University of New Hampshire-Main Campus Top Questions

Dear Self, Next year you are going to college. You need to understand a few things. First off, cut it out with being afraid of public speaking. What are you scared about? You need to understand that there's nothing to be afraid of, and if you're going to continue with your career, you need to be able to communicate with your audience and portray your ideas. You need to be yourself. Be true to who you are and don't try and be fake just to please someone else. If they don't like you for who you are, that's their problem. Hey, they don't have to like you, but don't fall to their level and be somebody who you aren’t - that will only lead to future disappointments and mistakes. Take it from me. Sure, college can be about drinking and partying, but are you really willing to waste your time and regret those mistakes? If you want to be successful in life, you need to take advantage of this opportunity for all it's worth and become the person you were meant to be. Take the advice to heart, Joseph, good luck!

The biggest shock that most college students face during their first semester is the work load. When the professors hand out the syllabi during the first day the number of reading, assignments, and exams can be very intimidating. Take a deep breath, and tackle one task at a time. Another issue is that many freshman are stuck in the highschool mindset that teachers will hound you for assignments and remind you when they're due. This is often not the case. Follow the syllabus, and pay attention in class, because the professor can add assignments or change around due dates. The key to success is to stay organized and focused.

My high school was excellent in preparing me for the work load that I would have in college. That was one of the easiest parts of my transition. However, I did not heed the advice of getting involved when you come to campus. I was shy and did not join any clubs or activities. I was not social in the dorms and did not know any one on my floor. I stuck to the people who I had known from high school. If I were to give my self advice, I would say to get involved. Join any sort of club or activiy that seems interesting at all. I would encourage myself to be social in the dorms and to make an effort to meet everyone and be friendly. I did not have a bad experience the past few years but I can definitely say that I would have enjoyed it more if I had made more of an effort.

If I were given the opportunity to provide myself with advice pertaining to my college transition, I would emphasize the importance of self awareness and my career choice. I feel that the most important aspect to becoming a college student is understanding yourself as well as your future goals. Upon giving myself advice, I would recommend that I explore my career plans as much as possible by shadowing various individuals that practice my fields of interest. Being advised by employees in a field of my interest would aid me in deciding whether or not a particular career choice would be best suitable for me. I feel that this is of significant importance because had I done so prior to enrolling in college courses I would have been able to complete my college education at a much faster pace. I would have had a definite plan for my future as opposed to attempting to figure out my aspirations during my college career. Had I been given this advice I would have saved time and money as well as the many other stressors college can bring because I would have had a specific career plan to follow throughout college.

Coming from a high school in New Hampshire, I was so upset that I "had" to attend a school closed to home where many of my classmates were also attending. I come from a single parent family with five children; UNH was the most reasonably priced school that I was accepted into. My Mother explained to me I could attend whichever college I wanted but would have to take out student loans. I was almost ashamed to tell people I was going to be a student at the University of New Hampshire, only because everyone else from my town was also going there. I wish that I realized this institution is amazing, both academically and socially. I never thought I would be so happy with my college experience at UNH. I have found a true passion for my major and career goals. I have joined a sorority, completed community service, and worked hard to achieve my 3.9 GPA. I have made friendships that will last a life time. UNH has been the most enriching, exciting, and meaningful experiences of my life.

Going back in time and talking to myself would be very beneficial in my eyes. Having gone through high school being more into the social life then the academic side, I now realize school work was more important. Talking to myself as a high school senior, the most important piece of information I would stress would be keeping up with the school work and attending class. Going through the college life transition, making it a point to wake up for classes when you could possibly have a class that does not keep is a hard tasks. Making sure that I understand how important attending classes and staying ahead of the work load would be the first topic of discussion.With the social life at the University of New Hampshire being a big part of the students, keeping your priorities of school can sometimes be put off and under estimated. All though school work would be my number one priority to talk about, also encouraging myself to become a part of the social life and meet new people is also important in the college lifestyle. Overall balancing the work load and social life would be my most important topic to cover.

If I could go back, I would tell myself to be open to trying as many new things as possible! I found a solid group of friends early in college and stuck with them, and I love that, but I am just now trying new things as a junior and realizing I love them! I wish I had started rock climbing years ago, but I had been afraid! I would say the best way to hold yourself to this is to make a "college bucket list." As a freshman, make a list of all the things that your campus offers that you want to try before you graduate - then start checking things off! You might find a new passion that even leads you to the career path you never even imagined! Plus, you never know what amazing people you will meet who could share these same passions. Never stop trying new things, even if you think you've settled into your new home. Make sure you never stop growing!

If only I knew how hard it was for me to get refocused on school after taking a year and a half off, I would have gone right away. I was very active musically and wanted to pursue i. I was afraid however, I was just on a "musical high" and making hasty decisions based off of flaterry and enjoyment. I would encourage myself to do it, because that's what I ended up going into anyway after my "sabbatical". I went for it and eventually found my way to the right major/path for me and my future. I would reinforce studying. Not cramming, because you will not master the information. I would definately apply to more than one school; giving myself more opportunities. Mostly, I would tell myself not to be scared, and to follow my heart. Not listen to what other's wanted for me, but do what is right for myself. Other's opinions are important however, I am the one who will have to live with the choices.

If I could go back in time and give myself advise, I would tell myself to pay more attention to class, stop screwing around, and apply for scholorships now because you don't qualify for finacial aid. I would convince myself to start working and save money, but most importantly to study harder than i did that way when I reached a college level I would understand more of what was going on than I do now.

Look into all the clubs and sports that interest you and get involved with them. They are a great way to make friends and expand your network. Get in touch with DXP and join. Don't be afraid of your teachers; they are here to help you. Go outside and take care of your body. Make every day count and memorable. Get informed about study abroad. It is a great experience but you won't have time to do it if you leave until your junior and senior years. Learn to be organized and keep track of everything going on around campus. Ask your favourite professors and bosses for recommendation letter for use later on in the job market. Take advantage of programs like leadership or academic advising programs. They will earn you certificates and invaluable informationa and experiences. Look into doing more than one major and more than one minor; this will open up so many doors to you. Stay positive and get help if things start to get out of hand.

Knowing what I know, I would give myself a few words of advice. The first one would be to develop a good studying habit and learn that sacrifices have to be made. My other crusial advice would be to pick my friends wisely. Those friends may seem nice and friendly but some of them can have bad influnce on your success pass. Just as picking your friends wisely is crusial, so is never giving back. When an individual never gives up, he or she can achieve more out of life. Futhermore, making disappointment your strength is the key point to succeding in college. Instead of blaming others for a bad grade, make this disappointment your strenth and learn from your mistakes. Use this skill to motivate yourself to do better next time. Finally, no matter what you do, it is crusial that you be yourself and follow your heart when a particular situation calls for it.

Not to make the decision to go so far away from home to a school that I can not afford.

I would tell myself to pay attention at orientation, and get involved as soon as possible. Get an academic planner and try to create a consistent schedule so that you have time to work or play every day because it helps to keep the stress down. Grading is different, harder in some aspects, and easier in others. Pay attention, take notes, and do homework on a regular basis, it will help you be prepared for tests, and you might discover that it is actually interesting.

If I were a high school senior with the knowledge I have about college now I would advise myself to get involved right off the bat. I would join clubs at the begining of the year instead of waiting until second semester. I would also join a sorority soon as the rushing began in the fall. It is a great way to make friends and connections for later on in life. Even if I was not interested I would tell myself to go to the meetings and try it out first before totally crossing it out. The transition is not a hard as people may think but getting involved in a sorority and clubs would be a great way to make friends and help with the transition.

I would tell myself to have some fun in highschool and not take it so seriously, because despite how hard I worked, I couldn't afford a better college than UNH. I would've told myself to get used to being cold, and to not choose a roommate that parties all of the time.

The University of New Hampshire was my absolute last choice. When I came here I was so homesick and nearly transfered to another school. Sophomore year, I joined a sorority, began giving tours, found a major I like, and made some great friends and my mind was completely changed. From that point on I never wanted to leave campus. Now, when I give tours to prospective students I tell them about my story and surprisingly, many people have the same reservations I did about attending UNH. Looking back, I know I made the best decision for myself and I'm satisfied with my choice to remain at UNH.

I have always been told that college is the time to find oneself, or to solidify your beliefs about who you are. By being given so many opportunities and options, I've done that. I figured out that I 'm stronger than I ever thought I was. I learned when to be stubborn and stick to your beliefs, and when to give in. But more importantly, I've been able to do so many things that I never could at home - go backpacking for a week, work on a cabin in the White Mountains, learn Arabic. These are experiences that I will honestly cherish for the rest of my life, and I never would have had any of the without attending the University of New Hampshire.

My college experience has been one ridden with due dates, exams and essays. However, this has not been such a tragedy as I have learned to manage my time and how extremely important it is to participate in activities that not only make me happy-- but have an impact on the college community. I have made life-long friends by taking part in several projects on campus as well. I believe the significant influence college has had on me makes me realize everyday how lucky I am to learn. College is not high school with a parental figure telling you to go to class, or do your homework. The vast amount of responsibility provides a ground in which students will either succeed and mature, or learn from their mistakes. Personally, I have had my taste of the real world in a dependable environment, where dreams are able to be dreamed, but reality still hits Sunday nights when you realize how much homework you really have left. I believe this life lesson-- maturation, growth, advancement while still being a kid cannot be measured in value when it means an adult will be the outcome of this four year experience.

When I started college, I only expected to learn from textbooks and teachers. However, from my first day on campus I have learned valuable information from my fellow students and experiences also. I'm not just learning about economics and math. I'm also learning valuable life experiences that greatly benefit me in the future. Time management, making a deadline, how to talk to new people and make friends are a few of the skills I have been learning here. I never seen the point in college because I felt i was paying twenty thousand dollars a year to just get a degree so I can get a good paying job. I now see that the college experience - outside and inside the classroom- has been extremley valuable to me and I am grateful for attending.

College has, thus far, been an incredible experience. It has given me the opportunity to connect with people from all over the world, gain invaluable leadership skills, and develop intellectually. I've learned to be more confident in my opinions and my ability to succeed in an academic environment through the encouragement of peers and professors. Before attending the University of New Hampshire, I was unsure of my future, my potential career path, and myself as a person. After only one year here, I have found a passion and declared a major; I have become a student leader and a role model to the students that I supervise; and I have become an academic advisor in hopes of inspiring other 'lost' students in the way that I was inspired as a freshman. Attending the University of New Hampshire has helped me to grow as a person and as a student by giving me invaluable resources to succeed not only at the university level, but also in the world beyong graduation.

Attending the University of New Hampshire has opened my eyes to all the possibilities that are out there. Before begining school last September I really had no idea what I wanted to do and that was worrying me. However I opened my mind up when I got here to everything I could hoping that I would be able to find something that really interested me and that I really wanted to do and thats exactly what happened. After taking a course where I found out a ton of information about many of the majors this school offers, I realized that I could to turn my love for animals into a career. Before my first sememster here ended I declared Equine Studies as my major and I plan on going to veterinary schoool once I graduate from here. Becoming a part of this university helped me figure out who I am more and what I believe I'm going to be doing for the rest of my life!

Being the first in my family to go to college has made me proud, practice time management and experience independence. While trying to afford college as an independent student with no assistance from my homeless parents, I've been required to work a lot while in classes and making sure to socialize. Its making me a well rounded, I can take on the world kind of student. I've learned through many of the resources at school how to go through the interviewing process. This has been a great help along with the interview practice im getting while applying for jobs at school. Also I've experienced living with people I don’t know and learning how to make accommodations to keep everyone happy. On top of all of this I've learned leadership qualities from my RA and plan to be an RA next year. Finally the classes at school have taught me things I'll never forget. I got straight As my first semester and have had the best experiences while figuring out how to succeed in life! If i can afford college through this scholarship I will continue to make the absolute best of it!

I will be graduating from Eisenhower H.S. and Yakima Valley Community College simultaneously this June with not only my High School Diploma, but a College Degree. Though I have not attended H.S. since 10th Grade, I remain an integral part of my H.S. as a leader and Varsity Basketball Team Captain. My achievements and perseverance have gained the attention of my community, as I was chosen the Student-Athlete for Yakima County. Through hard work, determination and perseverance, I maintain a strong community/team commitment and exemplify outstanding leadership both ON and OFF the court. I hope to become one of the youngest orthodontists "Dr. Urlacher" by the age of 23. I am motivated for success and refuse to waiver from this path I set upon at the young and eager age of 13. Future plans include transfering to CWU this fall, then UW Dental School to finalize my plan. Sacrifices include the unfamiliarity of peers cheering at my basketball games and ample hours studying, yet my dream and determination of becoming an Orthodontist will continue to propel me forward. I feel lucky for knowing "what" I want and having the focus to "get it done."

I have learned that while a good social life is important balancing it with work (school or otherwise) is a very important skill. Last semester I spent a lot of time with friends and I started a new job as well as one of the most challenging courses I will take here. I did not devote enough time to my academics and my grades show that. I intend to continue practicing this careful balancing act. A college environment is slightly less restrictive, and thus less people are watching my every move. Here I am allowed to make mistakes that would have been impossible while I was in highschool. Being allowed to make mistakes here has helped me because here I can recover and there are fewer negative effects. Here I'm allowed to learn what works for my self, I have a destination and it's my job to discover how to get there.

It is extremely valuable to attend college because you get a sense of who you are more than you could otherwise, no matter what school you choose. It is great to take chances with your courses and try new things. In college it is possible to learn a lot about who you are and what matters to you by getting involved with different student activities and courses. I have a better sense of self already, and I've only been here for a semester. College is a valuable experience to anyone who wants to know more about themselves and the world around them.

While I have only completed my first semester at the University of New Hampshire, I have nevertheless been amazed at the community atmosphere of a large student population. Entering campus as a tentative freshman and quickly feeling like a part of something much larger than myself has been truly wonderful. I have acclimated to the classroom atmosphere in college and have made many new friendships. I have become a member of Chi Omega to further my interests in community service, career development and lifelong friendships. My experience at UNH has been valuable in assisting me in discovering myself, challenging my opinions, exploring alternative options and enhancing my future endeavors. Only time will truly reveal what impact my college experience at UNH has on my choices and my life.

Being in college for such a short time I have learned to be/become organized and better with time management. These two traits weren't exactly natural to me, so it took a lot of adjusting. But I had to be strong, I had to tell myself to adapt to my new environment. Time management has never been my strongest skill, but I have learned to it better to leave and arrive ealry than to plan to arrive on time; Consequently, when you leave to arrive on time you are more likely to be late. Being more organized is the key to juggling my personal life and student life. Being in school is of value to me because i intentionally didn't want to go, but attending has showed me that school important to me. School is important because of the life I want to live, I want to be a cultured, knowledgable, strong woman.

I remember dreaming of college and thinking it was going to be like in the movies. Well I can tell you now that it isn't anything like the movies, but it is still a great experience! Classes are hard, but when you get a good grade you feel that it was worth all the long hours of study. I have learned that roommates probably are not going to be the best of friends, however if you compromise and talk things out, you will be get along just fine. There are lots of things to do besides studying, and this is a part of the college experience also. I enjoy going to the football and hockey games. It is great that at my college these events are free to the students, so you don't have to worry about having enough money to attend. The gym is a great place to meet people and stay in shape. I really enjoy the Zumba, it is a workout but fun! Going to college is making me a more rounded person, so it has been very valuable to attend. I am looking forward to the next three years!

Throughout my life, I have had a math learning disability. I was always in special classes for math, constantly falling behind, frustrated, yet desperately working hard to keep up with my fellow classmates. Going to a number of challening schools, I realized my passion for business and Hospitality Management very young. I knew that I wanted to own my own event planning company some day and lead a successful and fulfilling life. I knew that I needed to study business which involved an exponential amount of math and finance courses as well as Hospitality Management. At UNH, I found both! This past year has been filled with challenges and difficulties, however, has been one incredible ride. I have learned insurmountable amounts of important information that I know will be vital in my future career. Most importantly, I have learned to conquer my difficult math classes. With the amazing support offered at UNH, and the fantastic teachers I've had, I have been able to sustain a satisfying GPA as well as make the Deans List. Although I will continue to have struggles academically, I realize with hard work and support, I will overcome and not have my disability control me!

Ever since, I have attended College I feel there are so many things that I have to learn about . For example, I learned how a trash landfill can provide the University of New Hampshire with electricity. I'm very interested in caring for the environment. I have learned to step out of my comfort zone and enjoy social events with friends. It has been valuable to attend beacuse I want to be able to keep learning about diffrent things in my major, environmental engineering, and I have met many people with different cultural backgrounds. There is always something to do other than attending class and studying.

My college experience has helped me grow into the mature adult I am today. It has given me a richer education and has taught me the importance of continuing education beyond your undergrad years. I have made some of the best friends I have and have learned the importance of keeping your social life active is as important as your educational life. UNH was a great choice for me because I was able to stay close to family and appreciate their role in my life. Being a student at UNH is the reason that I set my standards high and want the best for my career and future.

College has taught me so much more than my major required. The majority of learning that takes place on a college campus is not in any classroom, but in the dorms, dining halls, and surrounding social spots. Learning to handle freedom responsibly has been college's most valuable lesson for me. Mom and Dad aren't always going to be there to tell me to go to bed, put money in my checking account, or help me keep track of classwork that's due. Struggling with managing academics, social life, and club participation has been difficult, but a lesson well-worth learning. When I graduate I will truly be prepared to take on the world, not only because I interned in my field or scored well on the GRE's, but because I will have the experience and knowledge to manage my life successfully.

The realization I have made in the last semester is that paperwork is a lot harder than it looks. After a very tough semester dealing with new found allergies, I am now struggling through the process of transferring. However I have truly learned that a relationship with my professors leads to better understanding of not only the class material but beyond into subjects that relate closer to my own interests.

I wasn't the best high school student and I feel that it was because I was just unsure of what I wanted and where I wanted to go. I currently attend Austin Community College and although at first I thought I hated it but I soon realized it was better for me so that I could grow as an individual. I now know which university I want to transfer to and what degree I want. I will be transferring to Texas Tech University in the fall and studying Pre-Nursing then attend the nursing school then I plan on going to Mary Hardin-Baylor for Physician Assisant school. Without this extra year at community college I wouldn't have figured it out and rushed my self to a major I wouldn't care for.

I come from a traditional Italian background; Mom does the cooking /cleaning and Dad makes the money. As college approached I was clinging on to what I held dear. Ideally, I wanted to find “Mr.Right”, and start a family of my own. This whole going to college thing petrified me because I knew life would never be the same. My roommate Usaila was a sophomore from Pakistan. She was studying pre-med to be a surgeon. I told her she was crazy and I just wanted to get married. She laughed at me (because where she’s from that’s all women talk about) and said her dream is to become a brain surgeon. This made me think of what my dreams were. Where she is from, most women do not have the opportunity to pursue their goals. Here I am in America, land of opportunity, settling for ordinary. My goals shifted and junior year I completed an internship in Washington DC working for the Department of Defense. This rewarding experience gave me a jolt in the right direction. I still want to marry, but I also want a career where I can help others and diminish cultural barriers.

What I have gotten out of my college experience so far is the fact that it is nothing like Highschool. Highschool prepared me for college in some ways, but mostly if compared, they are night and day from each other. College is a major step up in the adult world, people are actually there to learn which results in a no drama filled environment. I feel good about college because noone is making me go I do not feel forced. What makes college valuable to me is the fact that I will be successful in my life not only with being able to provide for myself but providing for myself in a position that I love doing, rather than working a job I am working my career. I have goals in my life for myself and I know that if I keep heading in this direction, my goals will be achieved.

My college experience has taught me hard work can get you anwhere. I have had the privilege of being able to pursue my athletics. I wrestle for the 13 time National championship team North Idaho College. I am the varsity wrestler at the 174lb weight class. One thing I have learned being a student athlete is that I have to work just as hard in the classroom as I do in the wrestling room. I am a first generation college student and I have had to learn alot by experience. When I first entered the campus of North Idaho College it was an intimidating experience. I truly beleive wrestling has taught me the hard work and discipline it takes to overcome any challenge. College has been valuable to attend becuase it has made me a more mature adult. My college experiences both on the wrestling mat and in the classroom have molded me into the man I am and the man I will become for the rest of my life. I want to thank you for this scholarship opportunity. Sincerely, Jesse Nielsen

While I haven't been at college for long, I've already completed one year of higher education. During this time I learned how important it is to stay focused and prioritize. Somehow I managed to finish my first semester well, but it has certainly taught me to block out my time. As much as I don't like it, it's all about scheduling every part of your life, just to fit everything in. Time management is an essential part of having a successful college career and most certainly will help in the future. College is giving me a chance to test out the sort of life I will have after I graduate without actually being in the workforce. Completing long hours of work while also fitting in extra activities and the daily household chores, or at least those that you'd have in a dorm. While I am first and foremost earning my degree, I am also learning the essential life skill of time management. Without this skill, I'd be lost. There's no way I could fit everything in just by chance. Things have to be planned, and that's what college has taught me.

I grew up in a small city in central New Hampshire, where not much goes on. The highlight is "Bike Week": a week in the summer when thousands of motorcyclists come up to ride around, be noisy, and get drunk. Not that exciting. Going to the University of New Hampshire has already allowed me to see different perspectives that I wouldn't normally see at home. I've seen and lived with many kids from different countries. I've had to dive my way through understanding different accents and cultures, something that would never happen back at home. I was given the opportunity to go to New York City on a day trip, somewhere that I've never been to. UNH has already given me so many opportunities, not even just academically, to expand myself and my overall outlook. I can't wait for it to give me more, such as a whole semester of studying abroad in Spain, where I've longed to go for so long; and even possibly an alternative Spring break which I've always wanted to do, but never had the opportunity to. UNH has already, in one semester, opened many doors for my future.

I am currently a sophomore at the University of New Hampshire and I feel that I have gotten passion, drive, and purpose for my life out of my college experience thus far. I entered during Fall 2009 as an undeclared Liberal Arts freshmen. As a first generation college student coming from a traditional Chinese family, I was to follow the footsteps of my sister and my cousin, who were successful business majors. After participating in programs focused on academic success for multicultural students and for lower income, first generation students, I knew this is where my heart belonged. As a sophomore, I became mentors for both programs, and declared as a Family Studies major in the college of Health and Human Services. I developed such a passion and drive for working with first year students filled with such diverse backgrounds. It has been valuable to attend college because I figured out my purpose: to set a good example for future students and to help those who were once in my situation to become the best they can be by obtaining higher education.

I am working on a dual degree in zoology (B.S.) and French (B.A.). Through UNH programs, I studied abroad, completing 90 hours (one month) of intensive French courses at CIEL in Brest, France last summer, and I am studying at the University of Burgundy in Dijon, France this spring semester. It has been an honor to receive two UNH Awards for Excellence in Second- and Third-year French. UNH granted me a fellowship as part of the Research Experience and Apprenticeship Program; I assisted a professor with the research for a published critical edition of Musset’s 19th century drama, Il ne faut jurer de rien. I was a teaching Assistant in the UNH Honors Biology Laboratory, and am currently a volunteer tutor for the Biological Sciences Honor Society. As a member of the Golden Key International Honour Society on campus, I contribute to community service efforts. I authored a poem that was selected to be published in Aegis, the UNH literary and art magazine. I am not sure that I would have been afforded these invaluable, life-changing opportunities at another university. I have gained some knowledge, great experiences and immense personal growth through my UNH education.

Having only been at college for a few months, I have a very big future ahead of me. Although this is true, there have been several experiences that I have had that has made me a stronger individual. The first major change that I went through was being away from home and the comfort of my mother's wisdom and care. I had to quickly adapt to life on my own and dealing with my needs personal problems by myself. The next major personal growth was socially. Before moving on to college, I had not been required to start over and make new friends since age 6. The transition from high school with endless amounts of friends and social activities, to being a little fish in a big sea of people. This change helped me become more independent and outgoing. I have learned to put myself out there and step outside my comfort zone in a social setting. The last experience that has changed me is the academic challenges that have lead me to become a more organized, focused, and intelligent individual. I am very thankful for the opportunity to attend college and I look forward to the future.

So far I have attended a community college as a means to save money while receiving an education. While attending a two-year institution, I have found that the smaller the classroom, the better the relationship a student can form with the professor. This in itself allows the student to receive their maximum education. Because of my happiness with smaller classrooms, I was led to look at schools that create the same personal atmosphere. Although experiencing several things at Rock Valley College, there are numerous social and educational opportunities I cannot wait to participate in when I transfer to a four-year instution. It will be completely different to live on campus with fellow students, rather than driving to and from school everyday. The way I live, eat, and study will dramatically differ from my present routine. I will constantly be surrounded by friends and classmates, an opportunity I cannot wait to experience. I have enjoyed living at home and being surrounded by my family and the places I grew up knowing, but I am looking foward to the change and new exposure a four-year college will allow.

I have only completed one full semester of college, so the experience is really just beginningfor me. However, in the short time I have been at UNH I have realized that the next three and a half years are an extremely important time for growth. With many oppurtunites both academic and other in nature, the college environment prepares you for the real world and its many challenges. The freedom to pick the direction and focus of your studies is one such oppurtunity. There are counless classes to take and what feels like not nearly enough time to take them all. Living on your own while having to make important decisions on your own , is another important experience gained in college . These type of things have helped me realize that college is the time to begin to shape my future. College helps build a solid foundation of skills to succeed and I am extremely grateful to have the ability and means to attend one. I have realized the importance of not taking oppurtunities like this for granted.

College is a place where I am supposed to maximize my learning experience, and become an even better-rounded individual because of it. Well through three semesters, the University of New Hampshire has given me every opportunity to do that. It is a campus that does not hold me back, and it also is one that allows you to pursue whatever you want to. When I graduated high school, I was not sure how college would go for me. I am an only child and really relied on the friends I made growing up and my two very supportive parents to get through each day. However, coming to college made me be more confident in myself and be sure that I can achieve success in life on my own. I've made friends very easily at the University of New Hampshire, and while I am by no means a celebrity, I do feel that those who have gotten to know me truly respect the person that I am. No matter where I end up in my career, I feel that the University of New Hampshire will play a huge role in getting me there.

In my short, one-semseter, time at college, I have already switched majors from English/Journalism to English Literature and have learned how much I like living on my own. In my dorm room there is a place for everything, and it is incredibly neat compared to my room at home, because that's how I want it to be. I have learned that I love being busy and always having people around me to socialize or study with, and in my dorm or the library there always are people around! I've found that college is a great place to meet people and network while exploring every different opportunity that comes knocking at my door and especially the ones I have to chase after! I value this experience so much because even after 3 months, I've gained so much!

My college experience has been absolutely incredible. On top of the knowledge I have gained from the classroom, the social experiences I have had have shaped me and greatly impacted my life. To me, college is so much more than the degree you earn. It is about the life experience, the peope you meet, and the memories that you make. Dont get me wrong, the classroom is also extremely important to me. Everyone that surrounds me is motivated and passionate about the same things I am. When people ask me if I could go back in time, would I still chose to go half way across the country for school and everytime, without a doubt, I respond with a yes. There is no doubt in my mind that I made the right choice for school and would absolutely do it again.

I have learned that hard work and practice is key in the college world. College, although it can be a pain, really prepares you for adult life. Sadly, many people choose to either skip this very important chapter in life or not care the whole way through it. This does in turn lead them to not be well prepared for adult reality when the time comes. If you stick with your own college goals and do your best you can be a well prepared college student.

With only being a freshman, college has taught me that life is right around the corner. There is no more being alright at school. This chapter of life is going to decide your future and what you will hopefully do for the rest of your life. Mom and Dad are not always going to be there to tell you what to do. You have to make your own decisions and plan out your schedule. College to me has changed many aspects in my life and that homework and studying really do matter and putting it off is not going to benefit you in any way. Time management was and still is a huge issue of mine. Trying to figure out how to get everything done but still have time to have fun also is not easily achieved. College has definitely opened my eyes for what life is going to be like and this is only the beginning.

When I first arrived at the University of New Hampshire, I knew absolutely no one. I was an out of state freshman, attending a state university where everyone already knew each other from high school; at least that is what it felt like. However, after the first couple of hours of living in a completely new environment, with thousands of new faces, I did not feel so alone anymore. College has granted me the opportunity to encounter so many interesting individuals that have shown me the ins and outs of college. I have learned how to adapt to the college atmosphere where I am forced to be independent, and proactive all on my own. I now know how to schedule my schoolwork accordingly, so I do not fall behind schedule, as well as take breaks from studying, and have a fun time with my friends. UNH is valuable to me because I am constantly learning something new everyday; I am determined to take as many classes as I can, and learn as much as possible. College made me open up as a person, and as a result, I have made many valuable friendships that I can always rely on.