University of Massachusetts-Amherst Top Questions

I would tell myself to take time out of the week to check everything necessary for transferring- applying, housing, and other additional costs as well as application deadlines. More importantly though, I would've liked to tell myself "Calm down. College is nothing like high school, you'll be able to make friends with people of all ages and backgrounds, and if you feel uncomfortable with someone you're not going to be forced to share the same space with them like in high school. Even the teachers are nicer." Social anxiety was a definite problem for me as a high schooler, and from talking to other students from my graduating class in college, I wasn't the only one. High school students ought to be reassured that college is generally a more peaceful social environment.

College is expensive! Too expensive. So start saving. It's going to be tough to concentrate on school when your car constantly falls apart, you lose your best friend, and you realize life really will suck as much as everyone said it would. There is lots of reading, so you will always be tired. Expect to spend $500 a semester on books alone. Don't buy your books from the school, they are overpriced. Don't sell them to book stores, you won't get anything for them. Summer classes have the same amount of work as fall and spring, but its only 6 weeks long! If there is extra credit do it! If you stay organized, and turn your work in, college will be easy. Most teacher's don't care if your answers are wrong or right, at least you did it. You will have to give lots of speeches, don't worry no one cares what you say and most of the class will do worse than you. Occasionally the testing centers will lose some tests, so keep your receipts! Most importantly you always fight for your grade. You worked hard, that B should be an A.

This is not the greatest year of your life. You will be stressed out about the fact that thousands of colleges want you, and yet you know that in a few months none of them well. You have to deal with the simultaneous goodbyes and hellos, trying to take in all the excitement of senior year with the glooming prospects of collegiate life in the future. So take it slow. Don't listen to everyone's "tips" for you. Do what feels right for yourself. Visit schools, don't just admire their websites from afar. Don't just look at what you want to do, but who you want to be. Because for the first time, it's not about working towards something - you are there. You can choose. You are free.

The sky goes dark and the wind shifts its course. My hair goes flying in every direction and a small gust of fog shows up in front of me. Then as suddenly as it had appeared it disappears and in front of me stands a girl. She has long brown hair, big brown eyes, and a face that looks exactly like mine. She smiles at me and says, “don’t be scared. I’m here from the future”. I was determined not to faint. “Why are here” I squeak. She gives me such a look of pity and replies “I’m here to warn you about your first year of college. Every expectation you have…. you can throw away”. I continue to gaze at her. She continues, “you need to keep your priorities in check. Don’t let the wrong people into your life because they will lead you down a dark path. Stick to your studies. Be careful of the choices you make because they may cause great regret. College is always hard but if you pick the right people you’ll make it through.” She smiles fondly at me “ you can do this” she says as she disappears.

Dear Kyle, I know you hate talking about your family's issues because you don't like using a "sob story" to gain an advantage over the other students. What you need to do is find a way to word both your brother and mother's stories in a way that shows how they've changed you. Your future room mate has so many scholarships that he gets paid to go to school, and you better beliebe he used every tear jerking detail about his life you can imagine. Your financial situation will change dramatically in the middle of your sophomore year and you will regret not applying for scholarships now. So all I want to tell you is apply apply apply. Love, Kyle

If I could give advise to my high school self, I would say that making the transition into college life creates some anxiety but is also freeing. You will learn so much about yourself, what your life passions will be, what makes you unique and you will become a wonderful adult from the experience. College is hard, so focus on your work and make sure you have time to meet new people, for those people you meet will truly be your friends for the rest of your lfe. Leaving home can be scary, but it is your time to make your mark on the world, so face your fears and do not be afraid to try something new. You will succeed at anything you put youre mind to, so do not limit yourself. Reach high and do not be afraid to fall, because once realize what your dreams, you will see that all the hardwork will pay off. Now go conquer your dreams and be proud of what makes you, you!

If I could go back in time, I would have a lot of advice for my younger self. First, I would say that maintaining a good social life is just as important as keeping up good grades. Being happy socially improves overall wellbeing and helps students deal with the stress of deadlines and managing their increased independence. I would tell myself to take advantage of all the interesting research on campus and take part in an internship during the summer of my freshman or sophomore year. The later I got in college, the less time I had to take part in internships. Get the internship out of the way early and focus on senior projects later. I would tell myself to apply to graduate school immediately after graduation. I wanted to take a break after college, but I believe that I waited a little too long to get back into school. As unpleasant as the graduate school search seems during the rush to graduation, don't neglect it if that's what you plan to do afterwards. Finally, I would say savor the moment, it all goes by too quickly.

I would tell myself that despite not having studied very hard in high school, I would have to learn that studying is something necessary to succeed in college courses.

The advice that i would give myself if i could go back in time is to tell myself to be aware that there are many different people that you will meet. within those people that you come across not everyone is going to be as true as you wish they would be. There will be some people who are going to be two-faced and the only thing that you can do to avoid lthese types of people is to keep your personal stroy to yourself until you know feel like you know the person well. Be friendly but not too friendlyy that people have the chance of walking all over you. most important stay focus on your school work because the main and only reason that you are going to college for is to get educated and learning as much as possible becuase there is so many ways you can gain knowledge. Join as many organization as possible because you meet so many people that you can network with. People that can help you when you looking for help.

Nothing, I've learned in life that everything happens for a reason. Even knowing of possible time travel i'd live with how my life has turned out and make it better from here. The past is the past for a reason, it gives you the experiences and knowledge you have for a better future.

Being a high school senior was hard but i pulled through. The transition was different but i love college more then high school. College is such an opportunity and that is where life begins. im honored i got this far and hope you can help me pay for college. i appreciate your time and help. thank you.

Hello there Patrick, this is future Patrick. Let me tell you something right now while i have the chance. You do not know it right now, but things aren't going to go according to plan in the future. You assume everything will fall into place but that is not the case. Do not slack off with your work. If you can, apply to school early action and apply to as many scholarships as you can. To be honest, Dad is gonna lose his job and its going to make paying for school a lot more difficult than you and Mom are ready for, so you need to do your part. Things worked out before, but you need to step it up and take charge of your own life. Start saving money, take classes seriously, and above all else don't be lazy. If you don't take classes seriously and start banking money you're going to have an incredibly difficult time just simply getting by. Just follow your gut and you'll be okay, I promise. Don't worry about making friends or fitting it, it will all work itself out. Stay handsome Patrick.

Dear Me: Trust yourself the first time. When the first school does not work out, try not to feel like education is not worth it. At some point, you find the right school, the right friends and an educational challenge. Sometimes, it will be easy for you to think about giving up, to consider quitting school for the supermarket cashier, waitress life that you feel so stuck in today. And even now I am thinking about going back to that life, but as a side job not as a career choice. I know sometimes you think it's too hard, the money is too tight or your family needs you too much. But your responsibility is to become the best you there is and if you do that, I promise that with your talent and your luck, the rest will come. Try not to keep getting yourself stuck in the past because there are some people who you can't save from their mistakes anymore than you can save yourself most days. Be you and pray it's enough. Remember that I love you. Always, You

Dear 18-year-old Julia,I know you have read every college guide book, but the one thing your really must do is start applying for scholarships right away and continue to apply throughout your college career. Writing essays will get easier, and the pay off for the work will be great. You are very creative and you can write unique and intriguing papers. Please help alleviate your future debt by working to get the money. Thank you for you time.Best,Future Julia

Everyone in college is very respectful, welcoming and friendly. Entering into my freshman year I was extremely scared of being judged and peer pressured into things I did not want to do, but that wasn't the case at all. Also I wish I realized that everyone entering into their freshman year also is nervous and shy and has doubts, so don't be scared to introduce yourself to your dorm neighbor, or someone sitting in class next to you.

I would tell myself to study hard but have fun. College is about experience and what we make of life. I would tell myself to party but not so much to neglect my schooling. I would tell myself to try everything, and join more clubs. Not to keep my face in a book, but to go out and explore. Life is about finding yourself and I wish I had did a little more of that.

I would tell myself not to try too much too fast. It will make actually getting through your school work harder and it won't make you feel any safer about making friends and meeting new people. If you pick and choose what you are going to devote your time to you will actually find the people who are going to care for you and stick by your side when you need help over your college carrier. It is easy to think that you need to do everything posible, but in reality that isn't the best way to go about school. You are there to learn so work hard in your classes, but don't lose sight of yourself and having your own life. The balance is tricky to find, but once you get there, or even just close, you'll see how wonderful it can be.

If I could go back I would tell myself to diversify my education. I would choose to study not only art but business as well. That way I could mix both disciplines together to find something really worth wild. I have already gone to university to study art and I don't regret that one bit. I just wish I didn't pigeon hole myself because it's a lot harder to find a job when you don't have other things to fall back on. I loved getting my BA in Fine Art and I really broke out of my introvert shell when I went to England for a year to get a Master's in Computer Special Effects. Finding it hard to find a job in today's economy where many FX and animation companies are closing their doors I've tried to create my own company to give myself a job. Only thing is I was the only one out of my partners who were truly serious about it and put in the effort. If I had both business and art degrees nothing could stop me and nothing will stop me now I'm studying business.

YCMP SWIPES! "Your campus meal plan", it comes with every dining hall food package. We get about 15 free meals at yummy food places around campus, in addition to our regular dining hall swipes. There's the Bull Wall cafe, or Pita Pit, the Hatch, and you can get food at Hockey and Football games, too!

Dear Erika, You are intelligent, resilient, and capable of anything you want to do regardless of you awful upbringing, and what others say about you. This is your last chance to put aside your attitude, separate yourself from negative friends, and let go of childhood habits and detrimental feelings toward your parents. Focus on obtaining good grades and bringing up your GPA so that you can eligible for scholarships and grants. There is no need to stay here in Springfield, MA, nothing much will change while you are gone, in fact things will only get worse. Apply for colleges out of state, giving you the opportunity to escape all of the individuals and circumstances which have held you down thus far.

Truthfully, I have no advice I would give myself in regards to college. In other aspects of life sure, but as far as college went I was fine. None of the mistakes I made were catastrohic but I made them and if I hadn't, I wouldn;t be who I am today. So I wouldn't give my high school self any advice because if I had known any more than I did, I wouldn;t have turned out this way. And I'm happy to be the person I am today, imperfections and mistakes and unknowingness as a high school senior and all. Although if I had to pick one thing it would be to not buy that three hundred dollar biology book, you'll never read it and the professor never assigned any pages from it, twas a terrible waste of money.

Going back in time and meeting with my soon to be graduate self i would tell my self one piece of advice and that would be to learn how to manage my time. In colege we begin that journey of adulthood and with that comes the responsibility of creating our own sschedules. We are now responsible for choosing our own classes as well as deciding when to use our time to study. there are so many things which can distract you such as friends, social events and relaxation time. JEN! dont loose focus. do not allow these small distractions to come between you and your promising future. I reccomend that you take the time each week to create a schedule for yourself. this schedule will help you determine how to spend your time and to ensure that you study the appropriate amount for your courses. THis is your first year of college one which you will never forget. You will meet new people learn new things but do not miss this oppertunity to start of in this wonderful institution on a great standing.

You are making the right decision. It's ok to be nervous, everyone else is too! You'll do fine in classes. And when you're stressed out, you'll have great friends to support you and get you through the rough times. You are going to make great new friends and build lasting relationships. Don't worry about the money - it will all work out in the end! (You're just going to be paying loans back forever - but it's totally worth it!) These are about the be the best 4 years of your life. So go for it! Take chances and don't hold back! You only go to college once. Make sure that when the 4 years are over, you are leaving with no regrets! And just remember, stay focused and get your work done! Don't let any opportunities pass you by!

My college life at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst has been more fulfilling than I could have imagined. This school was not my first choice., because I was not accepted into the Engineering School. My supervisors recommended several options for me to take. I am an Environmental Science major with hopes of transferring into the Engineering School. With hard work, I will achieve my goals. At the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, I have met students from all over the world. They have opened my eyes into a way of life, I have never known. During spring break, I plan to go to New Orleans with students to help Hurricane Katrina victims along with Homes for Humanity. With these experiences, I hope to become a better person, student, and citizen. With this experience, I have become a better person, student, and citizen

The major lesson I learned through my college education was commitment. It taught me that when things get tough, you must preserve through them. It may take hard work, dedication and sacrifice, but it is through that hard work, dedication and sacrifice that you truly find what you are made of. Once you make it though and look back, you begin to wonder why you wanted to give up. It really wasn’t that hard; that what doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger! This life lesson is what has made my college education invaluable.

My college experience has allowed me to mature as a person and establish rules for my own survival in the real world. I have always been rather independent, growing up in a family of nine and working from a young age while attending high school, all the while maintaining a good GPA. In the few years I have been at college I have dealt with financial difficulty, romantic turmoil, and challenging courses while striving to maintain a balance and be successful. I learned how to choose friends who would contribute to my growth rather than hinder it, find healthy activities to relieve stress, and manage my time so that schoolwork would not completely take over my life. The value of a college education often lies outside of the classroom, in those skills which become indispensable post-graduation for a young, independent adult.

With being a non-traditional student, it has given me a chance to start a new journey in my life. I have to be honest, but it has not been easy but I have worked hard and stuck through it until the end. Becoming a nurse as always been my dream and I figured it’s never to late to go back to school. I have gained so much knowledge and interaction with patients which will only allow me to be confident, sophisticated, and knowledge for a potential employer. Attending Dakota Wesleyan University has really set me up to be prepared for the work force. It has been a good choice to go back to school at Dakota Wesleyan University.

At my high school graduation, everyone told me that college would be the best four years of my life. I remember panicking and thinking, "I hope not! There's so much life left after college!" Now that I am a junior at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, I can see where those people were coming from. There is no other time in my life when I will have this much freedom and this much responsibility simultaneously; however, I have learned that life will still be great after I graduate. College has shown me that the journey of life is not so rigid and that we can all find our own way if we work hard to get there. I can get a job after graduation, or go immediately to graduate school. I can join the Peace Corps, or Teach for America. I can travel the world and volunteer. At this point in my life, I have options. There are ways to make my life unique and to experience as much as possible. This is the invaluable lesson that college has given me.

During my Senior year my mother passed away. I completed my senior year with exceptional marks all while helping my father, a native of Independent Western Samoa, by raising the brothers and sister, and assuming all of the motherly responsibilities. I doing all of this I was able to alleviate a lot of stress for my father who works long hard hours to try to financially support my siblings and I. I began my college journey at a community college where I maintained good marks and finished courses but, due to my responsibilities at home, I struggled because my education has prolonged over so many years. Throughout all of this my college experience has helped me to manage and balance my time on an even greater level because I have found that I do not particularly fall into any student category so to speak. I have been able to draw strength from the challenges of college as well as grow and inspire myself and others. College is valuable because I am setting the groundwork for my future, as well as my siblings. It has taught me lifelong skills such as perserverance, patience, trust and hope for a better life.

College has taught me what it means to be a responsible adult. Just about a year and a half ago I was in the middle of my senior year of high school and my outlook on life was completely different. I was irresponsible, ignorant, rude, and honestly a moocher. I took advantage of the adults in my life and saw myself as someone that should be taken care of, deserving of other people's time and effort with nothing given back. Going to college really made me see my responsibility as an individual. Paying for my own education, not having my parents look over my shoulder at my school work or managing my time for me anymore really made me take a good hard look at what adult life means. Now I am on my own, paving my own way and regretting when I thought it was someone's job to take care of my responsibilities. I think that college is an experience that changes a person from the inside out and that everyone should attend. Going to college is the most valuable experience I have had so far in my life.

Out of my college experience I have learned to take advantage of every opportunity on campus to increase my chances of success while creating good relationships with new friends and professors. Because the global market is becoming increasingly more competitive, taking the most beneficial courses relating to my major. College education is important since it provides me with the tools and skills that will help give me a better chance for a well-paying job. Attending college supplies students with the experience and knowledge that they are unable to obtain from a secondary school. In addition, with a higher education, I can pay off my debts much sooner, especially if I earn a Masters or Doctorates in Architecture. Although some courses can be exhausting and even tedious, if I continue to pay attention and work hard, eventually I will get a great output than my input.

In my college experience, I have reached personal goals and expanded my own horizons, along with getting a better job! For example, I have learned a language, studied arts, nature and science. I have met friends and developed relationships, not only with other students, but with professors who work in my field and in my community. This has given me a network of resources to fall back on, and a variety of skills to give me the confidence to apply for a job I wouldn't have thought possible. Most of all, my college experience has given me the desire to continue learning. I know now that I can do whatever I want if I try hard enough. I can see the progress I have made so far, and it helps me to see what a better future I can have with some hard work. It has been valuable for me to attend college because it has improved my quality of life and my prospects for the future.

Umass Amherst has provided me with so many opportunities to suceed both academically and personally it is hard to sum up in 200 words. The talented faculty and motivated students on campus have helped me to learn in so many different directions. I have become a better writer, a better worker, a better student, a better friend, and a better person. By going to college I have gained new skills and gone through new experiences which have allowed me to grow into my own person and begin to see a new and bright future on the horizon.

I can honestly say that every day I have in some way paused to be immensely grateful for my college experience: both the good and the bad. For the first two years of college, I attended Clark University where I grew tremendously, both academically and emotionally. I dealt with crippling depression and anxiety, fell in love for the first time, and in spite of all this, managed to succeed academically and find my true passion: sociology. After my sophomore year, I knew I needed to make a change in my life so I transferred to UMass Amherst. I am now so happy I made that decision! There are a wide variety of classes taught by passionate professors who are dedicated to helping the student learn. I also reconnected with nature, started singing again, joined the Habitat for Humanity club, and made some lifelong friendships. When I think of who I was in high school and how much stronger, more capable, independent, cultured, compassionate, and mature I am now, I know college is the invaluable experience that has made me grow and learn so much. Not a day goes by where I don’t pause and appreciate this incredible blessing.

I met my husband at college, so it was the best experience possible!

And education and a wider perspective on the world.

I am a college freshman at a community college right now. I was stereotipical about community college at first , and I think they are not as valueble as other Univeristies. However, my instructors of my current community college helped me a lot to go through my first few months of college. And now, my total viewpoint towards my community college has changed dramatically. My community college tries to keep each class as small as possible, so that every one can get taken care of in the classroom. Also, our coummunity college provides free tutoring in our library everyday after school. Moreover, the teachers are very responsible on students; they try to help us solve oour problems as soon as possible. For me, being a student at my community college gave me a chance to understand the material in the classroom better, helped me to work on my homework effectively aftrer school, and felt like being taken care of in the campus. I think it's definitely worth to attend a community college because it will give you a chance to learn the knowledge more specificly and to understand the material more deeply.

Attending the University of Massachusetts has given me a different perspective on life. Before coming here I was very shy and didn't know the potential that I had. Being a music major at such a prestegious department made me nervous, but upon entering I found that not only was I able to meet the expectations of my professors, but also exceed them. Being at this University gave me a taste of reality, an idea of what it was going to be like in the real world. With meeting deadlines and being on my own I was given choices. Just like in the real world I was given simple choices, "Will I finish this paper, or will I go and play Xbox 360?" "Will I practice for one more hour, or will I just surf the net?" I was and am still given simple choices like these that can make the difference between a successful entrepeneur or a cashier at McDonalds. Seeing the drive of my fellow peers at this university have continued to inspire me to make the right choices so that when I'm in the real world I will be prepared to face all of its challenges.

I am sincerely proud to be a University of Massachusetts Amherst alumni. Being able to thrive in today’s ever changing global economy requires fluency in foreign languages, international experience, and cross-cultural understanding. It was the diverse network of peers, wonderful study abroad opportunities and community background which I found to be my greatest asset and one that I earned by being a part of the UMASS family. The college experience at this school is whatever you make it. The variety of clubs and groups offered are limitless, hundreds if not thousands support our athetics and nearly 1 out of 3 people on campus are wearing their school name proudly on their sweatshirt. Incorporating my personal and educational background with experiences has been a proven success formula both from my previous and current journeys. I gained valuable knowledge of not only independence and course work, but peer relationships, possabilities and goal setting. I wouldn't change my choice of further education for anything.

So far I have been working to obtain my Associates Degree in General Studies with an emphasis on social and behavioral sciences at Palomar Community College. This is important to me because I find it vital to recieve a general education in order to have a successful job. However, in order to have a successful career that I am passionate about, I must continue schooling else where in a major that interests me. That is why I have chosen to attend the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, CA next fall of 2011 as a photography major. I find it important in one's life to pursue a career in which he or she is passionate about, in order to achieve an above average, happy, and successful life. Too many Americans have settled for the "average," where they are stuck in a profession they have no interest in. This lifestyle is not for me. That is why I believe a college education in a major that makes one happy is of great importance to the overall value of that person's life.

From my college experience, I have obtained a healthy curiosity. An odd thing to say, I'm sure, but that's how I feel. When anything strikes me as interesting or odd, I like to prod and understand. When my professor says that hedging on an inside straight in Poker is a beginner's trap, I'd like to know why. If there is a physical phenomenon that is unituitive, I want to try to understand the mechanics behind polarized film and how light is blocked out. My curiosity also applies to the social aspect of campus life. Many denominations tend to gather on campus, many either preaching the beliefs of their religions or simply vendoring information. I like to ask those people sometimes where their faith comes from because I am interested on how they think and where they come from. I remember a woman named Catherine who was a good Christian woman who's only wish was to save everyone she could. I also met a set of Mormons who were more interested in their lady friends than in teaching me their faith, even when I asked them for guidance. Strange world...

There are a lot of great people to meet, awesome professors and a great variety of majors. People push you to do what's best for you and you really feel accepted.

My college experience has been amazing so far; I love every aspect of it. It makes me cringe when people say, "you're half way done", because I would honestly stay forever. I have made great friends and met diverse people. All types of personalities are welcome, including Harry Potter! Seriously though, there is an active Quidditch club team on campus, complete with brooms between their legs! Living in Amherst is a great change of scenery for me, as I’m used to life in the Boston suburbs. College has opened me to new experiences. I am now a proud member of the UMASS Women's Club Rugby team. I had never considered playing nor heard much of the sport, but it has become one of my favorite activities. It is a nonstop, 80 minute game full of contact and intensity. It has tested my mental and physical abilities more than ever. We practice Monday-Friday, with games every Saturday. This serious commitment has forced me to keep my life in order socially and academically. If anything, I would say that being in college has taught me time management, and to welcome new people and experiences.

The most valuable things I have gotten out of my college experience would be my knowledge, many credits out of the way for cheap, and life long lessons. I am attending a local community college and living at home. As much as I wanted to have fun at a big university, I am thankful I stayed home and saved money. By taking these two years at a community college I have gained many credits for a much cheaper price. These classes will all be able to transfer to wherever I decide to go in the future. Within the past year and a half I have decided on a career and major. I have realized that there is a huge world out there and you will have to be active in going after your dreams.

I never thought that I would attend just a public state school for college. I have learned after 2 years at the university that this school offers you anything you want. I have learned how to live on my own using the transition that the university provides its students. It has taught me valuable life lessons and ways to compose myself in all situations in life. I feel ready for the real world and am excited to see what is to come this upcoming semester.

One of the most important things I have gotten from my college experience thus far is the relationships that result as being a student here. Given the size of the university, you have to put a large amount of effort into not forming a friendship with someone that you can connect with on several levels. Such an esteemed university attracts these different types of people, giving students the option to get to know one another and learn from each other. Other than the fact that your fellow students can become good friends, they also are fantastic resources. The people you meet here can be very helpful, whether it be in reference to a class or subject or where to find the best ice cream in town!

I started college over 30 years ago and was not able to complete my education due to life circumstances. Going back to school as an older adult was the most rewarding, exciting, challenging, and fulfilling experience since the birth of my children. Actually, I could liken the experience to my pregnancies. The expectations of the experience, the anxieties of whether or not I would be able to really finish the process and be good at it, the labors of the day to day, the unknown of what will be once I finished, were all part of the experience. Now that it is done, I am left elated and saddened at the same time, for I miss the whole process. The journey to finish my schooling was really the education. It was so much more than academics. It was getting to know myself better. It was getting reacquainted with my younger self and saying, I remember you. It was stepping into a world that seemed tailored just for me, welcoming yet challenging. The experience helped me grow not just academically, it also bolstered my self esteem, my confidence, and my outlook on the world and my place in it.

College, has been a real building block in life helping me really figure out what i want and how to attain my goals.

With my degree I am prepared to find a job right out of college. I have found life-long friends, mentors, and educators that I will help me suceed in my future career.

During the one year of college that I have attended, I have learned many invaluable lessons. The first of which was learning how to take care of myself. Needless to say, getting basic needs wasn?t as simple as asking my parents for them. I had to acquire a job far away from the help and advice of my parents; and when the company that I was employed for shut down, I found other jobs that kept me employed for the remaining year. Also, I learned that hard work is rewarded greatly, and studying well results in superior grades. Some other knowledge I acquired was that heeding authority is more important than doing what you think you should be able to do. During the two semesters I have also been required to dwell among roommates. I learned much about how to relate to individuals, and I also made many friends that I still keep in contact with. Learning to take care of myself aided in the realization of how extensively my parents and those in authority do to ensure my wellbeing, and learning how to coexist with my fellow roommates gave me a much greater appreciation for my four siblings.