University of Central Florida Top Questions

My college experience has afforded me the opportunity to find myself and be exactly who I always dreamed I would be. With the diversity in not only the staff, but students and availability of courses, I have found myself being able to take any route I wanted in my education, with the freedom to explore. My college experience has given me the opportunity to grow as an individual, as well as academic and professionally. This college experience has allowed me to acquire the necessary skills to be able to succeed once I am out in the work force full time. It has been valuable for me to attend because you tend to learn things about yourself that you never thought you would. I've learned what I'm skilled at, what I am capable of. I have learned how to work with others, because there is a high emphasis on learning how to work as a team at my university. I have recieved an education that will help me grow for the rest of my life and be successful, and that alone is the most valuable thing I could have acquired here at the University.

I think that I have learned a lot in the few short months that I have been attening UCF. I think that the greatest part about attending college is that you are exposed to a variety of people and opinions on everything. College is where you find out who you really are and at UCF I've begun that journey and I am off to a great start! I have learned what I would like to do for a job in the future and I feel that, that is overall the most valuable part of attending UCF! I am looking forward to my remaining years at UCF & I hope that I continue to learn more about the world and myself throughout my studies at UCF!

Essentially, college is a place where students pursue career goals. However, I personally have gotten much more out of my college experience, and I am just a Sophomore! It is true that I have gotten a chance to explore my interests and find my "calling", so to speak, which is valuable enough in itself. However, while college is primarily an educational experience, I don't believe the only type of education lies within academia. In my college experience, I have learned more about myself than anything else, and I believe that is the most valuable thing I could obtain. To understand oneself is essential for understanding other people and the world that we perceive. Through UCF, I have taken several psychology courses, and have met several professors and friends; all of these have helped me open my eyes to the world I live in. If you believe in fate, you know that had I attended college elsewhere, my experience would have been completely different, with people that may not have opened my eyes as much. I've learned that there is so much more that needs to be experienced, and I believe that lesson is more valuable than any other.

During my four years of highschool my teachers would all say ,"I'm doing this to prepare you for college." What were they doing besides giving us a ton of work you ask? Absolutely nothing! I mean how do you prepare a student to tackle the challenges of college? And I'm not talking about the workload (they did a fabulous job of that), I'm talking about the partying, drugs& alcohol, and being on ones on for the first time. Exactly, it's impossible. I can honestly say I never really knew what to expect and gain out of college until I started attending this university. Although I have only completed two semesters I have already gained a great deal of confidence and pride. maintaining a gpa above a 3.0 shows myself along with others that I deserve to be here, it makes me confident that I am capable of graduating from this university. I am so proud that I have been able to skip parties, resist temptation, and really focus on my studies. This feeling of accomplishment and selfworth has made this journey a remarkable one. I'm anxious to see where this journey ends.

The University of Central Florida has given me a chance ot experience both a rich academic life as well as an engaging and interesting social life. My first semester here as given me knowledge and skills that I know will be useful in furthering my goals in the field of Psychology and I feel as if i truly have a home here. I've met so many amazing people, taken so many interesting and challenging classes and I've really developed as a person. I'm so happy i decided to make the University of Central Florida my home for the next three years.

Going to the University of Central Florida I have learned a lot about myself. I know that I can make it out in the real world on my own, I have become more independent and rely on myself more for things. It has been very valuable for me to attend this school so that I can grow up, have many experiances, learn all I can, and enjoy my time at school meeting new people and making new connections.

After countless times asking the knowledge masterminds (successful people), about every question under the sun I have learned ironically that the most important thing to do in college is to learn. Whether it be specific gems of knowledge in your field or a gold mine of advice about life. I've met various successful people in college thus far and I've acquired the habit of asking them for advice and how they became successful in their lives. I got some answers such as "You need to find your passion so that your work can be mistaken for fun," or "Work hard and keep your dream alive." There was one that really stood out to me though. Joe Lee the co-founder of Darden Restaurants spoke at my school and told us the story of how as an adolescent farmer Lee went to a rich banker's office and asked the banker how he gained such wealth. The banker gave him some advice, but from that day on Joe Lee went on to many successful people learning invaluable nuggets of knowledge. College for me is not only an outlet for a career, but most importantly an, outlet for life learning.

I am a first-generation college attendee and education means the world to me. Growing up in a single-parent household, I really had to push myself to acheive the best education. My family does not have the money to put my twin sister or me through college, therefore I had to do my very best in high school to get to a university. I have learned so much from being at college, but the best knowledge I have gained is to always push yourself because every goal is attainable. I can do any profession I want, I can get involved in one of the biggest campuses in the nation. I have learned that 'I can' is not just a phrase, it is truly a way of life. College is a place to learn who you are, and I am someone who accomplishes their goals. No matter what life throws at you, you can always pick yourself up and do something to better yourself. College has changed me, for the better.

Looking back at the past four years I've been in college I have always been challenge to learn something new and fascinating. Whether if it was learning about the Middle Age's and how the development of women during that time period have had an influence on our culture or learning about structural colllapse in engineering. Not only have I learned in the academic realm, but school to me has helped me to become ready for the real-world. The teamwork that I had to take part of to succesfully complete some the design classes was as necessary then as it will be in my future carrer in life. In essence school has provided a structural framework for my development as a current citizen and future student.

My college experience has been a rather smooth one, thus far. Going to college while working 30 hours a week and managing your own bills can become overwhelming. I feel so close to the finish line, but I am not even half way with my intended studies. My grades have been immaculate and new friendships have blossomed. When I am surrounded by people who have the same goals as I do, I feel a sense of motivation that inspires me to achieve beyond my capabilities. I never knew that the library could be so invigorating until I attended college and found myself drifting away from my original research topic and getting captivated by books of a totally different subject. Attending college has been a great way for me to prepare myself for the real world just by interacting with fellow classmates and teachers, working in groups and having equally split responsibilities, and it continues at home when I start on homework or work on projects on the computer. I feel a sense of pride for myself because I alone pushed myself to get a higher education and everyday I get more knowledge I feel the power that comes with it.

Out of my college experience I have gotten a better understanding of living on my own, friends for life , and a better educated self. To attend the University of Central Florida I had to move over a hundred miles. This required me to grow up, start paying my own bills, and managing school, work and firends. I have made several friends that I will know for life. They have given me a the structure and support I need to be a successful student. The education thus far from the university has been phenominal. I could have not asked for better professors and faculty. The professors cahllenge me on a daily basis to become a smarter/well rounded student. My experience could not have been any better at another university.

I have received the benefits of knowledge, insight, self-purpose and self-worth from my college experience. The college experience has taught me many things aside from textbook material and classroom instruction. It has taught me how to work together in groups and to listen and respect other individual's opinions. It has taught me how to adapt and overcome obstacles within my particular learning style. The college experience has shown me how to be truly successful and has given me the opportunity to shine in my own way. It has allowed me to grow as a person and to set realistic goals that I continue to meet each semester until the day that I am able to graduate and hold the degree that I have set out to attain. The value of attending college cannot be surpassed by any other experience. The experience and knowledge that can only be received in a college learning environment will live on within me forever. These are the true values of attending college.

I graduated at 17, and I am the baby of my house. I have learned independence. I learned how to stand on my own two feet in this world by working two jobs and going to school full time. I have learned from my share of mistakes. I realized that I can achieve anything I put my mind to because the professors are tough. I found what career I want to do just from meeting many people from different backgrounds. By meeting these people it gave me the desire to know more about where I come from. It turned out, I come from a lot of backgrounds myself. Now I want to be a diplomat for Cape Verde, one of the many countries my family is from. I love UCF for its originality and its diversity. I honestly do not think any other college in the world welcomes and supports as many backgrounds and diverse people as UCF does. Honestly, I did not even want to come here. My mom made me because I had a full ride scholarship to play basketball somewhere else. I am not playing basketball here, but I am the happiest young lady in the world.

From my college experience thus far I have gotten to know myself better as well as understand the world around me. I have become so much stronger and independent, I know what I want and how to get it. The hardest thing I had to learn was that this world is tougher than fairy tales make it out to be. I struggled and I fell, but I got right back up and started again, this time more determined than ever. I would have never had this experience if I hadn't moved away from home to attend college.

I have learned so much these last 2.5 years. I have met some great students and amazing professors that have really taught me a lot about the social and business worlds and how they relate. I value what I am learning here because I know it will help me in my career after I graduate.

I now have a son, and getting a good career for me is very important so that I can take care of myself and him. A college degree in this world today can mean the difference between flipping burgers and working in a business that is your career. Not only am I getting the knowledge that I need to succeed in the world, but I am also making friends at school. There are a lot of returning parents who have decided to change their careers to better themselves, and I am glad that I am doing it early. I am only 23 and have the rest of my life ahead of me and I don't want to do it going back to school or thinking that I made the wrong choice. I want to know that I got the right schooling now and be happy with my son five years down the road. I am only two months into my program, and already I feel like I'm on my way to a better life.

I entered college has a freshman with big ideas of what I thought I wanted to do with my life. Consequently, as does every 18 year old girl, I changed my mind, and then I changed it again. UCF has been the perfect venue for me to find myself and my passion. It took me two years of sampling psychology, science, and political science classes to realize that I love the law. I am currently majoring in Legal Studies with a minor in Criminal Justice. My classes fascinate me and my teachers are professionals that are always sharing their experiences. My college experience at UCF has been invaluable. I know that I will be attending law school Fall of 2012 because of the opportunities and strong educational background that this university has provided me with. The professors and students I have encountered over the past three years have become my building blocks. They have helped me lay a strong foundation for my graduate work and future as a professional in the legal field. Thank you for the opportunity to apply for this scholarship; every little bit helps secure the educational future of a student.

My college experience has showed me that I have the ability to discover the world in my own way; I can see a painting as I want to see it, I can listen to a song in the way that suits me, and I can understand the words in a book by applying my own experiences. It has, however, also given me the ability to understand that there is a world of abstract thought and opinion and an entirely different one of factual evidence. Attending the unversity has helped me to understand that these worlds can exist together; in fact, being able to think critically and form one's own opinions based on understanding emotional drives and factual drives is what shapes our world as a whole. If I walk away with nothing more than that knowledge, I am fulfilled as I have been given the tools to research and discover the complexities of these worlds co-exisiting so that I may find my place within it.

My college experience has been entertaining to say the least. I have bounced around in almost every major the University of Central Florida offers. It is beyond me how little adivising there is to help the sad, lost, students, like myself who just needed someone to focus my needs and wants. I am proud to say I am now a very successful self made student. I finnally settled on a major at the beggining of my Junior year, English Literature/Creative Writing. I loved books and incesantly wrote all day long so it was a natural choice. Because of my nuerotic search for a collegiate purpose I have also managed to land myself minors in Women Studies, Education, and Victim Advocacy. Ontop of the numerous oncampus activities that I participated in I have a full time job as a manager of a clothing store and a part time internship with the Victim Services office on my campus I stay a busy lady. Even with a heavy schedule like this I still remain in good standing GPA wise and that makes me the proudest of all.

My college experience has been pleasurable for me thus far. Attending a community college in the afternoon, took alot of pressure off of me to "compete" with the recent high school graduates. Being that I've been out of school for over 10 years now, deciding to go back was quite challenging for me. It wasn't until May 2010 that I received my biggest motivation. My son wrote a Mother's Day card for me explaining why he was proud to have me as a mother. In his card, he talked about how I dropped out of school while I was pregnant with him and how that was a big sacrifice for me. He talked about how he knew that completing college was a goal of mine and he wanted me to go back to school. That card has made all of my study time all the more menaningful. It has been valuable for me to attend school because i know owe this to myself. I deserve a better education and who better than me to be the change that the younger generation needs to see.

Last year I was homeless, hopeless, and completely lost in life. College was and is my last-ditch attempt to get my life back on the right path. All I want is to be successful and live the all-American dream: Work at a good job, have a family, own property, etc. I think college is the only way to reach that goal, and it's giving me a lot more as well. I met the love of my life, and now we're studying together at the same university. Attending college has given me a new outlook on life, the second chance I so desperately needed. All I need to do now is find a way to fund my learning.

I'm a none traditional student returning to college after a lengthy career in broadcasting. I've enjoyed my career longer than most in the radio industry. Consolidation and new technology, coupled with the recession have made it difficult to find work and many within the industry believe music radio is in its twilight years. With that in mind, I've decided to return to school to reeducate for a new career. It's a lofty goal as I'm over 40 yrs old and a full-time single father with a 5 yr old boy. A grant from your organization will help me not only better my own life, but that of my son as well. Thanks for helping a single dad do the right thing.

My college experience has been monumental in my ability to excel in the professional world. As a Public Administration major, I have gained a vast amount of knowledge related to government entities and their day to day operations. The University of Central Florida has provided me the opportunity to progress not only in specific courses directly related to Public Administration but also courses that have increased my expertise in other areas such as human reserouces and business administration. I look forward to the opportunities that will present themselves in my future that may have not been available to me had I not pushed through in difficult times. As a single mother and individual who strives towards excellence through dedication and passion for life, the Unviersty of Central Florida was perfect place for me to obtain my undergraduate degree.

Something that I have gotten out of my college experience is independence and the ability to try new things. Starting college I was a shy student and with being on UCF campus I have become more outgoing and able to struck up a conversation with most anyone I meet. I have also learned there are tons of different opportunities out there in the hospitality field. Attending UCF was the best thing for me because it is close to home and Rosen is in the heart of the hospitality industry in Florida. I attend a school that is one of the largest in the nation and sports teams are finally getting the recognition for being good!

Being a first time in college freshman, I have definitely benefitted from moving further away from my home. UCF has helped me by guiding me in the right direction while forcing me to mature and learn that from now on I am responsible for what happens in my life. Being independent in college also has helped me to learn to stand on my own two feet. By taking classes interest me and subjects that I excel in, I have grown strong enough to find a major that I actually want to pursue, not just what my parents wanted me to pursue. From this point on I know that my leadership skills will only continue to blossom until I finish school and am able to become successful in the real world. I think it I valuable for any person to attend college because you do not only learn the content the class entails. In fact, you learn more self discipline, leadership, study skills , and have experiences you would not otherwise.

I am a Freshman at UCF in Orlando Florida and have enjoyed my every minute here. There are many good activities for students that promote community service as well as opportunities to get to know good people. The campus has absolutely everything to make the college experience educational as well as fun. No regrets choosing this school.

Since, I have been in college I have had many different experiences, both good and bad. Although, I said good and bad; the good undoubtedly outweighed the bad. I had the privilege to meet many diverse people which in turn made me a more open-minded person. In college you have to become open-minded because you are placed out of your comfort zone that forces you to seek other people who aren't like you. Like many American college students, I come from a middle class working family. Where I come from many people don't have the opportunity or drive to attend college. Countless young women my age are worried about being a mother, rather than being a college student. I choose not to be a statistic. With that being stated, college is very valuable to me, I want to walk across that stage and recieve my diploma. I wont let anything or anyone stop me from reaching my academic endeavors.

My college experience so far has enlightened me to the possibilities I am opening to myself to as a college student. Because I am working toward many degrees, I have so many more opportunities for success than others. Being in the Rosen College of Hospitality, I already have a greater chance of finding not only a job, but to start a career to make a good living from and have a nice life out of. I'm able to express myself freely here and meet people from all around the world; in one class the four people sitting next to me can be from four different countries. College has been an enlightening and wonderful experience that I am thankful for putting myself through, and enjoying thoroughly.

Whether it be the knowledge I have learned or the friends that I've made, I think its safe to say that I have been present to an amazing college experience. The most important things I've taken from my studency at UCF is a strong basis in the study of Biology and a firm grasp of how to push myself further in any field that I want to attend. In addition, I can't ignore many of the great friends I've made during my stay: friends that I will probably take with me for the remainder of my life. Its these very things I'll take with me that has this so valuable. The combination of the knowledge and the life lessons that I learned, plus the people I will take with me has made this the most cherished experience of my life, and given another chance, I would do everything the same as before.

I have gained so much from UCF such as a high level of education to help me become a well informed business major, the job experience from several internships that will be vital to my resume when starting my career and the leadership skills gained from being Vice President of the Sports Business Management Club, Treasurer of DECA and Treasurer of the Business Administration Team. Everything I have learned in college will be instrumental latter on but the thing I am most grateful for is the fact that UCF has provided me a place to find happiness. In high school I was very negative and didn’t appreciate life, now I always see the positive in everything. I have finally established lifelong friends that push me to be the best, something I have never had before. This new found outlook on life has helped me get through many obstacles in college life such as living on my own, finding a way to pay for tuition and support myself by paying for rent, car insurance, gas and so forth. The personal gain in college of defining the true meaning of happiness is something that I could not put a price on.

The time that I have spent at UCF obtaining my degree in Early Childhood Education has afforded me the rare opportunity to begin to uncover the innate and inherent qualities that I possess that will help me become a successful and effective educator. I have started to show my true nature and appearance as a person while working to better the lives of the students that I have worked with while attending the university. There is a happiness and contentment that I feel knowing that the pursuit of my education has allowed my inborn character to shine through, and I am satisfied that the sacrifices that I have made to bring me to the point where I am today have been well worth it. Most importantly, my experiences at UCF have enabled me to identify what I find to be intrinsically beneficial. I have learned to distinguish between my hierarchy of personal values, and have found that working with children and influencing their lives in a positive way, whether it be academically or emotionally, provides me with a heightened sense of self-worth and gratitude. I realize that I am fortunate enough to have found my intended path in life.

College has already been an incredibly valuable experience for me in so many ways. To start, a college student immediately begins making friends. Friends down the long that could possibly be very valuable connections. Connections that help you get a job. Connections that help you make new friends if you are alone in a new city. In life it is all about who you know. College helps one get to know a lot of people. College is also a place where learning flourishes. I have already learned so very much in my short time at college. I can only imagine how much more knowledgeable I will be as a graduated college student as oppossed to if I just went directly into the work force. Furthermore, if one wants to get a high paying job nowadays thay are going to need a college education. It looks better then anything else on your resume. These concise reasons sum up my love for college. It is definitely worth the time and money.

College has taught me more than "book smartness." It has taught me how to be a better organized person, how to think critically, and how to always to my research in whatever I do in life. College has been valuable in a multitude of ways. It has been valuable by granting me independence to learn what I want when I want and it has allowed me to be able to express my opinions in a well-structured environment. I do not think that the college experience is only about work but about discovering who one is as a person and that is why it has been most valuable to me.

Though I have only been in college for one semester, I feel that I have grown up and matured much faster than I did at anytime in my life for the same amount of time. I have learned how to take care of myself and have gained valuable experience in living without my parents and having many more personal responsibilities. Many say that college is the best time of your life, which is ture, but it is also the time when you figure out who you truly are, and I feel that this has happened to me.

The time taken to attend college is very important in the sense that it has allowed me to meet and make many friends who might matter in the future. The academic aspect has been perhaps the most important as it has allowed me to learn alot and prepare myself for the real world. I have be exposed and learned courses and subject matters that I might not have come across if I didn't attend college. I have experienced a growth in knowledge, the understanding of the world and different cultures, and received the kind of education that has made me literate and well-rounded.

What I have gotten of college is maturity and ability to become more discipline for what is right for me. When I first got into college I was very irresponsible, I did not pay attention to deadlines, I was not focused on studying. but as the year progressed I realized if I want to become somebody I had to first set a goal for myself and begin focusing. I came to realize that nobody else is going to be on my back about studying and getting good grades. I had to challenge myself, especially afetr seeing many different student come to this school and graduate to become succesful. Getting the opportunity to build a student to professor relationship allows me to get an idea of where I need to focus more in my studies and my life. Going to college has also allowed me to make friendships that will last for a lifetime. The friends I have made has been so encouraging and helpful to my success. Most importantly going to college and experiencing what my parents has strived for throughout my life continues to push me so that I can make them proud and take care of them someday.

In my college experience I have learned that through education I have a better chance of having a better life. It has been valuable for me to further my education to provide for my children. I am more confident, reliable and have a greater Knowlegde of the medical field that has inspired me to continue my education so I can provide a better life for my children. I am A role model for my children, nephews and Niece and I hold that position with honor and I dont want to let them down in anyway. I want my children to continue there education through college, so they can reach there pedistal in there life and the best way to show them there potinital is to show them by example.

I have gotten many things from my college experience. One of the things I have really learned is discipline. You have to keep up with your work and not fall behind. You also have to read the books and study alot in order to be successful. I also found out that the professors (most of them) want you to succeed. They do not try to trick you or slip you up. The professors stay after class or you can contact them by email if you have concerns. Also, being involved is important by showing your school spirit and pride for your athletic teams. I am involved with the christian club CRU at UCF. I just love the college and all the people I have met who will be lifelong friends.

My college experience is showing me just how valuable education really is and the importance it plays in all facets of my life. I never realized through my earlier educational experience the role in job oppurtunities,salary and level of jod satisfaction a good education can make. Taking the time to go back to school has opened a whole new future for myself and my family. The life experience i gained between high school and college really help's me to put this second chance at a new future into perspective and appreciate it so much more.

I can honestly say that college has been a life changing experience. I have met so many knew people and feel as though I have become a more independent person. Before, I would rely on my mom to make sure all my forms were completed and turned in but after coming here just for a semester I have taken on that responsibilty of making sure everything is turned in and I'm all ready to go. Prior to my first semester I thought that I was already grown up and responsible but now looking back I was not as grown up as I thought I was. Growing up is hard but I'm glad I was able to while at UCF.

So far out of my college experience I have gotten a lot out of it. Like with all colleges, I have learned specific information valuable to the career field I hope to be a part of in the next few years. Besides all the information, one key thing I have gotten out of my college experience is the process of being open-minded. Many different classes have all brought upon different situations which force me to alter my thinking . I find this valuable because it helps me see others' point of views and keeps me with an open mind. Many believe that college is a scam for money. However, I believe that if I did not learn anything academically in all my years of college at least I did learn how to understand people better and live life open-minded and free to the ideas of others.

What i have gotten out of my college experience is more knowlegde in other types of subjects. In high school, there is to an extent in what students learn about, but in college it feels like a more fulfilling education. It has been valuable to attend because there is no point in spending so much money for college if someone is not willing to go to class. The people that pay for school and only go to get a good grade are not going to fulfill much in their fututre if they don't attend class. The point about college is to get a greater understanding of the major one chooses and to learn things that you were not familiar with or taught in high school.

My name is Erika Parga and I was born in Aguascalientes, Mexico. My brothers and I have the dual citizenship because my mother is originally from Chicago. I attended Washington HS, which is a public school on the south east side of Chicago. I am currently enrolled in Harold Washington College. My educational journey has been a challenge, but it is also a valuable experience. College has been difficult because of the language barrier. I have been fortunate to have excellent instructors ,who are always willing to help. The obstacles in my educational journey have made me grow and appreciate it even more. Education has enriched my life and it has shown me to be grateful for the opportunity to pursue a career in computer technology. Technology is a necessary tool for society and its development. In conclusion, the road to a better life is about overcoming obstacles moreover, it is about appreciating opportunity that comes your way. College has been challenging, however, I have had to work hard. Hard work has helped me develop my social and educational skills. Furthermore, education is certainly a way to give back to society and it provides an opportunity to share knowledge.

My college experience has just began, but the things i have learned so far will help me the next three years here and for the rest of my life. I have learned that you have to step out of your comfot zone in college, and that just trying to fit in will get you no where. Meeting new people is so important! there is so much that your fellow students have to offer you, priceless help that can make all the difference. I have met so many new people so far, and i am so excited to take the things i have learned here to the real world and into the classroom, as a elementary level teacher. Attending college is the most important thing i have done so far in pursuing my dreams, there is no way i could have expected to become the responible adult i am becoming without going to college, and i couldnt have expected to be prepared to teach children without the things i have learned about their development. College has made all the difference and has transformed a nieve highschool senior, into a realistic adult with real responisbilities that i can be held accountable for.

College has made me grow up in so many ways. I look back at my life before college and I see how much I've changed. I have gained independence; I appreciate the little things in life. I now appreciate all the things my family has done to raise and support me. Providing for yourself is not a easy task, so I can not imagine how hard adding children to the picture must be. I also understand the importance of studying. In high school I never studied, and I passed with a 4.38 GPA. College is a completely different setting. Study and pass or fail, those are the only options. College is not only a great academic value to me but a life value. You learn to gain your independence and show actual responsibility. Even though it is challenging at times it is an overall great experience.

My college experience thus far has told me that I can persevere through anything that comes my way. After going through deaths of loved ones, I delved myself into studies and though it has been incredibly hard, I know that I can handle anything that comes my way. Perseverence and a positive attitude is what I've learned thus far in my college experience.

In order to answer this question I need to prefice how I got to college. I didn't go directly from High School to college. I had family issues to deal with and I also took time to get married. This time put me behind in life. It also added things to my plate a normal student wouldn't face (ie. being estraigned from my parents, being a wife, etc.). My college experience has molded me for the future. My husband and I now have a chance at something better. I have gained the confidence and mechanisms to face people and obsticles in ways I never have before. If I can go to school without the help of anyone and with everyone throwing things in my way, I can do anything! The value I've found in attending is mostly in how I feel about myself. Attending college makes me proud. It makes me empower others to do things they think are impossible. I come from a family in which NO ONE HAS EVEN ATTENDED A COLLEGE CLASS and that never stopped me. Everyone should find value in the standards of UCF and be changed for the better.

I have realized that I have picked the best school. The professors are amazing, with years of experience and amazing stories to share with us; making the classes more interesting as well as showing the students how to get involved in their major. I also realized how important and fun an education can/is, if you pick the right major, then it's not like your going to school, you're going somewhere to have fun and learn all at the same time.

As I continue my college experience I have gotten an understanding of what I need to do in order to succed in the future and what it's going to take for me to make it in life. Views of my life in the future is what pushes me to attend class and I know by not going to class I am doing myslef no good and only lessoning my chances of making it. I learn valuable lessons all the time by going to class either from the teacher about life or whats going to be on the test or from me talking to older people in my classes and seing in thier faces that the life they are living is hard and have realized that without a college degree it is tuff to make it in life and I don't want that to be me when I get older so i do my best to make it to all my classes. I learn valuable class lessons as well as valuable life lessons by attenting class.

College has proved to be the greatest experience of my life. I have gained life long friendships and an education to prepare me for my future career as a Civil Engineer. The clubs on campus, particularly the engineering ones, have provided a great way for me to get in touch with local engineering firms and engineers to discuss how I should prepare for the future. I constantly get internship emails and updates, which are crucial to my career. College has also taught me to be more accepting of others. This was the time of my life where I "came out" and I did so because I found and became friends with people who had already done so. They gave me the strength to discover who I really am and I know this would not have happened if I had not attended the University of Central Florida.