University of St Thomas-Saint Paul Top Questions

The summer after my senior year, I was stressing out about college. Trying to juggle my job and spending time with family and friends before moving away, I was more focused on that move-in date and missed out on a lot because I was not mentally present. I would tell myself to enjoy the summer before college, and not to stress out because “everything will turn out fine in the end; if it is not fine, it is not the end.” I wish I would have been less worried, and more excited. I also would tell myself to spend less money on the supposed “dorm room essentials.” I could have easily made do with what I had – there was no reason I needed new bedding when I already had some. Now, as a college student, I am very frugal and strict on my spending. I realize the full value of a dollar!

DO NOT procrastinate! Be prepared ahead of time so you wont be completely lost. Also, do not start college late because you dont know what you want to do! Just apply as an undecided student and take time to figure it out, plus all colleges have a ton of counselors to help you out with your decision. If you take time off, your just gonna get off track. College life in my opinion is much better than college. Theres a big diversity in everything from age and race to majors and classes. If your ready to learn and better yourself, than your ready for college. Its up to you if you wanna take the next step to the rest of your life. Trus me when i say you wont regret it.

When looking for a college make sure you look at many different colleges and find the perfect fit for you. It takes time but your time will be wasted if you don't enjoy where you are at. The most important thing I learned in high school is grades don't seem to matter until they start making you money. In other words, getting good grades and being involved in a diverse amount of activities will earn you money in scholarships when you graduate.

As a high school senior, I was already enrolled full-time at North Hennepin Community College for the Post-Secondary Education Opportunity program. If I was allowed to go back in time one and a half years ago, I would tell myself to actually study--that college isn't going to be an easy A like high school was. I learned this pretty quick; overall, I am pleased with the outcome of my senior year at NHCC, but I know I could have done better. I would also give myself the advice to make time for my friends; working part-time, having a boyfriend, and not attending the same high school as my friends anymore led to me drifting away from having my normal social life. In addition, I know that I could have organized my available free-time more efficiently: something I have learned from being in college for four semesters now. All in all, I am satisfied with how everything turned out.

In the world we live in today, simply having a high school diploma is not sufficient to maximize one’s contribution to society. Attending college is important to me because I will be the first child out of five children and the second person in my family to hold an undergraduate degree. This will bring a lot of pride and joy to my family, and ultimately, great joy to me. Additionally, an undergraduate degree is essential to the achievement of my career goal to become a medical doctor. My education at the University of St. Thomas has equipped me with the tools, skills, and knowledge I need to excel in medical school and beyond as a primary care physician. Along with focusing on academics, over the course of the past three years at the University of St. Thomas, I have had the opportunity to serve as a student leader and participate in many clubs and organizations, such as the Pre-Health Professions Club and the Undergraduate Student Government. I have gained exceptional leadership and team-building skills that have greatly prepared me to efficiently carry out my duties as a health professional with integrity, authority, dignity, respect, and compassion.

The most valuable thing that I've learned so far has been that this is an environment where I can totally be myself. In high school, we're constantly being scruitanized by our peers because I think at that age we look to each other for ideas about what it means to be successful. Now that I'm in college, I've learned that few of the metrics for greatness that we used in high school--things like good looks and popularity--apply in a meaningful way. Suddenly we need to do things like declare majors and choose jobs and because of this, we're all forced to look inward and come up with our own ideas about what it means to have a great life. I think the criteria we choose for that seldom match up with the peer pressures we felt when we were younger. Once it dawns on us that we can really be self-determining and we shrug off the weight of our old obligations, there's this rush of excitement and potential that we grant ourselves, and we really feel strong and free. To me, this is the quintessential college experience.

I remember my first time coming home since moving into my dorm room. Corn fields lined the highway, and my hometown of West Concord, Minnesota: population 836 was visible in the distance. I could not believe how much I had missed the local gas station, the familiar streets, and two block long Main Street. As a small town girl, part of me will always embrace seeing the friendly face of someone I know anyway I turned, and the summers spent as a lifeguard knowing almost every child and family that came swimming by name. To go from crumbling brick-fronted buildings to skyscrapers in St. Paul and a population of 836 to nearly 300,000 was a vast change. But, it was a change that has proved to be worthwhile. College has opened so many doors and presented new opportunities to me. I have met new people, ridden public transportation in the "big city," and gained independence in almost every way possible. I cannot begin to explain how valuable this is to me. I have new experiences I would not trade for anything, but I have recently come to the realization that there really is no place like home.

I have learned that there is much more to learn that can never be learned in a classroom. There is a feeling of independence that only college can give you. It makes you more aware of the world around you and it is invaluable to anybody that seeks to be a better citizen. It gives you a feeling of responsibility to your immediate surroundings.

I have gotten many things out of my college experience. One of the biggest things that I have gotten out of this experience is a greater sense of independence. I live away from home, so I have learned to deal with many problems as they arise without the help from mom and dad. Also, living an hour away from home and not having a car, I can't run away from my problems so I have learned to settle them. This has been very valuable to me because I will not always have others to rely on, so this independence will help me greatly. Additionally, I have found a deeper devotion to my faith. The struggles that I have experienced with homework, friends, and roommates have lead me to rely more on my faith to get me through these struggles. This has helped me to discover who I truly am. This has been valuable because my faith will help me as I go through the struggles of life. Overall, the sense of independence and deeper devotion to faith that I have gotten out of my education will both greatly help me in my future.

My college experience has been amazing. As a kid, my family struggled with an array of disadvantages ranging from domestic violence to extreme poverty, therefore, I had never envisioned my self going to college, let alone attending such a prestigious university like The University of St. Thomas. In the past ten years, I have attempted to earn my degree at five different schools and it has been a very long road of maturity and self-discovery. In the first three schools I only lasted a semester in each. It wasn't until I applied to go to a local community college where I decided I was ready for this. I attended this particular community college for three years, part time and earned a cumulative GPA of 3.94. I then transferred to the University of St. Thomas where I just finished my first semester with a 4.0 GPA, which earned me a spot on the Dean's List. Everyday I walk to class on their beautiful campus, I remind myself of how lucky I am to even have the opportunity to attend this school. Next May I will be the first person in my family to graduate from college.

The most valualbe thing to me is the ablitity to learn and think for myself and to anyalize arguments in detail. I dont want to take what somebody say as the truth. I want to form my own opinions in the matter. Also I have meet great people. People that I will stay in touch with for the rest of my life.

Each high school graduate looks forward to their college experience, but college isn’t just about reading books and sitting in classrooms. After completing a semester of college, I know I chose a great school for myself. I love the small class sizes and the professors actually care about their students. Even in a big city, I feel safe on the St. Thomas campus. To be more involved, I joined a club that is part of a national sorority. Gamma Sigma Sigma is a service sorority that strives to help others while making friends doing it. My involvement in it has helped me aware that I need to help others and can have a great time doing it. I have also learned that living with three strangers takes effort. We are often mad at each other. You learn more about yourself than about the other three strangers when first living on your own with new people. I realized that I could ignore it or learn from it. Not that I have always, but I try to learn from it and be a better roommate. Compromise is annoying, yet necessary for a peaceful room. I really appreciate home now.

The most important thing that I have gotten out of my college experience is the knowledge that I can influence the world when I choose to do so. In college I have the unique opportunity to be guided by people, whether they are my professor, peer or boss, while deciding what I want to do with your life. Personally, I have grown from knowledge that I am responsible for myself and can choose to make a difference as I learn from those that already have. Only college provides this fusion of personal identity and growth with education and social responsibility.

College opens up your mind to an entirely new way of thinking and understanding, and also forces independency and responsibility on young adults. Looking at my college experience thus far, I realize that although I have learned a lot of information, I mainly have learned how to think in ways I could not before which has allowed me to understand challenging problems and concepts. As college has expanded my mind, just as it has for many others, I have grown to appreciate the talents and skills of others which I do not possess. College has sparked interest in learning about things very different from my every day life, such as other cultures, and has shown me that no matter how much I learn, there is so much more that I do not know. Besides a change in mindset, going off to college has forced me to realize that now I need to take responsibility over my own life, which at first was a rude awakening. No longer am I depending on another person to feed me, pay for my education and tell me what classes I need to take. My future is in my hands now.

From my college experience, I have gotten the type of community that I have longed for ever since I was a child. I was very active in high school, in terms of volunteering and helping out the community, but I never had friends who were as active as I was so I had to do a lot of it alone. When I came to St. Thomas, my activism attitude completely changed. St. Thomas prides itself on helping out the community and encourages its students to change the world. From my college experience thus far, I have learned that the most important factor in changing the world is having people to support you through all the hardships and success you will encounter. When your peers and your university support you through it all, you learn that you do indeed have what it takes to take on problems that are much larger than the community you reside in. Knowing this has made me grow as an individual and taught me valuable lessons I wouldn’t get anywhere else.

In life you learn and experience so much.Through college I have learned the world is not in blacka nd white and you have to interact with so many different people(races/sex/religion/ect.). Although its not always easy to work with different people it is a good example of the real world because you cant pick and chose your boss or even the people you work with. College is an experience i think everyone should experience because you learn so much about the world and even yourself. You get a reflection of your study habits things you need to work on and how to work with others which is very important.

My most valuable college experience would have to be learning to pick a major or career. Many people grow up with their parents telling them what is expected of them. Many people are told what they have to strive for. For example, I grew up being told I have to study to become a doctor or go into some health-related field. I have learned that it is entirely up to you what you want to be when you grow up. Your parents can only tell you what they want you to become. It is up to you as the student to decide what you want to be or do with your life. Do what your heart tells you. Your parents may berate you at first, but they will come to respect you. It's all part of growing up and becoming adults. Love what you do and be proud of it. My parents were somehwat lenient on letting me choose a major/career. My dad keeps telling me that it does not matter whether or not I become a doctor. The only thing that matters is that I have no regrets and enjoy the job that I will have.

I’ve experienced my greatest life lesson in college. Surprisingly, it was not obtained in the months dedicated towards acing Accounting. I’m the youngest in my family, the “baby”, always chasing after my siblings achievements. I never could grasp a hold of my own life because I followed comfortable paths my siblings set for me. I accepted the fact that I was “the baby”, never stepping outside of my comfort zone. I always planned on attending my sister’s college when I realized I did not have to follow in her footsteps. Why couldn’t I make my own? Within a week, I decided to attend a college seven hours away. I didn’t know one single person, however, I was an individual, not someone’s little sister, FINALLY! Independence made me realize how strong a woman I am. College forced me to step out of my comfort zone. It was the best decision I ever made. I, and I alone have the ability to achieve anything I want. I’ve never been happier and more confident in my abilities. My college experience gave me invaluable insight. I control my life, I can confront adventure, I will grow.

So far all that I have gotten out of my college expierience is a sense of greater accomplishment more than I have ever had before. I am 22 and a single mother of two beautiful baby boys. We have been living less than comfortable and no where near how I was raised at there age. I have felt so low about myself because I was unable to give my children at least what I recieved. But now threw student loans and a grant I was able to enroll in online college, I started my first class January 4th or this year. Not only that I have a true passion for the juvenile justice system, and one day I would love to own my own facility for deliquent girls in the system, I want to focus on rehablitaion and letting the girls no they can drop the hard act and how much better there life could be threw, education, perserverance, and determination. With those three things you can be invinciable when it comes to success. I want to help others in ways that I needed help. All of this and my dream is only possible threw education.

Throughout my college career thus far, I have been challenged to exit my comfort zone. Not only have I been forced to spend late nights in the library studying for my upcoming test or be forced to run around to everyone I know asking for a proof reader for my term paper, but I have been challenged in a way that I feel most students in college are challenged; however they may not recognize it. I have been faced with a clean slate, one in which can only be filled by my hard work, dedication, and the problems that come across my path. St. Thomas states in its mission statement that they create morally responsible leaders who think critically, act wisely and work skillfully to advance the common good. Throughout my journey at St. Thomas I have been faced with this mission that the University has set forth. I must determine how I want to contribute to the common good, and by what means I must go to in order to do so. College is a challenge that set me on a path of self discovery, who I am today, and who I am going to become.

My college experience, so far, has taught me that to be successful I have to work hard at it. I need to focus on my goals to achieve them. My college experience has also taught me how to set my priorities and to hold to them. College has also helped me to understand who I am as a person and that allowed me to grow up and become more responsable and independant.

I am currently a sophomore at UST and it has taken a lot of personal struggle to get this far. I am so grateful to be where I am and have noticed a significant change in myself since the beginning of college. I am far more confident not only in my studies but in myself and my ability to embrace the coming challenges of adulthood. Attending a University has given me the space to grow as an individual, as well as in a community of peers, intellectually, spiritually and personally, an experience you aren't likely to find anywhere else.

My college experience at St. Thomas has been somewhat life changing. While still in high school, I had no desire to further my education and never dreamed of attending a prestigious university like St. Thomas. I was a substance abuser, only caring about the next party. My future was not a bright one. As a high school senior, I was lost and everything seemed meaningless. During an afternoon class, I overheard a fellow student talking about their visit to St. Thomas; it sounded like an intriguing place that was well worth seeing. I toured the school soon after. Immediately, I fell in love and knew this is where I needed to be. Since then, I have accomplished a great deal of achievements. I have maintained a GPA of 3.4 or higher every semester since my first, I am a resident advisor and love the job, and I have joined clubs that provide me with a sense of belonging. My college experience is the most valuable experience I have. Attending college has been completely life changing for me. I never dreamed of seeing myself as a leader. Through attending college, I’ve had the opportunity to find my true self.

In high school, I was the student who was quiet in class, did not participate, yet I was responsible enough to earn good grades. However, I realized having those qualities is not enough in a college environment. Attending college has brought out a whole different person inside of me, it has encouraged me to participate and what’s more important it has helped me to become more social. Which is something I believe you need if you want to succeed in life, it gives you that "work" experience we need. Just the fact that you are attending college is valuable for any person. Where I come from, attending college is a privilege, that’s how I see it. It’s a privilege because students are able to obtain high-paying jobs that most people who did not have the opportunity to attend school cannot obtain so easily. Is not much of the money either, the knowledge you obtain is greater. Attending college is far more important than anything it provides students better options in their life and more opportunities, after all this is the country of opportunities so why not take that chance that is offered to anyone and everyone.

So far my college experience has helped me become more of an outgoing person. Also it has led me to research other possible career opportunities which I had not considered before going to school.

I have learned to value my own personal thoughts and with that become my own person. I say this because I find that kids are influenced too much by family ideals and do not choose what they believe, they just believe it without questioning.

Education is the key to success and the key to many doors, thus education is one of the most important investments. Along with that comes the important decision of choosing a college/university. As for me,I decided to enroll in El Paso Community College as a means to provide an easier transition between high school and college life. The combination of excellent teachers willing to help you out, along with the many students from the bordering city of our neighboring country add variety into the mix. The students along with the faculty are willing to help you out with any concern you might have and give you an overall feeling that you can achieve anything you want and that they're there to guide you. So far, college has been a great experience. You are exposed to the real life in which you know you are making a change towards a better future in which a good education will surely play a major role, and along with attaining an education, I am learning who I truly am, what I am capable of doing and finding my path with which I will be able to fight the world.

Even though my college experience has just begin, I have already created many memories. I have made mistakes and learned from them, I have made friends who know will be friends that will someday be at my wedding, I have learned more about myself and my needs and wants. I have learned many things in my short college career so far but will continue to experience and learn more in the rest of my college life that will carry me in the next step of my life. Being a college student has taught me to value my family and friends. They have support me so far in life and still continue to and I am thankful to have them in my life. I am a full time college student and working a part time job, has made me learn to value money and time. Out of college experience it is one of the most important thing I value, for you only live and so you live life well and use your time wisely for you only have a certain to experience things such as a college life, a marriage life, etc...

My college experience has been quite a journey. First, starting out in California at a community college felt like going to high school all over again. It was hard overcoming passing classes because you become accustomed to the enviroment which you grew up in not knowing any new responsibilities and testing yourself. After completing my general education courses and taking a leave absence to work, I realized how important it is for recently graduating high school students to actually move out of their parents home and live in the dorms to really experience what college is all about. Including to this, I also think that it is very important for the student to move away from their comfort zone to experience who they really are and all the new and amazing people you meet from all over the country and different parts of the world. It wasn't until I moved away from California to Minnesota that I realized how valuable my college experience is to learn about who I am and what I really want in life. I think that college experience defines who you really are and tests what your capabilities are.

I have had the chance to meet so many people from all over the world and it has really been a pleasure learning about other peoples backgrounds and comparing them to mine. i would not a have had this experience if I went to college back in my home country where the student population is not very diverse.

My college experience has consistently, yet necessarily challenged my mind, heart, and soul. I have been challenged my past few years of college to do what I can to survive within the realm of better education, whether I am facing a monetary struggle or an internal struggle. However, I am grateful because the experience has given me endurance, a surplus of fascinating knowledge, and a new perspective of life. Having the privileged opportunity to excel holds much meaning to me because without these given opportunities my world would not be as hopeful, rich, and innovative as it is today. No matter how rigorous the task is at hand, it is crucial for me to find a way to overcome the intial intimidation of it, and most importantly, to realize that is within my power to reach it. This is where the heart and soul of me is put to the test. Passing it means mastering my goals. Once I have achieved those goals I feel I have added valuable skills and meaning to my life. The college experience is most valuable because I have learned success is always within my reach when I challenge my will power, heart, and mind.

Leaving the small town of 3,000-some people and moving to the metropolitan area of Minneapolis/St. Paul was one of the most challenging experiences of my young life. Managing the homesickness, finding my academic niche, and living with strangers were all new to me and provoked intense rollercoaster-like ups and downs. After trial after trial and error after error, I have developed into a respectable person that I can see myself being for the rest of my life. Academics have proved time and time again to be of the upmost importance to me, while I have also come to realize I have a strong support system at home. I have learned that if I set a reasonable goal, I can achieve that goal. College, while always a transitional challenge, has allowed me to begin my development in to the person I will be for the remainder of my bright future. The value of my college education, measured in dollar signs, is enormous. However, that enormity is hugely overshadowed by the value that cannot be measured in dollar signs; UST will forever be a bright part of my life.

It is unbelievable how much I have received just from the first semester of my college experience. The academic program at the University of St Thomas is very prestigious and at times I struggled through my first semester; however, my struggling has not been in vain. It has taught me just as much as my school work has. It has taught me adversity, which has taught me how to be dedicated, focused, and determined. I have learned that perseverance is the key to all success; that failure is the first step to success and that one should look towards their future and figure out how to succeed even after a catastrophic failure. All of the great leaders and historic figures I admire, such as Dr. King, Abraham Lincoln, and Susan B. Anthony had an incredible sense of perseverance and commitment. Accordingly, the adversity I have faced thus far has helped me to remain committed to success and my dreams and to continue to preserve no matter how discouraging an obstacle. The true gift I have received so far from the University of St Thomas is learning about me and what is important in life.

Attending the University of St. Thomas has provided me with a world-class education thus far -- and I'm only just beginning my journey into my major-related courses. I can't express the value of having small classes and the many opportunities it has granted me; as a sophomore, I have a potential research position this summer with a biology professor! This is just one of the many doors that have been opened for me, along with valuable study abroad and local opportunities in the Twin Cities. I think it is invaluable to gain a more worldly view by studying in a non-traditional sense with hands-on experiences that immerse the student in the culture, and UST strives to facilitate all students who desire to do so! The most valuable thing I have learned though is that it is up to me, the student, to take responsibility for my educational aspirations and make the most out of the education I'm receiving! I believe that this is enhanced by my financial responsibility for my own education, so I have immense motivation to make (and take!) the most out of my education as possible.

I have attained knowledge that may not help in my career but has helped me as a person in finding myself and what I want to do with my life.

I am a 41 year old single mother returning to college. I have a daughter in her second year of college and feel that she is on her way and on the right foot, it is now my turn. I am greatful and ambitious to be back in college! I absorb and appreciate all of the knowledge that I have accumulated thus far, and will continue to acquire going forward. I am more focused and determined than ever before to resume and complete my education. I know that it is not too late to continue my education and am looking to enhance my existing career with a degree. I am also continuing my education for my self esteem!!! It feels GREAT to be back in school!

I have gotten a lot out of my college experience. I have a physical and learning disability and over the first two and a half years of going to this school, I have never felt discriminated against. I was accepted, which I was not used to. The people on campus are wonderful. There are many clubs and organizations on campus that a person can get involved in. I would highly encourage anyone to get involved with a club or organization, but don't over do it! The professors are great and they want what's best for the student. If a student is struggling in a class, they just need to talk to the professor and keep them updated on what's going on and the professor will more than likely be flexible and adjust things so that the student can get the most out of the class. Communicate with your professors and things will work out.

I have gained so much from attending college the last year and a half. I have grown as an individual and I have matured in ways I couldn't even imagine. Educationally I have gained knowledge in areas I never thought I would learn, which makes me eager to continue my education at a new college for Spring 2011.

So far I have gained a better ability to critically think and evaluate ideas and concepts that may have been difficult to comprehend or put into words or on paper before. This acquired ability allows me to inquire, challenge, and question almost everything I come across while in class and outside of school. I benefit from this because in return for my critical thinking and inquiry to find deeper truths and meaning, I not only learn the material but I have a better understanding of how I view the certain subject and what my beliefs are. While learning new concepts and evaluating what they mean and how they relate to the world, I actually learn more about myself and begin to view the world through a new lens. I have started to view reality quite differently since attending college. I have transformed my anthropocentric view into one which views the suffering and struggles in the world as the top priorities in which my generation needs to address. This I value above all else. The University of St. Thomas challenges all of its students to view reality differently, and I am honored to be a student of this great University.

College has been a tremendous learning experience for me, and I feel that I am very blessed to be enrolled in college since many of my classmates from high school unfortunately do not have the money to go. Being in college will allow me to reach my full potential. By nature, I’m an inquisitive soul, eager for knowledge, to know more...to be aware. There is no other place that can offer me the world, while allowing me the time to explore myself as well. I have learned the proper techniques on how to effectively manage time and how to also tackle massive projects...and not have a panic attack! My communication and interaction with my fellow peers and professors have vastly improved. I’ve also begun to discover myself. Everyday is a new day to learn new things you just never thought existed. Its imperative to attend college to develop and florish into an adult ready to take on the world.

I never really understood what a life changing experience college can be. Perhaps at the end of my 4 years as an undergraduate, I will have a different view on what I have gotten out of my college experience, but as a freshman, the most valuable aspect has been expanding my horizons. Growing up in a small town, with the same group of friends through out my whole life, I never thought I would be able to break away from those habits. Well, I did. I have made some of the best friends that I will ever have and have been able to no longer be dependent on an adult for guidance regarding domestic activities or making personal judgments. College is something that everyone should get a chance to experience, not only because it furthers your chances at success; it also changes the way you view the world.

In high school I was always told that college would be some of the best times of my life. As a college sophomore I can see the truth in that statement. I have met many people of different backgrounds, interests, nationalities, and opinions. In my first semester of college I was placed into overflow housing because of the lack of space. Overflow housing was a study lounge converted into living space for six young women. What seemed like a recipe for disaster was a blessing in disguise. I started college with five awesome friends who were all amazing and unique. Our dorm room was a fabulous mix of African American, Chinese, German, Indian, Irish, and Japanese heritage. We had interests ranging from calculus to history and from Russian to chemistry. We could not have been more different, but it also could not have been more perfect. A year later we still celebrate each others’ birthdays and spend holidays together. College has taught me that you can take vastly different people and instead of creating a reality show you can create beautiful friendships. College is the perfect training ground for young adults. It's real life, but more learning friendly.

There are many experiences that I have achieved at the University of St. Thomas. I have grown spirtually, academically, and socially. I have grown at a Catholic University in my faith, and have learned many new experiences that open my eyes to my faith. I have grown academically. The University of St. Thomas has pushed me to reach my academic goals by myself, while still offering the needed support along the way. I have grown socially, I have made friends, that I know will last forever. The University of St. Thomas has been valuable to attend because the university has exactly what I need in all those areas, and well as what exactly I want out of a university. Even though, it's a private school, and has caused me and my parents more financial struggles, I know that going to the University of St. thomas will be highly valuable in the end, because of my growth in spirituality, academics, and my social life. In my opinion, a private college experience is like no other. It will cause more struggles, but in the end of reaching all of your goals, you know its always possible.

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College has not only given me thus far the education that will aid me in the future but also the drive that I will use to keep going through everything that life brings. This drive will also come helpful when it comes to the workforce through which it will keep me going in order to always shoot for the stars and do better no matter what conflicts may arise. College has also opened my eyes to new opportunities of what I could do with my life. I came into college having an idea of what I wanted to accomplish and what kind of job I wanted at the end of it. Now I still know but I have opened my eyes to new options and have broadened my horizons in doing so. The location of my college, in the city, I believe has also brought me more opportunities in that there are so many groups and causes one can get involved in. As a political science / international business major it truly allows me to get involved in the community by getting through programs like the legislator in the state capital. In the end, I hope for more wonderful college experiences.

So far, I've gotten a great sense of independence. I'm on my own and making descisions that effect my life and schooling. At the same time, I'm also getting a great sense of being social; going to a college where I don't know anyone has made me become more social to get to know different people. LIving with someone I don't know has really made me grow out of my comfort zone, which has made me a very well-rounded perosn!

I have realized that I am at a college I truly love, I am at a place in life that I always hoped to reach, and I would not change a thing about my college experience as of yet. I have been as involved as I wanted to be and have met more wonderful people than I could have ever hoped to meet. I am blessed to be able to go to the University of St. Thomas and I would recommend the institution to anyone who listens and wants to have a successful and personal college career.

In college, I have gained so many great experiences and learned valuable skills that will make me successful in life. I have attained these skills in a combination of two areas. First in my classes, my professors have encouraged me to drive for excellence in the field of actuarial science. Also my advisor has given me countless oportunites to make connections with actuaries and helped me throught the steps of becoming a victorious actuary. On my athletic side, cross country running has taught me how to build life long relationships and how to balance a busy schedule. Which is extremely helpful in college and in a career. Also my coaches have encourage me to have a persevering attitude in a race, which also follows me into my daily life. My college experience has been challenging, but I knowthe journey will continue to be rewarding.

I have honestly gotten a sense of cultural awareness. Coming from "Suburbia," I was a closeminded individual. I had a very skewed view of the world and the people that live it. I thought people made and deserved the circumstances they were in. If you didn't like where you were, it was your fault and it was up to you to change it. Going to college and growing up changed that. I was able to meet all types of people, of all different colors, from different walks of life and with different dreams. I learned that everyone wants the same basic things: love, respect and a feeling of safety for themselves and their families. And, no, it isn't necessarily the fault of the idividual for being in whatever siuation they may be in. I have learned humility and have humbled myself. Ultimately it's not where we come from, but it's where we are going and the path that we take to get there. This has been one of the most valuable lessons I have learned in my life and I am more greatful for learning it than I can express.

College to me is a once in a lifetime experience. Attending college has made me a stronger more responsible individual. I am a full-time employee and a full-time student, I am in college to have a full-time career. I have met people in school that share similar stories and lead similar lives. Those are the people that make my college experience what it is. There are time when I feel to tired to attend or too overwhelmed to continue; those friends I have in college help me stick with my plans and endure the struggle now. One day, I wlill be successful and have the career I earned. That is the most important reason why its important to attend school and struggle now. It may be hard and it may be challenging but one day I will be compensated for all my hard work. The experiences I have in college now and the people I meet, will be apart of my life forever. They say that the friends you meet are the people you will share a life with. I value my life and most importanly my education.