University of Kansas Top Questions

Have an open mind about taking classes that you think don't or won't apply to your degree or future plans. Allow yourself to be exposed fully to the education offered through the basics required for your degree. It will make you a more well-rounded person and open you up to things you never knew you would be interesed in. They do say that not everyone needs to go to college, but any sacrifice you make to do it is well worth it. You don't want to spend twenty years of your life in the work force not being able to move forward just because you don't have a degree. It's worth it. Make the sacrifice to do what you have to and stay focused so that you can get get the foundation you need for your future. Pay now short term, and reap the rewards for the rest of your life. Despite what you think about yourself now, and even if no one else sees it, you are a smart girl and you are going to make it!

If i could go back in time i would tell myself to enjoy the little things that i didnt have as much time to do. In highschool I was always mainly concerned with keeping my grades up above the average high school student while at the same time balancing time out for sports. I would recommend myself to get involved more in group activities so that way here at college i could be more involved with the rest of the student body. In high school i was known through out the school as a state champion in football at Hutchinson High SchooI. In college, i see that being involved makes the college life alot more enjoyable, getting to meet new people is something i really enjoy to do. With having the ambition of becoming a dentist i believe being social is a good thing for me to acquire, especially when i will need to meet new clients. If i could go back and tell myself something academically, i would tell myself to pay more attention toward the end of my classes, because some of that valuable information i could have used here at HCC in a few of my courses.

If I could go back in time I would have tons of advice for my high school self. First, I would explain to myslef that grades do actually matter and to not blow off your freshman year of college beacuse you low GPA will come back to hurt you later on. Also, I would tell you to stay close with your little sister and is an amazing person and need you in her life as much as possible. I would also explain to my high school self the importance of getting involved as soon as you get to college. You go to an amazing school that has tons of opportunities in many different fiesld of expertise so take as much advantage of that as possible. Finally, I would tell myself to apply for financial aid before you get to college, money doesn't grow on trees and you will need all the help you can get considering your situation becuase you can't rely on your family forever.

I would tell my self to stop fooling around, buckle down, and be serious about finding scholarships. If I had scholarships it would make my college experience go by so much easier since I wouldn;t have to e so worried about money.

I would tell the high school me to look for more financial aid and scholarships. I'm struggling now for money for school and I could have looked harder. There are so many costs that come up and some extra money would be nice to have for emergencies. I would also tell myself to be more adventurous because no one at school knows who I was in high school. In college, you have a clean slate and can be whoever you want to be.

Dear high school me, You should appreciate your parents so much more than you do! They do so much for you and they love you so much. I know it's hard to get along with them, but they are only trying to do what is best for you. Also, boyfriends are NOT important right now, what's important are your friends. Stay close to your friends and prioritze them over any boy. Also, take more college credit courses, like Biology and Pyschology, that will save you some time once you get to college. Never forget that you are smart, beautiful and kind! Always be kind to others, no matter how "cool" they are. Respect everyone no matter what, and smile more. You are so blessed and should not take everything you have for granted! Do things you would normally be afraid to do, like try out for the cheerleading squad! Or invite someone to tag along for a football game that you wouldn't normally talk to. Live life to the fullest and appreciate every moment, because once high school is gone, it's gone forever! Sincerely, Future me.

Inhale. Shake off your fearful thoughts! After you are all moved in and saying goodbye to your friends and family, there will be that moment where you think to yourself, "What am I doing here? What if I am at the wrong place? What if I don't fit in?" But you have to realize that everyone around you--the people you room with, the people on your floor, the people in your classes--are in the exact same situation as yourself, and they are ALL eager to find their fit in this new environment. So, take comfort in the fact that you are not alone in your worries, and channel this nervous energy into participating in class discussions, getting involved in extra-curricular activities, and introducing yourself to new people. If put yourself out there it will make your educational experience all the more exciting and impactful. Speaking of your education, be sure to not overpack your schedule because you are going to to have to devote a lot more time to your studies. College classes are definitely harder, but the transition to this higher level of learning will come fairly naturally, so you'll do fine. And exhale.

The advice I would give myself, is to save up money a lot better then I have. Never give up just keep moving forward. Even though I'm struggleing and have struggled in the past. I let my struggles take over me. I would not let them take over me like I have in the past. I will finish colleg and become an Occupational Therapist Assistant. I would learn how to destract myself from all the distractions I have in countered in the past. I have moved away from the distractions so I am already on top of my game. I will not stop until I am finished with school.

If I could go back and time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself that high school is nothing compared to college. I would encourage my high school self to take the ACT more seriously and to take the test as many times as possible. I would also encourage my high school self to research all the possible graduate programs before settling on a major. Studying more would be another piece of advice to give to my high school self. Now that I am in college, I know that it requires more motivation and work than all four years of high school combined. Also, I would encourage my high school self to begin studying things outside the realm of what is learned in high school in order to expand my knowledge before entering into a university. My high school self would also need to become more involved in volunteer work in order to learn better leadership and social skills involved in the transition from high school to college life.

I would go back and tell myself to get enrolled in as many duel-credit classes possible during senior year. If I had done that, I wouldn't be paying more money for a class I could have gotten done in high school. This also would have helped me keep on track with my classes so I could graduate on time (I wouldn't of had to take summer classes!). I would also tell myself that while I need to focus on school, to make sure I keep an active social life. I have the tendency of getting too focused in on school sometimes, and that I needed to be prepared to juggle both. I'd tell myself I shouldn't sacrifice one for the other, but to find a perfect balance.

I would tell myself to not procrastinate anything dealing with college. Start your search for college your Junior, even Sophomore year. There are many colleges out there that aren't right for you, so you need to pick one that is perfect for you. Decide on a major you are interested in and let the professors know that you are interested, and get as much information from them as you can. SCHOLARSHIPS! Start on them early! And apply for as many as you can. Start saving your money whenever you can so you can pay for your schooling and things you want in college. And gas money to go home! Know that your high school friends are moving on too and they won't always be there for you, but your family always will. They miss you back at home and it's okay to miss them. You will also learn that the "off brands" of things, taste and look the same as the real brands and they are cheaper. Get involved. Don't be afraid to be someone different in college. Get involved in clubs and be friends with different types of people.

Visit all the libraries. Make a schedule of what you need to get done. When you check something off, feel good. When you check them all of, you've got free time, guilt free. Live on campus. Tag along. Take classes with strangers, spend free time with friends. Buy your textbooks new, and keep them forever. Keep all of your notes, you'll be coming back to them, even years later. Study with others. Focus on the basics. Don't take the meal plan. Do take the bus. Schedule in breaks. Ask which are the good professors. Take classes with the one's people hate. Buy a good pair of shoes. Leave your laptop at home. Remember the people you meet on your first day in class, and what you thought about them in that instant. Most of them will be your lifelong friends. Doodle.

I would give myself the advice of keeping myself focused more and studying weeks before a test rather than a day or two before.I would tell myself to not stress as much as I did in high school.

Get involved. Apply for scholarships early. Don't be afraid to start a random conversation with someone. Ask questions in class. Get to class early. Learn time management. Read assigned homework. Do some form of exercise. Do some form of volunteer work.

I have gotten alot more out of college than just learning. I was a kid that no one liked in high school. I was over wieght and over all depressed. College gave me life. It opened a door to multiple possibilities that led me to an avenue of confidence and knowledge. I grew in college, actually i was reborn. The kid that hated his life, finally learned what he was capable of. I was capable of obtaining a work ethic, which helped me to achieve. I have exceded all of my expectations and my personal goals and I learned that life is what you make it. College is very valuable. College helps mold students into proficent and logical people. College also provides the means of growing and discovering oneself. I am transfering this comming fall to a 4 year school. I know that college will help me surpass all my dreams. I know that I will get my degree; I also know that I will be a positive contribution to society. I cant say enough that college is deffinetly a life changing experience. I hope the students that enroll in college has the same possitive experiences that I had.

During my college experience, I have learned how to be independent, self-motivated, and, most importantly, be myself. A very important aspect of college is learning networking skills that will prove vital in the future. The relationships I have formed here include friends, professors, and colleagues who, during a job search, will prove to be invaluable references. These relationships would never have formed if I had not been genuine and honest with everyone I met. Thus, being myself has been one of the most important lessons I have learned at college. Being independent and self-motivated come hand-in-hand in college. Living on my own for the first time, I have learned how to find my own food, put myself to bed on time, and judge what is a stupid idea or a smart one. With classes, the professors expect me to do my work, study, and pass the class with very little help. Both of these factors have made me learn how to fend for myself and survive.

Attending college has exposed me to opportunities that would not have been possible otherwise. I have met extraordinary and inspiring professors, made life-long friends, and learned an invaluable amount of lessons. Being away from home has also helped me in my transition from a teenager to an adult, but I do not feel alone since I am surrounded by other students that are going through the same experiences.

While I was growing up I was not allowed to watch Television. The end of the Cold War, the Iran- Iraq War and many other events were things that I discovered later in life. Perhaps it is just a case of falling in love with something that one has been deprived of, but in my adulthood, nothing is more fascinating than current international events. It is my desire to work toward a degree in Global and International Studies with a focus on Middle Eastern Studies. When I have received my degree, it is my intent to work in foreign relations for the U.S. government. The Middle East is a region that will surely be involved with the U.S. in the future. Hopefully with more peace and understanding between the two. It is my desire to work towards this peace.

When I came to the University of Kansas, I was a shy, introverted person which kept me from making friends easily. Although I still consider myself shy, my experience at the University of Kansas has helped me get beyond that initial shyness. I have developed some really great relationships here and have been able to view myself in a much better light. Because of this, I have more confidence in who I am. I have learned some really valuable life skills while attending KU and also the confidence to go beyond what I am comfortable with. I have also learned so much as far as academics are concerned. Even if the community were not good on campus, it would have been worth attending KU just for the education. My professors are really awesome and more than willing to help me if I am having problems understanding the material. Overall, my experience at KU has been incredible. I have learned practical life skills, developed lasting relationships and gained a confidence that will help me for the rest of my life.

Attending KU over the last three years has been a wonderful and enriching experience. Even after turning down a full-ride to a different university, I still do not ever regret my decision to come to KU. The overall atmosphere of the campus is a very positive one, in that simply walking down Jayhawk Boulevard allows one to bear witness to all of the older, distinguished buildings at which various student groups congregate for enriching activities on a daily basis. Another valuable trait that KU has in their back pocket is dedicated involvement of the community. At any given KU basketball home game, there will be just as many alumni standing and reciting the alma mater as there are roaring students. Furthermore, it is comforting to know that uniquely enough, this rich tradition extends throughout the lifetime of any Jayhawk. Walking on Mass. Street downtown, wearing a KU t-shirt, no matter your age, will almost always elicit a "ROCK CHALK JAYHAWK" from several passerby. This undying comradery allows one to not only enjoy the years they attend KU, but also the many years thereafter. For this reason, among others, I could not imagine having gone anywhere else.

I was raised by a single mom, and I never thought I would be able to attend such a college as the University of Kansas. Thinking this growing up, and being a student where I am now, has taught me to not take anything for granted. My college experience has been one filled with new friends, and a diversity of different classes which I thoroughly enjoyed. Saying that the University of Kansas has been a value to attend is an understatement. Faculty here at KU are there every step of the way for me, doing what they can to help me succeed, and advisors are right by my side helping me to make the transition into the 'real world' a bit easier by helping me in my search for an intership and a job opportunity. Overall, the University of Kansas has been one of the most valued opportunities ever presented to me.

My college experience has allowed me to expand my horizons by providing me the opportunity to meet new people, discover my true interests, and take on new challenges. The value of the college experience extends beyond the realm of academics. The social life of college has forced me to come out of my usual shy self and interact with people of many ages and of many different backgrounds. Since beginning college, my outlook on academics has dramatically changed. In high school, school work was something that I was required to do. College is full of decisions, including how committed you decide you are to your education. I decided that academics was the most valuable part about college, so I have set my priority as academics. I have learned to keep a good balance between social life and school life. I believe that is what every college student should aim to accomplish.

since I am not from this country, when i came to U.S i felt so alone but after attending school i made lots of friends that is so valuable for me.

It's been a great time to gain a pratical education, while being in a sweet town. It's helped me figure out who I am and what I would like to spend my life doing.

My college experience has been phenomenal. I start class everyday by eight am, and love every minute of it. I hear other students complain about how early it is, or how they wish they could still be in bed, and I just think to myself how silly the y sound. If someone would have asked me if I was going to taking an eight am classes my senior year in high school, my answer would have been laughed in their face. After being called lazy, I decided it was time to kick it in gear an prove to everyone that I was motivated. My two year community college has kept me on the balls of my feet. My high school career makes me look back and regret how unmotivated I was. I used to sleep through class and maintain a 2.5 GPA. My GPA now that I try and want to make something out of myself is a 3.56. When I combine the high school years and the college years, I feel as if I have became a new woman. The baby step to a community college has opened many doors for me.

College has opened my eyes to developing a system for determining right from wrong: Most often, you must examine the context of the situation before coming to any sort of conclusion. College gave me opportunities to, develop personal relationships with people unlike myself, develop knowledge that will help me in my profession, and develop my abilities to work with my communities to obtain community goals. Also, the education I received allows me to become an Engineering serving my communities professionally. Undergraduate research helps students expand their critical thinking skill and knowledge in a specific area – I was lucky enough to win an undergraduate research award to design an affordable sustainable single family home. The value of a college education is shared by all the people the graduate interacts with college, breaks down diversity issues, supports specific knowledge growth in students, and instills humanity in young adults: These adults, spread the humanity, use the knowledge, and help remove barriers between peoples.

I’m currently working on the Graduate Licensure Program through the KU School of Education with the goal of becoming a Secondary Biology teacher. I feel that my education is the most valuable investment that I have made thus far. I can’t say that my undergraduate degree prepared me for real-life, but the college experience definitely helped me define the type of person that I wanted to be. After graduating with an undergraduate degree in Human Biology, I wanted to pursue a career where I could make a difference. I have always wanted to make a positive mark on this world, but I didn’t always know how I could contribute. After three years of exploring various career opportunities I realized that I belonged in education. I feel that I can make the greatest contributions to society as a secondary science teacher, which is why I decided to come back to KU for yet another college experience. As a non-traditional student, my second time around at KU is definitely different from the first, but it has been equally rewarding. Through my first college experience I discovered my dreams, now I am making them a reality.

Throughout high school I had a narrow vision that my life needed to be a certain way. My highest priority was to go to college in order to get a comfortable job and lead a comfortable life. In this mindset my future was comfortable yet uneventful. But after I graduated high school I spent a year studying abroad. Everything was uncomfortable. It was not bad, just different, unknown. The food was strange, the weather was cold and the language completely foreign. I was out of my element with nothing familiar to alleviate my increasing sense of disconnection. But something inside me resolved to persevere and prove to myself I was capable of overcoming the challenge. I came home not knowing what to expect from my first year of college. My attitude toward education had completely changed. Now it was something I did because I wanted to better myself and actually learn about the world around me; and more than just learn about it I wanted to change it and make it better for everyone in it. To become an active participant in life has been an invaluable lesson I humbly learned. I want to advance and progress even further.

Although my college experience has lasted just over one semester, I feel as though it has been one of the best experiences I have ever had. After I first moved here, I felt so alienated from the people I lived with and spent most of my time around because of our differing morals and opinions. I wanted nothing more than to give up and go home, however I knew that was not an option for me. I was forced to grow up a lot in the first month of my college career, and accepted that it was up to me to make my time here to be the best it could be. I joined organizations and put myself out there to meet as many people as I could. Now I have a group of close friends that I can see with me well into my future. I also feel as though my learning and studying skills have grown immensly over these past five months. Looking back to my senior year, it is difficult to believe the amount of change college has brought to my life. Despite all of it, I am proud of everything I have learned through the process.

From community college, I have learned unexpected values and lessons not unlike a wake up call experienced by someone falling from grace or hitting rock bottom. Had I gone straight to a 4-year institution many values I have begun to realize would have gone to the wayside. Simple yet extremely important, perpetuating aspects such as a caring family, a roof over my head, and a close knit community become demolished under the sanctity of going to a 4-year school. It is much like high school, where the only thing that matters is school. Not that education is unregarded at community colleges, but there is much more to it then textbook knowledge. My college experience has been a small dose of the real world, where everything is certainly not handed over upon the snap of a finger or request. Reseach values- being able to research effectively- has been the quintessential thing I can take out of my college experience thus far. Searching not only for a self-concept, to abstractly make oneself whole, but also for practical and tangible items and tools such as jobs for money to support my bettered self has made college more than valuable.

Being a full-time student at the University of Kansas has been a life changing event for me. I came here as an out-of-state freshman and knew absolutely no one. I joined the track and field team and instantly had a close group of friends that I've been inseperatable from. I know they are friends that I will keep forever and that's what is so comforting I had the chance to start with a clean slate coming to Kansas. Being an athlete and competing was amazing, and even though the hours and effort were tough, I'll never regret the hard work I put in. Unfortunately, I quit this semester due to the high volume of credit hours I'm enrolled in. I'm currently taking a certified nurse assistant course in addition to undergrad classes. KU has helped fit together all my academic plans this semester to help achieve my future goals in the fields of medicine.

Out of the college experience, I have gotten to become more responsible because I do not live with my parents anymore, therefore I get to choose whether I go to class or not, whether I wake up or not, etc. In other words I'm completely independent now, and this has made me a lot more responsible than what I was because I've done the correct choices. Also, college has given me the ability to manage time better by having time to study, do homework, have fun. I have to manage time well in order to succeed. It has been valuable because of what I said previously, about becoming more responsible and the ability to manage time, and also because it is just a whole new experience, it is nothing like high school.

Every step of the way I have learned more about myself, and what I can give to the world; all of which have been taught in many ways. More specifically, the good times have been fun, but the hard times have chiseled me into who I am today, and continue to shape me into the adult I will become. The greatest lessons I have learned from my university are how I can believe in others, and how hard I must work to be as great as I dream to be. The world is filled with people who are smart, talented, and driven; and I, too, can be one of the great ones. If I keep working as hard as I am, I know I can do it.

I have gotten more disciplen out of my college experience. This has been valuable to attending KU because studying and homework require a lot of disciplen.

Being in college is so different than high school; as a student, you decided what classes you are going to take based solely on your interests and values. I have mixed feelings about this statement. Although I love the freedom and exploration it allows, it also forces students to take risks and make their own paths. This sense of being able to do anything combined with the pressure of narrowing my study and earning a degree has been the most valuable and rewarding experience of college thus far. It forced me to examine myself and make decisions that would ultimately lead to a degree and job. I learned the difference between being interested in a subject and really loving the subject. The value in attending college comes in my dedication to the degree that I have chosen. I will be able to shine in my chosen field because I chose it based on my beliefs and interests and worked hard to graduate.

The education (thus far, at least), friends, and memories that I have obtained out of my college experience have been countless. I have specific professors, TA's, and students from all of my classes that I can go to if I need someone to talk to or need help with school work. I recently applied to pharmacy school, and instead of having the pharmacist where I work write one of the three required recommendation letters, I chose to have two of my college professors write letters for me. Through email and facebook, I am able to keep in touch with many professors as well as students that I have met along my journey. Attending KU not only has been a place to receive an education, but a place where I feel at home and secure. Because of the strong KU spirit-ed atmosphere, the friends I have met and will keep forever, and the relationships I have made with students and professors, I feel that KU has been extremely valuable to attend. I would never choose another school but KU to attend or another life but my own to live.

From my experiences at college I have gained many things. I am currently learning the Spanish language which I believe will prove very beneficial to me because I am planning on going into the medical field to persue Occupational Therapy for Special Needs Children in conjunction with art or music therapy. Cottey College, the school I am currently attending, is a Liberal Arts Jr. College and allows me to complete all my courses necessary to gain an Associates degree in Science, but I am also given the chance to continue my music hobbies and gain and Associate degree in Art. These two things combined will help me to have a base for my chosen career path. I am also involved in community service, which my school heavily suggests; however, I have been involved in community service since I was in the third grade. Cottey keeps me on my toes to keep striving for my very best thoughout all of my schooling, and life, endeavours. Cottey has been valuable for me to attend because the curriculum not only knowledge of the course, but also life lessons and how to care for myself schooling, business, and self-respect wise.

I had college plans ready to roll since high school. I wanted to be an artist since freshman year. Virginia Wesleyan College was my college of choice, and since they are a liberal arts college with a small campus it was a win situation. The first day I stepped foot in the door of my First Year Experience class I told myself that no professor was going to change my mind about my college plans. I went on thinking this way until a few weeks down the road. My professor strongly encouraged his student mentees to explore our options. I couldn’t believe that after four years in high school with my major already set in mind, that I was seeing things differently. It took me to actually step foot inside of college to change. I would have never seen myself joining the army and majoring in nursing, but now I am and at a community college to completing my classes for this major. What I've gotten and am still getting out of my college experience is knowing where and what I want to do. If I didn’t know I would still be at lost at VWC.

I am a first generation college student and I had to no idea what to expect when attending college. However, I have fallen in love with KU and college in general. I am so sad that my time at KU is coming to an end. I lived in the dorms freshmen year and have lived near campus since then. The atmosphere come football and basketball season is unbelievable. The social life at KU is always alive. In addition to the social aspect, I have been able to receive a wonderful education with a promising outlook on the future. The School of Education sets students up to be prepared to become teachers and I am so excited to get in the classroom. I've had a broad range of classes which makes for a holistic education and yet have valuable training in my core courses. KU prepares students for the real-world while valuing the short time at KU.

KU has been an amazing experience for me. Going out of state was at first a bit daunting, but everyone is incredibly nice and I immediately made friends. So far, all of my classes have been enjoyable and interesting, which has not been the case for my friends at other universities. The amount of resources and assistance KU offers for finding jobs, scholarships, and help in classes is truly incredible. The faculty network at KU is incredibly experienced and helpful, which really sets KU apart from other universities, but, at the same time, the faculty is expertly aware of the students' need for needing to be trained for the next level, and most upper level classes provide "real world experiences" such as doing one's own research projects. KU is a great, fun, energetic, and educational place to be.

It has taught me the about how varied people can be. It has also taught me to set priorities and time management.

What I have gotten out of my college experience is a level of gained confidence. Prior to attending the University of Kansas, I looked to my parents and teachers for direction. I was unsure how I would adapt to, what seemed like, an intimidating situation of being on my own and taking on a higher level of education. Since attending the University of Kansas, I realize that I have what it takes to do well in different situations. I was able to adjust to a completely different lifestyle and interact well with new people of diverse backgrounds, while continuing to excel academically.

I'm sure I have gotten more knowledge than what I realize from my classes, but otherwise I know I have learned to be more responsible for my own actions and my future.

Before coming to KU, I was unsure of myself, always questioning and doubting my decisions. KU helped me find myself and grow as a person. Somewhere in the mix of making new friends, learning new and exciting material, and getting acquainted with a new town, I found out exactly who I wanted to be. My classes here provided me with diverse opinions, ultimately helping me see my own. The friends I made here will stay with me through my lifetime; we've been there for each other through the thick and thin, whether it was causing a little mischief or helping each other study for a final. In a school this big, it may seem like you'll be shuffled into the deck, just another face in a crowd, however this is definitely not the case. Your professors care about your education goals and are there to talk whenever you would like. There are plenty of clubs and social groups you can join to help leave your mark on the school's history. The academic and social paths you choose help form your identity. KU helps you discover who you want to be and the way you want to live.

The University of Kansas has provided me with numerous experiences pertinent to the "real world." The most important experience I have gained at the school is real-world job interviewing skills. Not only have I gone through the interview process, I have attained other valuable job skills. I know much about marketing and sales, and my on-campus job has taught me the best in customer service. I am confident I can succeed in the adveritisng or PR world, and I know how to get a job through the interview process. My writing skills are more than proficient, and I have learned to be friendly and outgoing in all types of situations.

There was never a time in my life I considered not attending college. There was no doubt in my mind that I would go to college and learn as much as I possibly can. That is what I enjoy doing; I love to learn. Some might (not nicely, mind you) call me a 'know-it-all' but I don't really mind. I want to know everything. I attended a public high school and while it was adequate for the requirements to apply to colleges, it was never really challenging enough. I was always wanting more. That is what a large university provides me: the opportunity to go further and learn more. Sure, college will get me a job later in life. But I could have gotten a job without college. Really, it is just the opportunity to learn and gain knowledge that caused me to never dream of not attending a college.

As a sophmore I have been involved in student government for two years, been selected to honor role and scholarship hall; worked with student organizations such as: support international, the wrestling club, ball room dance, intermerial sports, Lawrence Fair Trade, volunteering with the homeless, OxFam, KU for Uganda, and the KU Islamic Association. I have also worked at the International Office for incoming international students and I am now a program director at the Center for Global and International Studies. I work with amazing professors who encourage and demand the best from me. Last summer I traveled to Morocco on a summer study abroad. Next fall I am planning to spend a full year in Jordan, a program specially designed for me by my professors. I am also a FLAS recipent at KU. Few sophmores at KU have done what I have achomplished; I have made a positive distinction of myself with my professors, my boss, and the people I meet. I am always seeking out ways to be involved on campus in purusit of academic excellence and general awareness. Through KU I have met foreign diplomats, Presidents, and students with the same drive and enthusiam that I share.

When I first arrived at KU, I was extremley quiet and shy. Within the first month of school I began to see changes in myself. I was becoming more open and confident and interacting with people much more than I ever had. Attending KU is valuable to me because it has allowed me to gain skills that will aid me in all my endeavors for years after I graduate.

I have not only learned about my field of study, I've learned about myself and life as well. Attending school away from my hometown has enabled me to depend on myself and really see what I am capable of when I put my mind to it. I have taken classes that contribute to my field of study, as well as classes that I just found interesting such as Art HIstory and Astronomy. The information I have retained and the people I have met, will stay with me for a life time. When I was in high school, I used to hear that "high school is the best time of your life" and back then I didn't believe it because I was looking forward to college. Now, almost 6 years and two degrees later, I know I was right. The experiences I have had over the past few years has made this time, the best time of my life and I am somewhat sad to graduate but know that with my education I will be just fine. I am now ready to take on the world!

The time I've spent in college has really been a "coming-of-age" journey. Spending the semesters away from home has really helped bring into focus the things in life which matter, like friends and family and the importance of diligence and hard work. Like most students, I loathed the tests that teachers would constantly administer. However, call it wisdom or maturity, but I have come to possess an appreciation for the significance of tests. Rather than something obligatory for which I must try and retain bits and pieces of information, I now realize that it is an opportunity for me to show what I'm made of; to prove to others what I know to be true. Lastly, college was a chance for me to meet one of my best friends. I had often felt as though I had missed out on the "college experience.", but I came to be at peace with myself. Some people were off drinking at parties, but the two of us were talking. We were finding out who we were, how we felt, what we thought. These experiences have helped shape me into the man I am know and have proven invaluable.