University of Washington-Seattle Campus Top Questions

What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

Chelsea

I would tell myself to not attend any frat parties, eat healthier food during the first year in the dorms, and to take more language courses (after six years of studying Spanish in primary and secondary school, I still am barely conversational). I would also tell myself to study abroad for at least another quarter, both to save money (ironically the tuition was cheaper abroad) and to see more of the world while I have unlimited time to do so (though not unlimited funds).

Christina

I would tell myself to work harder and study more. Learn study skills that would help me later on in my college life. I would tell myself to set goals for my college future and stop at nothing to achieve those goals. I would tell myself to put yourself out there more, by asking questions and not being shy. I would of gone to public school instead of being homeschooled because I learned that I learn best in front of a teacher then with teaching myself with books. I would tell myself to not to procrastinate because I make better grades now because I don't do that anymore. Basically I would go back in time and build myself up and push myself to do better.

Michele

In few words: have fun. Go out with friends, meet new people, do everything that being a kid entails. Try new things. Take a variety of classes to see what you like best. Take classes outside of school - pottery, knitting, martial arts, guitar, anything! Maybe look for an internship! It's okay to change your mind instead of only sticking to what you know because you're afraid of change. Some of the best things in life happen because you gathered your courage and took a chance, so don't make up any excuses! Allow yourself to relax, but also know that you should keep your priorities in check.

Michelle

I would tell myself not to worry to much about school. Make the most of my senior year, its my last easy year. First of all, go big or go home with everything that I do. Secondly, make the most friends and make the bonds to make my last year the biggest. Thirdly, work plenty but don't spend the money, I will need it later. Don't worry about the new year, rather focus of the now and what will comes around goes around, there is nothing to worry about.

Jonathan

Every high school senior should apply to every scholarship that is available to them. For the summer before college, they should go out and see the world. Learning about different lifestyles and being independent will benefit them in college. Making friends is also beneficial to their experience during the first few months of college. Be prepared to be able to talk to anyone and get help when they are having trouble understanding material. There is a vast amount of support for being able to succeed in college, one will only have to seek it.

Rubystasia

I would tell myself to be more serious about joining study groups and using the study centers more often. Also, to focus on the general requirements first and to spread out the course work more better. I would tell myself to try harder to keep the friends I will meet and not to be afraid to take the bus into Seattle, however, just make sure to know where I am at all times. To take advantage of the experiemantal college classes that were offered every quarter, to take a dance class if possible, and to take advantage of the pools that were available. Another thing I would tell myself is to see more movies at the Neptune Theater and to go to the Ave or the UVillage more often. One final thing I would tell myself is not to mess with the financial aid if at all possible.

Mercy

Dear Mercy, Since you are now in your high school senior year, I would like to tell you some insights that will hopefully provide you with additional guidance as you pursue your college education. My first advice is for you to talk to as many people as you can and hear their expereince in life. Ask them how they made their decisions and whether they like where they ended up in life. By doing this, you will gain wisdom from their expereinces. My second advice is to do what you love. Take a look at your day to day activities now and figure out what are the things in your life that you are so passionate and get excited about. By doing what you love, you will have an experience of life that is very fulfilling. My third advice is for you to be cognizant in recognizing who you are hanging out with and for you to only surround yourself with individuals who will empower you and make you become a better person. May you live the rest of the years of your life knowing that you have leaving this world better than when you found it. Kind Regards, Mercy

Chasity

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to stay in school because I droped out I had all my credits but I just couldnt pass my science OGT so I dropped out going back to school to get my high school diploma was the best thing I've done besides starting college and furthering my education I have an 8 month old son I am a full time mom and student balancing everything gets pretty tough

GianJustin

I would tell myself to not give up in high school, and that just because you got accepted, it doesn't mean you can start slacking off. Take your work seriously, and give your full attention during class, especially since you're taking AP classes, it would make first year university a lot easier than it seems. When you get into university, don't be afraid to ask the professor some questions if you're confused. Chances are that someone else in the same lecture has the same question. Most importantly, don't procrastinate. Stay on top of your things, and spread your work out evenly. Make a list of when everything is due, put it in chronological order, and work your way down. It would be optimal to do your work a week or more before it's actually due. Lastly, enjoy your last year of high school. Enjoy your friends, enjoy the atmosphere, enjoy the relationship you have with your teachers, because time flies, and things will change in the blink of an eye.

Elizabeth

I'm going to turn this question into what should every freshman HAVE. Aside from the knowledge they gained during elementary, middle and high school, every freshman should have a map of the campus. And, I suppose, every freshman should enter the university with as open of a mind as possible, ready to soak in information, class schedules, new friends and experiences.

Erika

I would recommend everyone visits as many school campuses as they can, so don't just start in you Junior year. Find out what the schools that you are specifically interested in and see what their different entrance requiements or suggestions are and often the best way to do this is on the college tours. Going to the college prep seminars were helpful, also. Don't worry so much about the theory of the "well rounded" student but try to step out of your comfort zone. Try different sports, classes that you wouldn't ordinarly take, maybe even hosting a foriegn exchange student.

Yelizaveta

Dear High School Senior, You've worked so hard to finish high school! Don't let that slip! It's really important to approach college with the right goals in mind and make sure that you BALANCE your life. Health comes first, school second, then social life! Under no circumstances switch that around. Good Luck, The one that made mistakes and is now fixing them.

Taura

If I could go back and change my high school experience, it would revolve around math. As a college student at my former two year institution, I didnt take math serious given my learning disability. I figured as a historian that it would not matter. However, closing the door on math meant missing out on other career opportunities such as business. If I went back to my former self, I would advise me to understand that the small things actually do matter. Math, no matter how much I dislike it, will always be a part of my life. It is the things that I avoided young which has hindered my transition. I would tell myself to think and make better decisions before I move.

Dina

I would tell myself to not worry about all the small things like making friends, getting lost or being homesick. Everything works out if you have faith that they will.

Casey

In a return to my high school self, I would inform me that it is not yet time to go to college. I would not be ready yet mentally or emotionally. I would not have the study skills necessary or have the proper freedoms to handle my time away from home without skipping classes. I would tell myself to get a part time job and move out of my parents house and go to school a year later.

Cassandra

Dear Senior Year Casey, Your senior year of high school will be the worst year of your life. Your world will be flipped upside down and you will wish you that year of your life never existed. However, I wouldn’t change a moment of it. This year will define how you choose the college you do, how you cope with all of the changes in your life, how you define the person that you want to be, and how you figure out who and what is most important to you. If I could give you any advice, it would be to remember whatever doesn’t kill you will make you stronger. Every obstacle that you can overcome will help you find yourself and the person you want to become. Know that, from rock bottom, things in life can only go up. In college, you will have the freedom to re-define yourself and your life, just do not forget to work your hardest academically. High school has in no way prepared you for the rigorous study schedule of college. Review notes for each course a every day and let mom help you break your procrastination habits! love, Future Casey

Julia

As a high school senior all I wanted to do was grow up. I was rushing into everything, I had a brand new job, registered for the UW, and had plans for my life after college. Now that I have been to college I would tell my younger self to stop planning ahead so much and have fun. I know that it is important to have a job during college, but my first year of college I had a hard time making friends because I was only at school during class and then I didn't have free time to hang out with the people from class. My high school friends were all people that I had known since I was in 1st grade, so making friends was new to me. I would go back and tell myself to have fun, I'm only 18, 19, and 20 once. I need to have fun, explore the world, and create friendships that will last a life time. I can still have a job, but don't let the job run my life the way it has been.

Serena

Experiment with new ideas and discover your own person. Everyone you meet has an opinion worth hearing and being open-minded about. There will be many opportunities to meet new friends, many of whom will be with you for life. Enjoy this diverse and interesting pool of potential friendships while you can. Get over your shyness and talk to people - you never know who you'll meet. Be genuinely interested in your classes and take full advantage of them while you are there. Once you are out of school, you will realize that college was a rare and amazing time fully devoted to yourself - learning who you are as a person, and exploring every and any possible interest you may have. Remember that you do the work in order to better yourself and explore things that interest you, and not in order to simply pass or do well enough to go to graduate school. Although you may not major in language or music or engineering or art, those classes are available to you. Once you are working, you will appreciate every moment of spare time you are actually able to devote to self-betterment the way you did in college.

Matthew

Fix your eating disorder now! It will be SO much harder with everything you have to deal with in college, and you will waste lots of precious time and money dealing with it later. As a high school senior, I already had 2 years of commumity college under my belt (running start) but university level is way different from CC level. The classes are larger, the campus is huge, and dealing with all this on top of a disability is tough. But it's worth it in the end. All this physical pain you feel now? Yup, it's Lupus. Start treatment now and maybe you won't waste years of your life you could have spent finishing college in and out of hospitals. UW has a terrific disabilty resources center (much better than the CC and high school) and they'll be willing to help you out; don't be afraid to ask for help anymore, the resources are out there for you to finish this out and finish it strong.

Preston

Go straight for the GED program, get started to college... You have no time to waste!

Krupa

President John F. Kennedy once said, “Education is the means of developing our greatest abilities, because in each of us there is a private hope and dream which, fulfilled, can be translated into benefits for everyone and greater strength for our nation.” This quote will be best fulfilled for me at Wytheville Community College. From the age of twelve I have longed to attend Wytheville Community College because of its diverse group of students and the warm hospitality they offer. The first aspect that drew me to Wytheville Community College was its large inviting campus, which is open to festive occasions such as cultural events that allow students to interact with each other and fulfill their future occupational goals. If was to reverse time and go back to high school the best advice I would give to myself was to enjoy high school a little bit more and at the same time still concentrate on my studies. I believe that everybody should be involved in their high school activities at the same time they should equally participate in any group activities that take place after or during school.

BICH HONG

There are times I felt like I was racing against the clock. With all the busy daily routines between school and work, blogging and keeping up with the news, leisure activities and managing money, I sometimes wish time could be stopped. Like Adam Sandler in Click, I want to possess that special remote, without the side effects though, to fix all problems and then turn time back on. If it is true that I could go back in time to my high school senior, I'll tell old self to prepare more financially, apply for scholarships and grants. In addition, don't always be a shut-in. I'm having a really difficult now since I didn't apply for scholarships while in high school so now, I have to concentrate on working during breaks instead of doing something fun like everyone else does such as long distance traveling or engaging in some cool, expensive vacation activities.

Joy

Plan on going to college or a vocational school - absolutely!

Ryan

My college experience has been unusual compared to many others’. Through the privilege of a state program, I matriculated at Lane Community College at 17 years of age. This was my first experience with public education since third grade. Being homeschooled, I had not seen the diversity of a milieu such as this. As I entered I felt intimidated; I was out of place and in a position where it was up to me to make myself the one who stood out. However, as I went to classes throughout last year, as well as during this year, I came to the realization that I already stand out. The campus at LCC has allowed me to be confident in my strengths and developing areas. I am surrounded by 45-year-old adults, students my age, and professors, yet I now see it as a blessing instead of a challenge. I have a passionate desire to learn about people, life, and myself; so far college at Lane has provided that. I want to continue my growth so one day I can help that kid who goes into college and feels out of place by letting him know he’s right at home.

Abha

As freshman at the University of Washington, I have gotten a great deal from my college experience in the short time that I have been here. Being the small town girl that I am, nothing my high school teachers, family, or friends taught me could have possibly prepared me for stepping into the city of Seattle. From the fast-paced city of lights, to the bustling and beautiful campus, I have been trying to wrap my mind around these changes in order to get used to being a "college student." In the last month or so,I have realized that not only is this where I will spend the next 4 years of my life, but this is a place that will shape who I am as a person. College is a lot more than simply working hard to get your degree; it is an enriching experience to listen to your peers in class, peers whose intellect and drive continue to amaze me. I learn so much from the people around me, probably more than I will learn from all of my courses combined; college has become more valuable not because of academics, but because of its sense of community.

Ashleigh

I wouldn't trade my college experience so far for any other. I grew up in Kansas and wanted so badly to get out and see what else the world had to offer. Seattle is so much different than my hometown and while moving away from my friends and family was really difficult, it gave me the chance to grow into the type of person I want to be, without any preconceptions from anyone. I've become really good friends with my roommate and there's this really great program at UW called Freshman Interest Groups that introduces you to some of your classmates. I'm also really glad I decided to attend a public state school because I think everything is so much more diverse in terms of people and programs. I have friends from all sorts of backgrounds: Asians and American Indians, people with both parents and no siblings and people with one parent and five siblings, people from Seattle and people from Chicago. It's such a rich environment and I love it.

Krystal

I am happy to return to pursuing my education after eight years of saying "I'll go back to school when I have the money." I never found the money but decided it was now or never. I stumbled along the way and asked numerous questions. I was fortunate to come into contact with genuine people who wanted to see me succeed. I was nervous on the first day of school until I realized that I was making my dream come true and going back to school! I thoroughly enjoy the interaction with other students and have been blessed with great teachers at CNM. I received a 4.0 my first semester back and I plan to keep that average until I graduate and receive my degree. Being back in school has renewed my confidence and self-esteem. I was stuck in a rut and going from job to unfulfilling job just trying to survive. While I am still struggling financially, I have found a renewed sense of purpose and I am optimistic that my education will bring me many exciting opportunities in the future.

Paige

I feel that this university has changed me for the better. I think that I have made lifelong friendships and have developed as a young independent adult. Being away from my hometown in California has made me grow as a person which I believe is important when attending college. To me college is not only about the academics, but the opportunities and life experiences that present themselves. I know that I will look back at this experience and be happy that I attended the University of Washington because I feel this school was a good choice for who I am as a person. Every college experience is different and I do not regret my decision of going here. Certain classes have made me confident in my future decision to be a Speech Language Pathologist. It may be challenging at times, but I always know I will strive and get through it. I look forward to my future career and hoping that my degree in Speech Pathology and Hearing Sciences will get me far in my life. Even though I am only a sophomore I know that this college experience may determine who I am for the rest of my life.

Miranda

Attending college has helped me realize how important it is to take classes outside of the career you wish to obtain. Through taking general education classes I have learned various subjects that I wouldn't have been able to experience otherwise. I feel that it is important to attend college to be able to expand your knowledge and gain common sense that you might not have been introduced to if you didn't decide to attend college. I also feel that it is valuable to attend college since it is a maturing factor in an individual's life and it leads to a more rewarding lifestlye once a degree is rewarded.

Crystal

What I have gotten out of my college experience is that you should not take things for granted. I have learned that being ably to attend the college is a privliage, and it is an oppertunity that many people just through away. College has taught me a lot more then just facts and figures about different kinds of subjects, it has taught me that there is a lot of options out there and they are mine for the taking. College has been very valuable to me because it has furthered my education, introduce me to new experiences, and opened my eyes to a whole new way of life. It has taught me that at times can be difficult but if I work hard enough I can have a good time, learn new things, and achieve my goals. It is important for me to attend college because I want to get my degree and achieve all the goals I have in life. In ten years I want to be able to look back and remember all the great times I had in college and all the things that I learned from it and not regret one day of it.

Benjamin

This a hard question to answer. In many ways, I have been unhappy with my college experience because I did not know what I wanted to get out of it when I started. At this stage, I am realizing that economics may not be the major that is most interesting or useful to me. That said, the experience has taught me a lot about who I am and what I want in life. It has helped me establish my identity and learn about how I should focus my efforts in the future. It has allowed me to see other parts of the world and other worldviews, which have shown me that there are many ways to live one's life.

Taj

I am currently a sophomore at Benedictine University and my college experience has been a very positive one thus far. It has been valuable to attend so far because it has allowed me to be exposed to and think about subjects I probably would not even consider or more or less think about "in the real world." At this university, I have been able to attain a high system of education that provides me with practical lectures, stories, and seminars about the real world. Benedictine strongly emphasizes growth in knowledge, the understanding of worldy affairs, and the acceptance of various cultures. This form of education is helping me become a well-rounded, literate, and an appealing individual to others.

Catherine

The growth I have made from learning not only in the classroom but also from being on my own for the first time is what made my college experience so worthwhile. College is a time for pushing yourself out of your own comfort zone and learning who you really are. The mistakes I made, the people I met, the new things I tried are all experiences that have made me who I am today. My college courses prepared me for the graduate work I plan to take on in the next few years. But it is the overall experiences I had that have prepared me for anything I may ever encounter in my future whether it be how to handle stress, how to interact with different social groups, or how to get what I want. I have gained an overall confidence and understanding of myself and what I want for myself through my experiences in college and that is something that has no price tag.

Edwin

The main reason of attending the University of Washington in the first place was its size; out of dozens of college visits, this school had the most students as well as the campus space and facilities, which resulted in a list of available majors that numbered in the hundreds, a list of clubs that would take years to explore, and every kind of facility imaginable to studies focused especially in the sciences. Size usually comes with room for exploration, which can be an important factor for students undecided in a future career. In short, University of Washington is a liberal arts school which puts heavy emphasis on allowing students to dip their hands into wide varieties of studies. I feel as though I've gained a broad perspective to the opportunities available after college, as well as a foundation to a future career that requires an eclectic mix of both science and art studies. Two fields I would've never imagined of combining, had it not been for attending such a liberal as well as flexible school in regards to courses, majors, and general opportunities for students pursuing anything of their interest.

Scott

The most valuable thing that I got out of my college experience is life tools. The first tool is how to think. Some of the problems that I encountered in school helped my reason and think through difficult problems. This translates into how to reason and work your way through life issues that arise. The second tool is how to set priorities. This tool can also translate into life and the issues of life. In school, I would have priorities that I would need to set in order to get the homework done in time. Sometimes, homework for one class would need to get done first and I would have to place my other class homework aside. In life this goal to set priorities can be very important. There are times when I have to weigh decisions and choices so all the tasks that need to get done get done and in the right order. There are loop holes occasionally, but college has taught me to prioritize my work. These are the most valuable things that I took from my school experience.

Robin

As a freshman student enrolled in Pre-Health Sciences at the University of Washington-Seattle Campus, renowned for its medical school being the best in primary care education and medical research in the country, I feel that the campus community and environment has so strongly encouraged me to pursue my ambition to attend medical school, and that I've learned much about the values and opportunities of building a career in the medical field. Greatly contributing to this goal are my life experiences as a world traveler. I grew up traveling around the world, experiencing life and culture of the rich and poor, in countries such as Malaysia, Vietnam, China, India, etc. Experiencing the difficulty and harshness of poverty and the luxury and ease of wealth, I've gained valuable knowledge and insight on the precious values of life and the importance of education. I intend on making the most out of life by making every move in life count toward a brighter future. To reach this goal, I'm determined to perform at my academic best as an undergraduate student, then intend on furthering my education by attending medical school, moving another step closer to reaching my goal.

Leila

Going to such a large university has allowed me to try many things, and learn many things about myself. Socially, I have been able to network and truly create life-long friendships. Coming from a fairly small high school, I was limited and withheld. I realize the power of higher education and the opportunity of attending a university each and every day I’m here. The plethora of courses available allows me to pursue nearly any type of knowledge that I would like to learn, while still focusing in on my major and what I’m truly passionate about. My life is continually changing, as I am growing into the person I’d like to be.

Annie

I have gotten a lot out of my college experience - so much that it's hard to describe in so few words. People were right when they described college as a life-changing experience. By attending the University of Washington, I've been exposed to diversity in race, religious views, political views, backgrounds, etc. and have made new friends from diverse backgrounds. Coming from a small high school, it was hard to adjust and find my way around campus at first, but over time, I learned to take initiative and use the resources available to me. I have also learned how to most efficiently study so I can get the highest grade using the least amount of time. Of course I've also tried some things that some would say are crazy but that's all part of college right? However, the most valuable thing I have taken from my 2.3 years at college is the fact that I have discovered who I am - what I struggle with, what I'm good at, how I learn, etc. If I had to sum up college in a few words, I'd say it is about discovering oneself.

Alexander

I found out the first week of school that there was a club on campus for students with learning disabilities. Through the organization I was able to understand my autism, and the restraints it comes with. I was also able to see successful people dealing with autism and other learning disabilities like ADHD and dsylexia. Seeing these people made me realize I should not give up because I think that my autism makes me "special" or "less able". Autism does makes me perceive myself diffrent, but it is less of an issue than I was aware of. The organization has made me less self conscious about my autism, and has allowed me to feel comfortable as myself. The university has changed my views towards learning disabilities which I really appreciate. I used to view people with learning disabilities as people who could not do anything with their lives and would need to be babied forever, now I view learning disabled people on the same plateau as I do everyone else.

latraperales

Good opportunities seem to come to those who prepare. College is the essence of my preparation for the adventures in life that will materialize in the years that lie ahead of me. Having just graduated from high school this year, and now after having completed my first semester of college, I feel that I am in the right place to accomplish my short term goals. Once I graduate from my 4 year college, I will then attend premed school, and --little by little-- make my dream of becoming a Hispanic woman physician, a reality. I know the road of education ahead of me is difficult and a very long journey, but I am ready to endure the long study hours, so that I may at last help those in need in my community as a physician. I am learning from my college experience to have much patience and look to the future. Because of the intense economic cost which my parents do not have in this tough recession, I seek your kind assistance in this request for your contribution (award of scholarship) to ease the burden on my parents, of my increased State of California university expenses.

Celia

Since beginning my college experience, I have met some amazing new friends from across the country, learned about fascinating fields of study I previously knew nothing about, and investigated some opportunities for future study. So far, I have taken classes in communications, English, and psychology, and I'm looking forward to studying drama, environmental studies, and global conflict in the coming quarter. I started the search for a study abroad program in Central or South America that will fit with my academic interests, and if all goes well, I will be able to spend autumn quarter of my sophomore year taking ecology classes in the Amazon rainforest. It has been extremely valuable to attend the University of Washington because the classes are infinitely more interesting than any classes I have ever taken before. In addition, I have been able to see a different side of the city in which I grew up. I'm looking forward to spending the next three years at UW.

Olivia

Although I was aware of the size of UW I was not completely prepared to be immersed into the diverse culture the school provides. Being in college has allowed me to experience many new things and opened me up to new ideas. UW offers so many great oppurtunities to explore different careers or just other things of interest, and I am proud to have been a part of that.

Nadine

My experience in college is valuable not because of grades and required classes, but because of other opportunities that it places close to me. Taking classes and doing well is only part of the college experience; more than that, college has taught me to actively learn about what's going on around me, and go out of my way to pursue my interests. For instance, though I am not in Honors, I found an Honors course about video games; when I asked, the professor allowed me to sit in, and through that class I met other people in the video game industry, one of whom later employed me for a summer internship. Rather than merely force-feeding me knowledge, college has given me the chance to work towards discovering what type of person I am, and also enabled me to learn how to achieve my goals, whether it be getting a good grade or getting a dream job at a video game company. At the end, what I will feel most proud of taking away from college is not my GPA or diploma, but knowing that I learned more about myself, and went beyond what was expected of me.

Megan

College allowed me to explore new ideas across a broad range of subjects. It honed my critical thinking skills and helped me to appreciate different viewpoints. There were many times that I was challenged to rise to the occassion, both in and out of the classroom. Sometimes I was successful in meeting a challenge, and sometimes I wasn't. But, even in my failures, I learned a lot about myself and how I might do things differently in the future. My college eyars were a unique time to explore many different topics and to step outside of my comfort zone. It was an intense experience and one that really stretched me to the limits of my social and academic skills. But, for the 4 years that I spent on the campus of the University of Washington, I was fully-immersed in the college experience., and that was a one-in-a-lifetime opportunity to forge new skills and fully step into adulthood. I feel lucky to have had the opportunity to do my undergraduate schooling as I did, and know that I would not be the person that I am today without that experience.

Stephanie

I have met so many different people, it has shaped me into a more well-rounded person, who is able to udnerstand different cultures and ideas.

Robin

Perhaps one of my favorite things about attending the University of Washington was the variety of options presented to me. There were so many different areas of study, courses, and extracurricular activities, and I enjoyed exploring them and finding the best fit for me. I originally began my undergraduate studies with an interest in engineering and architecture, but in my explorations, found that I was much more passionate about education and thus changed my area of study. I was also able to get involved in the surrounding community through such things as an Alternative Spring Break program, tutoring, seminars and practica, an internship with a campus non-profit, and a Research Assistantship with the Center for Engineering Learning and Teaching. After attending high school and having my schedule largely predetermined for me, the freedom to choose and explore was invigorating. I was able to find my own path, my own passions, and pursue them both in and outside of class. My college experience helped me become excited about my studies and plan a future that I would truly enjoy.

Amanda

I have gained a ton from my college experience. I have been able to broaden my horizons in ways I never thought possible. Not only have I gained copious amounts of knowledge, I have gained valuable tools to have in life. College has given me the opportunity to really determine who I am and who I want to become. When I look at my friends who have made the decision to not go to college, I see where I could be, struggling to make ends meet, with no real hope of a change. I may be struggling to pay the bills now, but I know that in the future, I will have better hope at turning that around than if I was not going to college. Going to collegeis the best decisions I have ever made, and possibly the best decision I ever will make.

Nicole

Of everything I've learned college, I most value the leadership skills I've gained through student-run organizations. At this point, in my senior year, my classes feel largely irrelevant to my education. My involvement with a mentorship program that supports local high schools students from disadvantaged backgrounds through the college application process has given me great opportunities for student leadership. I also started my own advocacy project, and am an officer in three student organizations. These social learning opportunities are primary to my education compared to the classwork and studying I do. By attending a large school, I have learned how to interact with a bureaucracy successfully. I've also learned how to not take no for an answer, but persist and find other people to talk to about what I need. When I wanted to fundraise and coordinate a Homeschoolers at UW Scholarship, it took 4 1/2 months of working with staff members to set up the account. I had to learn how to persist and follow up with people to accomplish what I wanted. This school has given me great opportunities to gain skills that will be useful in my future.

Shaun

I have gotten much out of my college experience so far. Being at the University of Washington has helped me too learn much more about myself. I have learned how to be independent because I have had to do many new things on my own, such as forcing myself to study, managing my time efficiently, and learning how to balance school with other activities. College has also taught me to be a hard worker. In high school I tried my best and in college I feel like I am having to push myself even further to achieve the grades that I want. College has been very valuable because it is teaching me many life lessons, and helping me to grow as a person. I hope that me later ventures in college will help me to grow and learn even more.

Arin

I have learned far beyond the topics covered in my lecture classes--I have learned to appreciate what I am given, the places I come from and travel to, and most importantly I have learned that dreams really can be achieved if you have motivation. I have learned to love learning, and to revel in the feeling of accomplishment after finishing the most difficult assignments. I have learned to balance my time, and to use old skills in new ways to be successful in all areas.