University of Central Florida Top Questions

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

Tiffany

Looking at my college experience, all I can see is how much opportunity has been put in front of me. The education has helped mold my ideas for the next generation segment of the hospitality management business. Having to go to school full time and work has been a crazy schedule, but the more I learn at school, the more knowledgable I get about my work and improve at my job. College has taken a serious part in shaping my ability to understand the hospitality field and how competitive it is getting. The more I learn, the more I may expand my knowledge and am given great opportunities which University of Central Florida has to offer. With the hope of continuing my education, I plan to utilize every resource I can take in order to excel in the hospitality industry and further the impact I can help make in the next generation of lives.

Lauren

This is my first semester at University of Central Florida, but so far it has been an outstanding experience. All of the administration, professors, and other students are very helpful, always having a smile on their face. I am learning many new skills which I will use in my near future for my career. In my life, school has always been my first priority. Education is important to me and I want the most which I will be able to get out of my next two years at UCF.

Michael

A better question would be what has college gotten into me. Some people may view college as only a learning experience, but that is only half the story. College has been a life experience full of friends, new things, refinements, and a newfound sense of maturity that I could not live without. My personal life has been a wreck through the past two years of my college career, but it is my classes and lessons that kept me going. It has given me the drive in life to achieve more than what could have never been possible for me before. What does college mean to me, you ask? It means life, progress, and happiness I could not express.

Alice

The college experience gives me more than just facts, it turns on the lightswitch of my mind, enabling me to see the world with awareness of my surroundings from the obvious to the subtle, and with critical discernment of those surroundings from the safe and predictable standards to the edgy and innovative possibilities. I gain knowledge and real-world, hands-on experience through the classroom environment of informative lectures and interesting discussions, through the online environment of links and posts and threads, and through exploring the non-academic environments of communication, business, goods, and services where I can assimilate skills through guided observation and immitation. Obviously, gaining the skills and knowledge necessary for a productive career ranks high when one considers the value of attending college, but I have discovered that the value of college appears long before graduation because concepts and theories that were once a mystery to me are now beginning to make sense. I understand the thinker, the thought, and the circumstances that catalyze people to share their ideas. I recognize the impact this process has in the world. I see the purpose behind the words and actions of brilliant minds, and I am motivated to participate.

Maria

During my college experience, I believe I have obtained the tools and skills that will allow me to succeed in my life. The knowledge attained in my classes has been priceless and I cannot think of another place to foment ideas and opinions. The professors have always tried to engage the students in discussions and are open to different perspectives to analyze and study. I have had the honor to work in research for UCF and although it has been extremely hard work, the payoff has been beyond any other. Being involved at the school has allowed me to create a network of support outside of the academic realm, a second family, which not only includes fellow students but also faculty members. The years I have spent at this school have been the best of my life. I have enjoyed every second spent here, even the sleepless nights and the interminable papers. They have all paid off. The knowledge and the people I have connected with, will remain with me for the rest of my life. I believe that missing out on the college experience would be missing out on an overall better life.

Jennifer

When I first entered college, I wasn't sure who I was or what I liked. UCF has helped me grow as a person and pick the perfect major for me. I was able to meet with counselors who sat down and went over every possible major that would be of interest to me. Also, I have made close friends through the years and I am involved in clubs at school that help me to get involved with the community and meet new people. I feel that because of UCF, I found myself. I am now studying Industrial Engineering and I feel that I picked the perfect major. If it wasn't for the kind counselors at UCF, I probably wouldn't be as happy with my major as I am now. Because of UCF, I am truly doing what I want to do with my life and I couldn't be happier.

Mary

I have gotten a lot out of my college experience. I grew up secluded from this world and going to college has opened my eyes to understanding the different cultures and the different ways of life. College has been a life changing experience for me. College has been valuable to attend because through scholarships I was able to reach for my life’s dream of becoming an elementary teacher for the special needs. I am two years down the road working on being qualified to teach the deaf children. One other valuable aspect is all of the friends that I have made that will last for a lifetime and being able to encourage others to accomplish their life’s dream by continuing their education. Education is important to me and I have not regretted for a single moment my choice to get an education even when it meant going against the beliefs of my parents and losing their support. My college experience has been so wonderful and I feel so excited to be seeing my dream come true. My college experience has changed me into being a better person who now thrives on living in this world.

Debra

I have gotten a wonderful education. I am older than most students. I wanted to go to college all my life, however, my family sent only the oldest child. I wanted to be a coach. It wasn't allowed back then. I kept my dream. When I applied here I was older, and my children were through college. UCF said I had to go to college for an AA in order to get into UCF. That was fine, I would have done anything for my education. I am here at last. UCF has opened my eyes to all the posibilities open to me with an education. I am an anthropology major and I am looking forward to grad. school at UCF eventually. UCF have me the tools to be successful and professors who are dedicated to the students. I feel confident enough to even plan for extreme old age. UCF showed me the possibilities I have for the rest of my future. I live hours away from my classes. I leave before sunrise to get here since I live down in Indian Harbour Beach. I never miss a class, I try very hard. UCF is everything to me.

Jodie

Since beginning college at the University of Central Florida, I have been rewarded with many great lessons and experiences in the classroom. My general education courses consist of classes ranging from Philosophy to Statistics and every one of them has taught me a vast amount of information within only one semester. I absolutely love reading about the topics of the week for each class and when I am able to share what I have learned from that day with a friend or family member, the feeling of accomplishment cannot be beat! I have gained a great amount of friends and the best part, for me, is having the same interests and desires to obtain a college education. This experience is so essential to me because in high school, it seems as if people go because they have too. But in college, everyone wants to be there so it makes my learning experience more worthwhile. College has taught me how to handle a huge amount of responsibility and I am so thankful to have this opportunity to enhance my knowledge and growth as an adult!

J.L

Parents teach their children a lot of lessons, but if there is one lesson my parents stressed within our family, it was a value of a college education. After high school graduation I worked a few part time jobs and quickly discovered that with only a high school education most higher paying jobs would be very difficult to achieve without a degree. During my first semester in college I was surrounded by very interesting topics and new ideas, if I could have a motto for my college career it would be that fascination is a true gift. Through my college experience not only have I increased my knowledge base but it has taught me incredible social skills; between public speaking, working as a team, and critical thinking. In the the current job market the ability to be a natural leader, having enhanced interpersonal skills, and introducing bright new ideas is crucial; therefore I feel my college experience has not only improved my performance at work, but it has transformed me into a better person.

Akeem

"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." This seems to be the common experience or saying that binds all of us together. With that however, comes many changes in personality, character and behaviour. This experience has taught me how to take on a task larger than myself and then to conquer it. Some days were tougher than others due to different circumstances that took place but as I leaned upon God for strength, He has helped me to get me through the different obstacles and trials to get me through to this point. While a finance student at UCF, I have learned about how the world of finance operates, the psychology of how people make financial decisions and their opinions and beliefs on finance. While the journey was at times rough, I have learned to find a passion, work hard at it and to it very well. Lastly, UCF has taught me that anything you put your mind to and accomplish is possible. In conclusion, This journey of "1,000 miles" will soon end and another will begin and the lessons I've learned in this "1,000 miles", I'll use rest of my life.

Freddy

I never thought I was college material. In fact, it took me years to discover that there was another away to make a living. Having come from a multi children low income single parent home, my opportunities were limited; in part because of my mother's philosophy, she only made it to the fourth grade, and in part because I was a typical teenager more interested in becoming eighteen, to leave the house, than pursuing education. I became a dropout as soon as I became emancipated; my journey to this country had given me a two grade level disadvantage, I was only a freshman when I became eighteen. After loading trucks for many years, I began to look for an alternative. I finally enrolled in an adult continuing education program, where I quickly became an "A" student. I'de like to conclude by saying that I am grateful for all of the people that were instrumental in setting me in the right path; I am also grateful for the opportunities and doors that have been open for me due to my ongoing academic achievements, and I hope someday to be able to contribute and change somebody's life in return.

Christpher

What I have gotten out of my college experience was better understanding not only of myself but of different cultures and people from different woks of life. It has taught me to be more respectful and mindful of people who are out there and those who are attending the same college as me. Though some people may seem a certain way, it's always a great thing to give them the opportunity that schooling gives them to better themselves and with that you get to see others and understand those people of your college community better. This has been such a valuable thing and I firmly believe that people who do not go to college or do not have the opportunity to interact with people from different cultures and different societies like college students have will not be able to more easily understand their neighbors or the other people around them. This is a benificial thing to have and I am grateful that I am allowed to experience it. This is probably the greatest thing that I have gotten out of my college experience.

Sarah

The few things I have learned about college in my little time i have been attending. One thing is that high school prepares you for nothing your going to incounter in the college atmosphere. Your surroundings are competely different, you can only dependd on you and you alone to have anything completed or reminded to you about deadlines, papers, and so forth. Another thing is that the choices you make in your classroom are the choices that will reflect your own self to your teachers and to upcomming colleges or universities you are looking for. One last thing would have to be the diversity you meet with each new class, something that for me was a shock and a little startling. But the knowledge and insight I have gained so far has been tremendously helpfull in how I see my school work and how Im approaching my University search and also how to approach circumstances that happen at my work and daily life as well. Its certainly valuable in that the lessons its teaching me is bettering me all around and just preparing for new life situations to come, and ones that are already happening.

Nataly

Rumor has it that college is this amazing time to find yourself. While this is true I believed that that meant that finding myself would have more positives than negatives. Being a college student away from home I have run into issues that I had never even fathomed when I was moving in. Financially I find myself in debt and prioritizing the distribution of my money to the point where I only eat two meals a day. I find myself homesick for home cooked meals and free housing and no need to worry about gas prices. That being said though this college experience has provided me with such enormous insight. For the first time in a long time I am able to take enjoyment in my courses and have enough time to get all my work completed. With this in mind college is not all about academics. Being here I have met people who have helped me decipher what I want out of my major and research wise. I have been able to find school organizations that share my interests and have introduced me to new causes that I would not have been involved in had I not attended college.

Demetrius

A chance to make something out of my self

John

I am a student in the School of Social Work. After completing my first semester at UCF, I have attained, what seems to me, a well rounded basis, on which to build the understaning important , in order to join the clinical social work profession. My professors have instilled in me the passion for this career. They have taught me that as a social worker I must develop respect for diversity as the world and its economy is going global. As a result, I must keep an opeen ear and eye toward all societal, political and economic changes affecting America today.

Alyssa

I have only completed one semester of college so far, but I have already learned an abundance of information. I learned how to better manage my time, especially because being a music major requires a lot of practice outside of the classroom. I also learned more about the value of money. I am paying for a majority of college by myself, and I have learned that money must be spent more carefully than it was in high school. UCF in particular has been valuable for me to attend because I am making several new friends, and getting experiences that I would never have gotten in other universities. For example, I have had the opportunity to attend music conventions and perform in various locations because of UCF's proximity to activities in downtown Orlando. I have also encountered a new competitive environment in the honors college. It was very easy for me to get through high school, and there was little competition for good grades. Now, in the honors program, I am competing with students that are as strong, if not stronger, than me in class, and I have acquired a new motivation to succeed in school.

Lauren

A long time ago when the economy was prospering my family was financially set. However, after the economic downturn my family and I have had some bumps in the road. Throughout high school I always worked and paid for all my expenses. However, I had a roof over my head and food always on the table. Once coming to college I got a new reality check. I was now paying for my rent, gas, groceries, tuition, and books because my parents couldn’t help me out, and the government thought my father was making too much money to give me any aide (although he single handedly supports 6 people). At the same time I am a full time student at the University of Central Florida. I am majoring in a competitive field of health science pre-clinical. So things were very stressful and college seemed to be completely over whelming. However, I kept working and remained focused. Having all of this responsibility on my shoulders has made me grow as a student and an individual. After experiencing college completely on my own, I value the strength it has given me to succeed academically and in the future.

Elizabeth

From my college experience, I have gained valuable knowledge to help me succeed in the real world. In my classes, I have learned the information required for my future job in the field of engineering. Because of my involvement in extra-curricular activities, I have gained leadership experience and I have learned the value of networking, communicating, and working with others. It has been valuable for me to attend college, because I now know that college is not just about taking the required courses and learning the required material. It is also about finding out who you are as a person. Being successful involves more than knowing the required information; it is also important to be responsible and dependable. These characteristics are developed while taking classes and participating in the extra-curricular activities that my university offers. By meeting deadlines, holding officer positions, and meeting new people, my university has helped me to develop the characteristics that make me who I am. Because of this experience, I believe that my future is bright, with whatever it may hold.

Laura

During my first year of college I have learned a great deal. I feel the most important quality I have learned is to work hard and not to procrastinate. I am working towards a degree in the medical field and it is very competitive so you need to be organized. Getting your work done and on time is crucial. I have also met people from many different cultures. This has helped me in learning people skills which I will need when I start interviewing and applying for jobs. My interaction with people from these different cultures will also help me when I am working with patients and co workers. By attending college you gain the knowledge and skills that you need to work in the field of your choice. Even though going to college is expensive, it is important to get a degree. College takes a lot of time, dedication and hard work. It is definitely worth it. The world is constantly changing and you have to be willing to change with it. By going to college and getting your degree shows that.

Jasmine

Attending the University of Central Florida has been an epic time in my life. With excellent grades, volunteering, and involvement in numerous organizations, I have demonstrated to many that I am capable of setting goals and achieving them. I enjoy the many opprotunities to further my education, and it helped me to decide what I want in life. There are many activities to get involved in and volunteer. I have had the pleasure of doing both. This has been valuable to me because I was able to network with many people, and encourage the youth to attend college because of the very experiences offered to me. I love to help others and college has made me realize that through aiding my peers, and volunteering through class projects. College also gives me an advantage in the work force because degrees are vital in todays society. Most of all I am so greateful for the acceptance and the interactions with teachers, faculty, students, and staff at UCF because they have made me who I am today.

Christian

If you're looking for a competitive environment with a diverse group of students willing to work hard and help others, look no further. Choosing this University was one of the most important decisions I had to do. University of Central Florida offers a variety of resources for students to excel in their courses, professionalism, and social life. Being the second largest University in the United States, UCF accommodates all of its 53,000 plus students with organizations, campus housing, and computer advances in their classrooms. This University has helped me gain invaluable skills required to succeed in the business world. The courses offered in the College of Business such as Cornerstone, gives students real life experiences in surviving in a business world. The organizations I have been involved in these past two years, Caribbean Students Association, Club Kreyol, and Alpha Kappa Psi Fraternity, have given me the opportunity to sharpen my leadership, time-management, and organization skills. I am an active member of the UCF community with the essential skills and determination of a leader.

Mary

So far my college experience has taught me how to become a better person and to perservere no matter what. It took me 10 years to get my AA degree due to heart failure but the feeling of accomplishment when I finally did it was immeasurable. Not only, does an education lift you up because you have acheived a major accomplishment but it gets you ready for the next steps in a career. Without an education you will not make as much money and your employment chances dwindle. In this current economy it is not only good to have an education it is essential because of the lack of high paying jobs. Even if you are currently employed you could be missing out on opportunities that are only afforded to you with an education. Many people say college is to expensive but if you put your heart and mind into it you can get it done and the benefits far outweigh the risks. In my experience in the current job just the AA degree got me a pay raise even when it wasn't in my field of expertise. So, yes my college experience was worth It!

Kamila

Attending college amazed me with the opportunity to fullfill my dreams. I learned a lot of information about the different types of careers that fit my personality such as becoming an elementary teacher or college professor, a civil engineerer who helps rebuild bridges, buildings and roadways, a microbiologist who finds cures for cancer, and much more. I chose to enter the medical field pursueing to become a Pediatrician because helping infants all the way to adultry is my passion. I love helping those in need who are sick, helpless, and in need of good diagnosis. College in the making for me has helped me open my eyes for a brighter and successful future. The classes that I've recently tooken for my major were very tough, and the professors that i've had in the past pushed me to the top to work hard to my potential to better prepare me to face the real world one day. College is very valuable to me because it is an institution filled with tons of opportunities, different types of majors, to meet a diversifed group of friends and get very involved with a successful carreer.

Hillary

So far out of my college experience I have gained knowledge and skills that will help me to become a better person. I have also learned how to manage my time and stay organized to help me balance my life and achieve my goals.

KaShinta

When I think about my college experience so far all I can say it WOW!!! College has been one great experience for me and I feel that it will only get better. Coming to college has taught me to be independent and get things that I need done for myself without depending on my parents or others to do so. I have become a more responsible individual and hold myself accountable for my actions. I have also learned to be much more out going and start getting to know more people. College is all about networking and making connections for the future its a valuable tool that can come in handy in life later on. The most important thing that I have gotten out of college is the multitude of advisors that are there to help you figure out what it is you want to do with your future. There are so many resources and they are here to guide you through changing your major, declaring a minor, and figuring out what it is you like to do and how you can accoplish that with the degree you have chosen.

Caitlin

So far in college I have learned to be independent and face obstacles! My fall semester I hurt my ankle and was in a wheelchair for six weeks, and it was extremely hard to motivate myself to wheel across campus to class each day. However, being injured made me more sociable and my communication skills with fellow students has drastically improved. I also have learned about growing up this year, and how hard it can be for some people to transition over from high school. Not only did I try out for our national champions rock climbing team, but I also applied to be an RA and am currently waiting to hear back about it! I go to monthly events and have learned so much from everything UCF has provided!

Karla

Recently attaining senior status at the University of Central Florida, I can honestly admit that overall my college experience has been awesome and life-changing. I have gained more from this experience than what any professor can offer via any lecture in any classroom. From becoming more responsible, to learning how to budget money and manage time wisely, in addition to information learned through courses taken, college has taught some valuable life lessons. Though there were many missed events, sleepless nights, & stressful days, especially during final exams week, the benefits have always outweighed the costs of the college experience. To have a successful career with great compensation & benefits, education is required. “For tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today”- African Proverb. Present decisions and actions is the basis upon which the preparation of one’s future is built. Attending college is only one of a number of ways to develop a solid foundation for the future. The exposure to numerous networking opportunities and involvement in organizations can enhance the experience in the interested career path. Attending college can serve as the engine of the automobile that converts dreams into reality.

Rayna

I attended a private Chrisian school from Kindergarten to 12th grade, so I've been able to see more for myself what the "real" world looks like and sounds like. I knew that there were so many people in the world, and all with different beliefs and ways of living their lives, but experiencing that has been kind of a shock. I'm not used to hearing so much cussing, especially from my teachers. But I enjoy the school that I'm attending currently. I know that this is the world that I live in, and its so much worse than I had originally thought. But when I'm on campus and walking around I'm oddly at peace with where I am and how things are. I see people and pray for them and ask God that they can truly see who He is and what He did for them. Whether that happens to them in their life ultimately up to them, but I can still be a quiet example of God's love on my college campus.

Jonathan

Although I have only attended UCF for 2 semesters, the most valuable thing I have gotten out of it so far is my drive and determination. Being an older student, I'm not allowed the luxury of studying 24/7. Between work, visiting my kids, and classes, my life can get very hectic. However, I have found my determination to graduate has allowed me to overcome obstacles that I wouldn't have been able to overcome otherwise. Also, it gives me the motivation to continue to work hard and graduate. Without attending UCF, I believe that I wouldn't have been able to get the motivation and determination otherwise. When people think about college, they just picture classes, parties, long hours of studying, etc. They don't think about learning skills like determination. Thats why I feel it has been valuable to attend UCF.

Brittany

Before my college experience here I lived in a smaller town where pretty much you know just about everybody. Coming to Orlando has opened my eyes about meeting new people and being open to new things. I have become so much more outgoing and have met a ton of friends that I will have for a lifetime. Also the transition from a community college to a university was a shock. To me community college is like what they say, "an addition to highschool," I breezed through community college. When I came here I actually learnt what it was to pull an all nighter! I have learned alot about the value of actual learning, it's not just attending class and getting a's it actually takes a lot of time and preparation. I think this has been very valuable attending school at UCF, I have learned alot about myself and my potential.

Kayla

My college experience has made me more responsible, confident, and motivated. My classes as well as activities outside the classroom have made me realized that college is preparing me for the future when I have a career and am on my own. It has taught me that no matter how hard a class might be, or how many things are going on at once that I can handle it as long as I focus and put my best effort into everything.

Malcolm

UCF is and always will be my first love. When one mentions UCF I think of the opportunity I was given to be great, the opportunity I had to advance and reach my full potential as an academic scholar. I’m currently interning with the Florida Legislature a internship that I might have not been able to even fathom if attending another university. My initial thoughts of this institution will blow the lid off of any thoughts from another school and could most likely be made into novel if I was to get truly going. I was put in a position to achieve excellence the moment i step foot on campus and I am in forever UCF’s debt.

Shannon

Attending college has been one of the greatest opportunities I've had in my life. I am a part of the Burnett Honors College, which I believe has made a tremendous difference in my college education. Through the honors college, I am able to sign up for smaller class sizes and welcome to private resources such as a computer lab and additional advising. Through college, I was given the opportunity to be independent, responsible, and meet and interact with a diverse group of people. Most importantly, going to college has made me a leader and an example in my family. My family sees the work I've done and my younger relatives feel encouraged to do the best they can, as I do. Through my college experience, I've learned that life is a balancing act and to get where I want to be in life, I have to work for it.

Ricca

During my college experience I have come across many different Nationalities, religion, and different ethnic groups. This is also one of my top positive things about living the college life, you meet new people, you may interact with people or groups you may never thought of while in high school. On the other hand my negative feedback of a college experience is the tuition, fees, books, living expenses. These things make you feel like your at the worst time in your life, when you really are just trying to get an education to better yourself. I personally was not able to recieve federal pell grants, because of the income my mother recieves. Even though she recieves a decent salary she does not have enough money to put all three of my siblings through school. So,now we are forced to take almost 50,000 dollars in student loans. Hopefully, we will recieve high paying careers when we are done with school. This is why my attendance at college have been quite valuable.

Lisa

The real world experience I have gained from my time here at UCF has been life changing. I have had and continue to have so many opportunities to further my education and job experience. Professors and faculty are really there for us students and make us feel so important. They push us to achieve our greatest goals and ambitions. This university has changed my life to the point where I know I will succeed in my future in whatever job i undertake. The foundations I have been taught at this institution have prepared me to take on the world full charge.

Marshall

I was attending a four year school my freshman year of college and having the time of my life. Do to the fact that my father lost his job in the second semester i was unable to afford school any longer and had to transfer to a community college not far from my house. I was devasted, i had the college dream in my hand and it was slipping through my fingers and there was nothing i could do about it. Over the last three years i have learned more about myself than i have in the last eight years, especially how much family truly means to me and how as a family we are also a team. I have learned what it truly means to appreciate what you have and not take anything for granted no matter how minescule it may be. We attend college to recieve a high knowledge and i can tell you im learning much more at community college than i ever have at some over priced four year private school. Simply put, college has tought me how to deal with life, and I am extremly thankful for tha ability to go to school.

Isabel

The most important thing that I have gotten out of my college experience is not the academic knowledge, internship opportunities, or the new friendships I have made. The most important thing I have gained is personal growth and maturity. Moving into a college dorm forced me to stop depending on my parents to make my decisions for me. I realized that I had to shape my own future. While I still turn to my parents for advice, I now have more faith in my own choices. I am exploring my own sense of self and forming my own, independent opinions. College is not just about getting good grades, it is about defining yourself as a person.

Berlyn

I was told that college is supposed to be the best four years of my life. I agree, but actually being in college and experiencing life away from my parents has taught me that college isn't just about going to parties and going to class whenever I wanted. Being at the University of Central Florida, I learned that success cannot be obtained using only what I know, but also WHO I know. Networking is a central aspect of being in college because there will always be someone else that knows how to get things done more efficiently. In college, simply meeting new people doesn't cut it, but rather, it is meeting the right influential people who will open up countless doors of opportunitites for me to venture out and go above and beyond the goals I have set for myself that is of importance. Networking, is the most valuable piece of wisdom college has invoked upon me. In closing, attending college is valuable in the sense that not only am I making connections with the right people, but I am making unforgettable memories that would not be possible had I chose to opt out of the college experience.

Jillian

My college experience has been short lived so far but I have learned a lot. My first and biggest lesson, was this is not high school. I can’t get by waiting until the night before due-dates and then bang out an essay. I had to immediately gain time management skills. College has helped me plan. My calendar is my best friend; I outline my whole month, and begin projects and papers at least a week in advance. This seems necessary to survive in college, but I think I’ve learned a valuable life lesson for the future. In the real world, no one is going to take second-rate work, or deal with sub par organizational skills. By learning this tough lesson now, I’ve prepared myself for my future. I moved from New York, to come to school here in California. I don’t live in a dorm, so I did not get the experience of a bunch of other freshman eager to make friends. I learned how to be more personable, and open because of this. I had to make an effort to meet people, and it shaped and deepened my communication skills for the future.

Mehwish

I have learned some valuable lessons while staying in college and now in Unoveristy of central florida. I have been more dedicated and working hard towards my bachelor's degree in psychology. My professors have helped me throughout all my classes and made me positive and confident towards my degree. They also gave me the confidence of getting thorugh this year and earning the degree that i deserve and start my career.

Maryanne

My college experience for the past two years has shown me that attending college is beyond just passing classes and obtaining a degree, but its a stage that one must go through in order to truly transition into adulthood. Not only has going away to college allowed me to experience independence, I believe that my experience has been beneficial because I have been able to discovery who I truly am, one day at a time. As cliche as that may sound, the experiences that I have encountered while being away from home has allowed me to find my inner stregth which has brought upon more responsibility

Syed

College has redifined me as a person in every way. I feel I have developed a better attitude towards my studies. In addition, I feel obligated to give back to the community; as attending college has been a great privaledge. More importantly, college has shaped my personality. It has instilled deep values and morals on which I live by reverently. With all this said, college has a been a great assest to me. I wish to continue it and enjoy it the rest of my semesters to come.

Abigail

I have learned how to balance my school work and being a mom. I have a two year old son and I've realized that I must be successful first if I want to give him the life I want. It's also important for me to finish school if I expect him to go to college and be successful. School isn't easy, but I have to get through it to show my son how important I think a college education is!

Joshua

My experience at college has gained me a sense of responsibility and hard work. I feel as though before I attended college I expected everything to fall into my lap and just happen for me. Once I started college, however, my professors, my friends, and my peers really helped shaped me into a stronger, more goal oriented person who knows that he has to strive and work hard in order to accomplish the goals that I want to in order to succeed in life. I now look at all of the options and am able to choose which I need in order to best meet my deadlines and goals for basically any aspect of life that I come into contact with. It has been something extremely valuable that I honestly feel extremely lucky to have learned and I now cherish the knowledge that I have gained throughout my experiences at college.

Kelly

I have enjoyed being in the classroom setting, but I have gotten more experience outside of the classroom. My student groups are what really keep me involved and provide me with opportunites I would have never had if I did not attend college.

Victor

During these past few months that I have attended college, I have received more than I imagined. Although the path as a college scholar has been rocky for me, I have learned several important life lessons. Prior to college, I was rather apathetic and slothful. However, experiences such as joining campus clubs and taking university level courses began to motivate me. I realized that there are many opportunities that can be crafted from only what I do. Also, I gained more social experience due to interaction with numerous students from the vast and diverse student body. Thanks to these interactions, I have discovered several close friends whom I thoroughly enjoy company with. Despite the burdens and stresses of college, I am elated to say that college has been a valuable experience. There is no other environment than college in which like minded can shape their own lives and lives of others through academics and social interactions. Although it has only been a few months, I look forward to the rest of my college career and the opportunities that allow me to control my own destiny.

Charlotte

College is a time of self-discovery and growth. From my first two years at community college to my two years at UCF college has helped me to grow into a responisble young adult. Each new class brings with it new knowledge that is invaluable. Since entering my major I have discovered so many new and interesting things to do on campus. I used to be very shy and have little self-confidence but since I came to university I have blossomed. I began to take ahold of my life. Proper diet and regular excercise has helped me to be at my best each day. College has offered me the opportunity to live on my own and take financial responsiblity for myself. This in turn has taught me how to properly manage my money. Working a part time job and going to school full time has helped me to improve my multi-tasking skills. Each new day at college I meet someone new and I gain new knowledge. College has helped me maintain my focus in life. I think college is an opportunity that everyone should embrace.

Mary

My whole life I have wanted to be a nurse. When I toured the UCF campus I knew that this was the place for me to fufill my dream. At UCF not only have I been guarnteed an excellent education, but I have also been introduced to people that will be my lifelong friends. I am so grateful for all the opportunities this college has given to me. I wouldn't give back any of my experiences I have made here for anything. I still have three years at UCF and I am really looking foward to them. My first year here has been one I will never forget. UCF has made me excited and prepared for the life ahead of me.