The University of Alabama Top Questions

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

Lauren

I would tell myself to be who you want to be and not let anything or anyone hold you back.

Loren

I know you’re excited to begin college. It’s okay to be scared. The transition will not be easy, but you will adapt and grow. The summer program will give you the foundation to excel academically. You will spend four weeks with stress and sleep deprivation, but it will prepare you. You will study better and manage your time properly. You will need a planner! Schedule time to talk to family and friends from home. After a few months you will get home sick. Don’t worry though, the clubs you join will ease the homesickness and you will feel at home. Remember to put yourself first. It will seem unfair to choose between ones you love and your future, but if someone really loves you then they will understand your future comes first. Forget about the boyfriend, he’s only a distraction and selfish. Be positive, go to office hours and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you feel life getting out of control. College life will be quite the experience, so enjoy every moment. Don’t worry about it all changing because the moment you graduate high school nothing will stay the same.

Diandra

Diandra, you are extremely smart, and definitely friendly; this advice, coming from yourself, needs to be indoctrined and used as soon as taken in. Your social life needs to be minimized. Focus on you first. Having fun and wanting people to be your friends is what you do, but you put others first, when you've completely overlooked your own situation until after ta situation evolves! Take the monkey off your back and put you before everyone. That isn't selfish, it will mold you into a magnet attracting people like you, not reaching out to people that aren't like-minded, and most especially, not focused on school and success. Finishing work isn't a problem, but mostlt your social life that hinders the 4.0 scholar that you know you can be, and that you are! Besides that, dont burden yourself with the stressors of money. It will come when it can! When you stress over it, you will lose yourself and do anything to get it. You will sacrafice time for studies, for a way to live comfortably. Don't sacrafice school, which you work hard at, for something that will come with that same glory!

Charlotte

If I could back in time a talk to myself as a high school senior knowing what I know now about college life and making the transition I would definately advise myself to further my eductaion. In high school I was not serious about my education at all. I done what I had to in order to graduate. I have been out of school now for 18 years . I have worked many jobs, sometimes two or three just to make ends meet. I would love to have the oppertunity to go back and do it all agan. I would definatley go to college and further my education as soon as I graduated from high school. My life would have been so different and I would not have to struggle to raise my two childern. I recently attended my first semester of colege at Somerset Community College and it was not easy at first, but I have had many new experiences and it has been wonderful. I am very proud to say that I have completed the first semester with a 4.0 Grade piont average. I look back now and think, I could have done so much better then.

Stephanie

I would sit myself down and tell her.. Do Not take time off after graduation, go directly into a college setting. You do not need time to find yourself, there will be plenty of time for that later. You do not need to rest or relax there is plenty of time for that when you are dead. Get an education, learn a trade. Not only will you become a stellar member of socitey but you will make a difference in the world. You don't want to be a 40 year old server do you??? Because if you follow the current path that you are on that is exactly what will happen. If you want to have things and do things in your future you MUST have a degree. I am tellin you tis because I love you. Love the future Me.

Tariyana

I had it made, a senior in high school with nothing to worry about. I studied when I felt like it. Couldn't wait for graduation. I applied to go to a university, I got accepted. My mom was constantly reminding me of the day when I would leave home and go off to college. She would tell me how different life was going to be. I always thought of her as old fashion. Graduation came, I was so excited. I marched acrossed the stage and got my diploma, finished in the top 10{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of my class. The summer passed quickly. I was packed and ready to go. My mom drove me to the university. As I was getting settled into my room, for the first time I realized that this was reality. Nobody to wake me up for class, not even to tell me to eat. I began to get depressed. Knowing what I know today about college life, If I could do it all over again, I would attend a junior college first, to have that experience of college life. I would spend more time reading and studying. Lastly, I would listen more to my Mom's advice.

Karissa

To my younger self: Karissa, stop worrying about how people portray you to be physically. As you age and mature, you will find true friends to be attracted to you because of your mental and spiritual self. Physical beauty is only important in high school. In college, you will find friends based on common interests, intelligence, and personality. Do not look at parties as a way to further your popularity and appearance. In college, popularity does not exist. The college campus is filled with thousands of students that could not care less about how "popular" you were in high school. Instead of focusing on the petty things in life, move forward in your education. The things you learn are with you life long. The physical traits you work so hard for only exist for a matter of time. P.s. the things you learn in class that you swore you would never use again-- you do. Sincerely, Your older self

Mary

Please slow down and take a breath. You do not have to do everything and involve yourself in every extracurricular activity. It will not matter. Quality over quantity is something you should remember. Focus on preparing for the ACT and getting that score up to a range so that your parents do not have to pay for your tuition fully. Explore different career options now, you do not have to make a decision but you will benefit by narrowing down what you like and don't like.

Stephanie

I would tell myself to have push myself harder when it came to my grades and getting involved in organizations. Even just applying to schools, I realized how much highschool involvement mattered. While I had good grades, I don't think I pushed myself to my fullest potential and I regret that more than anything. My parents would always tell me this but I think learning that on my own is really what opened my eyes. I have gotten myself involved in college and I will never make that mistake again. I also would tell myself to be completely open minded in college, which I think I did a pretty good job of. Be open to new ideas and don't autmoatically judge something because it could be the perfect thing for me. Becoming involved is a good way to meet new people and find your place in college and I think this has greatly helped me with the transition.

Lindsay

I think every freshman should realize what they are here for, an education. The downfall of many students is that they come here and party their grades away. Yes, the social scene and night life is fun every once in a while, but academics should always come first. If you come here with this mindset, you will do just fine.

Matt

Get more involved in the community. It might seem less important than class, but it gives you a serious advantage when applying for grad school and scholarships. Volunteering is fun and a great way to network.

Aurelien

In the course of this learning experience, I would remind myself to stay focused and achieve Excellence. The best way to do it would be to have a model in mind , the personality I want to create whose ambition is to learn completely the subject at hand and the right way. I would have in mind the usefullness of my field of study in the pratical world so that I could stay motivated and enthusiast about completing my study. I would think about others members of my family who wish to see me succeed and to whom my success provide a great joy.

Aaron

Start practicing smart time management now. And get a job. Time management is one of the hardest things about college. Balancing time between taking care of yourself, chores, extra curricular activities, a job, and school work is very difficult. If you start early, you'll better manage your time in college and won't be as stressed. And by getting a job, you'll stress less about taking care of yourself for next year. And most importantly, take the ACT/ SAT one more time. All of your friends got scholarships from their test scores, and you were only concerned about being admitted. Don't be lazy and take them again.

Ellen

Eighteen-year-old me, My biggest piece of advice to you is to stop trying to avoid being an Art major. You'll go on to college with the idea that you'll be a translator, or a linguist, or who knows what, but you should follow your dreams. You'll be happier in the long run if you find the courage to be true to yourself (and an artist). You need to be more firm with your teachers. You missed a lot of important information because you let your teachers treat you like a junior. You need to make an effort to fill out scholarships and FAFSA. Why in the world are you planning on taking the ACT when you should be studying for the SAT? Community college has been a great experience, one I don't think you can pass up on, but you really dropped the ball otherwise. You'll save yourself tons of stress, daydreaming, and angst if you make an effort now. Also, stop missing class so much. Your laziness and inability to attend class like a normal, responsible human being cost us our 4.0GPA. PS, choose different WRT102 and CSA101 professors. Trust me.

Melissa

If I could go back to being a high school senior I would tell myself to go to college right away instead of waiting. I would also tell myself to take things more seriously and try harder to do a good job.

Jennifer

If I was able to go back in time and give myself some advice about the college life, I would tell myself to stay in softball, so I can receive a full ride scholarship because I will not be able to afford college otherwise. One bad day of softball practice is not worth quitting because the scholarship is much more worth having. I would also tell myself to work much harder on my grades to become an A+ student, so I would also receive a scholarship for that. Whatever I can do to get enough money for college I should have done.

Stephen

Looking back, I would have to say to myself, Steve, get yourself prepared mentally and physically. Clear your mind and dont worry about what you cant controll, but focus on what you can achieve, and do your best to accomplish your dreams. Give others things you can share and make the world a better place. Find strong friends and creative friends. Give yourself time to grow and with every failure is a time to reflect and learn how to make things better. There is no perfect or secure job so do something you love and do it with all you effort.

Lauren

I would tell myself to be who you are and do not care about what others think. I would also tell myself that as much as you think what others think about you is important, its really not. All that matters is that you know who you are what goals you have for yourself in your life. Set your goals high and work on achieving those first. Study hard and make sure you do your best in high school. Do your best to make sure your achieve your full academic potential. Grades are forever, it determines what colleges you get accepted to. Anything is possible as long as you believe in yourself. You can do anything you set your mind to.

Melissa

If I could go back, I would place a little more emphasis on developing a social life. I have always been extremely focused on academic achievement. Furthermore, I would continue my community involvement through service-based organizations and charities. I am quite please with the way I entered and finished college. Now that I am in graduate school, I truly appreciate my education. I am faced with another transition, but I know I have been given the skills to transition smoothly.

Ryan

During the summer after you graduation work as much as possible instead of going on vacation. Also apply for every scholorship you can find. Money in college is very limited and you will want to keep as much of your personal cash as possible. The cost of books, food, pens, and paper add up very quick and when its all said and done you are broke and are not able to go enjoy the normal pleasures of life such as eating out and going to movies.

Victor

I given the capability to go back in time and speak to myself almost 5 years ago as a high school student I would tell myself just how vital it is to take advantage of the time I have after graduating for high school and to get as much done as possible. I would tell myself how I let 4 years slip past me. And during those crucial 4 yeas not only should I have completed my General Education at a Jr. College but I should have finished over 2 years at either a Cal State or University. I would have my career started already at the age of 22 and not having to worry so much about my income as I am stressing about every minute of my life now. Along with all that the current process of my mom going through her second divorce and trying to save the house wouldn't be all that hard with my career already underway. Figuring out how to survive and keep the house wouldn't be such a hassle as it is now. The stress and worry all over my mothers face wouldn't sadden me as it currently does today.

Keeyana

If I could go back and talke to myself as a high school senior, I would definitely encourage myself to apply for more scholarships . I was blessed to go the University of Alabama without having to pay anything my first year, but now those scholarships are up . I am stuck with trying to find ways to finance my education. I think that I would tell myself to push harder towards filling out more scholarship applications and doing all that I can to become a clinical psychologist.

Chelsea

You've been told your entire life that college is a big transition, but you still brush it off as just another step in the ladder of education. It won't become real until you step onto the University of Alabama campus and become a student. Only then will it hit you that life will never be the same again. You will make mistakes and regret situations. Be prepared for those, but don't let them get you down. For in the wake of these dark times comes wonderful friends and academic success. Push past drama that will come in the form of your family; I know it's hard and will affect your schoolwork. Reign it in though, and rely on the support system you're going to find here. Last but not least break out of your shell. There are so many amazing opportunities in Tuscaloosa that you will find! Volunteer work, culinary treasures, parties, tutoring the neighorhood kids, and attending the events put on by the school will open doors for you that you didn't know were closed. Study hard and succeed, but remember that school is only part of your life.

Ellison

I would remind this young adult that education is the key to success. If a person reaches high enough, you just might grab a star one day. If you choose not to pursue an education, then enjoy your life now as it is because it will stay this way forever. If you get an education, your dreams will become reality. Only you can make yourself successful. You are in control of your own life.

Rachel

There are many things that I would tell myself as a high school senior. First, I would want myself to know that at the end of highschool my GPA was a 3.7. And to encourage myself that this is a huge accomplishment because I was homeschooled with an extremely hard program. Second, even though I struggled in English all through highschool, I breezed through all four English classes in college. I received A's and B+'s on all my papers and assignments because I had such a high level expectations from my high school graders. Third, not to be so concerned about making friends or being able to maneuver through a college campus. I made so many lasting friendships from the Honors Program, and college became my second home. Fourth, I had so many accomplishments in my three years of college, including becoming vice-president of the theatre club, an award for the improvement of campus life, an award for club participation and becoming one of the top three entrants for the Beacon Conference. With this knowledge, I feel like I would have been more excited about college and the years ahead of me.

Alexandria

There are so many things that I would like to go back and tell myself such as don't expect your roomates to clean up after themselves, and rooming with friends isn't always a good idea. There were also times where I had to take it upon myself to call the school to fix my bill and at first I was too nervous and wanted my mom to call but she told me that, "Mom and Dad aren't going to be there forever and the sooner you learn to do things for yourself, the easier your life will be". If I had learned this sooner my first few months would have been easier knowing that I have the ability to fix any mistake on my own. I would also encourage myself to apply for as many scholarships as possible and not to get discouraged when I don't win anything because at least it means that I am making an effort to get myself through school. Also I would tell myself to get in line for the football games more than an hour early because there are thousands of other kids that want the same seats as you.

Meghan

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to be more open to college. I would let myself know that going to a college where I didn't know anyone at all was going to be even harder than I realized, but that I would find my place eventually. I would tell myself not to get down on the times where I was homesick and feeling alone, because at some point everyone goes through that. I would also tell myself to get involved, because thats one of the best ways to meet people. Get involved in class, in clubs, in sports, anything. It's all about putting yourself out there and always being yourself.

Preston

Study hard in high school and take the most academically challenging classes so you will be prepared. Save as much money as possible so you can have a little fun while you are there. Be open minded to meet new people.

Jillian

"If I could write a letter to me", are the words that Brad Paisley sang to give advice to highschoolers. I wish I had the power to go back in time to tell myself about all the events that I can make preparations for. First, I would tell myself that the financial aid line was seven hours long and I could have picked an earlier day when the air conditioning worked. Second, I would spend as much time with my older brother as I can before he enlists in the army; that way I would not have to look out the window during class and worry. Third I would hint to brace for a partially disabled life that includes tremors, muscle twitches and weakness. "Do not cry over it when the doctors do not know what is wrong and keep going to school not matter how sick you feel because failing math was not part of the plan", would be my voice of opinion. "One more thing", I would say,"Do not spend your money so much because you will regret it when you see the price of the school books."

Quinton

I would tell myself to take that calculus class and to definetly pay more attention tas to how to increase my ACT score. I would say that college is going to be way different that I originally thought and that I should be readying myself for the course work that and load that will be placed upon me. I would say to keep from procrastinating at any means neccessary because that's how you get behind.

Alyssa

If I could go back to my senior year of high school, I would have preferred to attend public school. I was homeschooled from 3rd grade through graduation. My mother began homeschooling me when I was seven years old, because I was diagnosed with juvenile arthritis. After a few years, I went in to remission. Although I was perfectly healthy by middle school, my mother continued to homeschool me. She likes to say she “fell in love with homeschooling.” I believe homeschooling gave me good character and higher morals than if I had been in public school, but I do wish I had been given the choice to go to public high school. I feel that if I had been in public high school, for at least my junior and senior year, I would have had more chances to grow as my own person. I feel as though I never had that chance to rebel like most teens do. Although I am proud of myself for not being a troubled or dumb teenager, I do wish I could go back to my senior year and live life a little more than I had and learn more about myself.

Courtney

I have branched out to other students whom I would normally not, making lasting friendships that will provide me with valuble connections in the future. It has also given me the oppertuinty to take classes that would normally not be my forte, but provided me with information that I will be able to use not only in the work force but also in daily life. College has also given me more responsability, with such things as school work and also with chores of daily living, that one would not think of if not living on thier own. This will be valuble in the future knowing that your sucess starts and finishes with you, and that you get out of a situation what you put in, and that people will not always be around to "hold your hand" and help you through sticky situations.

Elizabeth

My college experience has been the most valuable experience I've ever had. I've learned so many things from the acedemic perspective, the social perspective, to the personal perspective. Acedemically I've learned more than I thought I would have in very interesting ways. Teachers are helpful in ways that keep focus in the class. What I've learned in class, has helped me in all aspects of my life. Socially, experiences such as joining clubs, involvement in professor-student relationships, and attending sports events have taught me how to stay involved on campus, in our state, and in our world. Personally, I've learned so much about myself! I've figured out who I am, what I like to do with my free time, what I'd like to do with my life and much more. I've learned this through many of the classes I've taken and the relationships I've kept. All the experiences I've had at my school has shaped me into someone that I'm very proud of being and someone who is proud to one day say, "I'm an alumni from The University of Alabama. Roll Tide!".

Shannon

I have gotten a wonderful experience from the University of Alabama. I have learned real world skills especially in my major. The way most majors work at the University of Alabama is a two part process. First, you learn what is necessary in classes and lectures. Second, after the right amount of knowledge has been presented to you the professors then have more hands on classes in the upper levels. Right now I am doing almost exactly what I plan on doing when I graduate school, I just have a good amount of supervison to learn from my mistakes as a student so I do not make them as a professional. I am also part of a greek organization on campus. Greek life is a huge part of the University of Alabama and I am proud to be a part of it as whole. The leadership skills that being a member of a sorority has taught me are invaluable. Sororities and fraternites are much more than most people on the outisde believe. The stereotype is that all we do is party, but it has taught me how to get along with people and how to make connections.

Courtney

Starting from my first day at the University of Alabama, I knew this was the college for me. I experienced classes that opened my eyes to new things. I participated in research and volunteer oportunities that not only rewarded me by giving to the community but also built my network between proffesors and community leaders. I am now interning with a drug addiction agency where I teach a "say no to drugs" workshop to kids at an afterschool program. I also set in on the adolescent outpatient group and I sometimes get to start and end the group myself. These hands on experiences is what most graduate student hope to experience, but I am able to do this as an undergraduate. This university has gave me many more experiences than I would have ever hoped to have. The best decision of my life was to attend the University of Alabama.

Rutland

College life has given me a way to network with people who come from all over the world. Part of the collegiate experience is to set yourself into an environment where you are exposed to new people from different backgrounds and cultures and most likely a different way of thinking. Learning more about my fellow college students as well as the the different academic roads available makes me understand that with knowledge comes tolerance. In a nut shell, college has provided me with the need to keep an open mind and learn about the ways these different people think, learn, and operate so that I can bring some of their ideas to my learning.

Arielle

My college experience has been very enlightening. I thought that college would be similar to high school in terms of the workload and environment. I couldn't have been more wrong. There is a much larger workload per class in college, and with a part-time job, I am often strapped for time. This has helped me practice time management. At first I struggled, but I quickly got the hang of it. I am proud to say that I have never handed in a late assignment. As for the environment, I expected it to be loud. I also expected it to be uncomfortable; I am not a huge fan of crowds. However, I have found out that crowds on campus is a good thing. It means that there is always something to do and always someone to talk to. I have become more sociable with strangers and aquiantances, and I believe I have made very valuable connections for my future. All in all, my college experience has been very rewarding. I am learning valuable skills for my future and I'm only halfway through. I am excited to learn more skills as I move on through my college career.

Sarah

Being in college and living on my own is truly an eye opening experience. I have learned so many life lessons in just the two short years I have been attending college, from using quarters to pay for laundry, dealing with obnoxious neighbors, learning to budget money, and balancing the workload. There was never a doubt in my mind when I was in high school that I was going to attend college, but when it came time to leave home and move I didn't want to go. I was scared, anxious and didn't know what to expect. Thanks to my support system I made it through my first semester with only a few minor speedbumps along the way. Here I am now in my third semester, taking 17 hours, working part-time, and loving every second of it. Attending college has made me feel like I am a part of something amazing, and I know with all the valuable lessons I have gained I will be able to be succesful and make something out of myself. It has taught me responsibility and helped my figure out what I want to do for the rest of my life.

Brooke

So far I have developed much better study habits and I appreciate how important every class that I take really is. It's important to go to class and it's definitely important to study, you can't just get by in college. I have also learned to branch out to other people, not only just to make friends but also to have people to study with and to hold me accountable to study and do well on my work. This university has made me a more independent and sociable person, and I have loved every minute of it. The fact that it is such a big school only means that there will always be more people to meet and have connections with.

Tangi

I have just started my new college experience this month after 28 years of not attending school. The experience of just having enough confidence to sign up was a great challenge. My University caters to the older adult student which is great for me. Back in my day we still had 8 track tapes, no cells phones, and no Microsoft. It is an honor to have a campus with resources, material and advisors to help ease the transformation for students attending college after so many years. Education gives women in my generation hope for an independent brighter future with stability in a career that we choose. I was recently incarcerated, during that time I started taking classes. I realized that it is never too late to fulfill your dreams. The network of staff and students on my campus helps me believe in myself that I am never to old to learn and grow. Everyday is a new learning experience for me. I am grateful for the grants and student loan that was provided for me to pay for my first year at the University of Phoenix. I am applying for scholarships to help me finance laptop and technology software.

Keeley

The University of Alabama has been my saving grace. I first attended the University of South Alabama for 2 years and it was a terrible experience. After 2 years I had never even seen a guidance counselor. I was doing everything on my own and failing miserably. UA has dedicated staff members, counselors and teachers both, that has made this an easy, enjoyable experience that I wouldn't trade for anything. College is expensive, but The university of Alabama is priceless.

Jaleesa

Attending college for me is more than just continuing my education. Being in the "college experience" is also a very valuable goal in my life. Coming from a family with no college graduates on either my mom or dad’s side of the family (including them) is a huge and sometimes daunting task as a student. However, I am determined to make the best of my college experience by using everything the college has provided with me with to succeed. Everything from Supplemental Instruction (Tutoring) for classes to Career Services. College is very valuable because I am driven to suceed and become the first in my whole family to get an education past high school. First finishing my Associates Degree then off to double major with a minor for my Bachlores Degree and ultimately fufill my dream of becoming an Art Therapist by getting my Masters.

sherrelle

While attending Florida A&M University I have seen many good changes as well as the bad ones. And although Florida A&M University has it faults, what school doesn’t? And the problems that we face today are mainly the administrative problems that were developed years ago. First and foremost problem is the Financial Aid office – time after time again they get students their net checks months later than they were supposed to be mailed. Although Florida A&M University has it criticisms, weakness, and problems; nevertheless, I am extremely glad that I chose to attend this school for my undergraduate years. Although I might not attend Florida A&M University for my graduate years, because I plan to attend law school; it has urbanized and industrialized me into the superior and excellent person that I am today. Furthermore, which is a mentally powerful, adoring, devoted, indulgently, sharp, bright, and most of all, self-determining lady. If I had the chose of doing it all over again, I wouldn’t, because this experience has truly been rough one in a good way.

Susan

Through my time at the University of Alabama, I have developed life-long friendships and broadened my horizons in ways I could never have imagined. I have learned so much in such a short period of time and look so forward to continuing my education. Everything from pledging a sorority, to meeting my classmates, to Crimson Tide football - I have truly had a blast and created memories that will last a lifetime. Participating in the university study abroad program through the University of Havana, in Havana, Cuba, was such a unique experience that trying to describe it in one paragraph would never do it justice. It was an unbelievable experience at an amazing little island, with 8 other students that literally became like family to me. Tuscaloosa, Alabama is a long way from my home in Houston, Texas, but through the relationships I've developed, this place not only feels like home, but it just feels right. I am so happy that I chose The University of Alabama and proud to be a member of the most wonderful student body in the country. Roll Tide!

Darren

Being from the DC suburbs of Northern Virginia, I felt as though it was important to experience something different other than the suburban bubble. When going into my freshman year here at the University of Alabama, I thought that I would just be coming here for school, then returning to "the bubble," but now that I've had the experience of living in Alabama, I am highly considering living here after graduating. With Birmingham being a growing metropolitan area, I can live with the comforts of city life, which I was raised in, but in the southern hospitality and slower pace that I have come to love. My new southern lifestyle is something I would have never had the chance to experience if I didn't come to the University of Alabama. Without this valuable college experience I would not be planning my future in the place I am now beginning to call home.

Meredith

I have learned more than I could have fathomed my senior year. I started off freshmen year just looking for a break of involvement and just wanting to enjoy life doing what I want. However, I quickly came to a realization that I love being involved in things and leading in them. The value of going to school here is not attainable! I have met some many people that have shaped and molded me into the person I am. Each person I have met and become close friends with have made me look at my life in a different way and have always challenged me. I have gained self respect, certainty of who I am, and a hard work ethic through my college experience already and I still have two years left!

Alyssa

Well for starters, I have made so many friends and have taken so many great classes . I am only a freshman, but I know that this is an experience I will never forget. Not only am I getting a top rated education but have made so many friends that will last for life. My mom always told me that college is the best four years of your life and I now understand what she was talking about!! I wouldn't change a thing!!!

caitlin

By attending the University of Alabama as a girl from the north east, I can easily say the best part about the school is experiencing a different culture. Just within the United States there are numerous cultures that one may not ever get to experience. The southern way of life is very different from the north eastern way of life. The experiences I have had at the University of Alabama will be a part of me for the rest of my life and I believe it is important for one to experience different cultures and ways of life in order to be a successful person.

Elizabeth

I have realized that when people come to college is when they ultimately discover who they are as a person. Some of the people that have decided to come to school here have recognized that the freedom is too overwhelming and have not balanced the social and academic aspects of being in college. I think the value of attending Alabama is the academic excellence that it offers and the professors that are willing to make you a better student as well as a better person. I feel that everyone at Alabama strives in everyway to achieve their maximum potential.

Kristen

It has taken me awhile to find myself on my college journey. After wandering through several mundane jobs and trying college once in Tennessee and just not being sure of what I wanted out of life, I struggled. Finally settling at the University of Alabama has grounded me. Putting my roots down here and using what this University teaches about focusing myself and building on a solid foundation has made me stronger. It is leading me toward a goal that I can build my future on. Simply looking at the history that has come out of the University of Alabama shows the type of character that people develop here. There is no value that can be placed on that! And have I mentioned thirteen National Championships? What an experience to live that!