University of St Francis Top Questions

I have gotten a lot out of my time at St. Francis thus far, and I am excited for another fast approaching semester! I have made several life-long friendships here at St. Francis. The people here are friendly, easy going, and accepting of social differences which has allowed me to be myself and not worry about what other people think. The teachers helped me to better myself by showing me different ways of interacting and communicating with people within the community. St. Francis helped me to better myself by honing my personal skills of compassion, dedication, determination, communication, and critical thinking. The teachers and counselors did everything in their power to encourage my education. With their help, I am currently well on my way to attaining my Bachelor’s, with consideration of continuing my education to attain a Master’s. Attending a college or university is absolutely the best way to truly decide what you want out of life and to determine a path toward attain it! I have had a wonderful experience thus far, and I would encourage anyone to attain an education with the help of the friendly and encouraging staff at the University of St. Francis.

i have gotten so much out of my college experience so far becuase my instructors are very helpful, ive been able to learn real world knowledge past theories and definations and terms.

As an untraditional college student, I find that I have gained a new and different perspective on the college experience and its importance. Initially, college was what I was expected to do. I was under the impression that college was the place where you went to classes, but more importantly, the place to find and nurture the friendships that will last forever. All of this was true and contributed to the person I have become. However, when my first degree did not secure me a job I was passionate about, I knew I had to go back to school. Now, as an older, and experienced college student I feel I am learning the true value of school. My classes continue to help me find where my true strengths and weaknesses lie and prepare me for a career I am passionate about. But this experience is also teaching me that I can choose to further my education without the assistance or insistence of my parents. Going back to school has taught me that I can now consider myself an independent, self-motivated adult, and I think that believing in yourself is one of the most valuable lessons someone can learn.

Returning to school at fifty was not something I planned. When my job went to China, the option to get a new degree became available. With most of the work I was trained for and familiar with disappearing, re-education became the best choice. I was nervous at first, but I believe now that it was the best decision I've made in my career. I have a clear goal to focus on. I feel a renewed sense of self- worth. I have direction and hope in my future. I've been reminded how much I enjoy a challenge; it gives purpose to every day life. Yes, raising a family is a challenge with its own rewards, but this is something I'm doing for myself. I am enjoying the study groups with my fellow students. The topic of conversation is far more stimulating than the usual banter you get at work. Unlike today's workplace, where more effort just maintains the status quo, what I put into school is what I'll get in return. Maintaining a high GPA will provide greater opportunities and more rewarding benefits. In the end I hold the greatest influence on my own future.

Not only have I gotten knowledge from my classes and my teachers about the subjects being taught, I was able to obtain knowledge about how life was going to be different. Going to college is like a wake up call, letting us know that Mommy and Daddy can not always take care of us. From going to my campus, I have learned that while the world is a big scary place, and that I will most definitely make mistakes, I will at least have the courage to try. It was always my biggest fear, going out into the world and being on my own. And in a sense, that's still true - I'll still have to pay bills by myself and make my own choices, but I have realized that I will never truly be alone. I have realized that all the friends I make here, and all the family I have at home will always help me out if I need it. Acknowledging that no one is perfect, I know that i'll need help, but it's comforting to know that help will be there when I need it, and that's all I can ask for.

I have been going to college and working for four years. I have had teachers that have been enthusiastic, and ones that have hated their job. I have known students that feel the same. Because of this I have found that anything you do, and anywhere you go, you have to want to be there. It has taken me longer to attend college than I may have liked, and I still have two years to go for my MSN, but I continue to go, not only for my future, but because I like what I'm doing. College has shown me that it is better to take your time and have a passion for what you do, rather than hate it. College prepares you for interaction with others. Through education define your principles, goals, and what really matters to you. I was sitting in class and the teacher said, "One of the people sitting next to will go on for a higher degree. Continuing education is especially important for a nurse, because with it you could save a life." I decided then that the ability to help others and love what I'm doing is the best reason for college.

College has been the most valuable year of my life. I have done so much growing up. I have transitioned from adolescence to adult. Not only have I learned a lot educationally, but socially also. I have retained so much information in just two hour classes. Most of all, college has taught me that hard work really pays off. Just when I thought i could not push any harder and it was not worth it, I got rewarded for my struggles. I have learned that not matter how hard and busy things get, there is always a way to make it through.

What I received through my college experience is that life has more value to it once one uses there mind as a tool. Another thing was that an opened mind can allow one to discover the unknown that they never once knew. Also I have learned more about human and why they are the way they are. One more thing that I got from my time in college so far is that you must network to become know. I f you do so then you will have doors open for you that were never there before. With receiving all of this from college I decided to attend here at this university. Why because it has a small town home feel to it. Then it also has smaller classrooms and lectures. Therefore I would not leave this college because I feel safe and comfortable here in my days of learning all there is to know about nursing.

I have learned that education opens the door to a while different world. And that without it, we cannot hope to evolve past where we sit today.

I have a degree in Nursing and a Bachelors Degree in Science and Health Arts. I have been accepted in the Fall 2010 to pursue a Masters Degree in Health and Science Administration. My college experience had definitelly made it easier for me to land the jobs I had in the past as well as the jobs I currently hold now. I believe college education is very important to have.

I am looking foward to attending college at the University at Albany in the Fall 2010. I went there for the Freshman Orientation from 7/15/10 to 7/16/10 and experienced sleeping in the dorm and meeting a lot of new people. I also learnt a lot of new information about the university . I will be starting with nine college credits which I took in high school. I want to make my mother who is a single parent proud of me and to be a success in life. Having a college education will open many doors for me and will allow me to obtain a professional job when I graduate. I know it will be a lot of hard work but I have always been a disciplined student even though I was always involved in sports in high school (basketball, football and volleyball). I am looking foward to this new chapter of my life. My mom always told me "education is the key to success". I intend to get the best education that I can.

Eventhough, I have not yet started classes at University of St. Francis, I feel so motivated to begin this journey. I realize not everyone is as fortunate as I am to be attending college. My family is very supportive of my career choice and they are willing to help me succeed to the best of my ability. During my senior year in high school I actually took several college courses through my local junior college. I also attended area vocational school in the Certified Nurses Aid program, as well as working a part-time job at the local Goodwill store. My class advisor for USF was very impressed with the fact that many of my core classes were already done and my grades were impressive as well. The value of taking these courses ahead of time is the satisfaction and gratification of preparing my mind, body, and soul for the tasks ahead of me. In the next four years and beyond, as I know that I want to pursue a specific nursing field, I feel very prepared for my upcoming future. I would like to thank you for this great opportunity.

It has helped me grow amd a person and that ecucation is very important!

Most importantly I have received the education I need to be successful in my challenging career choice of nursing. Through the journey I have made great friends, and established student-teacher relationships that aided greatly in my success. Although i attend a small school I try and be very involved. Through different clubs and activities I have learned how to be a team player and appreciate what each indivual has to offer. I do not regret attending this school and recommend it to friends and family.

Attending college has improved my life in every way. In every sense of the word it has challenged me to become a better person. Many people believe that a college education is helpful in improving intellect, but it goes far beyond that. Instead of just learning and memorizing facts, college has taught me how to take information and apply it to different situations in order to grasp the concept of the subject. While I have learned many things in endless subjects, many of which are integrated into my daily life in some way, it is not the knowledge I have gained that has left the biggest impression. My college experience taught me to question new information instead of believing everything that I hear. When going to a university you are thrust into a new and sometimes uncomfortable environment. You take away more than what you read in textbooks. Your personality changes as you meet new people and experience new cultures. You are taken out of the comfort zone that shielded your childhood and there is no choice but to challenge yourself. These challenges are what enhances a person, not just intellectually, but emotionally and spiritually as well.

Looking back on my past, had I not attended college, I definitely would not have found a suitable path for my dreams or aspirations. As a teenager I realized my potential for success; however, I lacked proper means of achieving such a state of prosperity. I knew that I had a good head on my shoulders, but at the same time I really had no overall objective. College, to me, provides an atmosphere which offers limitless opportunities to those who subject themselves to new thoughts, ideas and perspectives. For the first time in my life I am actually satisfied with the progress I am making towards a goal. As an Associate Degree holder, I can now truly embrace the importance and value of higher education. This experience has provided me with the priceless abilities of self-discipline, and more importantly, critical thinking. I am finally confident with the path I am slowly progressing through, and I have acquired the proper skills needed to succeed. This college environment constantly presents valuable reality checks, which put my place in this world into an appropriate perspective, motivate me to pursuit a more competitive character, and be a more competent member of society.

My college experience from the beginning has been a challenge. My parents attended college in another country and the entire experience was completely different compared to how students go through the process of attending college in the US. I have a sibling who chose to not attend college so I had nobody to model after and discuss the different colleges out there, how to pay for tuition and the books and even how to get started with the process of going to college. So I took it upon myself to read about it, research the different schools, apply to them and even get a school loan under my name without my parents. Through this entire ordeal, college means so much more to me compared to my peers. I've earned a lot of pride in doing so because I've worked for everything I have. After every semester, I breathe a sigh of relief that I'm getting closer to earning my BSN degree. Graduating from college means the world to me because without a college degree, I feel like I'm cheating myself out of a better life. I deserve the best and I'm going after it.

College is a great experience, and I wish that everyone would be gifted enough to experience college. Not only do you receive an excellent education, and are able to further your learning, college also teaches you many life lessons. You are learning to live away from home, and are beginning to enter into what we call "The real world." I have become very independent, and much more intelligent. I also play basketball at my college, and I value all of the friendships and closeness I am able to experience from being on the team.

I have gotten more then I ever expected out of my college education. I received a well-rounded education, with support and guidance from my professors and my peers. In addition, the design of the program has helped me to take what I have learned from the classroom, and intergrate it into practice during my clinical and internship experiences. On an individual level, I learned how to be independent and self-sufficient as a maturing adult. On a social level, I was introduced to people from all different walks of life, and was able to interact and learn from them, building myself as an individual and being proud of where I came from, as well as building relationships with others that I believe will last a lifetime. On the whole, St. Francis has helped me transition from a girl into a young woman, and has helped me build my foundation for the rest of my future - and because of this, I look forward to the future knowing that it will be filled with endless possiblities.

The most valuable thing I have gotten out of my college experience is a quality education. Knowledge is one of the only things in life that doesn't oscilate. Relationships and having a "good time" come and go. The information you learn in college will never leave you with a bad hangover or break up with you. College empowers students to move forth with their life without adverse consequences.

The value of what I've learned in college is immeasurable. I enjoy learning about new things and through my college experience I have broadened my knowledge. By attending college and furthering my education it has allowed me to advance in my career. As I look ahead to my next goal I'm hoping it too will benefit me in my career in the long run. My college experience allowed me to form many new freindships not only with my peers but with the instructors as well. It has also been a good example for my children. It has shown them that no matter what a person's age or circumstances, one can attend college and succeed.

I've really been able to see what a good education is about. It's not just about the content that is being taught, its about the people who help you along the way. It's made me strive to be a better person not only for myself, but for my son.

In 2009 I started out my spring quarter a Treasure Valley Community College and unfortunately had to leave because of a mental illness that was getting worse day by day. I couldn’t step out into the world literally because I was too sick. This past May I almost passed away and my life hit rock bottom. On May 3rd, 2010 I started trying even harder than I ever tried to get back into reality. It’s been a terrible experience like pulling boulders chained to my arms and legs. I am attending T.V.C.C. once again even if I haven’t been completely better. There are days when I want to give up but going to college and learning from my instructors is actually teaching me about how to deal with life and how not to give up. I think this is more than a valuable experience that I’m still learning from. Going to school is helping me focus on becoming the great artist I want to be and is also helping me put my focus on something other than me being sick.

I started my career at a Junior College in 2005 in the Pre-Vet program. While at JJC I struggled with Math/Science but I never quit. When I transfer to USF in Fall of 2007 I held close to my dream of being a student athlete and playing college football. Entering the program, I felt like I didn't put in or have enough time due to playing sports. As we know, playing sports can be tough. I was raised here in Joliet, so even though it was hard my first year I had my parents and church family to encourage me. I also served in a organization called Brother 2 Brother which volunteers for different organizations and supports young men of color finish their degree while attending USF. In 2008, I study-abroad in Paris, France. Although my family did not have the funds, USF financial aid, and Alumni supported me. USF faculty and alumni are first class with first class students. Through my experience at USF I think on a global scale now. I speak two other languages through first hand experiences. An education from USF is valuable and holds firm to my mind body and spirit.

I got more experience and knowledge from college life than I ever did living my normal life. I have learned valuable things about the world, but I learned more about myself which would be invaluable without towards having a happy life. Without college, I wouldn’t be here to talk about what I have to look forward to. My personal life has always been full of grief. I was molested as a child, grew up with an autistic brother, moved around constantly, and had many drug problems. With drama that comes from abnormal issues, I had normal issues with jobs that everyone else has. I saw people work hard only to get fired; talented people passed over for promotions; decent people lose much because they had no options. Even with a paying job, I still wasn’t happy. College is not just about education. It’s a chance to broaden your horizons personally and professionally: embracing people and ideas outside of your reach before. It’s a chance to learn more about the world and how it could be better. College is valuable because it gives you a chance to learn more about yourself, and another chance to be happy.

By going to a community college, I have been able to make my dreams more of a reality. I graduated from community college with an Associates of Arts degree on the same day that I graduated from high school. I have recieved a 4.0 GPA from both of these schools. This has made other colleges want me to go to their school even more. I will be entering into the Radiology Program as my first year out of high school. There is a good chance that they have never allowed this to happen in the past, but because of all of my credit hours, they will make an exception. I will probably be the youngest one to enter into this program and I am extremely grateful that I took college classes to prepare me for this experience. I will now be able to enter a university in which I will be able to pursue the career that I have wanted to do for the past three years and not have to take general education classes.

I returned to the University of St. Francis after a period when I worked full-time and did not take college courses. I was laid-off of my job in June 2007 and decided to take the opportunity to return to school. It was a huge risk, and has been filled with challenges that I must face daily. However, I have gained so much knowledge and confidence in myself and my ability to set a goal and acheive it, despite hardships. As a music performance major there is so much involved in becoming an expert in your field. There is the classroom study as well as the technical aspects. I believe that I have worked hard enough that things I thought I had lost over time ( in regards to my singing ability), I've been able to put back into place. I have also met some wonderful people, faculty and students, that challenge me to always put my best foot forward. Going from a big school, to a small school was somewhat of a culture shock, but I have indeed gained much from the University of St. Francis, and don't regret my decision to attend at all.

I have gotten a strong sense of community I has not recieved from any of my prior schools. I have seen and experienced what it is like to be part of something larger than myself.

If I could go back to when I was a senior in high school, I would give myself a lot of advice before entering college. First, I would tell myself not to stress out over the workload. I have always done well in school, and I do not know why I thought I would suddenly start struggling in college. College work is just like high school, except it involves more of an individualistic approach to learning. Second, I would tell myself not to be nervous about making friends in a new environment. I am typically a shy person and find myself being nervous when starting a conversation with someone I do not know. Upon entering college, I learned that everyone is nervous about meeting new people, and that it is not necessary to worry about it. I would also tell myself that college is like a big community. The people are welcoming and willing to help out eachother. All in all, I would tell myself to live, laugh, and love. Live for new experiences, Laugh amongst friends, and Love yourself and the people around you.

if i could go back and give myself advice i would say work harder at everything, to always do evrything possible to get a better grade, to study, read, and prepare the right way.

The best advice I would give myself would be to go straight to a university to begin my bachelors degree. I believe that going to a community college prior to going to a university helped me save money but it also put me behind almost a year and a half. I would enourage myself to take the step of going straight for my major and not stopping for anything in order to achieve it. And to make the right friends; ones that would support your decision and not try to detour you from what you originally wanted to do.

First off, I would think more carefully about my choice of college. It's great to care about what your parents think, but in the end you are the one who is going to have to go to this school for 4 years. Decide which school you want to go to by what you think about it, not what your family or friends think. Along with that, don't go to a school becuase your friends are going there, college is a time to become an individual and learn to live on your own. With that said, if I could talk to myself as a senior I would tell myself not to take any of those high school times for granted. Once you go away, you will realize how easy and carefree high school was. You soon will be leaving your best friends, and will no longer be the star of the basketball team. Remember where you came from, but always be open to new ideas and ways of life once you go to college. It's a whole different world out there.

College is a very difficult transition, and I know you may think it will be a piece of cake just like high school has been so far. But the truth is you have to work at it. Especially being a commuter and your history of procrastination. You may have some good teachers that will give you a break, but for the most part, things need to be done by the deadline. When you get an assignment, start it right away and don't let yourself get behind. Make sure you watch how you spend your money, too. There are going to be loans that you have to pay back. Other than schoolwork, however, make sure that you have fun. College is a different place than high school and it's important to get involved and enjoy the time and people you meet there while you can. Don't let the bad experience you had in high school sway your view on how college will be. It's going to be what you make of it. As long as you be the best you know you can be and you put yourself out there to others, you'll be fine.

If I was a high school senior again I would tell myself that going to community college first is the best idea. It is not a big deal if I don't go away to a big University! It saved me a lot of money and I was able to transfer to a University after. I would also tell myself to apply for many scholarships and grants to help pay for my education. Search the internet for all possible scholarships and grants. Another thing I would tell myself is to look into small Universities for when I transfer because they give the most individualized attention. They are more expensive, but are well worth the price. When you have small classes you really get to know your peers and teachers and form close relationships with them that will last a lifetime! Enjoy college life, but make sure you get your work done. Don't procrastinate either or you will have many sleepless nights!! Finally I would tell myself that if I decided I did not like my major it is better to change it then to persue a career I do not love.

I would want to tell students researching colleges to choose the college that fits them best. Don't decide on a college because thats where your best friend is going, or because your parents went there 20 years ago. Pick the college based on you. For parents, I'd tell them to help their child look into all the aspects of a college, such as the housing, the financial aid, as well as the courses but to ultimately let their child choose the college that he/she wants to attend. If the child is close with his/her parents I would recommend a college that isn't too far from home so that a weekend at home isn't too hard to accomplish. Also, the cost of a college and the amount of scholarships that the college is giving you should play an important role in deciding on a college. You don't want to spend the rest of your life having to pay off the loans; pick a college that has a good education program and fits somewhat into your budget!

It is very important to speak with students currently attending the college if possible. Current students are able to answer questions regarding Professors, classes, grading scales, internet access, work load, etc. They are an incredible source of information because they are answering questions from the student point of view and not from a recruiter that is trying to "sell" the school. To make the most of the college experience it is important to stay on top of your studies. College is a stressful and often difficult time. Finals are especially hard and if you've studied hard and done well over the semester, there is much less pressure. Also, it is important to utilize any resource that the college has available to help such as tutors, academic enhancement sessions, extra credit, etc. Mostly just remember that this is just a season of life. Make the most of it, it's absolutely worth it when you're walking down the aisle to receive your college diploma!

When looking for a college, you must keep an open mind. I would suggest to take more than one visit to most of the colleges that you are considering. The first time that you are at a school it is very hectic with all of the meetings and things that you must attend, so the second time you might be able to focus on things around the campus a little easier. When at college, to make the most of your experience, all I can say is to be involved. Whether its sports, clubs, intramurals, or events, the more that you go to the more chances you have to meet new people and make new friends. If you never go out to any of these things, your experience may not live up to what you wanted it to be.

Find a college that is like home to you. Make sure the student is comfprtable there and picks a major they love!

Finding the right college for your area of interest from the beginning can save a lot of time and money. Take the time to learn about the pros and cons of different colleges and visit them so that you are able to make an educated decision. Know your financial aid package well in advance if possible. Once you have made your decision and start your first semester, be cautious about over living your new found freedom. College is both expensive and important. Take your education seriously. I also recommend that new students try different cultural experiences as they become available through the college of your choice.

Finding the right college is important, the right college includes the location and type of education you are going to obtain . Making the most of you college experience is probably the most important factor in finding which college you want to attend.College students are fortunate to be in an instution where they will get more than the knowledge they intended on. As a college student you will develop lifelong relationships with some of the people you meet. You will gain much more in your college experience than you ever dreamed of. Making the most of college at an age is important. Anyone who has the opportunity to attend college is richer than most people just for the experience. Whether you commute or live on campus theco college experience is one that will never be forgotten. You will gain much more than knowledge and hopefully will appreciate the mere fact that you have the ability and fortune to attend college. Many people do not have any idea what a privelage it is to be able to go to college and get a valued education. Make the most of your experience by being aware how fortunate you are.

Choose which school fits your personality the best.

Definitely look at the student to teacher ratio. It is much better for a student to be in a classroom with 20-25 college students rather than a 250 student lecture hall where you can barely hear/understand the teacher. If the student plans on living on campus look into the condition of the dorms as well as the dorm food. Also, look into what academic programs the school offers. If they have something you plan on majoring in or possibly even minoring in. Last but not least, the price of tuition (but remember to keep financial aid in mind if you are eligible). If it was not for financial aid, I would not be attending my current university. GOOD LUCK!