University of Florida Top Questions

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

James

So far, my college experience has given me the academic drive in which is necessary to work towards my Engineering degree. As a freshman I was accelerated in math and had not seen how hard the actual class would be once I got on campus. After getting used to the class I began to do better and it's mostly the shock of the workload that worries most students when they transition from high school to college. I have made friends that may stay with me throughout my 4 years here as well is in my work in the future. I have learned what degree seems most appealing to me and I can't wait to start my path as an Engineer. The school has been valuable to attend because it was my first choice university and it has proven to be nothing less of my expectations.

Melissa

I have gotten a better sense of time management since I've been in college. Before college I used to spend alot of time napping or watching TV. Now I'm always in the practice rooms or doing homework. I appreciate my spare time alot more then I used to. College has always given me a better sense of my likes and dislikes. All ready this semester I know I don't like music enough to pursue it as a career. Hopefully soon I'll fin what I like the best, so i can find my major.

Amber

So far I have not had a good college experience because i'm mainly studying all the time.

Courtney

I have only completed one semester of college thus far but it has already been one of the biggest changes of my life. Coming from high school in a small town outside of Orlando to the University of Florida was a huge jumo in scenery, culture, and lifestyle. I have already learned many a valuable lesson during my time here in Gainesville and I know that during the course of my undergraduate work here, I will learn many life lessons not to mention many valuable academic lessons that will enable me to pursue the career of my dreams! Already I have made friends that I am certain will be the bridesmaids in my wedding and still be by my side in twenty years down the road. It has been valuable to attend because not only am I learning things in class from qualified professors that will help me realize my dreams of going to Dental School eventually but I am learning crucial lessons outside of the classroom on how to meet new people, become a better leader, and maintain responsibility for myself and my actions without the help of my parents! Go Gators!!

Charlotte

I have gotten alot out of my college experience. I have learned alot about myself. I have learned how to become a better student. I am currently learning how to write essays. I believe college is very valuable to me because it is giving me the chance to recieve a career.

Cindy

I have gained a tremendous amount of knowledge during this process. Knowledge that provides substantial back up to years of working and hands on experience. I look forward to taking the classroom teachings and place them into real world applications. My overall college journey promises to leave me better prepared to achieve great success upon completion of upcoming tasks as well as encountering any challenges. My dealings with top notch advisors at the University I chose to attend have been easily executed and without problems. In summary, my college experience thus far has placed me at a level of self-confidence that I would otherwise lack. I believe my goal to complete higher education will be valuable in many aspects of my life. Employers will now seek my services more intensely and my general input will carry more weight. You cannot place a price tag on the value of an education. So far, I am extremely pleased with not only the university I elected to attend, but the quality of knowledge I am awarded.

Dianna

My college experience has been very rewarding on both a professional and a personal level. Professionally, I am acquiring a trade skill that I can use to help other people. I have had the opportunity to work with people that I never would have been able to do so otherwise, and it has been wonderful growing from the experiences I have had. From instructors to clinical supervisors, to classmates and to patients, the knowledge that I have gained has been amazing to my growth as a student. Personally, I have challenged myself to new levels that I have never been able to achieve. I graduated high school with a 3.47GPA, even though I had dreamed of having a 4.0GPA. As a full time college student and a mother od 5 children, I have been able to achieve a 4.0GPA. I am very proud that I have been able to achieve my goal, and proud that I can set an example for my children, as they see how hard I work at my education.

amanda

Well im going to start off by saying it has been about ten years since ive been in school so this is something thats going to get me where i want to be in life with a degree as a pharmacy tech. So i can better my life and also better the lives of my four children. I want my children to look up to me and follow in my footsteps one day after high school i hope.

Alli

I could not of asked for a better four years, I was skeptical when I first chose to attend The University of Florida, but since I have been here I have not looked back. UF is a school of pride and recognition, when I say I attend the University of Florida everyone knows who the gators are and I say it with confidence and pride that I go to school here. I have utilized everything that has been offered to me while at UF and it has really helped me grow into the person that I wanted to become.

Kristin

Most people think that going to college is about the grades and how you can set the curve, and to some extent it is, but what I have gotten out of college is picking something that I love to do and that I love learning, and knowing that I am successful now because I have gotten this far. One of my first classes at attending my University made me switch my major to something that I would enjoy and feel comfortable in and yet still be very challenging. I love challanging myself because if I'm not, I get bored and I know that I'm not doing something I truely enjoy. I have grown up in a family telling me education is everything and I really think it is. Education expands the mind and broadens horizons, and helps me where I want to go and get out of my life. Education is one of the most valuable things that someone can have, and I am so thankful to have the opportunity to go to school, recieve a prime education, and consequently, help out the lives of other people.

Kelcey

My college experience at the University of Florida has proven invaluable to me in many aspects. I am immursed in a culture that caters to all types of interests, beliefs, and values. I have grown as a person as a result of the many responsibilites one must take on at a big university, such as prioritizing, not folding under pressure, or getting distracted. The intense competition among students is tough, but it keeps you on your A-game at all times and never lets you settle for less than your best. I have developed life-long friendships that have helped me through many trials and tribulations. I receive one of the top rated educations in the country for a fair price. I have countless opportunities to get involved on and off campus including clubs, intramural sports, volunteering, and much more. By attending this university, I feel I will be better prepared to take on the world. My academic and networking success will put me ahead of my competition in the job market. I am truly happy with my choice to be apart of the Gator Nation.

aimee

College expands your mind by allowing you to look into subjects and ways of thought that you have never encountered before. I was fortunate enough to make friends from all over the world when I lived in an international dorm my first years of college and it encouraged me to study abroad independently and made me fluent, both culturally and linguistically in French. I think I learned more in and outside of the classroom than I ever had before. I was able to connect new ideas, people, experiences and academic scholarship to explore how I fit in the world and what I want to do to reach out to others and contribute. At the end of my bachelor's degree I realized I still hadn't fit all the pieces together and there are still many pieces missing from the puzzle of what I plan to do with my life, but my independence, courage and curiousity were all strengthened by my education and experience. With strength I can connect the dots wherever I go and I know that my ongoing personal battles are stepping stones in an ongoing quest for knowledge, growth and attachment to the world, the mountain ahead.

Brigitte

I have gotten a lot out of my college experience. First of all, I have learned to become independent. I have learned to figure out things for myself including paying rent and other expenses, how to find out information, and how to make good choices. Second, I have learned how to manage my time effectively. I now can take 18 credits and work part-time while having a boyfriend. Lastly, I have learned how to pull very effective all-nighters in order to catch up on my school work or to study for exams. This university has been very valuable to attend. Not only have I learned a lot from my classes, but I have also learned a lot for my life and my future. Thanks to this school, I have become a well-rounded, independent, and productive woman and I can now do many things at once. I think the fact that I will be graduating from here will benefit me greatly in the long run. The University of Florida has been very valuable and beneficial to attend.

Sabrina

My college experience so far has been wonderful. My classes are challenging and competitive. My learning experiences have been top notch. There is an opportunity to participate in research studies in many fields. I am in the marching band and have had a chance to bond as a member of the group and travel to other universities. I have gotten into the school spirit by participating in the band. I live in the dorms so I have had a chance to meet and socialize with other residents and participate in many activities with them. I feel like I have matured and grown from the experience of being on my own and learned quite a bit.

Alvin

The most important lesson that I have gotten from my college experience is that individual progress and character development occur best when you are outside of our comfort zone. It is always a bit demanding and can be uncomfortable, but being outside your comfort zone forces you to think on your feet and adapt to your surroundings. It is best to try things you never have, and put yourself in situations that you must learn to make your own decisions. It's best to talk with people that your normally wouldnt talk with, and take part in various cultural experiences that are foriegn to you. Eventually you not only learn more about others but more importantly you begin to find a sense of self. College is a time for exploration and character development. It takes work and effort, but the rewards are much greater.

Angela

Staring at my closet deciding what shirt to wear I could go with the button up pin-stripped vest-professional, the off the shoulder tank-carefree, or the slogan tee-activist. This is what college is, an opportunity to see all of the styles available from life and try each one of them on to see what fits. Without college how would I be able to play the roles of "world-conquering club president," "calculating engineer," or "nature-loving hippie"? College has allowed me to find my niche in a world of so many options. College allows you to get a glimpse of all of these options. I have seen what life choices other people have made and am able to decipher which ones work for me. The college campus is a closet full of everything from goodwill to Gucci with the right shirt waiting there for you to try on.

Annie

My college experience afforded me the opportinity to learn from some of the best educators throughtout the world. As I have learned during my terms at the University of Florida, our teachers took pride in teaching and sharing helpful information that prepared us for the real world. They held us accountable for what we were there to learn and did not give you credit if you did not earn it. I came to college knowing few people and left with a host of friends from the Gator Nation. Going to college gave me a leading opportunity to compete for jobs I would not have been able to apply for without my degree. This college experience for me was so important as I was the first of eight siblings to obtain a college degree. This motivate my younger siblings to follow suit and too pursue higher education. Without a doubt, my college experience afforded me the opportunity to become the professional that I am today.

Weston

My experiences at the University of Florida have made me who I am today. As an Industrial and Systems Engineering major, I have learned to be persistent and accurate in all that I do. Unlike high school, college is not highly structured or systematic. Therefore, I have had to adapt through forging self-discipline and character through my work efforts. In the midst of this challenge, I have received a quality education which will last a life-time.

Kayla

I'm only a first semester freshman at the present, but my college experience has already begun to teach me many lessons. For one, figuring out how to budget my time between sleep, studying and having fun; as well as how to budget my money between textbooks, groceries, and laundry. Probably the most valuable lesson, however, is the need to take charge of my own life; there are so many opprotunities for me to get involved, but only if I actively seek them out. In college, people don't just tell you what you should do. You have to decide on your own what clubs to join, what sports to try out for. You have to make the decision to get up in the morning and go to your 7:30 AM chemistry lecture, not because your mom is yelling at you to wake up and go to class, but because you need to if you're going to pass. I quickly learned that there's a lot of responsibility to be taken on when you get to college, but that's not really a bad thing. I believe I'm already becoming a more mature, independent individual.

Christine

I have learned a lot about myself throughout my time at the University of Florida. I have realized that I can do things I think are impossible. I've realized that I can be one of thousands, but still be true to who I am. UF has brought me new friends and amazing experiences, both in and outside of the classroom. I would not trade my experiences at UF for the world. If not for my time at Florida, I would not be the person I am today,.

Hannah

I have gotten plenty out of my college expierence my time management skills have gotten much better. I have had to balance school, work, study and a little bit of a social life just to keep my sanity. College has also helped me get my priorities in check. Now I make sure my school work is done before I go out and socialize. It is also a great feeling to have a goal that you can work towards. I have also had challenges that I have had to work past and over come, my step father passed away recently and it has been very hard to deal with, it was a challenge starting a new chapter in my life without him there. I did it though! Attending college has always been a part of my plan and it in the two years that I have been in college it has helped me in many ways and even helped me have a better understanding of who I am and who I aspire to be.

Sara

I have come to realize who I am. I know this sounds generic and dull but, I have learned so much about my behaviors. My most recent claim to fame discovery is I, and most other people, need to learn the hard way (Beware of cliches!). I could be told the best advice in the world and know it is the best advice but, I am still going to do whatever I feel is right at that time. When that fails miserably, I have my own feelings and reasoning for not performing said act ever again. Hence why I am now desperately applying for any scholorships I can. I know my family has always had money issues but, I was just hoping everything would somehow work out without me having to apply for scholarships. It only took my dad telling me we did not have money for him to ship me my medicated fash wash for me to hop on the computer stat and repeatedly type in my name and address. In other words UF has been valuable to attend because, I learned to always listen to people's advice but, to continue to learn by making my own decisions.

Nia

I have only been in college for a couple of months now and I've already gotten so much out of my college experince. I am learning how to live on my own and take responsibility for my life. I am starting to get a feel for who I am and what I want to do for the rest of my life. These are things I don't think I'd be able to accomplish living at home.

Sharrie

Attending college has broadened my outlook on life and the diverse people that live it. I believe it is valuable to attend because on a small scale, it gives you a new perspective and understanding of both who you are and who you are seeking to become. Most importantly, attending college opens up new opportunities and venues that can not only help you achieve your goals, but allow you to contribute and help others as well.

Brian

My college experience helped me learn many things about myself and life. It was the first time I live away from my parents and needed to learn to be independant. Religiously I was able to find my own comfort level by becoming involved in the Hillel at the University of Florida. I joined a fraternity in college that was primarily a christian fraternity, although there were several members of different faiths. This experience helped me learn the importance of tolerence with people that think differently than I do. I had many impactful experiences, such as attending a bible study and being asked to give my Jewish perspective to the conversation. Since UF was in a different region than where I grew up I met many students that were raised differently than I was. This is another opportunity I would have missed without branching out to another location, that UF provided for me. Lastly I believe we should never stop learning in life and I was provided an excellent education at UF. I am now in a graduate program totally unrelated to my original degree, but those classes I took molded who I am as a person today.

Emilee

College was always something that I was expected to do without question. but going into it, I would have neevr guessed that it would have the impact on me that it has had. Life has so many twists and turns that you can never be accounted for, and taking them all in stride is the only way to deal with them. Being at UF has allowed me to become my own person and discover so much about who I am, and who I want to be. I have such a diversity about me because of the different groups I have met. What I used to view as weaknesses about myself, have turned in to strengths. The professors that I have had were so much more than a tecaher, but a mentor in helping me grow as a person and challenging me in ways that I had never been challenged. While I have had a superior education here, more than anything, the knowledge i have gained has given me confidence to take on life and whatever it throws at me. UF is more than a school or an institution, it is a place I now call home.

Sherri

Having just enrolled in college as a 40 year old freshman has already changed my life. I've always known the value of education and am raising my 2 children, ages 11 and 8 yrs, to value their education as well. As a divorced mother in a low income, high unemployment area it is now imperative that I gain a higher education to not only support myself and my children, but also to show them that no one is above advancing their education and we should all strive to be the best and smartest person we can be. College so far is such an amazing experience. I have already learned that I can do what ever I set out to do and I CAN achieve my goal of becoming a teacher. Thank you for this opportunity.

Colin

The biggest thing I have gotten out of my college experience is learning. I know the entire point of going to a university is to learn, but I have gained far more than academic knowledge at my institution. The best experiences I value the most are the interactions with other people: students, professors, visitors, locals, anybody on campus. It's the life experiences, the small things, that I find most valuable. Learning how amazing other people can be and how cruel they can be. Learning more and more that life isn't just about me; there is life beyond my own mind! There isn't a textbook in the world that can provide me with the experiences I have been through, the lessons I have learned.

John

I've learned Responsibility for my work. If my work requires me to be at a certain place at a certain time then I know I must be there at that place and time! Being there is Crusial! Learning Responibilities, such as, being on time to class. If your early your on time, if your on time your late. It is a challenge to motivate yourself but if you have your heart and mind set on a goal then you can accomplish anything. It's valuable to attend because you get the hands on experience that you need to succeed in your life goals/work.

Bianca

I have met many ineresting people here. I ahve found out that everyone wants to be an individual at campus and its encouraged, which I like. Yet the campus feels connected like a big family and I know that the next three years at UF are going to inspire and foster growth of my character and life.

Caitlin

I have gotten independence from my college experiance. Now that I dont live at home I have to do a lot more for myself, allowing me to grow and experiance the world. Also, it has taken me out of my shell and helped me become more outgoing, becasue iIhave to make new friend where ever I go.

Justin

The college experience has greatly expanded my mind and has introduced me to many different cultures. I have had the pleasure of building a strong work ethic and an increasing maturity level. I am very appreciative of the vast amount of knowlegde I have gained throughout the years and will definitely be utilizing this information obtained for many different life situations and towards my career.

Juan

College is a place where we are exposed to many different forms of just about everything. Many different forms of people, religions, academics, ambitions, and desires. As such, college is an ideal place for challenge and growth. I feel, this challenge and growth is what I have gotten our of my college experience. For me, college was a place where I was never really sure of anything. I would attend a class that told me that what I believed about something so sure to me was really not that sure at all but in fact could be something else. The temptation would have been for me to just turn away and not give this new thinking a place on my mind. But as it turned out, I did not fall into that temptation. Instead, I embraced the challenge of a different point of view and wrestled with the information given. This made me stronger, for now, because of the wrestling, i had learned to learn. I had learn to search for things on my own. I had learn to face the difficult questions and to accept the impossible answers.

Abraham

i found out that its fun and a lot of hard work. once you are done you will make a lot of money. just to never give up. thats all.

Claritza

Other than being introduced to a wide range of people, my college experience has been valuable because it has made me grown faster and in a broader range than what I had ever imagined. By that I mean that my lifetime has veered from following the dogma of a regular life cycle (be born, grow, reproduce and die), with all arrows similar to the lengths of the “norm.” Instead the lengths are different from those of the “norm” and aren’t as straight forward. In other words, they have a deeper meaning. Along with picking up interesting adventures along the way, my manner in obtaining observations has changed; thus, inducing a change in my way of thought. The approach on situations that I act upon nowadays is done after thinking logically from every aspect imaginable known to me. Those which I have learned through experiences and those which as I have learned in school. The value of such knowledge will forever be held precious to me, no matter what type of fortune, small or large, it may bring me.

Matthew

For me it has been valuable to discover where I rank intellectually among the heirarchy of students here. It has also taught me that hard work and being prepared are absolutely a critical requirement in order to succeed. Without dedication and preparedness mere potential will not get you anywhere. Also I have learned much about the business world, and the mindset of academia.

christina

I started out this journey with a hope of a better life eventually . The state tells me I'm disabled and will never be able to be educated or get and keep a job, yet I remain in honors courses and on the deans list. Anne arundel community college has a great program to help when you have learning disabilities, so my dyslexia hasn't been a problem. I have remained very busy trying to take all of my courses but yet I remain possitive and thankful that there are so many programs out there to help people get educated and have a better life.

Shawn

College has been a complete learning experience for me. I started out my college experience pretty much lost in a sea of people that seemed like they were competing with me for the spotlight. I had to learn very quickly that no one was there to push me through the steps and motivate me to do my best. I would have to find it within myself to succeed and build myself up to greatness. I took my classes as my main focus and drive and built a resume of organizations, in which I attend and utilize my passion and abilities. College has also made me become an strong independent person. My parents were always there for me, but I never invited them to my rescue. I gained enough freedom to be able to handle my situations on my own. All of these learning experiences that college has granted me has been valuable to my future as a career person and adult. Learning to handle competition and independence early on will help me begin a life as I start my quest to fulfill my career goals of becoming a medical doctor and a well-rounded human being.

Dusten

The college experience has given me the ability to manage my time very wisely. I am able to complete more tasks and be more involved now that I have honed this skill. Another attribute I have gained through my college experience is being outspoken. In large classrooms people tend to resist raising their hands. In a college setting the only way to be noticed and respected by any professor is to make yourself standout. By asking questions and commenting on issues I have gained more respect and learned more from both my professors and peers. Leaving the nest is another part about going to college. I left home to attend the University of Florida and it changed my life. Being completely independent of parents revitalizes your character and lets you set your own rules. Responsibility plays a crucial role in being successful when your away from home. Creating boundaries, setting a study schedule, and allowing time for leisure is all part of being a respnsible college student. The invaluable lessons I have been taught in college are time management, speaking up, and responsibility.

Victoria

I have been able to meet such an assortment of students and professors that gave me a perspective on life and my own future that I don't believe could be matched anywhere else. More importantly, I have gained knowledge that will allow me to advance successfully in my desired field of study. A variety of knowledge that is distinct of the University of Florida.

nadine

There comes a point in every individual's life when they question their purpose. Philosophers over the ages have argued about the meaning of life and offered steps in attaining knowledge about what an individual's particular journey may be to their purpose. In today's society though there are numerous ways for one to realize their purpose, in my opinion no one way is more certain of coming to this realization than attending college. Attending college has not only shaped me for success in the future but has also taught me the true meaning of the word success. College has been valuable to me because it has showed me that success should not be based solely on accomplishments but should reflect a broader view of an individual that portrays William Menniger essential qualities. According to William Menniger, the qualities to success are sincerity, integrity, humility, courtesy, wisdom, and charity. An individual must recognize these traits within themselves in order for them to be a successful. Each individual must bring these characteristics and attributes to their daily life while impacting those around in the same way to truly merit the title of a successful person whether college student or otherwise.

Sylvie

I am returning to college after a long break and will transfer to a 4 year college this fall. So far I have learned that I am smarter and more resiliant then I assumed, that one can work full time spend needed time helping my family and take 12 credit hours and do well with all three. I have rediscovered the thrill of learning new concepts, and expanding my views on the world at large thanks to the humanities courses I took this semester. I have goals, of course, and reasons for those goals, of which involve a new career path, and a focus on honing skills for that new career. I find myself with grown children, a job with little chance of advancement and reduced income due to a pending divorce, as well as some health issues that make my job a bit more difficult these days. I am certain that this step of obtaining my degree will better me personally, emotionally, and financially. What will I do with my degree? What job wll I find after graduation? Who knows. Right now I am thouroughly enjoying the adventure entitled College.

Lucas

Being a part of UF has exposed me to opportunities that I never would have taken part in otherwise. The amazing scientific resources helped me realize that chemistry is my passion, and I have studied and researched it with top faculty. The extensive intramurals offered here allowed me to pick up a new sport, at which I have become quite good. The music department has facilitated my quest to add a totally new instrument to my portfolio. The campus's diversity aspect makes it one of the rare places where I can pursue my second calling in life - the Chinese language and culture - through coursework, conversation partners, and (hopefully!) study abroad. These scenarios are mere snippets of the experience I've undergone during my time at school. The most important lesson I've learned, however, is that a person must do what truly makes them happy in order to lead a fulfilling life. I entered college with a different set of goals, which I had set myself for the wrong reasons. My opportunity to break this mold and find my niche at UF helped me realize who I really am, and how to to reach my life's potential.

Trang

I want to pursue my career in Pharmacy, and I have learnt valuable skills in the subjects that I have taken in college which will be beneficial to my career. In Chemistry, I have learnt important skills in producing written and illustrated results from experiments. From this I am able to evaluate and interpret these results. With knowledge of Mathematics I can analyze and solve problems, and I am able to calculate the accurate dosage of the drug which is required for the patient. Making new friends, working in group projects, and volunteering in a different real life settings has enhanced my communication skills. Thus, giving me the opportunity to use my initiative and enabled me to interact with various kinds of situations with different people in order to help them. These experiences in college are valuable and will serve me well in graduate school while pursuing my career.

Christina

Coming from a small private high school, attending a large university was a little unnerving at first. I was somewhat shy and reserved. But attending this school, with so many different students has made me more outgoing and not afraid to try new and interesting things. I also have a stronger sense of self-worth. I feel that school has definitely been challenging for me, and yet I have worked hard and achieved almost a perfect grade point average. To me that is the most valuable thing. Having the confidence that I can face any challenge and combined with enough hard work and determination, I will surely succeed at anything I put my mind to. Attending the University of Florida has done that for me. Through all the struggles, I have learned that I am a strong individual and to never doubt myself because I have everything that I need to succeed.

Desiree

My college experience at the University of Florida has been life changing. It has been such an asset and blessing to attend the University of Florida. I have made friends and built relationships that will last for years to come . I have been a member of several groups that strive to positively impact my community and the world around me. I have become much more knowledgeable of global issues and how I can make a difference in the world around me. I have been able to gain my independence, and I have been responsible for my own academic success. My classes have equipped me for a career that I am passionate about, and I have the opportunity to network with others, study abroad, or learn about internships and other opportunities for my future success. My time at this institution (the things I have learned, the people I have met, and the experiences and opportunities I have gained), have helped to shape who I am today and who I will be in the future.

Lauren

Because I was dual enrolled since my sophomore year of high school I have been taking courses at my local community college. This taught me very quickly how to be responsible and discipline when it came to my education. I worked to arrange my courses to fit my schedule- between high school, college, home, study time, and time off. I found myself working with and speaking to many adults there to help me, so this definitely helped better my communication skills. I had one very serious and well-thought-out conference with my high school principal and dean with a few of my fellow dual-enrolled students. We solved an problem that would affect all dual-enrolled students in my class. Having a civilized and understanding conversation aimed towards resolving an issue brought out my maturity and open-mindedness. For me, college wasn't just about learning from the courses but about learning from the experience too. I really felt like I grew up once I earned my AA Degree at my high school graduation, but that was just the first step. Now, at a university, I hope to learn more through academics, people, situations, and opinions offered to me.

Jihyun

I learned alot and I'm still learning.

Taryn

Although I've not attended college for long, I know that UF will give the skills to live my life to the fullest extent, balancing all parts of my life with grace and calm. I will be able to succeed in life because of the education provided to me and I will be to meet and communicate with people because of the opportunities provided to me to expand my horizon in the way of hobbies, activities and extracurriculars. I will leave UF knowing who I am and what I want to accomplish in life.

Alyssa

I have learned so much during my years at college. As I expected, I learned from the classes I took, mostly in biology, and from my experience in research laboratories. However, I also learned about myself as a person. Most notably, I learned how to be a leader to other people by taking leadership roles in student organizations. Through my student organizations I was able to discover what my moral and ethical beliefs are and just how far I would go to keep to my ideals. During high school I was very shy to the point where I would not even talk in class unless directly called on. In college I learned that if I want to get anything done, I need to speak up for myself. I am now able to present class projects, speak in front of groups of people, ask questions, and participate in group discussions. Perhaps the most important thing I learned in college was how to survive without my parents. I had to learn how to cook, do laundry, take care of my pets, and schedule my time accordingly. I've grown up by going to college.