University of Maryland-College Park Top Questions

I will graduate from one of the top special education programs in the country. In an era of financial uncertainty, budget cuts, and scarce jobs, my special education degree from the University of Maryland will give me an edge over other post-graduates looking for teaching jobs in my area. The program at this school is well-respected and I have been able to make connections with teachers and school administrators through internships, alumni, and my professors. More importantly, the University of Maryland has given me the knowledge, experience, and confidence that I need to achieve my goals of becoming a special education teacher. I love being part of a small, competitive program. I have built valuable relationships with professors and my other students that are founded in our common goal to education students with disabilities. My professors are honest about the current problems in the education system but they are also optimistic about the future of special education and our ability to change it. I will graduate from college knowing that I am well-equipped to pursue my dreams and to make a positive difference in the lives of students with disabilities and their families.

I've learned that it doesn't matter what other people think about you. It's about what you feel inside about yourself. In high school, I used to worry about what people thought of me. Now that I'm in college, I realized that it's my opinion that counts, no one else's. I have to follow what my heart tells me to do. I can't follow what everyone else is doing. So I have to be myself and do what I feel is right. I've also learned that I'm responsible for myself and my education. No one is going to push me or make me do my work. I have to make myself do it so that I can be successful. I have that drive now to help me accomplish all my goals.

College is an amazing experience. Living on your own and discovering who you are suppose to be is valuable reasons to attend. I've met so many wonderful people with worldly knowledge and have opened my eyes to things I would have never discovered in my small hometown.

By attending University of Maryland to pursue a degree in Political Science, I have learned that the world does not function in absolutes. Through written assignments and oral presentations, I have discovered the complex factors that are essential for a democratic society to function. For instance, tolerance and respect towards differing ideals in philosophies and customs are some of the many factors that have allowed me to grow as a student. Learning U.S. colonial history helped me comprehend the political conundrums faced in order to establish a free nation. University of Maryland College Park has given me the resources and opportunity to achieve an academic goal neither my parents nor their parents had the opportunity to attain. A Bachelor of Arts degree in Government and Politics is a crucial step to enable me to pursue a career in public service. This, in turn, will allow me to become a well-rounded scholar and researcher in the future.

From a young age, I was taught to never underestimate the value of a college education. My parents ensured me that their success stemmed both directly and indirectly from their higher education. Directly, because networking and establishing connections with professors, mentors, and students provides employment and career opportunities. The indirect effects of a college education are more abstract. College requires each student to reach inside themselves to discover what truly motivates him/her and defines each as an individual. I have found that my first semester has provided a foundation of a network as well as simultaneously required me to delve into my interests to arrive upon my major of choice. Had I not been given the resources and experience of my first semester of college, I believe that I would be in the same rut I was in this time last year: confused and contradicting myself with the endless career possibilities. The true value of college is its aid in an individual's self discovery.

College is much different from high school. It's alot more like real life. You have to make your own decisions and you are completely responisble for everything you do or don't do. College is much better than high school, since people actually want to be there and learn, you then get to do alot more and learn alot more. College is a great place to start meeting and networking with people...who knows maybe I will have been best friends with a future noble prize winner, or award winning writer or artist, or even the next president.

“Go on a horseback ride,” she said. I had an essay due the next day; I hadn’t even started. “Go,” she insisted again. I’m not sure why I walked toward the mudroom and laced my boots. I was a straight-A student and terrified. Once in the foothills, I began to notice the crisp fall scents. My mind became focused on my horse’s movements, muscle after strong muscle carrying me in an unwavering rhythm. I looked at the trees around me, golden flames underneath the Utah sunset. I nudged my horse slightly; she sensed that I would not hold her back: soon, together, we galloped, strong stride after strong stride, across the burning countryside. When I returned home, my essay was finished in about half an hour. Of it, my white-haired, frail professor stated: “I have never seen such an excellent essay.” In my nontraditional educational path, I have traveled through the countryside of universities: I have attended four separate institutions. From them all, I have learned that balance—in home, community, health, life—increases my learning aptitude. I have also found strength from applying those things I learn to currently improve lives—mine and others’.

In three and a half years of college experience that has taken place in more than one academic institution and program, I have grown greatly both academically and as an individual. Graduating from a small High School I was a young and dependent student that only had a very general knowledge of a limited amount of subjects. I only had a very limited amount of the independence I craved and was not ready for the professional work environment. Now after three and a half years, my college experience has provided me with the knowledge and confidence to be able to enter the professional work environment and instantly make positive contributions to my future work environment. This confidence comes from not only the learned knowledge on academic subjects I have gained through college but also the growth I have seen in myself from the period I graduated High School until now.

College is the first step to the real world. There are no more gates surrounding the school, no bells, and one can leave at any time. This is a conisderable change from high school because of all the freedom. Freedom is grand, but it comes with great responsibility. College has been a pleasant experience so far. It has allowed me to meet interesting people, challenge myself and has made me question what I want out of life. It has made me feel accomplished even though I have yet to graduate because I know all the hard work put forth will be repayed in the future, regardless of how demanding or impossible the jorney may seem. Without college I would probably not have such significant goals and dreams of one day being sucessful. Due to lack of money I can only attend part time, but I've enjoyed it because I know I am lucky to go part time rather then no time at all. I'm optimistic that I'll finish the 2-year college I'm attending and soon enough transfer to a University and be the first college graduate in my family.

So far my college experience as been a lot of work. I've been keeping my nose-to-the-grindstone, as my parents would say. It's paid off because my GPA is good, I've been getting a lot out of my classes, and have been meeting fellow students from all walks of life. This year, I moved out of my mother's house and am sharing a house with 3 other guys. It is a different world, being out in the world as an adult - trying to balance school and work and paying the bills. It's a good feeling, but scary sometimes. I want to be able to manage on my own and not have to move back home, but sometimes it's hard to balance it all. My mother can only afford the tuition, so I'm paying for my books and living expenses. I want to take on more hours at work to be able to do this, but then my grades will suffer. It's a balancing act!!

Attending college has been one of the best experiences I have had in my life so far. One of the most important things I have learned at UMD is that you don't attend college just to gain knowledge but you also go to college to learn how to apply that knowledge in your daily life. I have leraned how to think as an innovator and inventor. I have learned to experiment and try new things. UMD instills in its student the confidence needed to take chances. The second important thing I have learned at UMD is the reasoning skills. At college, I have learned how to read and analyze data and situations. As an engineer I study models, and with the aid of reasoning skills I've learned to create and analyze models. I've learned to find & create solutions to tough problems. Lastly at UMD I have learned to communicate effectively. UMD allows its students to talk and share their ideas and point of views freely at all forums. This culture of freedom of speech & expression at UMD germinates the ability to communicate effectively in all its students.

Show up and distinguish yourself. In college I have learned not to be a lazy shit. So many students go to college, get a degree, and then whine when no one will hire a college graduate. It's not the 1900s any more where a college degree immediately elevates you above the common folk. College gives you what you put into it. If you show up and distinguish yourself college will be a catalyst for success. If you treat college like an extended vacation college will simply be another space in the education section of your resume. For the price it costs me to go to the University of Maryland College Park I could go to Disney World everyday for four years. I do not treat college like an amusement park; I show up and distinguish myself. The most valuable thing I’ve learned in college is to treat college for what it is. College is a captain’s sword given to those who have shown promise. It is a symbol of greater existence, but without a sharpened edge the new leader is left wielding a blunt piece of metal.

This school teaches students to excel in a number of areas such as social, academic and athletic.

So far I have gotten much stress out of my college experience. Final exams, psycho roomates, finding money to pay for tuition, books and real food! After Graduating from Maryland I plant to go to veterinary school. In the end all of my hard work will have been worth it knowing that I will be doing what I truly want to do. Dr. White sounds very nice and i'm sure my dog will thank me. By graduating college I will be able to better myself and family with a rewarding career and peace of mind to go with it.

I agree that life is about the journey rather than the final destination. When rushing the days to get to a final point, it’s impossible to enjoy the most important part of life; the process it takes to get there. When it comes to college, everyone is ultimately there to get their degrees and then jobs in the real world when those four years end. College is also about gaining life experiences. These experiences include taking courses in huge lecture halls, getting a job or an internship, going out on a Tuesday night, or talking to the random person waiting next to you in line at the dining hall. For most, as it was for myself, college was the first time that I was living on my own without any parents. I had to budget my time and be the guide to my own successes. The “journey” as an undergraduate is the time when a person can learn who they are and grow, while depending solely on them. How you choose to spend that time and whom you choose to spend it with is what makes the journey. Without these experiences what destination is there even to get to?

I have gotten thus far a good education and a well rounded view on many outside issues. I also have had my eyes opened to many different cultures and religions.

If I learned anything in college, it's that every person is responsible for their own success and failures. Unlike high school , where students were still sheltered by their parents and their teachers, in college, it's just you. Professors will not be there to baby you and make sure you attend class or do your homework. Parents won't be there to make sure you eat right or do your homework. You make the choices of what you do or don't do, and you take full responsibility for the consequences, just like in the job world. I learned this the hard way by making bad choices my freshmen year, and I reaped what I sowed Likewise, as I began to learn responsibility andtime-management, I saw a difference in the outcomes. College has not only prepared me academically for the world out there, but taught me lessons of character as well.

In today's time, many students strive to complete a college education and thus universities have been processing an increasing number of applications from all over the world. With this in mind, the University of Maryland has become packed with many students with different goals. This became overwhelming when I attended my first semester. Having only lived in Towson, Maryland, I grew up with the same friends and acquaintances from Towson High. Most people picked popular majors such as biology and engineering. I felt a pressure to conform as I still had no idea of what career I wanted, so I enrolled into the engineering department. But, upon completing one semester there, I met many people not only from the biology and engineering departments but also people who pursued language, music, and the arts. Unlike high school, you're allowed to explore in college. But with the increasing demand of a college education, the atmostphere of college has become more competitive. At the university, meeting people with goals different from mine has taught me that college is not only about standing out, but also learning how to live and discovering more of myself as I explore my curiosities and opportunies.

I am at the beginning of my college journey. I am not the typical college student. I am thirty years old and a single mother. I chose to do things in my life in a different order than most people would recommend. The college experience, therefore, has so much more value to me compared to the typical student. It stands to reason that things mean a lot more to you if you have to wait twelve years to get them. I am referring of course to the opportunity to attend college and finally obtain a degree. Additionally, I don't just have my own life to improve. My son's future depends on me succeeding in this endeavor also. I have to lead him by example to pursue goals in his life. He stands to benefit so much from my experience. At this point in my college journey, I have regained a childlike excitement and enthusiasm for life. I have gained new friends and their invaluable points of view. Most importantly, I have gained the feeling of accomplishment that makes one feel almost invincible in the face of adversity. College has reminded me of who I really am.

I believe that college of any sort is the key to our future. Not only is it going to provide a much more professional job for me someday, but also great memories I will have for the rest of my life. Although I am only a Freshman, I have gotten so much out of college already! It challenges me everyday, to learn, to communicate, and to listen. I feel that in college, every where you look, your surrounded my motivated, driven people who will do whatever it takes to make their future the best it can be. It is an amazing feeling to go to school and be surrounded by people with this mindset. In college it is as if you feed off of everyone else, and better eachother. I really believe that these nest few years are going to determine the rest of my life. I can't wait!

After 21 years of marriage, I ended up alone, unemployed, and at a loss. I’ve had to start my life over. The town of Augusta, GA, is mostly a medical field. So I decided I needed to go back to school and further my education so I can get back into the medical field. I’ve previously worked in the medical field but without a degree or certification, it’s extremely hard to get back in. So I made the decision to go back to school and get my Associates in Healthcare Reimbursement. This is the path to starting my new life. It’s not easy with only a part-time job, which has no benefits. I also could not afford to return to school without financial aid. Being older, I wasn’t sure this was something I could accomplish, but I’ve proved to myself I CAN do it. Since I make very little money, can only afford to rent a room and pay for few other bills, financial support is extremely important to me.

I attended Palm Beach Atlantic University my freshman year of college and lived on campus. Even though the techers and staff are above reproach and the classes themselves are fabulous, it was not the education that I found most valuable at this school. It was the on-campus experience and the family that I gained while being there that so impacted me. I made friends that I know I will be friends with for my entire life and learned so much from them. Living on campus is a terrific stepping stone into the "real world". You are away from Mom and Dad enough to make some important decisions on your own but you also have so many people to talk with and support you if you find yourself in a bind. All of the staff at PBA are approachable and helpful and make you feel like your problem also affects them. My experience getting to know PBA and it's people is invaluable while looking towards what I want to do next. They made college home and sataff family.

I am most grateful for the exposure to different world cultures through the diverse student body of McGill University.

My college experience has given me a sense of community within the campus. I feel welcome on campus and I feel as if I belong there. Maryland has a great feel to it and it makes students want to be there. This feeling is even more concentrated within ones major which gives students more support with their academics as well. There is a strong energy to succeed at Maryland, which is what drives students to do well. So from Maryland I have gotten a sense of friendship and belonging that I had not felt anywhere before. That is why I love being a Terp.

I have received many benefits from my college experience. I only truly learned how valuable the experience is after I took a semester off. I have made many friends through college, not only at classes, but also during campus events such as Little 500. I have been privileged to see and hear things that many people will never have the opportunity to. I understand the value of a college degree, and I appreciate the possibilites that come with having one. It has been valuable to attend because I am constantly working to improve myself, both when it comes to knowledge and being able to support myself. I wish to meet my true potential, and I honestly believe that the only way to do that is to have the experiences both in the classroom and on campus that will help mold me into a person that others can rely on to do my job with a professionalism that only a college experience can help me to achieve.

The most valuable thing about college is the life lesson that you learn, like the ability to be self-sufficient and learn about yourself. How do you learn and work? What allows you to be more efficient? The lesson you learn will be useful for the rest of your life. The knowledge I take from school, will allow me to succeed and advance in future careers.

College is something one cannot descride unless it has been experienced. I graduated high school from India. I attended a private british missionay boarding school where i took almost everything for granted. College has taught me to understand the value of money, friendship, parents, food, services and education- things i readily took for granted! i no longer confirm to the pattern of my childish days where everything was handed to me and i possesed a tunnel vision. My prespective of the world has changed. when i read a sentance i can interpret it in a thousand different ways as opposed to coming up with only one solution. I am independent and with that i have learnt to understand my responsibilities and duties towards the community i live in. This has only become possible because i go to college- University of Marylland College Park. A well recognized and honorable insitute, which has taught me to be the better person i am today. Possibly the most valuable thing that has happened in my life- an experience that i cheris and will continue to hold on to.

Attending college is one of the most life altering experiences one faces in a lifetime. Through attending classes specific to a major, one learns not only how to succeed in the selected job field he or she chooses, individuals also learn how to succeed as a well rounded and successful human being. In the two short years that I have attended Parkland College, the most important thing I have learned is that individuality, respect, and integrity are the upmost important values a student and person must hold. Being separated from the comfort zone of living at home with parental support has taught me that although intelligence and wealth can get one relatively far in life, one will not achieve near as much without being an unique and honest person. As a young woman I hold my academics very highly, however with the increasing maturity level in which has resulted from achieving a higher education, individual values are much more important than factual knowledge and degrees from prestigious universities. The most important lesson of college is that without individuality and a strong moral core, success is mere materialistic.

Upon entering University of Maryland College Park, I did not know what to expect. Coming from a predominantly white high school in Baltimore, I did not have the opportunity to interract with various people of even more varying backgrounds and experiences. I have come to experience different thoughts on politics, relationships and life experiences in general. The college atmosphere has provided me with a sense of maturity and insight as to how people think, what they value and what sorts of morals govern their lives. By attending college, I have come to realize some of my own values and morals simply by interracting with others. I began to realize what I DO NOT want as part of my life's experiences and what I DO want. This, to me, is the most important and valuable lesson to have learnt in college so far. The ability to gain control of my life and not be influenced easily because I am secure in myself and my choices is the best way to triumph over the temptations of college life.

While I have learned lots from my (overpriced) textbooks, I can say truthfully that I have learned just as much from my other collegiate experiences as I have from the content of my books. Living away from home at college is the first step to becoming truly independent from your parents. I learned how to budget my time, engage in safe behavior and be responsible without having the parental safety net to make sure I wouldn't fail. From a select few of my professors I have learned how I want to be as a human being. I see in these individuals a brilliance that exceeds mere intelligence. These people are wonderful people who have purposeful, driven lives. They work every day to further their knowledge and to pass a little piece of that along to the next generation. To learn and to teach is one thing, but some of my professors have gone far above what is required of them. They generously give their limited time to students simply because they care. In whatever profession I end up having, I aspire to have the same passion and compassion in my daily life.

What i have gotten out of my college experience is a chance to fend for myself and make my own vidal choice. It has been very valuable to attend for me because i want to better myself and for me education is the start for success.

I have gotten so much out of my college experience. Having decided to attend a college on the east coast, away from my family who live in California, has allowed me to become more independent. I used to rely on my family for everything, but now I can say that I am an independent strong woman. College has not only allowed me to gain my independence, but has caused me to become more aware of the world around me. Since attending college I have become more dedicated to volunteer work and giving back to my community. I feel that college has allowed me to not only grow into a better person, but a more intelligent person as well. Therefore, I feel that my time in college has been invaluable. College has transformed me from a self-centered person, to one that cares deeply about the world around them. In addition, college has provided me with skills, in and outside the classroom, that will prepare me for my future.

During my collegiate life, I have been able to engage in many different organizations and have conducted lots of community service. I feel that the University of Maryland has had a big impact on me becoming a campus leader. I feel my leadership skills that I have aquired during my college years will make me successful in the future.

I enjoyed college very much. I expanded my horizons and got a sense of exactly what I wanted to do for a career. I learned to be more open-minded, approach ideas with an intellectual mind-set, and I am able to effectively communicate with higher level executives.

Previously, I attended St. Mary's College of Maryland, and got my core classes done there, but then transferred to UMD to complete an Early Childhood Education degree. I love Maryland and regret not choosing it for my freshman year of schooling. Thanks for considering me!

My first semester has enlightened me to a new world. I have been out of a classroom and in the blue colar world for 22 years. The education and skills I acquire are an enormous value but I also have learned there are social factors as well. While working on a factory floor I may interact with one or two people constantly. But going back to school at my age has made it where I have different age groups and personalities to deal with which will prepare me for a future career based on my educational goals in business. I am majoring in accounting but have a future goal in mind of owning my own business. My college experience is and will be valuable in helping me deal with clients and employees alike giving them the respect they deserve. My college experience has also brought me out of the "dinosaur age" as my children would say. The technology has advanced but I refuse to let it completely outdate me. That is valuable alone, just to keep up with teenagers these days. To sum it up, I am learning a new career that opens up social, technicalogical, and economic horizons.

My college experience has been extremely rewarding. I have met hundreds of students with different academic interests, cultures, and beliefs, which has been a very eye-opening experience. With involvement on campus and exposure to such a unique community of people, I have become a more open person with a greater understanding of people’s differences. I have also improved on my time management. With a very heavy course work load, I have learned how to use all the academic resources available to me as well as how to most efficiently use my time in order to complete my work in a timely manner while being involved with campus organizations. It is extremely valuable to attend college because I have become a more independent and responsible person. As a result, I have improved on my decision-making skills, as each decision I make in school counts in order to be as successful as possible. College has also been very valuable with the opportunity to meet and learn from many professors who are extremely knowledgeable in their field with their research. As a result, students are provided with numerous internship and research opportunities to help them become as successful as possible.

I am an adult student who has faced and overcome multiple academic and life challenges in pursuit of education and an academic degree. As a result, I am now a senior year student at University of Maryland, working on my bachelors in Spanish. It is particularly challenging for me to pursue my studies, because of economic difficulties, some lingering language barriers and particularly my multiple responsibilities as the head of our family. In that concern, University of Maryland had broth me the opportunity to study and I felt welcome in class, even in spite of the age difference with the other students. Currently, classes at University are interesting, but the ones that I found exceptionally interesting were Foundation of Education and Special Education. Since I have taught singing for many years, I am particularly interested in learning new teaching strategies. I want more effective ways to deliver information and guide students to succeed in their academic tasks as well as develop into good human beings. As a result, I not only enjoy the subjects but also I learned substantial information, which I can apply in my daily activities and interactions with students.

Even though I have attended my college for only one semester, it feels like I have attended for much longer. Reflecting back on this past semester, I have definitely grown academically and socially. One of the most important things I have learned while attending college is time management skills. Because you have more time between classes and during the day, it is very easy to lose sense of time. After struggling with classes the first couple of weeks, I discovered my own homework/studying "schedule." Because of this, I succeeded first semester. In addition, college wouldn't be as fun without campus extracurricular activities. There are a many different clubs, including academic groups, club sports, sororities/fraternities, religious/ethnic awareness groups, and purely "just for fun" groups (such as the Quidditch team). In addition, there are many work and research opportunities on campus that can enhance your educational background. By becoming involved in many campus groups such as the repertoire orchestra and the Gemstone Student Council, I have made many friends while doing something I love. College has so far, without a doubt, been an amazing experience because I have many more opportunities to persue my academic and social goals.

Attending college at the University of Maryland has been an overall rewarding experience. I learned that the field of engineering was not for me, through their rigorous initial weed out program in that major. I began an internship in broadcast journalism and followed that path into that particular major offered at the University of Maryland. A positive aspect of the school is that it does have many fields of interest, so changing your mind about what you want to do and changing majors is possible, while still attending the same universities. I have met some wonderful people at this university from many different states that I intend to stay in contact with for the rest of my life. I do not regret my choice of attending the University of Maryland. It is a great school. I would definitely suggest staying on top of your studies because I did see many freshman in the engineering program fail out, fall behind, or simply ruin their GPAs. The journalism department however promotes an atmosphere or students working together to help each other. I am really enjoying the people involved with this major.

I plan on being a music teacher and the experience that I have gained so far has been amazing. I love college. I've gained knowledge of how to be a better musician, I've gained confidence in talking and performing in front of people through my public speaking class, I've learned to work with a group and with a variety of people. College ROCKS!

From my college expierence, so far, I have learned several things. Of course I have learned what people traditionally think of when one goes off to college such as resposibility and independence. But, in addition, I have learned much more. I have learned everything from new fashion trends to how to share a dorm bathroom with a several other college freshmen to how to take the derivative of a log function in calculus. I have learned what it is like enjoy the company of new faces and new people from all around the world, and I have learned what tremedouse difference sitting in the front of a lecture class can make from sitting in the back. Most importantly, I have learned, that value of a good education in today's society, and that there is so much in the world to learn. In just one semester I have learned substantial priceless information to better myself in life; however this great gain did come with a price - a tuition - which, so far, my parents have had to pay. This I why request this scholarship so I may continue my quest in knowledge, and repay my parents.

Obtaining two degrees (BS-Marketing and International Business) allowed me a wide variety of opportunities domestically and internationally. Many career opportunities opened up for me right after graduation; however, I chose to take all of my experiences at UM and live and work abroad to further my education. Falling back on my college experiences gave me the confidence to focus on my studies and never give up until I reached my desired goals. Upon my return to the US, I was able to reacclimate myself into the American environment and continue to expand upon what I had learned at the university. I also participated in some of their alumni events for networking opportunities. Overall, I feel that most of the academic and social experiences that I had at UM were beneficial and helped me in every aspect of my life. I'm currently working on my Masters in Human Resource Management/MBA.

My college experiance has and will continue to, open up new avenues for me for a carreer choice. I have also made many new friends and learned more I think than I ever did in my younger years. I also have the support of my fiance and my children which is very important to me. This has made returning to school a very easy transition. Returning to school these days is not always an easy thing. Being laid off from my job for over a year and trying to survive on unemployment while furthering my education has indeed been a challenge. What has made this challenge easier to deal with is in knowing the opportunities that await me upon graduation and the self satisfaction of obtaining a college degree.

A great education and memorable college experience. I have gotten valuable working opportunities that will help me in obtaining a career in the future.

In a very competitive country like the United States, I need to be well educated to pursue and get the career and the job that I want. Attending college gave me the chance to work with and be taught by some of the finest and most knowledgeable people in the United States. My professors in Montgomery College help to achieve my goals. Recently, one of my professors recommended and helped me to be an intern in a research at Georgetown University. One of the countries that produce well rounded and educated students is the United States. It was my dream to study in the United States. My expectations are even exceeded by the professional people that I met in Montgomery College. A college education gives me a sense of accomplishment and confidence that may be just what I needed in my professional and personal life.

What I have gotten out of my college experience is the friends I have made that will be friends for a lifetime. The saying does come true that your dorm friends will end up being your friends after college since you have lived together during the school years. I have met so many great people through living on campus and I feel that those contacts will be hard to lose after graduation.

So far, I have put a great number of computer science puzzle pieces together. I have learned and understood some of the most intricate computer science concepts, and I am very proud of myself in that virtually all of what I’ve learned makes sense to me and has assimilated in my mind. UMCP has given me a new sense of confidence and hope. Furthermore, all of the professional knowledge I have gained at UMCP makes me feel content, rich and valuable. Thanks to UMCP, computer science is now undoubtedly a passion of mine, and thanks to habits developed through computer science, I am consistently inclined to organize my research in a (very) efficient manner and consolidate everything, even in other areas of my life. Thanks to UMCP's computer science discipline, I always wonder about why something is done the way it is rather than simply accepting it, and I always seek relationships between concepts in everything, to connect 'puzzle pieces' and more readily and efficiently understand what I am facing. Consequently, I strongly believe I will be a great asset in the computer industry and able to create programs to facilitate life, for laryngeal cancer victims for instance.

From my college experience thus far, I have learned the importance of dedication. I have realized that the past is the past and the only thing I can control is what I do in the present. I have learned that if I put my mind to something there is nothing I cannot achieve and for me, this became especially apparent this semester. I made a promise to myself that I would put my schoolwork above everything else and the result was very rewarding. I obtained a 3.8 GPA, the highest GPA I have ever earned and it made me realize that I can achieve anything I put my mind to. My college career so far has enhanced my self-esteem and has made me realize my self-worth. I have become more independent and self-sufficient, while also realizing more about the world around me. I have become more passionate about helping others and have realized that the work I do in school is the beginning to a career that will hopefully be rewarding and satisfying to others and myself. Basically, I have become more rounded from my college experience and am eager for the next two years.

Attending the University of Maryland has opened my eyes to many sides of the world I have never seen. I have left a quiet suburban town in New Jersey for the bustling, upbeat life of College Park. Living minutes from Washington, D.C. lends itself to countless opportunities to become more involved in the world. Our campus also promotes student involvement in activities, clubs, and community service. I have taken advantage of these opportunities, as well as the broad range of educational options that are provided at large schools. The diversity of our campus has allowed me to become more educated about different groups of people and their belief systems. I feel that being able to learn through fellow classmates at the university is one of the greatest aspects of living at college. Learning from textbooks is helpful, but can only get you so far. The teachers and students that share this campus with me provide me with the true knowledge that will get me through life and have already influenced me immensely.