University of Alabama at Birmingham Top Questions

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

Beth

I would convince myself to go on to college instead of working like I did. I would not change getting married and raising a family. I would make myself realize that continuing education was important for my future. I would also make myself realize that going to college was not as hard as I thought and that I would be fine.

Lauren

“Lauren, stop worrying, you’ll be fine. Just enjoy yourself.” I can not count how many times this statement was told to me as a high school senior. Whether it came from my parents, my coach, my teachers, my friends or my boyfriend, it annoyed me. I had everything planned out and they just did not understand. Months later, I was alone and terrified in the ICU of the hospital near my university. I had been diagnosed with a blood clot in my right lung. My first college homecoming was spent in the hospital and my entire freshman year was filled with doctor visits. None of this was part of my plan. I’m now in my third year of college, and things seem a lot less extreme to me now. I don’t cry over a ‘B’ on an exam and I’m thankful for little things. Looking back I remember being so upset when things did not go as I envisioned. I just wish I had been able to tell myself: “Lauren, stop worrying, you’ll be fine. Just enjoy yourself.”

Jessica

If I were allowed to rewind time, I would tell myself to stay in that wretched little town for just two more years. I would have been better off had I gone to the community college in my home town and completed the general studies core classes and then transferred to the four year university of my choice. I probably would have been able to attend the school of my choice and would not have settled for the school that I did. I also would've had enough time to figure out what I really wanted to pursue rather than picking something that was available at the school just to seek and achieve a degree. I have changed my major many times only to realize that what I really want to pursue is not even offered at the school that I attend. I am seriously considering transfering to another school.

Kathleen

Be opening to learning new things.

Adrienne

My college experience has taught me how to be an independent adult who makes educated opinions about the world around me. Before I came to college, I always depended on my parents or other role models to tell me what decisions I should make. However, being in college has taught me how to form my own opinions and decisions based solely off my own judgement. I have also discovered my passion for my career in college. I have always planned on going into medicince, but at college I had the opportunity to shadow and discover how I truly want to make a difference in the healthcare world. College has forced me to overcome my shyness and break out of the shell I had always lived in before. The college experience has been so valuable for me, because I finally found my place in the world. I now live passionately every day, because I love being in college and am surrounded by people who are working for the same goals that I am. The college experience has been priceless in my life, because it has formed my future.

ALBERTO

In my first semest of college its been tough. I didnt recieve any financial aid til the last week of the semester and i was not able to afford the textbooks until after midterm exams. But I have learned that the proffesors are great and even without the text book I was able to learn a lot of the material. That the people in college are there too learn. Sure you can have fun once in a while but majority are there to get ahead in life in a business worlk that is getting tougher and tougher to find a job without a degree. So even if its tough to barely get the neccessities for college I'll do everything I can to get a higher education to reach my potential.

Stephanie

College is truly an extremely different world from high school. You are responsible for everything you do. I have learned how to be my own person and become much more responsible. At UAB, students can find help if he or she has a problem. Many of the professors help students find solutions to problems. I have also been able to make friends with the same educational interests I have. UAB shows students how to connect with people from many different cultures. This has made me a better person because I get to see how people from every culture in the world are similar. UAB has changed my life for the better.

Nicole

I have attained so much more knowledge than I thought I would have, and I've been here less than a year! Everyone here is living the college life to the fullest. I have made many friends already and I know many more are coming. UAB is helping me to achieve my goals and dreams for my future, while also giving me life long friendships and a great time!

Octavian

My freshman year has been stressful and full of changes; however, I have a high value of appreciation for my college education because it has allowed me to take a more responsible role in my life and take initiative rather than wait for a push in the right direction. College has been valuable because it has also showed me that one must be careful and every day can be an opportunity to either take a step in the right direction or in the opposite direction. The strict demand of the professors is something unlike anything I've ever experienced at my high schooll and it pushed me to stay focused and determined on my goal of passing my courses and being closer to my long term goal of graduating from graduate school as well as undergraduate school. The education I'm receiving at UAB is valuable because it has caused me to work than I ever have for anything in my life and the long nights I spend studying for tests or the hours in the library shows me that hard work will be rewarded.

Kristen

At the University of Alabama at Birmingham I found out what I wanted to do with my life which is Neurosurgery. The campus is intertwined with a hospital. UAB has a top medical school. My anatomy class was what gave me my love for the human body and my drive to help those in need. At UAB there are many lectures you can attend on diseases where doctors and researchers speak on what new procedures and treatments they have discovered. Attending these is what helped me figure out what I wanted my major to be and how I wanted to specialize after medical school. UAB's diverse campus allows you to encounter many cultures and types of people. This campus unites people and teaches it's students to interact with each other. Not only that UAB plays a huge role in community service with the entire student body participating in a function called "Into the Streets" in which all of UAB participates in cleaning and helping out throughout Birminingham. This college gives students not only knowledge, but leadership, and discipline. UAB has helped shaped my future and who I am today. I love this University. I just need finacial aide.

Djovan

So far from my college experience I have learned many of things. Much like life, college seems to be shaping up to be a mirage a lessons. If all of these lessons are learned and used to my advantage, these small images will in the long run build up to form one big picture. Some basic lessons I have learned from my college experienced are lessons of time management, persistence, dedication, and small lessons of finance. I have learned that talent is like a car with no driver; useless, until someone sparks the engine and facilitates its movements. Therefore talent is nothing without discipline. I have learned that in order to survive one must use his talents and to his advantages. However, I have also learned that survival is not enough. One must strive for excellence. For those who look down regress, and those who look up move onward to higher heights. I hope to use all of these college lessons to my advantage and to build a gorgeous, breathtaking image for not only my college experience, but also my life as well. When i am gone, I hope to leave these images or lessons to benefit the upcoming generation.

Alison

Gave me a solid foundation for graduate school.

william

because it is the best website i ever been to in my life and this your best thing that you ever created for all of the people who has been to that has all ofr the question that has been ask.

Andrea

It is valuable to attend because you meet new people and you learn form each other every day. I love attending school. I was nervous at first, but I adjusted to college life. College life is the best. I love UAB and I don't see myself at any other school.

Higinia

I am the first in my family to attend college and college has opened up my mind to new ideas. I have learned so much about different subjects that i feel like a new person. I am from El Salvador and i came to the United States at age ten and what can i say? It was tough learning a new language and culture but i was able to overcome that and i know that college is a journey that only the dedicated and pasionate for learning will conquer. College is one of the most valuable things i have. I know that what I have learned no one can take it away. I want to make my parents proud but not just them, myself as well and i want to be seen as as successful minority student. I want to be an example for other students so they can see that everything is possible. There sky is the limit!

Maria

Ive learned how to be more independent and ive learned what kind of learner i am; i am a visual learner. College has been amazing so far, ive met so many amazing people, and had some great experiences my freshman year(Blazer Nights, football games, etc). Ive also learned how to manage my time better. Ive learned so much about major and how i can use in my future. UAB offers so many programs and activities for its students, and im glad im taking advantage of it .UAB is a amazing school and im glad it was my final choice, its worth every penny and dollar.

Stephen

Although I have not actually started classes after a 26 year absence, I know that the journey that I am about to embark on will be one that will allow me to realize my lifelong goal of finally earning my bachelor's degree. I have already taken advantage of special offerings by the University of Phoenix for returning learners such as myself to re-acclimate to collegiate life and I highly recommend it to anyone starting their college career in later life. As a returning adult learner, I am proving to myself and others that it’s never too late to return to earn your degree! It took facing a major crossroads in my life to motivate me to return to finish what I started in 1983 and I expect great things from myself. It just goes to show that like the old adage says, “you can teach an old dog new tricks!”

Thelyssa

I have gotten so much of school . One of the most important things I have learned is responsibility . When I was in high school if I forgot something my parents would just bring it to me at school. Or if I got in some trouble at school I figured out that if I'm nice enough to the teachers they would let me off with an easier punishement . But when I got to college I did not get by with any of that stuff. If i was nice to them yeah they felt sorry for me but they still laid down the law. Another experience that helped me in college was learning to deal with people and also learning that everyone is not like you. On the other hand I also found things about myself that "rub people the wrong way" and learning these things can help you better yourself as a person. Also when you are in college living by yourself you learn what your values are . Finding out what my values were was a very eye-opening experience for me. I never thought I would actually care about cleanliness so much, because my parents always made me clean. .

Kimberly

I have learned to survive in the real world. I learned in my first 2 years of undergrad to appreciate the arts and how to write well structured papers as well as communicate effectively with people from all walks of life. I value the experience I had at UAB because as a working adult student, I gained an appreciation for what it means to obtain a college degree. The day of graduation was an emotional one for me & my family as I am the 1st of my mother's children to finish college. I can set examples for my peers as well as my siblings. Having graduated I feel of sense of urgency to promote higher education amongst high school students as well as minority groups. Social change is now my focus as I plan to pursue a PhD in public health beginning in 2011.

Jennifer

I am 31 years old. College has given me the opportunity to succeed. When I was growing up I felt that a lot of people wanted or expected me to fail because of my family background. In ways, this helped me work harder towards going to college. College gave me the knowledge and confidence to be happy with what I do everyday. My goal now is to prove to myself that I can finish. I have been trying for over ten years to graduate. This has taken so long because I have had to work full time and go to school at the same time. I can see the finish line now and this scholarship would sling shot me to the finish line. I will be the first person to graduate college in my family. Please help me prove everyone wrong.

Justin

I learned how to write and how to enjoy it. I learned how I learn and what types of people I find valuable. I also learned the importance of rites of passage and loss.

Amber

Being at the University of Alabama at Birmingham has really taught me who I am as a person. Before college, I had no idea where I wanted to go in life. I was confused, trying to find a career suited for me. When I thought there was no hope left for me to figure out what I wanted, I entered college. UAB offered me so many opportunities to find the right major for me. I attended seminars, academic organizations and meetings, and career fairs. While taking classes, I met professors who taught me about there research. The chemistry department caught my eye, and I soon realized I knew exactly what I wanted to do. I have decided to major in Biochemistry and pursue a career in cancer research. My dad has been battling cancer for over ten years, so I felt passionate about helping patients who suffer with this disease. College has gotten me where I need to be and could not be more happy with my freshman year college experience.

Alison

The most valuable lesson I have learned is to be self sufficient.

Morgan

Thus far, I have experienced many great opportunities at UAB. I have met very unique professors and students that I otherwise would not have met attending elsewhere. Last semester I took a class that I classified as a "hippy" class. It is called Green Revolution. It taught me to appreciate my surroundings and environment more than ever. I appreciate the relaxation of nature and how to give back to it. I walked away from that class feeling better about the earth and what I can do to contribute to it. I learned what taking time to nurture the earth can do for many generations to come. After taking this class, it very well may be my favorite one so far.

Carrie

I came in wanting to become a nurse, but with classes and speaking to other nursing students I realized I wouldn't be really be happy going down that road so I opted for a general BS in Biology. Now when I graudate I intend to apply to Auburn and attend their veterinarian program. I think being a vet is something I want more than I ever wanted to be a nurse, but I always thought it wasn't a practical choice given how long it takes and the availability of jobs. However, after attending university I've realized it's not always what makes you the most money thats important, but how happy you are doing something you've always wanted to do whether its sports or academics.

Krystn

Attending college was the best decision I have ever made. I am a first generation college student in my family. Leaving my home town, making new friends, getting a quality education, and being surrounded by people completely different from my background has been life changing. I am a better person today than I was two years ago because of what I have learned and the people who have influenced me. These experiences have helped me grow in so many ways. I am finding the woman I am supposed to be. I am going to make a difference in the world with the knowlege I have gained.

Kaitlyn

If I could give college advice to the high school senior version of myself, I would definitely tell the younger me to carefully consider the whole college application process. I rushed through things the first time around, and put no real thought into the schools to which I applied; I chose colleges that I would love to attend, instead of colleges with strong programs in what I wanted to study. I also chose colleges that would be way out of my price range were I to be accepted. I would tell myself to listen to everything that Dad told me, instead of just tuning out his nagging and thinking that I knew what I was doing. I did not. I made silly, uneducated decisions that ultimately turned out to be wrong. And now I am stuck at a college that I hate simply because I did not put enough thought into my college applications to apply to schools which would be viable options. I would tell the younger me to take this seriously, and not just make assumptions about how ?awesome? I am. Maybe that way I would be happier now.

Misty

I would tell myself to take my first year of college more serious. Do not have the mind set that I have all the time in the world to finish my degree and start working. I also wish that I would have started out at UAB instead of a two-year college first.

TeNikka

This is not high school. I would tell myself it's okay to be who I am, there's a club for everyone. I would tell myself to never think or say I can't do something, regardless of my situations. Stay focused. Pray. It's okay to have fun, but remember why you're here. Volunteering is the best thing in the world and you meet some of the most fantastic people. Enjoy other people's differences, but don't be afraid to voice your opinion. Be prepared for some of the best experiences of your life. You will never be the same. My classes would cause me to re-evaluate my views on life in general. Some professors will make a mark on your life that will impact you forever. Sometimes roommates can be crazy, but you might get lucky and find a best friend. Game Day is the best day. You'll cry and even you'll laugh until you cry. This is not a walk in the park; high school might have been easy, but college will drive you crazy if you're not ready. Enjoy life, this part only comes once. Never ever stop dreaming!

Margaret

My life has changed so much in the past year, although for the better. As a high school senior, I grew up in a very sheltered home and town. Everyone knew everyone in the small town that I grew up in, and would do anything for anyone. It is Alabamas "Mayberry"! I learned through my childhood to depend on others for everything, and I was not aware of everything the world offered. Throughout my life, I have been a dreamer and a go-getter. College has been my dream since I was a small child, but I was not accepting about stepping out of my comfort zone. It took me many hours of praying and analyzing my choices before I embarked upon my college choice. I decided to move two hours away from home, and make it own my own. This choice was difficult to make, but it was the best one I have ever made. I would love to look back upon my senior year and tell myself that everything will be allright, and to spend more time with loved ones than obsessing over "how far away you will be". My decision would have been much simpler that way.

Kody

To answer this question I have to give you a little more background information on myself. Coming out of high school I was ranked as the number two kicker in the nation. I went to Auburn on athletic scholarship and chose to study Marketing. I graduated in three years even though I had no intention of using that major. My goal was to play in the NFL. Unfortunately I tore both sides of a muscle in my kicking leg in successive years, and that has taken that dream from me. So I've spent the last two years trying to figure out what it is I want to do with my life. I've finally settled on being a Orthopedic Surgeon. This way I can still be near sports, and also help athletes who are dealing with injuries and setbacks like I've had to. So back to the question. If I had this opportunity, I would tell myself to make sure I'm prepared for life, and not just football. To not take for granted all the time when I was on top of the world. Oh how the mighty can fall, but only the mightiest can survive it.

Anna

College is not just about getting out of your parents' house to join an elite demographic of young adults. That may be what you're most excited about, but the most important part of college is figuring out who you are and remaining solid in your foundational standings. There are so many extracurricular activities to get involved with in college that guide you in a panoply of directions, that it can confuse you about what you expect to get out of your college career and out of life in general. Don't let those activities confuse you. Use them and your time wisely to investigate new experiences, and stay true to the ones that better your life & that you will want to carry on with you to the next phase of living. Don't do things you'd regret later. Take those experiences to solidify your motives and who you are, and channel that motivation toward your academic career. College is meant to prepare you for living the rest of your life, not skating through the next four or more years to wonder what you're going to do with your life once you're finished living it up.

Anthony

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would explain to myself "The Three D's to Success." Upon graduating high school and entering college, I began to really think about what I want in life - about what I want to accomplish and what can help me obtain my goals. So, at the beginning of the Spring semester at UAB, I thought of "The Three D's to Success": Diligance, Discipline, and Determination. Many people believe that college is the time in life where one should really enjoy their newfound independence from their parents. While in some respects this is true, I believe that college life is an opportunity for us to really mature and grow into the adults that we will be in life. College life is an opportunity to prove that we can be responsible and hardworking on our own, without our parents having to tell us what to do. "The Three D's to Success," I believe, are the most important traits one needs to really be mature and hardworking. I would tell myself as a high school senior to follow these traits, and continue to succeed.

James

Personally, i would convince myself not to take time away from school or to wait until the last minute to get into the school you wanted to because it might not work out the way you want it to work out. As soon as opportunity arises that would allow you to make all the necessary movemnts to attend college, take them.

Lindsey

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior knowing what I know now about college life and making the transition, I would not know where to start. I would definitely tell the high school me to take everything seriously. College classes are much different than high school classes. I would definitely tell myself to start studying sooner-waiting until the last minute to study does not work in college like it did in high school. I would also tell high school me to try not to get caught up in everything that goes on every single day. There is always something going on in the dorm and in every other part of campus. I did not know what to expect from the whole ?college experience?, and it has been nothing like I could have imagined. The main thing that I would tell myself is to focus on classes, getting involved, while still making time for fun and meeting new friends. This is supposed to be the best time of your life, so make the most of it.

Courtney

Why are you not studying? Don't you think you should really make sure you know all of this material, because you really will need this in college? I would make sure I knew that college takes a lot more work than anything else i have done thus far, and that it is completely worth it.

Jazmine

One of the first things I would tell myself is to start studying at least 2 week before a test. Review your material daily so when we do start the studying process it should just be an easy review for you. Do not cram because you will be hurting yourself in the end. Learn how to mange your social life. Do not fit every party into your life because remember there will always be a party. Give back to the commuity because you will feel better at the end of the day and make some great friends. Having a gret set of friends will help keep you sane in college. They are there when you need a good laugh or a shoulder to cry on. Lastly try to enjoy college because you are only here for a short time before you have to enter the real world

Lisa

Life isn't a game; study hard, do your best, and aim for the stars. Don't settle for less than you think can do, don't be afraid to fail. Get up and try and try again. Worry about yourself once in awhile and stop stressing out so much.

Brittany

My senior year of high shool was a blast! However, if I could go back I would tell myself to focus on college and the decisions you make involving college instead of only focusing on the here and now. I would also tell myself that highis not exactly what it seems to be at the time.

Will

If I could go back in time to my senior year I would focus way more on college realted matter such as AP courses than Homecoming and who has the nicest car The transition was really hard and the most important thing I could tell my friends, if I could go back, would be to learn how to teach yourself to study. If you can teach yourself a chapter without the teacher and do well on the test you are ready for college. Teaching myself how to do well without a highschool type teacher would best prepare the average guy for college and the college load that comes with it. This would be my words of wisdom if I could go back.

Nicole

Some advice that I would give my highschool self is to be open minded, try to network and also meet new people which can really help as you progress on in college. Also get more involved and make better study habits try to let the teacher know you care about the class by asking questions and talking to them after class which also helps them to know your face and name. Most of all I would have said really think about what you want to do after you graduate college because these 4 years go by so fast for you to decide in that time what you will want do for the rest of your life. Last I would encourage myself and say to stay positive the whole time I am making my highschool to college transition.

Shaneka

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself that college will be hard work, but with dedication and hard work, I know that college will help you achieve your goals and put you into a great career. I would tell myself that college isn't as hard as some people think as long as you work hard and put enough effort into your learning. I would tell myself also that too much free time is good, but I must put it to good use. Do not go partying because all great students do not have to party to fit in. I would tell myself to make a lot of friends at college so that I have a good social network so that I can form study groups to increase my learning. I would tell myself that a great education comes from hard work and perserverance, so get as much education as i possibly can. Teach yourself how to be a great student and please attend class everyday. A good student always goes to class on time.

Darius

I would stress to myself the importance of applying for scholarships. The later you wait to apply for scholarships, the harder it is to obtain one. I had over a 3.8 in high school and a 27 on the ACT, and I am still having trouble paying for college. I would also stress the importance of being organized. I would make a schedule for my activities and make sure that my schoolwork and leisure activities balance out.

Shanicqua

I would tell myself to stay focus. My major mistake during my freshman year was being distracted by the numerous things that were going on in my life. I would tell my high school self to not let whatever was going on to throw me off and whenever I needed to, to just put the situation on the back burner and return to it when I have handled all my school workload.

Breeanna

Assuming that I could go back in time and give advice to myself as a high school senior, I would most definitely begin to teach myself to better manage time and to keep a planner. I would also tell myself that in a short period of time I will have lots of responsibilities that previously didn't exist so, I would better prepare myself for this by taking initiative and accept some responsibilities that weren't mine. I would also explain to myself the importance of tenacity and teach myself to be a self starter.

kerrie

Attending college is a great experience. Campus life allows you to experience the most independence you have ever had. Campus life can distract you from studies so keep in mind your true objective which is to complete a degree. It is okay if you are not sure exactly what you want to do but in deciding on a degree make sure that it is marketable. You can get a degree in a number of fields but that does not guarentee you a job upon graduation. Explore prospective job growth and determine if any fields are of interest. The chances of getting a job after graduation will be much better if the field is expanding with job growth. It is also beneficial to start making contacts. A lot of job searching is determined by "who you know". Making aquaintences with those that will be great future references will give you an extra edge.

LaVarius

I need to make sure I study harder for the AP Exams so I can get out of most of the core classes and also make sure money is available to Klept just in case. It is also a wise idea to practice history and math online as I get ready for school because then it would only be review when I began class. Last, but certainly as important, make sure I look at the Department Scholarships offered by the University. Many people overlook the inner-school scholarships and focus on external scholarships or the inital entry University scholarships. I wish I had known because I could have easily picked up some extra aide from the School of Public Health or Psychology. It is just as important to look at some of the programs offered byt he University instead of waiting on them to find me. Finding programs and applying them allows me to get the foot in the door before others and opens opportunities to become an official or an imprtant figure within the organization.

Donnielle

Were I able to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I do not believe I would give myself any advice about college life. I feel that half of the thrill of a freshman year comes with learning about oneself and discovering what college life is really like. I received advice from teachers and former classmates about their college experiences, and the one thing I learned is it is a different experience for everyone. College life is what one makes of it, and the transition from high school to college can be as smooth or as difficult as one chooses to make it. I believe that it builds character to go into college with great expectations and see how realistic one can make those expectations. College does not have to be scary. After all, it is usually not a fear of failing that most freshman experience. It is a fear of the unknown. It is also more fun and gratifying to conqure fear on your own. However, my advice to every high school senior would be to never sign up for eight a.m. classes unless you are a morning person!

Denise

I would tell myself that college isnt easy as I think. Besides school work, there are other things I have to consider like my social life and other distractions.

Luay

I would tell myself to have researched exactly what I want to do before attending school to facilitate the process of choosing a major. Since the best way to choose a particular field of study is to actually have experienced the lifestyle that comes with it, I would tell myself to have accompanied individuals in the fields I had in mind to gain an understanding of what they do. As a result, this would help me realize what I want in life and do what is necessary to gain it. In addition to researching a particular major, I would definitely remind myself to become more responsible. By reminding myself that I am becoming an adult, I would more likely watch my actions and make sure they correlate with what a mature adult would do.