SUNY at Binghamton Top Questions

We go through twelve years of school at home, sheltered in a bubble with the same friends and classmates. Our parents provide us with shelter, food, and help with homework. Going away to school made the biggest difference in my life, and if I could go back to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to definitely go away to school instead of staying home. Going away gives you a new sense of independence, and truly allows yourself to see if you are responsible enough to live on your own and make "adult" decisions about things. I would tell every high school senior to try to go away from home for school as it is an experience that can't be replicated easily.

If I were to talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself do not be so eager to get away from home. Staying home and attending the local community college was the best option. Although you are staying home and getting your degree, you have a wonderful university with incredible opportunities. Transferring to SUNY Binghamton is amazing because you will meet many friends and learn not only about others, but yourself as an individual. One more bit of advice I would give myself as a high school senior is to take chances. Do not be afraid to join organizations, go for a new job, take up a recreational sport, or become part of a club. This will open many doors and make you a stronger individual. As a high school senior I was afraid to be myself. I appreciate that through college I learned to love and understand who I am. Having the ability to love yourself will help you attain and remain ambitious in your journey.

Knowing what I know now about college, I would tell myself not to worry about transitioning so much and try to engage myself and make more friends. Like most new college freshmen, I was worried that my first few nights were going to me missing home and feeling alone in a new place, hundreds of miles away from home. Truthfully, I had never been a homesick child, but going away to college is much different than a sleepover at a friend’s house or a week-long vacation abroad. The first few days on campus, I met so many people it made my head spin. I felt I was in a constant state of introducing myself to people and learning new names. Yet somehow, I had managed to isolate myself from the people on my floor, and I regret it. I was too shy to go out in the common room and get to know everyone. Of course, I see them and we exchange our hello’s and goodbye’s, but I miss out on the personal touch of it. I would go back in time and tell this to myself; don’t worry and try to be friendlier.

Dear High School Senior Kaitlyn, You are going to meet so many people that are way smarter than you when you get to college. You better keep that ego in check, because nobody wants a part of it. I know this is a thought that never crossed your mind in high school. You excelled academically in high school, but now you are at a place where everyone excelled in high school. Do not let your head get too big when people find out what school you are going to and say, "Oh wow, that is an excellent school." Your ego will say otherwise, but you need to work harder your first semester of college. Do not get too caught up in missing out on what your friends are doing at every hour. There is plenty of time for that after you study. You are going to have so much fun these next few years, don't let your ego get in the way. Good Luck, College Kaitlyn P.S. A few other things that you should know: you are not as friendly as you thought, remember to call mom more often and apply for scholarships sooner rather than later.

The advice I would give myself is do not be fearful and stay open to any new experiences. College is scary, but everyone is in the same boat and it is better to embrace the new environment and just have fun with it. By opening yourself up, you can gain so much knowledge and find hobbies you never thought you would be interested in.

I would tell myself to not stress about the future as much. Binghamton was not my first choice, but I am happier here than I could have been at any of the other options I applied to. I would tell myself to enjoy high school, and not worry as much about what other people think about me. I would also stress to myself to take more AP courses; I don't become valedictorian anyway so class rank doesn't matter. The transition to college life is fun and was not worth the worry. Everything that is supposed to work out, does.

Don't take high school as seriously as you do. Not every bad grade or missed homework assignment is as life-shattering as you think it is. All those all nighters you pull just to get A's in all classes are not vital to your success. As a matter of fact - it might be detrimental to your outlook on work and school in general. Don't get too excited about the freedom you get in college. Balance out your social life in high school (go out more and stop studying!) and you won't be overwhelmed first semester and do poorly. Also, in college, you will actually choose to pursue a path that makes you happy and not just for money. Be true to yourself and work hard for what truly makes you happy and your life will play out positively.

I closed my eyes and saw my high school self sprawled over acceptance letters. Even though that was four years ago when I was just 17, it felt like looking at a baby's face . We could have stared at each other like looking at funhouse mirrors all day, but my wisdom had to be imparted. "Stop looking through theose letters and get online," I told her. "These financial packages might sound nice but it won't be enough to cover everything. You think you won't take out any more loans but you will--and it will accumulate to about $26,000. Please, do us both a favor and scour the internet for scholarships now, because the number gets smaller as you get older. " I knew it was a lot for her to take in, but I also knew that she was listening and felt shame that her ignorance caused me such stress. Before she could answer, I told her, "Make it up to me by applying for scholarships." I shot up in bed. I was myself, still a senior but not in high school anymore. That was the only time I wished I was in high school again.

Follow your heart. Do what you want, and don't let anyone hold you back. Also, it's very important to be yourself. This is a time to enjoy YOU, so focus on yourself and making yourself happy.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to relax and believe in myself. Senior year brings about lots of college related stress. I was fortunate enough to get into my first choice at the time but after being accepted I felt anxious and scared. As soon as my freshman year began I decided I wanted to be a part of the School of Management (SOM). I was immediately overwhelmed with thoughts that I would not get accepted and that the coursework would be too hard. Once I met with a junior in SOM they reassured me that if I was committed to my academics I would get in. With hard work and support I was accepted into this school and am now studying what I love. During senior year I was also worried about how I would make friends because I did not know anyone going to Binghamton. My first few weeks at school made me feel overwhelmed and anxious. Once I got involved with extracurricular activities everything fell into place. Looking back I would tell myself to calm down and enjoy the journey.

The food matters! I don't care if you're picky, being picky about poor quality food is going to be even more difficult than being choosy between good choices. And couldn't you have looked at schools a little closer to home? I know the dream was to go to New York but there isn't even a train that goes to New York City. Being 3000 miles away from home is only cool for so long. Soon you'll miss your parents and that adorable little brother and a whole semester will seem like a long time. Aside from that, good job with the actual school choice. Obviously you knew what you wanted there because you've had actual experience with those choices. But socializing matters more than you realize. You are going to be living with people who aren't your family and although it would be the dream to go find the theatre department and live there, that isn't a realistic goal. So make some friends, find out how to get involved with things right away so you don't waste a year, and don't just assume things with figure themselves out.

I would tell myself to take more chances and really dive into the new setting.

Find a space to study and do work earlier in the semester. Too much time was spent trying to find the appropriate space to do work. Also, just in general to make better use of your time in general.

Being a high school senior in Albania, is totally different than being a high school senior in the United States. High school students here are lucky to have the opportunity get involved in a young age, in organizations, clubs, and activities that school offers. Taking advantage of this opportunity since highschool, it's easy then following the same way in college. Well i didn't have this opportunity. Only you could basically do during high school in Albania was only studying and nothing more. That means that if i was a senior now, i would attend the high school in New York , and also get involved in as many clubs, organizations as i could. So it wouldn't have been hard for me to get socialized now in college.

Two years ago when entering Binghamton University as a Freshmen I was ready to embark on a new journey ; I had a litany of goals for myself, that I at time thought would be accomplished by now. However, as reality sat in and I began to realize that the adjustment from high school to college was tougher than I originally thought it to be I found myself discouraged and not taking advantage of the diversity of the school and all it has to offer. However, I decided to utilize the ounce of drive I had left, and as I Finish my sophomore year, I am wiser, and happier than I ever was before. I would inform my high school self that my potential and worth is not a measurement of what I have accomplished in a small amount of time. Instead it is a measurement of my will to take on new and exciting experiences that in the end would help me grow. It is also about stepping out of my comfort zone and not being afraid to stray away from what I have planned for myself, for the unexpected things may bring me greater joy

I would tell myself not to worry about the school's name or standing necessarily. Those things really go out the window. The moset important thing is that you feel that you belong on the campus. I would also tell myself to try any crazy club that catches my interest. There are so many new opportunities for new experiences on a college campus and it is best to find what you like early.

When you become a college student you become an independent learner. In high school many things were laid out for you and teachers were constantly there to remind you of your assignments and show you what you need to do. In college you you learn that teachers aren't like the way they were in high school. They don't always care if you come to class or not, you are ultimately responsible for your own learning. If I were to give my high school self advice, I would have encouraged myself not to slack off, because in the long-run it turns around on you. College is a time spent on learning things for you, so you can have a career and you can have a life.

SUNY Binghamton is certainly the best public school in New York. Also, the town is very quiet, nice, and beautiful. SUNY Binghamton has the best accounting program. However, I would say if you are thinking of pursuing your career in any other fields, you may consider other schools that have strong programs and are supportive.

Dear Lacy, Life is so much bigger than I thought it was. I know you think you've seen it all, with your Europe-trip and some "cultural experience" under your belt, but you have no idea what's waiting for you. Within the next few years, your entire life is going to float by your eyes - you'll imagine yourself as a scholar, an interpreter, an educator abroad in Africa, and a mom at home with kids. But college is about deciding who you want to be - not "what" or "when." Nobody ever knows that. Don't forget where your self-worth comes from: as a child of God. Never forget that every human life has worth, no matter what we look like or where we were born and raised. What we put inside our hearts & souls is what matters most. Don't let other people push you around so much - this is your life to live, not theirs. "Others cannot make you feel inferior without your consent." (ER) You are so easily affected by others; remember that sometimes you'll need to walk alone with God. Trust him. He makes beautiful things out of us. With affection, Me

- If you have a smartphone, download the bMobi app. It's incredibly invaluable and has class schedules, maps, news, and more. I wish I could have had that interactive map during the first day of classes. You WILL get lost. - If you don't have a smartphone, take your own self-guided tour of every building BEFORE classes start. You have about 5 days before your first class - what I did was print my schedule and spend that Saturday going through every weekday, visiting every classroom, so I know what shortcuts to take and how long I have between classes. - Get to know your dining hall. Know the general prices of different options. Healthy stuff here like salads are very expensive, especially for a broke college student on a budget. Plan out what you'll allow yourself to buy and what you'll limit. Understand that even though the Late Nite cafes (those open until 2 or 3 in the morning) are delicious and amazing, they are two to three times more expensive than dining hall food. - Use RateMyProfessors to compare professors and schedule classes. You will be very sorry when you realize that your friend has an easy A professor and you're struggling with hours of homework for the same class with a different professor. - Use Amazon, Ebay, whatever, to buy books. Try not to buy them at the bookstore. If you absolutely have to, try to rent instead. In fact, don't buy anything at the bookstore except Binghamton clothes. You can buy your pencils and notebooks at Walmart. - Get to know the general bus schedule. Look it up online. Remember that the bus to Walmart comes at a completely different time than the bus to the mall - I've sat and waited for buses for a while because of mixing up the two. Don't make yourself suffer. - General party must-know's: That taxi that just pulled up? No. It isn't yours. Even if you called it. It now belongs to the tough group of guys next to you. No, that taxi that you're trying to flag down ISN'T coming to get you. He doesn't care about you. Remember this, and try to make connections. Personal connections. Right now I have the cell number of one of the more reliable cab drivers - he is one of the few that will actually come pick my friends and I up. Use this technique - know taxi drivers on a first-name basis and create a list of your favorite ones. You should probably also know the whole "don't put your drink down" rule. Don't get date raped. Seems like a myth? Won't happen to you? Yes. Yes it will. Be safe.

The advice I would give myself knowing what I know now is to stay focus on what you want. College is not easy. So find a way to make it interesting. Always get excellent grades, join may clubs, make great friends, and start doing community service because it'll prepare you for college. Relationships come eventually so try not to focus on one while being in college unless you can really handle it. Start doing internships while in high school because it can get you better jobs in the future. Applying to scholarships is very important to do before going to college since they help pay your college tution no matter how much they give you. They'll be useful throughout your college years. Try to connect to your teachers as well as possible so they can write you excellent recommendation letters for anything. Never give up on anything and don't listen to any negative comments about yourself.

I would start off by telling myself that I need to learn the value of loving/placing myself first. I would emphasize the importance of being comfortable in my own skin so I would know that no matter what at the end of the day I have love for myself and the love of my family members and friends. Parties will always be there. Those classes that you skip you can't get back. You pay for the education so you better make the best of it. If you don't know the answer; don't be afraid to ask. You are not alone. There will be hard times but you're strong enough to handle it all. Have faith and confidence in yourself because you control your destiny and fate. At times you have to be your own best friend and keep your own interests at heart. Continue to give back to the community and volunteer. If you can help someone take the time out to make a difference in their lives. Maintain your job and your school work. Prepare. Don't leave things for the last minute. Never settle for mediocre. Dream big, believe & achieve. Love yourself.

I would tell myself to prepare for the financial world of making sure that everything is taking care of before hand. I would also inform myself of the amount of time I need to study all of my homework as well as checking in with my teachers on any assignment that I may need help on. I would also look for a part time job where I could find time to work and pay for some of my books and tuition. I would check with my financial department to make sure that I could gather all the information that I would need in case I need to take out a student loan within the future. The other thing that I would do is get a full time job to pay for my student loans off early and not have that at the end of my school term. I would take classes that will transfer to other college instead of taking the same classes over on next following year. I would gather everything I need to transfer to a four year college as well as work to get into a new career field within the next coming years.

If I could go back and give myself advice the first thing I would say is, apply to more schools and do better research and find the right school for you. Once you have found that school, don't let it slip away because you are lazy. Stay proactive in all of your classes and give it your all. Don't slack off even if the class isn't challenging. Your professor assigns homework for a reason, even if the homework isn't graded do it. It will pay off on the pop quizzes, tests, and finals. Work hard on your papers. Yes, you may not exactly have to try hard for the 'A', but eventually when you go to a university grading will be more difficult and you need to be prepared. Most importantly, while you may not be happy with the college you chose, don't let that stop you from getting the opportunity to learn and expand your knowledge. Take classes you wouldn't if you had been charged more. Learn something you might not have at a different school. Don't let the disappointment stop you from learning.

When you get to college, learn to balance your social life with school. Don't let friends interfere with your studies no matter what. Remember that you're not going to make friends. You're going to try to make a life for yourself. We both know that they are not going to help us become an astronomer. We have to accomplish that on our own. How else will we fullfill our dream?

My best advide for high school seniors would be to do as much as you can and make the most of you time left in high school. Although you think that it is just a time to forget about school work and just hang out with your friends you are losing valuable time. Spending time with your friends is important but it shouldn't be the only thing. You should continue to pursue AP classes and take challenging courses to get the most before college. What is most important is to not get overwhelmed but also balance this out with a couple of classes, and having fun as well. You only have one year as a senior and you should make the most of it! You will regret not doing everything you possibly can before high school ends. Once it's over and you throw your graduation caps in the air you will end that chapter in your life. So don't forget to make use of your time. I can't stress this enough, but above all, just have fun!

Make sure you have rainboots! It rains a lot here, so make sure you're prepared. It also gets pretty cold, so don't forget a warm jacket! And do your research for textbooks. They can get pricey, so see if you can share with a friend or buy the international versions. Definitely worth the effort to find a bargain. The bookstore is expensive!

I would tell myself to go to college. It wouldn't matter where you go, just go! Education is the only way to have a good life and not struggle to make ends meet. I would tell myself that college is not like high school was and that I would like it. I would let myself know that I would do much better in college and that I am going to end my first semester with a 4.0, and that anything is possible.

Be fearless. I would say to my high school senior self to go into this new environment with boldness. Fear will hold you back in more ways than one, academically and socially. It is important to attempt great things, to go into every class, every experience, and meeting of any kind with confidence. Thinking ahead and focusing on creating meaning and purpose in your life, relationships, and academic career will grant you peace and success more often than not. College is a place where you will learn about new concepts, people, the world around you, and about yourself. However, in order to optimize these learning opportunities it is important that you are in a position to give of yourself. Give your opinions and ideas in class, give your time to a few different student groups that speak to your interests, and give your professors a chance to really get to know you as a person. Ask questions to older students, professors, and take advantage of all the resources the career center has to offer. Your confidence in approaching these will return to you friends, networks, good grades, and better insight of what you can do and who you are.

First off I would tell myself that I need to have a plan and be knowledgable about the degree or program I choose to enroll myself. I would constantly encourage myself to study hard and set goals for myself. Educational goals as well as professional and life goals. I never got this encouragement from anyone and I feel that my associates degree was a waste of time and more importantly, money. If I knew back then what I know now, I never would have chosen an easy "major" just to get a degree. Because that got me nowhere. Companies don't even recognize my degree or know what it is and honestly, neither do I. I would advise myself to go for something I really would enjoy, like human services and social work instead of taking the easy route just to avoid hard classes or courses that might push me to my limits. Instead I would encourage myself to take those harder courses so that in the end I could feel and know that I accomplished something and my end result would be a degree in something I could put to use and help people.

I will choose not to say anything to my past self. I truly believe that by informing the past me about my experience will not only fail to benefit me, but also rob myself the opportunity to understand myself better. By being thrown into the unknown I was able to mature. Although it is undeniable that it may help with the transition from home to dorm, I don’t think I would have gained as much as I did by being forced to depend on myself instead of my mother.

Procrastination is a problem not because of the schoolwork itself but rather because it gets in the way of the rest of your life. During the last week of my first semester, because I had been procrastinating, I had to study for three final exams, do two presentations, and put together about half a writing portfolio. I was looking for job opportunities for winter break. I had to finish Christmas shopping for my college friends. I was worried about the emotional well-being of one friend, and I found out, through instant message, that another friend had recently attempted suicide. Everything turned out fine...except (predictably) I did nowhere near as well as I should have on my schoolwork. During second semester, the night before I had two big tests, my friends suddenly decided to bust out a papaya (yeah, my friends are awesome) and invite more people into my room. I took a seven-hour break to eat fruit and have amazing conversations. I still ended up acing both tests because I had studied earlier. The reason you shouldn't procrastinate has very little to do with your schoolwork and everything to do with everything else in your life.

As a high school student, I always kept up with work. I was a good student, but I would always procrastinate and forget things, only to be pushed and reminded by my teachers. I've had had some wonderful high school teachers, but I became disillusioned the moment college started. "No one is there to motivate you except for you," I would say to her.

-Don’t apply to so many schools. It's a waste. Apply to the ones you really would consider going to. -Apply SUNY. The economy is just too bad.-Join a club, an extracurricular activity, or a sorority/fraternity.-live off campus atleast once. It teaches you to grow up. -GO TO OFFICE HOURS. Professors will no matter what give you a higher grade if they know your name, your face, or that you tried a little harder.-If you plan on drinking, plan on studying. Work hard, play hard.-Go to the gym!-Try something new. Don't be afraid to take Tai Chi or snowboarding for a class. -Do the things Go to basketball games and football games and concerts! -FRESHMAN YEAR COUNTS. Get a good GPA. It's so HARD to pull your GPA up once its down. -If you want to be a lawyer, doctor, accountant-KNOW THIS EARLY. Too many prerequisites. -Download Skype or Oovoo. -Get to know your professors for recommendation letters!!!-Use your Career center. There are ALWAYS professionals who are willing to help you with cover letters, resumes, and finding internships. -HAVE FUN. CHERISH IT. IT’S OVER BEFORE YOU KNOW IT.

College life has a very different atmosphere than High school. You're not required to go to class and are not being watched over by school officials to make sure you are doing the right thing. Each class taken in college is paid with your own money so make sure you take them seriously. Classes are fast-paced and in order to do good, you need to learn time management. Play hard but study harder and make sure to go for quality and not quantity when picking your classes. Maintaining a high GPA has many benefits and will come to your advantage so you want to make sure you balance hard and easy classes proportionally. Lastly, when it's time for midterms or finals, study ahead of time to avoid cramming because many exams are cumulative and have lots of content.

Attending college give us a more worldly knowledge given to us by our life experiences. Along with Binghamton University's rigorous educational program, my life is enriched by the people I meet. I am touched by all the visual and audio methods employed to teach me and how the environment creates a friendly atmosphere for me to flourish in. After these three semesters in college, my morality, responsibility and ability were building up to achieve as a considerable, understandable, critical person. I see things in various perspectives as I wonder there are many type of achievements in this world not all of those will need to prove by people, however, through my college experiences I have becomes a stronger person, more able to survive the hardships of modern life. Part of my drive for education is to be able to answer questions that I used to ask myself. Education gives me a reasonable thought to image how the future will looks like. For instance, I want to see some machines are able to plant trees while it cuts those trees. There are wishes to continue my education that I seek to discover the world and make it a better place.

Binghamton has enabled me to make a lot of friends. The shy me has become more open to meeting new people and learning new things. Binghamton has many side events that people that don't know how to party can attend. I love this aspect of Binghamton called Late Night Binghamton where one can watch movies, play music and games, they can vote for best singers, and even play root beer pong for prizes. Binghamton University also provides its students with free transportation making it easier for new students to explore new places and for sophomores to look for an off campus place to live in. Binghamton also has a job site called erecruiting that helps new students to look for jobs. There are lots of opportunities for new students to learn as long as we check our emails daily for the list of activities and whats happening with the school. I also like this aspect because it allows us to be updated and also know if there are any construction that is being done with the building.

My two and a half years at college had changed my life entirely. I am double majoring in Molecular Biology and Studio Art, and throughout my college carreer I've been trying to get as many diverse experiences as possible. Thanks to my amazing professors, my drawing and painting skills improved dramatically, and my knowledge in molecular biology and chemistry expanded. I got to pour liquid iron and bronze while taking a sculpture class, help students while being a teacher assistant for a painting class, reproduce a forest of extinct plants for a scientific publication while working on an independent study project in Paleobotanical Illustration. Next semester, I am taking exciting upper level biology classes, and will be working in a laboratory with one of my favorite professors. I have joined the breakdance crew and learned to do things I never knew I could. I even learned to cook! But most importantly, I met my best friends at college, and would be unable to go through all the difficult times without their support. I think I am extremely lucky to have this opprtunity and I know I would be an entirely different person if I hadn't gone to college.

I am from a small predominantly white town on Long Island. So small, that I graduated from a class of 162 students. My brother, sister, and myself, were the only hearing impaired students that our school recently ever had. There was not much opportunity for diversity or individualism. My town was like a bubble, all I knew was the ways my classmates treated us and the stereotypes that I knew about. When I found out my freshman roommate was Asian, I immediately assumed that she was going to be an introvert that just studied all the time. I could not have been more wrong. I was introduced to a culture that I had never before witnessed. I was exposed to different Asian families’ expectations and ideals, and I realized how little I knew. From an outside perspective, I was able to explore the different diverse cultures that Binghamton University had to offer. I was no longer provincial, but curious to see what else college had in store. I became close with a Pakistani, my best friends are Jewish, Chinese and from Rochester. Binghamton allowed growth from that small bubble and I created friendships that will last a lifetime.

When I entered college I was met with experiences that I never could have imagined. I expected dullness and endless studying; however, I rather found myself making new exciting connections. Of the upmost important, are the connections I made to other people and groups of people. With my professors, I connected to their intellectual passions as they offered me new insight and more prominent perspectives. With student groups, I joined causes, making a difference as I brainstormed ideas for charities and carried them out.Though, most importantly, I made personal connections to new friends. Through other people I learned of new cultures. They inspired me to be more open minded and think not only of my country, but of the world. As such I became a part of the world.

My college experience has definitely been more than I ever expected. Leaving home, to live 200 miles away put me completely outside of my comfort zone. However, attending the Educational Opportunity Program at Binghamton University the summer before my freshman year, helped me form friendships that will last my entire college experience and possibly the rest of my life. With some of those new friends, I participated in creating an undergraduate chapter of a graduate organization, and am looking forward to collaborations with other student groups, events, and serving as Treasurer soon. Being in college has broadened my horizons and opened my mind to truly learning about other people, cultures, places, ideas, etc. So much so in fact, that I plan to study abroad in Turkey my junior year. I know that it will be an extraordinary experience, and also my first time in another country! Currently, I am a second-semester sophomore, undergoing the R.A application process, and plan to be a Writing tutor. The experience itself is priceless. I get to learn, have fun, travel and truly make it on my own. What makes it even better is that this is only the start of it.

I've gained a widely diverse experience from SUNY Bingahmton. It has offered me an abundant amount of opportunites and this was possible through financial aid, workstudy, and scholarships. I was a very proactive student. I've became a Resident Assistant for three years during my four year undergraduate degree. As a third year student, I participated in an NSE (national student exchange) Resident Assistant program across state at University of Arizona. I also attended a summer abroad program to China, Shanghai. This was a business focused program with an internship that gave us exposure to the Chinese business culture and values. I also took advantage of exposing myself to the business culture and values of Australia during my last semester as an undergraduate. I was a double degree in School of Management, concentration in Finance and Asian Studies, concentration in China with a minor in International Studies. All these experiences has changed my life and my perspective of the world. It has expanded my horizon and allowed me to grow as an individual. I've became more diversed, open minded, and knowledgeable of the world. This was all possible given by the support of the University as a whole.

So far I have gotten a lot of my college experience. For me, it has been a lot of fun learning about myself and being on my own, making decisions for myself. I've had to be independent and not have to rely a great amount on my parents. I am responsible for my own actions and have become much more knowlegdeable about the world around me. I've met a lot of people who have different views than I do. This has made me a more accepting person and also someone who is able to listen and learn about the different thoughts and ideas people have. Aside from all of thegreat knowledge I have learned, it has been more than valuable to attend college just to meet new people. from all over the country. I've put myself out there and opened myself up to a lot of people I never thought I would have ever met. I am networking and making great new friends. These are friends that will last a lifetime. These are people that make all of the stressful time at school worthwhile.

I must acknowledge that being able to attend Binghamton University has been an honor. I was able to come out here and have my own sense of responsibilty and make wise choices. This was the first time that I was going to venture out on my own. Not having a parent or guardian telling you when to wake up, go to class, when to go to bed, when to eat, and when to come back in your room was tough. I was a bit excited about being on my own. I knew that I would have to come here and make wise choices and If I did not then I would have to suffer and pay the consequences. I have also been able to meet new people, bond and build networks. I have also been able to partake in many oraganizations that serve the community and the world as whole. Being able to get involved will play a role in who I become aand the opportunities that I gain in the future. That is why my college experience so far has been so valuable to me.

I learned a great deal of independence, and self-awareness. Both these qualities are important in my future career as a social worker. I learned to live as myself and to be aware of others and their needs at the same time. Binghamton has allowed me to develop and excell as an individual and as valued member in our society. This experience is crucial for survival in our society, and a pathway to a better future. I hope that people continue to thrive in Binghamton and succeed in all their dreams.

College is truly a learning experience. Especially since I have lived at home all my life, everything at college is different. Dorming is a life experience and Im glad that I got to experience it. When I first entered college I thought I knew what I wanted to do, or major in, but through the classes I have taken , I came to realize that it wasn't what I wanted anymore. It has been a great journey and even though it hasn't been a cookie cutter story, I wouldnt have done it any different if I had a chance. I believe everything happens for a reason and all the choices I have made have led me to where I am today.

To be honest, the school I used to take this survey isn't my school anymore. 2009-10 I was a student at Binghamton, but since then, I transferred to SUNY Fredonia. See...I fell in love. With a girl. My cousin went to Fredonia, but she was from the Binghamton area. One day, she visited me at school and brought her friend Carolina with her. Lina and I hit it off, and about 14 months later, we're engaged! My parents were furious when they found out about us. I had already been lonely and self-destructive at Bing, and loving her made me take better care of myself, but I missed her desperately. I always went back to my parents' house for breaks (out of necessity), and it was miserable....I was an outsider in my own family, forced to hide who I was and who I loved. I transferred over this past summer. I'm ashamed to say that I did it without telling my parents. It was dishonest and sneaky. But now, I'm making (and paying) my own way. My life is mine. This is how my personal college experience has been valuable to me.

Attending college has been the most rewarding experience of my life. When I first thought about college I thought it would be strictly about education and getting good grades. Little did I know, I was walking into a chapter in my life that I would never forget. I quickly learned what being independent meant, as well as what it meant to do my best no matter what obstacles came my way. I was here to discover who I truly was. The person that came on the first day of school to Binghamton University was not same person I would be walking out as. I struggled to adapt to my new environment away from home, and even meeting people. I slowly began to get involved and overcome the fear of being far from home, away from my comfort zone. Though I may have thought college was not worth the time and money, I know see the important role that college played in my life. I have become very independent, open minded, and have a lot more motivation to conquer my dreams. Attending college has given me the chance to find myself.

College is no where near any one's high school experience. In college, students have to learn to live on their own. They have to have a lot of responsiblilities. Students have to learn to study more than they did in high school because it depends on their career later in life. Going to college has taught me all of these things. It has taught me that it is time to grow up. It has been valuable to attend because it makes me think about what I want to do for the rest of my life. It also makes me become more of an adult because of all the responsibilities I have to have to get through college.

My college experience has let me come into my own. In high school I was an indecisive, shy girl. However, my time at college has made me outgoing, strong and independent. College has forced me to grow not onlyt as a student but as a person too. I have been able to take control of my life and live the way I want. The seperation from the norms of home put me out of my comfort zone yet has made me flourish. As a high school student I never would have dreamed that I would have the confidence to study abroad in the upcoming semester nor would I have believed I would be double majoring. Overall my college experience did not change me, but it let me develop. I honestly do not think the most important part of the college experience is the classes, it is the experiences you have, the people you meet and the memories you will have. I will carry college with me forever because I know it has made me who I am today. I am excited to see where the next year and a half of college will take me!