Saint Louis University Top Questions

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

Eleanor

I would tell myself to not give up and not let expectations get in the way of the experience. There was a time when I thought that I wanted to leave my school in order to transfer to another. I was a freshman and felt I did not make the right choice for myself when selecting a college. I was ready to give up on SLU but I am so thankful I did not. I took a semester off in order to focus on the degree I wanted to pursue. I entertained the idea of transfering from SLU but realized quickly that I SLU was absolutely the right school for me, I just needed to be open to the experience and not let my expectations for college get in the way of my journey. I am now looking ahead to my senior year and am so greatful for SLU and all the opportunities I have been given due to my enrollment here. I would tell myself as a high school senior to open my mind and hold on because it is a beautiful ride!

Allison

If I could go back in time and have a little chat with the high school senior version of myself, I think that I would give her the advice to just enjoy every minute of the end of her high school experience, the transition period, and the time it takes to settle into college. It may sound cliche, but it is advice that I think often gets pushed aside. The beginning of college is scary, no doubt, but is such a wonderful opportunity to meet people that have the potential to be lifelong friends and that may have the ability to completely change the course of your life. I think that, were I able to do it all over again, I would have tried to care less about what other people thought. I was so afraid of being uncool and embarassing myself that I think I kept myself from meeting certain groups. In the past semester, I have made so many friends and sometimes I think about why I waited so long. So, to be short and sweet, I'd say enjoy and appreciate everything & don't be afraid to meet new people (as silly as those two may sound)!

Nkiruka

College is primarily what you make it to be. That would be one of the first pieces of advice that I would give myself as soon as the doors opened for the first day of my senior year. Being in college for two and a half years now has taught me a lot. During this transition I have grown as well as learned the in’s and out’s of being independent. Another thing I would stress to the old me would be to take college seriously because you are embarking on a new path in life, a path that can indeed shape your entire future and career depending on which road you chose to take. Lastly I would speak to myself on the importance of making the whole experience fun while also being a knowledge seeker. Often times new freshman get consumed in too much partying and not enough studying or vice versa, not understanding that you can actually do both if you take the time to focus on what’s most important.

Tiffany

I would tell myself to really look into the college you're about to go to. Use more effort now and save yourself trouble in the near future. Study hard and enjoy yourself. Be sure to appreciate what you already have, because even though you still have just as much, there is a lot less time to appreciate it all.

Lauren

Be true to yourself. You are exposed to so many new things we you start college: new people, settings, and lifestyle. College is a time to really develp yourself and become the person you want to be, but there are also very many distractions that can deter you from reaching your full potential. Understand your goals and your values before going to college to help remind yourself what is important and how to respond when those elements are tested. Develop healthy habits early to help keep you on the right path.

Joey

I would first and foremost tell myself to get in shape over summer. I play rugby for Saint Louis University and I could use the extra fitness. However, another huge piece of advice I would give myself would be not to underestimate the courses and my major, biomedical engineering. In high school, I was in the top 15{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of my class and felt that school was quite easy. Upon reaching college and taking some of my first semester courses, I switfly learned that college is nothing like high school and that I had to buckle down and work hard. By applying myself even more, my GPA last semester wold have been even higher. The last piece of advice I would give myself would be to not overload yourself like I am now. School comes first, not work.

Elizabeth

If I could go back in time to senior year and give myself advice about college, I would tell myself several things. The first piece of advice I would give myself is to make sure that I gather enough financial aid so that I would not have had to take a gap year between my freshmen and sophmore years, including not missing deadlines and applying for more scholarships. The second piece of advice I would impart would be to be more social and spontaneous because it would result in creating strong friendships and having more fun. I would also tell myself to choose a major according to what I am interested in, instead of following in my parent's footsteps. Finding out who you are and deciding what you want to do with your life should not be based on other people's.

Emma

To slow down and appreciate every day of your college experience. This is a time of your life that you will never get back and you need to experience it for all its worth. College is not only about academics, it is about finding youself and molding your personality into the type of person you want to be for the rest of your life. Don't let anyone tell you that you need to be different than who you are. The world needs more than sorority girls and frat boys to fill it. Let your true nature shine through at college and don't be afraid to stand up for what you believe is right.

ashley

I would tell myself to dive in head first and just deal with things as they come and don't postpone your future because of your internal insecurities. You are great,beautiful,smart and blessed and the world needs you so go make your dad proud.

Alyssa

Dear Me, This is your senior year, enjoy every second of it! I know you're in college and high school classes right now, playing sports and busy in clubs. Things may seem really crazy and hard at times, but it is going to be worth it! When you become a full-time college student, really think about where you want this education to take you. Think about what is going to make you happy and work your hardest to get there. Don't take all advice that college advisors give you because some will lead you astray. Put school and family first but do your best at work as well. Spend less time pleasing others and more time focusing on your happiness. I am certain one day your late nights of studying after working eight hour days are going to pay off. Even though your parents don't say it enough, they are proud of you and what you have accomplished. College is going to seem like such a long journey with a lot of bumps and turns along the way, but it is going to lead you to a successful and happy life! Never give up! Sincerely, Me

Edna

Dear High School Senior Edna,I know sometimes study hall can me boring and you feel that you could easily just wait till later at night to complete your homework, but I would suggest that you take advantage of study halls and complete your work. When you get to college their will not be many chances for you to get sleep and a lot of your time will be spend trying to find time to complete your work. Also, find more ways in which you can study, I know you might feel like giving up at times but I know that the school you are in is preparing you for college. Find ways in which you can involve yourself in many more clubs and organization in school, learn about what it is to be president or have a leadership role, it will help you when you want to enter different clubs in college. Also, look for more ways to find scholarships or ways to obtain money to pay for school, college is really expensive and you rather know that you have some money to spend on paying tuition and books rather than struggle in balancing multiple jobs and schoolwork.

Catherine

College can be one of the best times and most frustrating times of life. You are now away from your parents, trying to figure out the world on your own. Just remember, it's okay to be uncertain of what you want to do in your life. It's okay to change your major more than once. You don't have to have everything figured out right now. Remember to enjoy these moments. You will look back fondly on all the challenges and changes that occur during these years. Find balanace. Get involved. Take advantage of the opportunities presented to you. There is no limit to what you can accomplish, so believe in yourself and in others.

Steven

My advice to my past high school self is to not limit yourself. No matter how much you might think your love will last forever, it probably won't, so don't go to just any school to be close to your girlfriend. You should have a back-up school for gauranteed acceptance, but you are more than able to get accepted to universities with a bit higher prestige. Also, don't rule out community colleges for the first 2 years. Most courses transfer to a 4-year univesity and you could save yourself thousands of dollars in tuition. I also urge you to dedicate more time to applying for scholarships. College is expensive, and this money will help subsidize your student financial needs so you won't end up with a pile of student loan debt before your even have a job to pay for it. Lastly, go to class and do your homework. Don't procrastinate. College isn't like high school where you can rely on your natural aptitude and charm. An all-nighter in college is truely an all-nighter (not just staying up 'til 1 am studying for a test).

James

Dear Self, Please do not take the next five years off of college. you will be so much happier when you are 23 if you are done with school or at least have most of it behind you. Please do not drink away our brain cells as we really could use them. Take the path less traveled and finish all of your schooling before trying to have fun. Getting your priorities in order is very crucial. Always remember a healthy balance is important of everything you do in life. Do not take any trips to Sacramento with the guys because the trip turns out to be a huge mistake. Start thinking about your future now so you can start to make a career choice instead of working at a job forever. Party no more than two times a year. that is the Maximum allowed for you untill you are twenty seven. I set the date at twenty seven becuase I figure by then you may be smart enough to never do it. Every move you take and every thought you take should have purpose behind it. Everything you do should have meaning. Dont be a spectater in your own life.

Amanda

If I could go back to my high school self and give myself advice, I would advise myself to realize that in college I need to be studying everyday. Because in college we don't get as many tests and points in the classes, I needed to make sure I did well on each and every test. Also, I would tell myself to realize that I'm going to make different friends, and that just because I am making new friends does not mean I am forgetting my old ones. Meet as many new people as you can and embrace all of them. Friends will help you along in college and without them, you may not enjoy it as much as you should.

Jessica

1. Apply for as many scholarships as possible because tuition,books, supplies, and housing are not cheap. 2. Study Math. 3. Take AP math and sciences classes. 4. Go to campus and ask various students and students similar to your ethnic and socio-economic status what they like and dislike about the school. 5. Be sure about what you want to study because once you are in college no one will help you decide. 6. Decide your major as soon as possible, because not knowing can make you behind in credits or cause you to take courses you do not need. 7. Enjoy the rest of your time in high school, because life after High School is more fast pace and stressful. 8.Keep good ties with your current job, it will be great to have the job during the summers. 9. Apply to any schools that you are interested in, the more you apply to, the better your choices are for among many things: location, financial aid, majors offered, and social organizations. 10. DO WHAT YOU WANT! Do not let others (Family, Friends, Boyfriend/Girlfriend,etc) influence your decision. This is a big , roughly 4-year decision. The End

Nygel

College is going to be hard, prepare yourself early for the hard homework and steep learning curve of the classes. Your teachers will not babystep you through anything, it's a completely independent process and be ready for it. But at the same time enjoy everything about it, independence is awesome and you will have the time of your life on campus. Enjoy it while it lasts.

Phoebe

If I were to go back in time and talk to myself, I would say enjoy your time, but take advantage of all your great opportunities, use good time management, when you become stressed take a step back and a look at the situation because its probably not as bad as you think.

Trey

I would tell myself to actually take interest in the field of competitive education. Take full-mind, endure each lecuture with enthusiasm towards knowledge, and be responsible for aquiring the best of grades. All for the order of making a positive difference in our Nation, around the globe, and most importantly, for the sake of humanity. Inform the young man that I'm in the midst of American equal opportunity, thus I should study abroad, intuitively. Never, ever use "not" having money as an excuse. To dream big, even if a University has an abundant, seemingly impossible price tag for tuition. I would give the innocent high school student the wisdom to partake in a rigorous, work ethic, dedicated towards preparation amongst the SAT and ACT. This would be an essential point, for the high school "me" to know, because the "now me" did not attempt either examination once, for it is key in gaining scholarship money and gaining acceptance from a major University. Just because you come from a broken family, fear not. You don't have to follow your brothers fate, for his disability of spina bifida slowed his enthusiasm towards college. Now you go get them Trey.

Aida

Knowing what I know about college life and making the transition, the kind of advice I would give my "high school self" is to get organized, understand your course requirements, as well as professors, and to not pressure yourself to make a hasty decision about any career or major. Back in high school, teachers guided their students through all the homework and due dates. College professors are different in their approach to homework, so it's good to know when various assignments are due. This follows into getting to know one's course requirements. The worst excuse possible during one's college career is "I didn't know it was due today". Instead of having to use that overused phrase, it's better to go over the syllabus that the teachers have carefully spent hours preparing, and to get to know your professors, too. Office hours are for your benefit, so take advantage of them. Office hours are for the sole purpose of meeting with students. Last, but not least, college is the time for someone to discover who they really are. It's not a race, trying to discover your future career path. Take time and enjoy exploring options.

Erica

If I could talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself that time management is most important when entering college. Meanwhile, Professors in college are not anything like high school teachers each student is responsible for keeping up with due dates of homework and test. In addition reading the syllabus the first day of school will keep the student updated on their assignments. lastly, do not be afraid of the changes but embrace them and accept that making a big decision to go to college is a good investment in your future.

Allison

I would first off tell myself not to worry so much about getting lost around campus. This was quite possibly my biggest fear; I have never gotten too terribly lost though. I would also tell myself to re-think my major. After my first semester, it would turn out that the major I had planned on all of high school was not what I was really interested in. I would tell myself to get involved as much as possible with clubs and meet as many people as possible. I would also convince my high school senior self to reign it in on going out in the first few weeks of school. And not to take Calculus! It wasn't neccessary for my major and would only end up being a big headache. I would finish by giving myself a big 'Good Luck!'

Kati

I would tell myself to remain focused on my studies. To always strive to do well and give it my best. I would make more sound deicisions on choosing where to attend college, and also remind myself to start the process sooner. Waiting till the summer after your senior year to make decisions on college is not a good idea. You feel so rushed and so lost, and in the end you miss out on going to your dream college for your freshmen year. I mean community college is not so bad, but I am so glad to transfering now for my sophmore year! I would tell myself to act now while you still can and to do your best at everything!

Samantha

Upon graduating high school and leaving for college, my biggest concern was leaving the friends that I have had since kindergarten. Even though I am a rather outgoing person, I was nervous about making new friends. The present me would tell my past self, "Samantha, keep your head up, look forward to Welcome Week. You will meet hundreds of people that are in the same boat as you. They will be amicable, mature, and intellectual. You will end up becoming best friends with the shy girl across the hall, your out-going next door neighbor, and even find an amazing boy. They will be there for you through thick and thin throughout your freshman year and you will even visit them over summer! Unlike the people you call friends now, they are mature, challenge you to be a better person and student, and respect you and much as you respect them. That is always what you have wanted in a friend - maturity, loyalty, intelligence, encouragement/challenge, and most of all, respect. And remember, the quality of friendship is better than quantity." Hopefully, the pre-college Samantha would listen (she was a little stubborn.)

Jo

Dear Self, Though it really sounds crazy, I am really "you" from the future. Please listen to me. I know that in the past you have had trouble listening to others, but I have important information for when you go to college. I have learned that it is really important to get a good education. The times where I am from are hard and uncertain. Without a career, it is nearly impossible to make it. You won't like working at McDonalds either, so don't go there. Just saying. Take this seriously, Jo Anne. Times change and it isn't always for the good and I want you to make it the best for yourself, your huband, and your two kids. By the way, you really made good decisions there. One last thing I leave you with is don't loose your passion for kids. It is your key. Sincerely, Jo Anne p.s. Learn APA writting skills NOW so you won't be sitting one day saying . . . . .UHG!!!!!!!

Sylvan

I could go to school and take all the classes I could want but if I am not connected or involved in a community that needs those classes, then chances are those classes won't be of any value to me. If I could redo my senior year, I would spend a greater effort developing quality friends. Through establishing great relationships, I would have a greater sense of which jobs are in need for the current economy and greater connections to finding such jobs. I thought that if did just what the common saying goes "Go to school. Get good grades. You'll have a good career." I would be fine. However, I found that not to be true as I have completed a certificate in civil engineering and when I had reached the end the employed civil engineers were struggling to keep an income flowing thus leaving me out of a encouraged job. Although I excel in math, I later learned through my community that I excel at developing hearts and building relationships. Though the reading and writing to become a church worker will be difficult for a mathematician, healing hearts rocks my world.

Terra

Dear Terra as a high school senior, This coming year will possibly be one of the hardest in your life. You will feel as though you have learned more in one year than you did after 4 years of high school. Your brain will be filled with knowledge that relates to your interest, and even when it seems so full, you'll continue to be thirsty for even more knowledge. College will bring you the most diverse friends you've ever had. You will learn how to be independent, but also when to ask for help. Also, try to always read ahead in your textbooks, always attend lecture, and try not to miss any opportunity of getting to know your professors (i.e. office hours). In one year you will be happier than you have been in a very long time. You'll even pick up a new sport that you'll love--water polo! The worst part of your freshman year will be saying goodbye to the community you just became a part of. Don't fret though, it isn't really a goodbye, it's a see you later! Enjoy your life and count your blessings every day.

paige

As a high school senior I was confused and felt as though I wasn't good enough for any universities. If I could go back in time now, I would tell my high school self to get on the ball. I would tell my self to strive to get A's in all of my classes, to take the ACT as many times as I can, to apply for every scholarship possible and most importantly, I would tell my self to take a deep breath. The whole high school-college transition is an extremely stressful and scary time and back then I needed to realize that I wasn't the only one who felt as thought the world was going to end.

Danielle

I would tell myself to keep up the good work and trying my hardest. Proabaly telling myself to look into diffrent ways to study and find which one workds best for me before I even started college. I would continually tell myself not to worry about meeting new people and being nervous. There are so many people that are in the same situation and feel that same way even though you may feel like the only one. Always ask questions if you are unsure because half of the time there are other students who have the same questions. Never to give up because most teachers do not want you to fail, they want you to succeed.

jamie

do better in school ,go on to college get your degree in medical you will like it you have the heart and personaily for the work and you do care about people .

Hannah

Going back to a year ago I would not tell myself anything. The transition into college is something that someone has to go through by themselves. It is different for every person and theres really no way to prepare for it. However, just because you cannot prepare for the transition does not mean it is a hard thing to do. The two most important things to do while transitioning to college are to be flexible and open-minded. Go into college taking all the advice you have heard and use it as a side reference, figure things out for yourself. Be independent and determined to do what is best for you.

Cailin

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would give myself some great insight. I would tell myself to push myself and not slack off. I would have worked harder on my school work and applied for more scholarships. I would have also suggested to myself to get more involved in school activities. Although I was a member of National Honor Society, Best Buddies, Volleyball, Soccer, and Rugby, I would have liked to be a part of Spanish Club or Future Business Leaders of America. I would tell myself to go the extra mile; to do the extra work to prepare myself for the high demand of college classes. Furthermore, I would tell myself not to worry about what other people think, because now that I am in college I am content with myself and who I have become.

Allison

I would let myself know that the most important things are to: Call mom everyday, if not twice a day , this will make you feel better and will help keep you sane. Join clubs, specifically Chemistry Club, Canterbury Club, and Rugby, you'll meet the best friends there. Don't worry about what people say behind your back, just be yourself and be confident, you are amazing and they are just trying to hurt you. Don't be afraid to explore your mind and heart, to find the real you, I promise you won't be let down. A lot of people change their majors, really, they do. Don't be afraid to take chances, this is your time to shine. Remember to trust your instincts and Lucinda from church, (true she's a little crazy, but she won't lead you astray.) Smile, have fun and be yourself. (And call Gram every week, she loves hearing from you!)

Casey

Dear Self- I know senior year is a ton of fun and you can't wait to get to college, but don't let the thrill of graduating keep you from slacking off. Once you get to college, work is a lot tougher. You'll study a lot more than you ever thought you would. Just make sure to keep up on all your work, don't fall behind, and try your hardest on every assignment. And take those AP classes. If you can get a 4 on the test, then you won't have to take that class next year, and that will help me out a lot, because that's one less class I have to take. And don't stress out - being away from home is wonderful. You make an awesome group of friends. Don't worry about being liked or trying to fit in, everything works out in the end. And enjoy your time at home, because you'll miss those home cooked meals and mom doing your laundry for you. So remember to say thank you. Oh, and don't give mom a hard time about buying the drying rack, you really will need it.

Alexis

If I could go back in time, I would tell my senior self to enjoy what I had while it was there. I'd say "High school is a great time, so go out and enjoy it! Work hard, but play hard too. Go to every football, soccer, and basketball game. Cheer loud! Have school spirit. Study hard for your tests. Take school seriously. Get the best grades you can and raise your GPA, those things DO matter for college. Go to bed early the night before the ACT, even though it's your birthday. That score matters too! Learn how to study now, so you don't freak out in college. Go to prom and dance the night away, then go take your finals and blow your teachers away. Be great. Help people. But don't spread yourself too thin; don't get so busy that you forget to have fun!"

Jennifer

I would tell myself to first make sure a school is the right fit. Don't just pick the college all your friends are going to without taking the time to vist each one and spend some time there. Every school has a different vibe and you don't want to end up someplace where you don't feel 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} comfortable. Don't lose sight of your goals and dreams when you realize other people are smarter than you. Just realize you will have to work harder than in high school and don't lose confidence. Don't be too distracted by all the new social oppoortunies but have a good time. Remember what you are there for - a springboard into life in the "real" world so take any opportunity to learn something new, travel, meet new people, attend guest lectures, and soak up everything you possible can.

Tara

If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to try a little harder in school. Study more, even though I made good grades I would tell myself to do better and not jsut be content with getting A's but not actually remembering any of the information after the tests. I would also tell myself good job for accomplaishing what I have done.

Cynthia

My college experienece has made me more open-minded and hard-working. I learned that I can only get out of college what I put into it, and this realization made me become more involved and outgoing. My experience at SLU thus far has really opened my eyes to other cultures and forced me to look at the bigger picture. Being at SLU has also made me put my own problems into perspective. I have realized that some of the things I get upset about are so petty in the grand scheme of things. My college experience has been so valuable to me because it is forcing me to grow up. Also, I like the person I am becoming while at SLU. I am constantly surrounded by people that treat me as an adult and allow me to make my own decisions. I could not be happier with my decision to attend Saint Louis University; it has truly been the most rewarding experience of my life.

Ashaki

Every day in college I am acquiring pieces to the puzzle of life. Whether it is gifted to me from the classroom or friends that I have become close with, life at college has awakened a sense of individuality and trust within myself that I believe will benefit me for the rest of my life. Fall semester sophomore year is at a close and I have to say that my family is very proud of my results academically: 3.4 cumulative GPA resulting from my journey towards a major in international studies and anthropology with a minor in French. Journeying from the small island of Trinidad and Tobago to America at the tender age of eight with my family has given us many opportunities to strengthen my education and life experiences thus far. Also, I have had an unbelievable opportunity to teach a fully accredited class: Gender Dialogue for the students at SLU. This class is the bread and butter of what I have acquired and wanted to share with others. By understanding different people and their struggles and triumphs we as a society can grow to respect ourselves and others with different beliefs and lifestyles.

Fernando

As an adult who returned to school after 25 years, I feel privileged to be a student in St. Louis University’s education program. In my time at SLU the university’s mission, which includes a focus on teaching, leadership, and service, has been regularly emphasized. My education classes have highlighted concepts such as inclusive schooling, where children with special needs are able to remain in the mainstream classrooms--maximizing their intellectual, physical, and social potential. This not only helps these children, it allows other students to develop a more positive understanding of themselves and others. The program is also teaching me a community approach to education, where teachers, school staff, and families, are part of an educational team. As a prospective teacher, this program is instilling the skills I will need to help lead that team to success. Through my instruction, SLU is directly fulfilling their mission, however, they are also helping to ensure that these values of leadership, teaching, and service are extended beyond the University’s halls. Thanks to their instruction I, and other future educators, will be sent out into the world better able to become living embodiments of these ideals

Sarah

From my college experiences, I have recieved good exposure to real world issues and solutions. My education is preparing me for a competitive and lucrative career in a field that I am passionate about as well as cultivating my social skills and giving me useful tools for working in a modern business setting with technology and teamwork. I have made valuable friends and grown as an individual learning about who I want to be and how I may get there. My college education is helping me to improve as a whole person, not just academically, but also spiritually and socially.

Chantel

I came to Saint Louis University so I can explore my interest in the medical field. When I got there , I realized that being a doctor was not something I truley wanted to do. I took apart all of the qualities that I wanted in a career instead of focusing on the title M.D. My future career is now a High School Math Teacher and after that a Superintendent of a school district. This discovery was not easy and it required a lot of help from my advisor, professors, students, and friends. I felt comfortable enough to let them know that I have faults and need guidence and support. SLU was able to provide me with that. I have learned so much in this past semester that I would not have learned at a different school. I feel like I am at home and I do not see myself going to any other school.

Nikkiyia

I have been a student at Saint Louis University for a semester and I love it! My school provides me with the exact major that I am interested in, which is Nutrition and Dietetics and Culinary Arts. The courses are good and challenging. The school provides free tutoring for those who may need help in certain courses. The professors also are pretty practical with their lectures and provide ample information for note-taking. When comes to having a social life, SLU makes that easy. There are always activities going on on campus. The university also provides many opportunities for students to volunteer in the community with organizations such as campus kitchens and Big Brother, Big Sister Association. Attending Saint Louis University has valued me a lot because it has shown me what a true college experience is like, as well as what a Jesuit education consists of. Overall, Saint Louis has a beautiful campus and offers a great education and brings an exceptional college experience to all who attend.

Quinn

The thing that I have gotton out of my college experience is that I am a lot more disciplined than I ever thought I was. In my high school and breif college experience when i was younger, I was a below average student. Now that I am an older student, I have dicovered that I am a lot more disciplined than I ever thought i was (and a lot better student with a 3.5 GPA). So my recent college experience has shown me that I can achieve my goals If work hard at it.

Julie

I have learned to re-adapt to school life and to apply myself for my future. I believe its been valuable to attend because this is my future and my family's future. I want to better myself and to be able to help provide better for my family.

Jennifer

I have learned many things, not only academically but also about the people of this world. I have learned to do things for the greater good of others and to work towards improving the world to be a better place.

Meaghan

I have gotten from my college experience a greater sense of who I am and what I can accomplish. Though I have not had the best of experiences here, I know now that I can deal with being in an enviornment that I do not like or that is difficult for me.

Jillian

As a non-traditional college student, I feel as though I have gotten a different benefit from the college experience than most. I balance a full time professional career working with people twice my age who already received their bachelor degrees years ago, while trying to pursue my first bachelor’s degree. While other college students may look at college as their first time experiencing the real world workload, I feel as though I can say that if I manage to succeed at the endeavors I’m taking on right now, I’ll succeed at anything. In college orientation classes, the student leaders always tell you how college will teach you time management, organization, prioritization, and other necessary skills. For me, college has taught me so much more like that you can’t help other until you help yourself, you have a right to stand up for yourself against anyone, and that you’re allowed to dream really big. The college experience so far, combined with balancing my career, has been invaluable to me in that it’s taught me lessons I feel that I wouldn’t have learned until much later in life, and for that I’m grateful.

Fallon

SLU is really good about helping you find what you really want to do. I came in thinking that I wanted to do Business, with my passion for art as a hobby, but they showed me that it's ok, and preferable to do what you love.

Cielo

I have only attended college for about a year, and I absolutely cannot wait to finish my education. College not only taught me alot about who I was and what I wanted from life, but it has also taught me to believe in myself and my abilites to succeed and help others. do the same Due to personal and financial reasons I had to take a break from college, and I cannot wait to go back. I feel as though I am ready for so much more of what the world has to offer when I am taking classes. I put my all into my college work and I plan to do the same when I am licensed to teach. College has taught me to look at people for what they are able to accomplish, not what they can't. Nobody is perfect, there are no two of us alike, but we have so much to offer to one another. WIth a teaching degree I can open up doors for others that have no idea there are opportunities out there for them. I can help them feel the same way college helps me feel, stronger, prouder, ready for life!