opportunities when looking for employment. Though I graduated with a Management B.S. in 2002, the current economic meltdown has resulted in 3 layoffs for me from sales jobs. As a result, I have decided to go back to school with a career choice that leads into a direct career, is recession proof, and has an excellent career outlook - Physical Therapy. I am currently taking science prerequisite requirements at community college so that I can apply to Physical therapy graduate schools, and am enjoying learning again in an educational environment. Although I already have my B.S., it was not in a pre-health field and thus there are several science requirements I still need to take. I have chosen to take these classes at the community college level since it makes the cost more affordable. Obtaining this scholarship will ensure that I have the funds to pay for all of these science prerequisites, and do not have to borrow loans even before I attend graduate school. The cost of graduate school will be substantial, so avoiding borrowing before then seems to be the best and smartest decision.

College has provided me with an experience to branch out and see the "real world." The college life is full of excitement and variety that gives each student their own unique 4 years. College is a time to have fun and meet a large number of friends from all walks of life. As with any college experience, you get out of it what you put into it. Most colleges have a lot going on and it is up to each individual student to dive into as much as they would like. College has been one of the most essential things to my life that you can't put a price tag on. Without college, a lot of doors remain closed and avenues to success do not lie ahead of you!

I have enjoyed every minute of my college experience thus far. The enviromrnt is friendly and open. I have learned so much and plan to keep learning more. At times it has been challenging, academically, but I have made it through and have learned a lot about what I was studying and about myself. The community is so great, both on and off campus. Everyone is helping everyone, studying, having fun, and enjoying life. The faculty and staff are always willing to help students, guiding them in the right direction.

I have gotten an excellent education from Tidewater Community College. I've met many different people and learned about multiple cultures. I have found that this college is very helpful to students who cannot afford to attend 4-year Universities and Colleges without financial aid and that the staff are very helpful in preparing students to transfer and get the financial aid they need. The college provides FAFSA applications to the students and makes the entire process easy and smooth. tidewater Community College is also very active in the community, hosting blood drives and food drives. There are also many activites and clubs available to students as well as a Women's Center to help out in any way they can, including support groups, further help with financial aid, and counseling for almost every need. Tidewater Community College provides and excellent education and a wonderful learning environment that I am thankful for the opportunity to attend.

St. Cloud State University has introduced me to so many new opportunities, since enrolling I have been named royalty for my hometown where I was able to volunteer all around minnesota and meet many new people, I have met many friends who I will always hold close to my heart, I have been given the position of a Community Advisor on campus where I get to help students living in the residence halls with all of their daily concerns of college life and I try my best to make their college experience the best that it can be. Lastly and most importantly, St. Cloud State has given me the best education that money can buy for my major and minor; the professors are not only extremely knowledgable and well known in their field, they are also simpathetic about students emotions, understanding of students needs, and caring about students futures. These experiences have all helped to shape who I am as an individual; St. Cloud State University has allowed me to be unique, while helping me to grow intellectually to become one of the best candidates for my future field of work as an educator of America's youth.

My college experience so far has really made me grow. I'll never forget walking up to this huge building after being away for so many years. The anxiety was unlike anything I'd ever experienced. I wasn't even sure if I could do it. That was over two years ago, and there is no question in my mind that I can do it. I overcame my fears, and I'm so glad I did. Not only has my college experience taught me knowledge, it has helped break me out of my shell of shyness. I feel ready to change lives. Now, I have more passion than ever to help people by using my knowledge and experiences. I've always had this expectation of myself that I must positively impact the lives as others in my work. That possibility keeps growing as I grow intellectually, socially, and emotionally.

I have gotten many things from my college experience. I really have learned a lot about my field of studies and the real life experiences with them. I have gotten volunteer experience as well as have been a part of different clubs and organizations. I feel these really help make a positive college experience. I play on a intramural volleyball team which helps to take my mind off of my busy schedule of work, school and volunteering. I feel this is beneficial to my personal growth as I learn to become a more authentic individual. So far I have had a very valuable experience that will help me in my future to be successful. The professors and advisors here on campus are great and always willing to help. They will write recommadations letters and tell you that you deserve and have accomplished everything yourself. I have had a wonderful experience so far and I would recommend St. Cloud State University to any student looking for a good education.

I am the first generation in my family to go to college. Although I feel I am on the right track, I feel as I will always be short on money to pay for the continuation of my path towards my desired career. I have not only gotten academic achievement in college; I also feel that even though I am attending a community college, I know that it is preparing me for what is to come next. College has served as a valuable stone, that if I would have chosen not to attend I would probably have given up altogether. I see college as a valuable institution in which you do not only discover what you want from life, but it has served as a way of making connections in the scholarly fields I al pursuing. I have met instructors that have influenced me in ways that have motivated me towards moving forward. They have assured me that with my academic background and aspects I will go far; and along with that break the financial boundaries preventing me from my true potential.

Even though I am fairly new to the college scene, I have already learned so much from it. I decided to live in the dorms for my freshman year which has taught me so much. I left my door open the first few weeks letting anybody walk in an introduce themselves. From that, I have met the closest group of friends I have ever had, who I will be living in a house with next year. We have become like family because we're all learning to become responsible adults but doing it together. Also, taking classes that i'm actually interested in is what I like most about college. It gives me the motivation to wake up and go to class every day, because I enjoy learning about these subjects and I really feel like my mind is enriched. Another college experience that has taught me vaules, is seeing the maturity level of the college students compared to those in high school. I have learned to respect everyone and anyone no matter their beliefs, sexual orientation or race. Our campus is very diverse and has opened my mind to many different ways of life.

So far my college experience has given me more confidence in myself and my abilities.

My college experince has alowed my to explore my options in life and helped me get on the path to my future. I would have never learned as much as I have if I had not attended the college I did. The college prepared me for my career in nursing and helped give me a solid background in communication, analytical writing, and environmental science. There are a few specific values I developed from my school that I will keep with me for the rest of my life. The first one I learned was responsibility. I am responsible for myself and my future. I also learned that in order to succeed in life and my job, I need to be beneficent. In order for me to be a good nurse I need to look out and to good for others. I may only be one person but it's a good first step in the right direction. The last thing I want to talk about is accountability. If I can't answer for my own actions, I wont be able to accomplish my goals in life. I learned values I will hold onto forever.

College has made me more confident and more willing to be helped and to be of help. It has made me into a more complete person with the desire to succeed, to make myself better, and to be an upstanding member of whaterver community I end up in.

Thus far, I have learned to be a more responsible adult. I know that my actions have consequences and that if I do not do my work no one is going to do it for me.

What I have gotten out of my college experience so far is independence and self respect. I say this because a lot of people go to college looking for the “ultimate” experience. In some cases that means drinking, partying and going to class when they feel like it. As much as I would love to be out and having fun every night, I know that in the morning school will still be in existence and my grades are far more important for graduation then some silly Fraternity party. I want to be able to look at myself and be proud of who I am. In my opinion the college experience should be about the balance of fun and structure. It has been valuable to attend college away from home for the simple fact that when I am done I will have my dream career and hopefully working at my dream job. Also I have made some pretty good friends without having to change who I am. I wouldn't trade this experience for anything. After all, this is what college is for, experience and growth.

By attending this school, i have gotten a lifetime filled with knowledge. This school has opened so many doors for me, like internships and volunteer programs. I have made long lasting friends both teachers and students. Its valuable to attend because it is financiallly cheap and the education surpasses its cheap cost. People here are nice and willing to help me out when i'm in trouble(personally or/and academically). There are many avenues to succeed in myrespected field. Life at Saint Cloud State University is a blessing.

So far, I am yet to experience more of the college way of life. I have seen many changes that has come upon me as a result of moving off to college and finally taking responsibility for many of the things that my parents would usually do for me like paying my rent, making appointments, and many more. I am very excited about attending college because there I have the opportunity of a life time like participating in the study abroad program this comming summer or taking classes in various fields just to explore and satisfy my curiosity. I am still looking forward to the many challenges that my life in college has to throw at me. I want to see what the outcome of getting a higher education can acquire me in the future.

i got my college experience that education is the success of every thing whether its getting a decent job or helping your people after you are done with your college degree. however, what i also experience was getting a degree is not something that is easy, you have to work hard, spend alot of hours in the library and success comes after that. St cloud state univeristy has been valuable to me to attend because i learned alot of things that i didn't know before when i was coming here and on top of that i am really happy that i am the first person in my family to attend college and my mom is very proud of that.

I have been taking college classes since the fall of 1997. I first attended a 2-year junior college, and then attended St. Cloud State University to earn a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education. While at SCSU, I also earned a minor in Special Education. I then attained employment within my hometown school district as a special education teacher, and needed to go back and finish my degree in special education. I was almost finished with that, and then needed to change jobs within the school and yet again needed to attain another licensure in education administration. So with all that said, I have had quite the college experience, and beside it always being a financial hinderance, the opportunities it has provided for me have been amazing. I have met so many wonderful professors, as well as other students. The wealth of knowledge and others personal experiences I have been exposed to has helped me with greatly within my own daily routines and situations. I have also acquired life long friends and resources that I tap into almost daily. College is definitely a thing that everyone should have the opportunity to experience.

I have learned more than anything to think critically and how to communicate effectively with other people. I was able to study abroad sophomore year and it completely opened my eyes to the differences in cultures and how just because something is different, it doesn't make it wrong. I have made friends that I will keep for the rest of my life and I feel confident in the direction i am heading after graduation because of my friends, professors, and the education I have receieved here. I have also learned self discipline. It is temping to procrastinate and party during free time, but that usually results in poor grades. It's all about balance and moderation. I will take these lessons learned with me as I move out into the real world.

I've gained so much knowledge in the field of engineering, and i've gained a number of good friends who have become some of my closest. i've also been allowed ot deal with life situations on my own away from the shelter of my family. not that it isn't a help to have parents, but there are scenario's that are best dealt with by learning the hard way. i've learned time management, and the way i react to stress, which has heavily increased since i've begun my college experience. on the other hand, i've also been able to find ways to deal with stress. i've also been able to gain a firm knowledge of my own financial standing, which will help me agian when i start completely on my own as i leave the college stage. honestly, everyday is a new experience, whether someone is in college or not, and i think i've gained the most from simply being away from home. i've learned about myself, not to say i havent enjoyed the learning experiences in class either. anyway you look at it, its all relevant to you life.

Being the first of my family to attend a four year institution, I knew going in that it was important I do well and complete my education. In today's world, jobs are scarce and the more education and experience you have, the better. College has opened many doors for me that I would have never gotten to otherwise. Choosing a school can be tough but I am happy with my decision and would not change a thing if I had to do it over again. I chose Saint Cloud State because of it's location (in Minnesota), the tuition price, and how well known the business school was. The professors I have had in both my general and major classes have real world experience and truely care about the success of the students. The opportunities are endless for studying abroad, being involved in sports, and joining clubs. I have made connections and had the opportunity to make many friends and networks in the world of accounting already.

This is my first semester here and everything seems to be great.

So far I have gotten a sense of purpose and belonging, a reason to make it in life. Here at SCSU I have new friends, rowing, and the beggining of a new career. College is valuable to attend to be able to get established in life through making connections and learning the tricks of the trade. sweat and little sleep now will pay off in the future, there is not a doubt in my mind.

I believe that my college experience has been very influential. It has really tought me how to grow and take care of myself. It has also shown me how being involved really does make a better life.

I have gotten a little reality check. But the valuable part is one of my professors have prepared me for the worst and has taught me may skills, I have taken with me when doing assignment and taking notes in class.

College has been an invaluable experience for me for more reasons than can be expressed in 200 words. I have met incredible people, participated in the vibrancy of college life, practiced my talents, discovered passions, developed and tested my values, and above all, found important pieces of my identity. I entered college excited and receptive but scared, awkward and unsure. Today I am a confident individual, partner, friend, communicator, leader, citizen, critical thinker, scientist, artist, philosopher, athlete, activist and life-long learner. College provided me the tools to make the most out of my education and life. College taught me to never stop questioning and never stop learning. I undoubtedly grew as a person but to say I found myself in college would be to discredit my next journey and who I may be tomorrow.

My identity formed from influences and learning. I am one whole young lady composed of knowledge, confidence, energy, and heart. The person who I have become is purely genuine from toe to top. I have a different background because my parents came to the U.S. from Europe about 30 yrs. ago to the United States. I am and will always be thankful to them for an opportunity. It will influence my lifetime. At Saint Cloud State University I have done work to volunteer doing work within the university. I attended classes and took notes in the Business Department and we surveyed students on how to better the disabilities program. I also joined a Accounting Club. There were guest speakers on business topics such as Marketing, Management, Global Organization, and I took a graduate level class on Organizational Communication that has enriched my views on how important communication always will be. It gave me a greater understanding of what the business world is like and how it is so much me! In my life I hope to take advantage of as much possible to help me become a more talented, people individual and experience life to the fullest.

My undergraduate experience at St. Cloud State University was filled with exploration and opportunity. Every day, there was a new experience awaiting and encouragement from faculty, staff, and students on campus. I was encouraged by a staff member who was my boss during my undergraduate career, who worked with me to achieve success and go on to complete my Masters in College Counseling and Student Development. Because of him, I was thrilled to continue my education and develop skills to help me progress toward a successful future. I was able to meet so many people and learn so many new and unique experiences through my college years that have made me who I am today. I am able to look back and realize that it was so worth taking the time to educate myself, and therefore, would like to work in Higher Education doing the same to encourage and be intentional about helping students succeed.

Although I am not one hundred percent sure what I have gotten out of being at college yet, seeing is how I just started three weeks ago, I am very happy that I am going. College is a new experience all on its own where you get the freedom and responsibility to make choices that may not have been possible in high school; like attending class for instance. It allows you to meet new people and have new adventures in life and helps you work toward the goal of becoming successful and getting a career in the field that interest you the most. I also find college valuable because it allows you to have an advantage of making more money and having a more care-free lifestyle.

I have gotten so much out of my college experience thus far. I studied abroad in the fall of 2009 in Alnwick, England. From this adventure, I learned to be independent and not depend on my parents. I learned to "grow up" and step outside of my boundaries because here I was with 32 other strangers studying here. I learned to plant my own two feet on the ground and rely on myself for the most part. Along with the knowledge and education that I gained, I enjoy gaining the friends that I have made thus far. Friends may not be there until the end but they are there for you right now. And if you are in college by yourself, they are the only family that you have within seconds of where you are. The greatest gain of my college experience is self-growth. I enjoyed seeing myself grow up from the highschool student I used to be into a whole new person that I am today.