University of Wisconsin-Madison Top Questions

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

Justanjot

If I could go back in time as a high school senior I would tell myself to take more AP and college credit classes. I would say this because I think having those few extra credits from high school would’ve put me a little ahead of my fellow students. Plus, those harder classes would’ve helped me prepare for the hard and fast paced classes at UW-Madison. I feel like I would’ve had a smoother transition from high school to college if I would’ve just challenged myself a little bit more in high school. Another thing that I would tell myself if I could go back in time would be that I should’ve applied for more scholarships and I should’ve started applying for them sooner. When I was in high school I started my scholarship applications pretty late so I missed lots of deadlines or I didn’t have enough to fill out all of the applications that I wanted.

Laura

Step outside of your comfort zone and try new things and meet new people.

Daniel

The advice I would give to myself would be to stay on top of the ball and have fun in college. When you stay on top of the ball, you are in the sense prioritizing yourself so that you can indeed have a good college experience. You can only live college once. Generally speaking, I wasn't the type that always had fun because I was too "business like". Then I realized that the time I will be in college will not be forever, so I wanted to have memorable moments so that I indeed can tell someone what the Wisconsin experience is all about. When it comes down to having fun in college, it doesn't have to mean getting drunk. You can have fun at a party and not have any alcohol. Fun can be going out to eat with some friends, watching movies with floor-mates, or playing a sport that you love.

Jacek

Study hard and see your work through even if it seems impossible.

PaNhia

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to save money and slow down. The first realization I had when coming to college is that it is expensive. I have to pay for housing, books, and food which rounds up to more than five thousand dollars. I would make myself apply for scholarships if I could go back. It is stressful enough as it is now. I'm almost half way through my college year and the unbelievable fact hit me; I miss home. I miss spending nights with my friends, driving around town, and sleeping in. Most of all, I miss my family. I miss talking, laughing, and fighting with them. I would tell myself to stop trying to grow up and live life as it is. When you're in college, no one will tell you that "you shouldn't do this" or "be careful"; you're on your own. I would tell myself to listen to my mom more and to be grateful for her support (not to mention her cooking) and for my crazy yet lovable eight siblings.

Jennifer

Everyone starts college thinking that everything is going to be perfect: straight As, amazing social life, etc. That is as far from reality than it is going to get. As a matter of fact, while the movies make college look like all play, it is actually a lot of work. The best advice I can give is to go into college with a realistic view. If you go in thinking that you are going to conquer the world, you are only going to overwhelm and stress yourself out. Take things one at a time, Rome wasn't built in a day. Set goals and follow them. Make sure to join clubs to make new friends and be social. Don't be intimidated by the large class sizes, sit in the front and pay attention. Go to office hours to get to know professors. And whatever you do, DO NOT stay up too late. Get plenty of sleep or else you will end up looking like a zombie!!

Kiley

It is hard for any first time college student to be completely prepared for one of life's hardest and most abrupt transitions. If I could go back in time to when I was a high school senior and give myself some advice, one valuable lesson I would include is finding the balance between working hard in school and having a fun social life. As a student, the most important thing to remember is that you are attending college to get a degree, and your education should always come first. However, there are a lot of distractions that can get in the way of studying or attending classes. It is exciting to be on a campus full of students your own age and meet thousands of new people from all walks of life. Because of this, at any time of day there are new activities to try and new people to meet. It is important to remember that school work takes precedence over all other activities and if you need to forgo a basketball game for a night of studying, it is a necessary choice. Balancing school with fun will make any college experience successful and rewarding.

Shanna

If I could advise my high school senior self in the ways of college life, I wouldn't need to remind her to work hard and study often. I've always enjoyed and been very good at school. What I struggle with, however, is direction! Fresh out of high school, with so many interests and so many opportunities, I didn't know where to start. I hesitated and lost momentum. If I could tell my high school self anything, I would say pick something and run with it! Don't be afraid of making the wrong choice, or making a mistake. Set a goal and run towards it, you never know where it may take you. The future is always unknown, but that is no excuse to be fearful or timid of it. I've finally chosen my major and I'm determined to reach my goal! What happens after that is all part of the adventure!

Lindsey

I'd tell myself to apply for as many scholarships as possible because anything helps when trying to afford college. Also I'd let myself know that it's better to buy books online and used because the book stores sell them for as much as they can and only buy back if the book is still in use; whereas, you can sell them back online to other people who are in need of the books.

Danielle

If i could go back in time as a high school student and talk to myself then I would tell myself to finish high school instead of taking the GED. I would also tell myself about each college and instead of going through the hassel of transfering credits and changing schools I would stick to Edmonds Community College. I would also tell myself to just relax and ease into college life instead of rushing to make friends, that I need to focus on grades and getting my homework done. Thats the advice I would give myself if I could go back in time and talk to myself.

Laura

"Laura, I know you can't wait to get out of your tiny, overcrowded house but you're going to miss your sisters, and you'll even miss your overprotective parents! Don't be so eager to leave; take the time to enjoy your family's company and remember to call them once in a while. Mom gets really worried about you. Don't try to completely erase your past; reinventing yourself will only make you feel lost. I know you don't believe it yet, but you're pretty and you're smart. You are capable of so much more than you give yourself credit for. Have a little more confidence in yourself and don't be afraid to talk to the cute boy sitting behind you in Psych class. He's a really nice guy. Some days when you'll feel so stressed you'll want to cry, but a late-night excursion to the lake with your friends will make you feel a lot better, I promise. Just trust in God the way you used to and study hard! Oh and don't nap before work. You won't wake up in time for your shift."

Lisa

If I could go back in time and speak to my high school self, I would tell myself to get more involved with and aware of international affairs. I would tell myself to stop caring about what other people think, because in college I would be able to be myself without feeling judged or different. I would ask myself to please not wear that bright blue ugly dress I wore for Junior year prom. I would tell myself to lay-off the late-night pizza freshman year of college. And most importantly, not to worry, because everything will work out and that I will be truly happy and successful at Wisconsin.

Keri

I am very lucky because I loved my college experience. I went from a small private school, to a fairly large public high school, and then to a much larger Big Ten University. I think the best advice I received before I selected my school and transitioned to living out of state was from my AP English teacher. Mrs. Peterson said, “You have to pick a place where you can see yourself.” Whether or not this advice impacted my final decision it was certainly the most memorable and one I have shared with others. I pictured myself on the Wisconsin campus and I could see myself living and learning there. Looking back I would also remind my high school self to take advantages of opportunities. These words of wisdom are not extremely original, but I would remind myself that you never know how the relationships you make will support you in the future. Making friends in the dorms, trying out recreational sports, getting a part time job, and varying studying location with a study partner are all activities which facilitate personal growth and build networks. These networks make a large campus community feel smaller and more connected.

Alyssa

Take more AP classes in high school so I can earn credit for college. It will make the corse load easier. There will be less time spent on general classes, and more time focusing on my major.

Adam

My schedule was filled with AP courses. On some days, I didn't even have lunch. My friends thought I was crazy, but I justified myself by saying "I'm preparing myself for college." Now that I'm in college, I realize that I overworked myself in high school, unnecessarily pushing myself to the extreme limit. Of course, my intensive courseload probably helped me get into my desired university, but it also had a detrimental effect on my GPA - it does not reflect the student I really am. If I were to advise my high-school self, I would say to relax. Instead of finishing my school's entire core cirruculum, I should add some breaks in my schedule to make sure that not only am I taking challenging courses, but I also have enough time to excel in them. Because of my choices in high school, I now qualify to finish my four-year degree in two years. But that's not something you want to do - college isn't a place to pass through as quickly as possible, but a place to realize your true identity and what you want to do for the rest of your life.

Daniel

Looking back at my senior self I would give myself a few pieces of advice. The most crucial bit is to have self responsibility, theres no parents pushing you to go to class or do your work. Going to class was at first the toughest obstacle due to the increase in responsibility. I would most definitley recommend not taking an online math course in my first semester (specifically college level algebra). Overloading your courses and taking core classes and requisites early on in college was not a great choice. It places unnessecary stress on a brand new student. Honestly I didnt really talk to many people about the academic aspects of college so therefore I was unprepared. I should've asked about what classes to take and how to approach my schedule. The last few words of counseling I would tell my past self is to go into the whole experience with an open mind and enjoy the wonderful experience that is college.

Kyle

The most important information that should be given to students leaving high school and entering college, is that the lifestyle is radically different. You enter an extremely different atmosphere that centers around you making all of your own decisions and figuring out your own life. Finances can be very difficult, so remember that too. There is a very large emphesis on making you responsible to attend class, know the material, and receive good grades. Many students aren't held responsible for similar things in high school, and that is much different in college. The caliber of learning and tests are exponentially higher, and you must really make an effort to push yourself to do well and stay on top of everything. I know that I didn't really try in high school, and entering college was a huge wake-up call. Because you are on top of your own lifestyle, it because extremely easy (and temptating) to just slack off to lounge and enjoy your life. College can be an truly helpful and unforgettably amazing experience, but it has to be done right. So remember to enjoy your time, but know that it's not free.

Cody

I didn't have many choices of where to go due to my annxiety and depression. It caused me to go to a community college instead of a four year. Even though I regret not being able to go to a four year college, I think the desicion to go to a two year was excellent finacially. My family isn't really in the position to help pay, since my dad runs his own construction company and my mom is retierd from the U.S. Postal Service. Neither of them attended college and wasn't prepared for the financial investment for my education. Since i'm only in my second semester, I can't say a lot about college. If I had to give myself any advice it would be to go to a community college, then transfer to a well respected university to get my bacholer's degree. Hopefully the path i've chosen is the right one. Only time will tell.

gerena

los estudiantes universitarios necesitamos la trasmicion para poder tener informacion sobre todos los eventos relacionados a la universidad y a los trabajos de la universidad

Miriam

I have learned that what you put into your college experience is what you get out of it. If you choose to take a class solely because it is easy, you will not learn. If you take a class because you love the topic or professor, then that class is the one you will remember when you graduate. Take risks in college, whether it is joining a dance class even though it scare you or answering a question in a four hundred person lecture hall even though you are not sure of the answer. Also, continue activities you did in college, such as sports, writing, or music, because this could help you adjust to a new environment. Most of all, ask questions, because that is when opportunities will arise. Ask the financial aid office for scholarships if you need help; ask your academic advisor about internships in your field; ask your friend how they got into the school's honor society. You must always be your advocate, because no one will until you prove you are worth it.

Scott

I would not really give myself a lot of advise as a high school student. I worked hard in high school and was prepared for college so I am pleased with my preparation.

Hannah

Though it has only been a semester, I feel that I have already gained valuable life experiences through daily interactions with my peers, teaching assistants, and professors. I have learned through classes and my job how to deal with people, how to listen to complaints and take criticism, and how to respond to the thoughts and ideas of others. The classes I have taken so far have opened my eyes to other areas of the world, some of the issues that plague our world today and how they began, and what some of the possibilities for our future are. This university has broadened my worldview, and I've only been here for five months. The list of valuable lessons and experiences to be gained from the UW is endless, and what I have gotten out of my time here is only the beginning.

Murphy

My experience at the University of Wisconsin-Madison has truly changed my life. This past semester, I took classes and met people that have inspired new dreams, challenged old thoughts, and helped me create a new vision for my future. I have learned important study skills and the importance of motivation and dedication. I have learned the power a single voice has in the process of positive change. I have learned the importance of team work. I am more comfortable with myself as well. I entered college lacking self confidence and unsure about my future. Although my path is not set in stone, UW-Madison has given me the tools I need to explore, examine, and understand the many opportunities that await me after graduation. I know that my professors, peers, and advisors believe in me. This is invaluable. I remember visiting UW and knowing the minute I set foot on campus that it was where I belonged. Simply put, it just felt right. Madison is preparing me for a life full of success and happiness and for that it deserves tremendous applause.

Brittany

My college experience has made me become a better aspect to my community. I feel that I'm a part of something bigger by attending college. It has been valuable for me to attend college because I want to succeed in life and I feel that in order to succeed one must be focused on what they want to do. By attending, I am focused on what I want to do and what I want to make myself. Also, I feel that I've gotten more motivated since I've started my college experience. Before I started looking into colleges and enrolled, I wasn't exactly sure if I wanted to go to college, or if I should just find a minimum wage job. College made me realize that I can make a lot of myself and enjoy doing so.

Sarah

My college experience increased my knowledge of several domains of professional fields. My HDFS degree required me to take a lot of courses in unrelated majors in order to sculpt me into a well-rounded professional candidate for whichever career I choose. I think the college experience taught me indepedence, as I was away from my parents for 4 years in my own apartment or the campus dorms.. My experience at UW not only taught me academic skills to enhance my confidence in myself as an adult and professional, but also enhanced my social life; allowing me to make friends that I will keep for a lifetime. Being a student at a Big Ten university has been a memorable opportunity and the campus life is an experience in and of itself. I am proud to be graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and when people ask me where I went to school and whether I will remain tied to this institution, I always say---Badgers are for life!

Arielle

For me, beginning my life at the University of Wisconsin, Madison changed everything. Before Madison, I attended the Convent of the Visitation, an all-girls, private, Catholic, college preparatory institution. I had been there since I was seven years old. I graduated with 77 girls in my class and looked forward to moving on to a class size of over 6,000 students. Madison has greatly broadened my horizons, both academically and socially. I have been able to choose classes that interest me, and I have been challenged in all of them. Additionally, I have probably met more people in the last 4 months than I did all four years of high school. Madison presents so many opportunities for me, and now that I am settled in and adjusted, I cannot wait to take advantage of as many of them as I can.

Rachel

The first few days of college I expected to miss home. I did not. My college did such a great job of transitioning new students to college life. There was a huge variety of welcoming activities and things to do. College has changed my life, and I have become even more independent than I was in high school. Not only am I independent, I am comfortable and actually enjoy the independence greatly. When I do visit home, I cannot wait to go back. I think this is fantastic; my college experience is providing a strong education and also life skills and independence for when it comes time to make my own life after I graduate.

Brittany

I currently attend a community college and plan to transfer to a university within the next year. Though this is my second attempt of going back to school I feel very confident in reaching my goals of one day earning an MBA. My experiences at this stage of my college career have been tumultus yet gratifying at the same time . I find that it's tough going to school full time working full time, and still finding time for family, friends , and myself. I'm sure this is a common feat for most students these days, especially those reinventing themselves after such a hard hitting recession. It may seem a bit cheesy say but time management and stress management have been two very valuable lessons learned in college, and it's nice I didn't have to pay for them or by a book. Life is hard for a lot of people right now, so I am very gratefull to have the oppourtunity to be able to go back to college. I can only hope that as I come across more hurdles in the next coming years, the lessons I learn in college continue to help me to succeed.

Amanda

College is enabling me to be myself. Ever since I was little I have wanted to help people. As an adult, I have continued community service on a part-time basis, but the desire to do something meaningful on a full-time basis continually calls to me. Through much introspection, I have realized that I will be a greater help to my community if I realize my own greatest potentials and contribute accordingly; I now know that my education is key to making it happen. The classes I took at Harper kindled a love for the sciences and scientific inquiry. I have decided that I would like to utilize that scientific knowledge to help the community. I want to aid, comfort and care for the sick and their families. After graduating with my Bachelor’s, my goal is to attend medical school and become a physician . College is enabling me to actualize my fullest potentials and ultimate contribution to society.

Alysha

College has been an exceptional experiance. I have been challenged, I have learn a lot of interesting facts, and I have been given the opportunity to become someone I am proud of. I am thankful for the teachers that have challenged me and helped me learn the information is nessary to continue on and hopefully someday become a successful veterinarian. I am in school for not just a degree, but an education. A lot of people try to get through their classes by using minimal effort: They do just enough to get their degree and move on. However, I am more than happy to be in class to hear the lectures and I love using and practicing my new knowledge and skills on homework and tests. I know it is the education I learn and not just the degree that will one day help me obtain and keep a job that I will be happy with. School is also my favorite place to be. I feel needed when I tutor others, I feel lucky to have an opportunity to go to school, and I feel closer to achieving my future dreams and aspirations with every new year.

Jennifer

I graduated from high school with a class of 51 students. When I came to UW-Madison, one of my first classes consisted of a two-floor, theater style classroom with over 600 students. It was definitely a culture shock. But going to college opened my eyes to see what the world has to offer beyond the comfort of my hometown. It was both refreshing and challenging to be living independently for the first time and to know that, as young adults, no matter where or what we've come from, we're all embarking on this journey together.

Sarah

This school has enabled me to really understand psychological processes and to do research with faculty to learn more about the process behind studying psychology. The school also has one of the top psychology programs in the country, so it has given me a good base to expand to future studies and eventually go to graduate school in order to get my Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. The professors I have met and friends I have made at this school can never be replaced.

Victoria

I think one of the most important lessons that I have gotten out of my college experience was learning that once you are in college as a young adult, you are made accountable for all of your actions. Time management and responsibility are things that all students must learn when they first make it into college. I think learning these lessons has helped me be as productive as I can be and to fully take advantage of the opportunity to attend college. It has been valuable for me to attend college because college has helped me become fully aware of all of my responsibilities and has helped me realize what I need to do to achieve my goal of becoming one of the first doctors in my family.

Hailey

College has opened me up to a variety of new people and experiences that I never thought would be possible in my small Midwestern hometown. I am proud to be among the best and brightest of my peers that recieve their degree from UW-Madison, being aided and inspired by professors who represent new worlds and ways of thinking. The world is not as an oyster falsely impregnated by a grain of sand whose pearl is destined to be merely another on a strand. My world is a book and each page contains experience and knowledge I intend to collect.

Nancy

My degree has been my union card in the workplace.

Maymuna

Being in college has allowed me to come out of my shell and has given me the chance to find my own person. Through meeting new people and working through my college classes I have been able to see my own self worth and have learned that when I put my effort to it I can succed in reaching my goals.

Ashley

I have received so many gifts while attending UW-Madison. I have been able to broaden my horizon on my own goals for my life while understanding how those goals can be integrated into the community. I have become involved in the Schools of Hope Juventud Program here in the Madison, Wisconsin area. This program made a bridge between my personal goals of traveling abroad and becoming a Spanish teacher with helping the community. I tutor sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students who tend to need some help with their English Language skills. I would never would have had this opportunity if it wasn't for the service learning course offered by UW-Madison. The professors, academic advisors, students, and volunteer operators have all assisted me in achieving my goals of learning what I am meant to do with life. If it wasn't for UW-Madison I would still be undecided, wandering around a campus somewhere, wondering what to do with my life. Now I have focus and perspective, along with goals that will benefit both the community and myself.

Clare

At the University of Wisconsin, I discovered who I am. The amount of personal growth I experienced as an undergraduate profoundly changed my identity. When I transferred to UW-Madison as a sophomore, I simply hoped that I would begin to enjoy more academic and social freedom than I had at the small, Catholic college I’d attended my freshman year. Instead, I found my life’s direction. My diverse academic classes pointed me on a path of discovery that introduced me to professors who would become my mentors and to peers from whom I gained inspiration, knowledge and lifelong friendships. My journey even led me to study abroad in Cairo, Egypt, an experience that has forever reshaped my perspective on the world and life itself. Perhaps most importantly, as an undergraduate student I met the man who would become the love of my life. My years as a UW-Madison student taught me to seek out those moments that can change a life. When I started college, I needed to learn how to step forward and take ownership of my life. UW-Madison showed me the way, and that is a lesson for which I am forever grateful.

joshua

My initial impressions of success in college life were purely focused on good grades and getting to know and impress the professors. I could not have been more wrong. Although both are very important, they are only a small part of the college experience. The relationships that I have developed, on this journey to my adult life, are what really have surprised me. I came to this school with a narrow understanding of people and with a small group of friends in tow. Now in my second year of college, I have developed a wide variety of relationships. These relationships vary from very close friends to sports mates, to a self developed prayer study group. A year ago I would never have thought that I would have thrown my relationship net so wide! This is what I now believe the college experience is really about, forming new relationships and making life long connections. And if I am correct, I look forward to a successful completion of my college life and the realization of a transition to my chosen career.

Jessica

I started college because I knew that I wanted a better life for myself and my future family. I needed to know that I could be independent and would be able to take care of my family. College was going to make me a better person. It was hard for me to take college seriously when I first enrolled. I believe this was mostly because I doubted myself and partly because I was still trying to figure out how I was going to survive outside of college. I struggled through it at first and hit a few bumps in the road, but I worked through it and eventually got to a place where I started believing in myself. I figured out better ways to study and manage my time. Feeling like I finally had a purpose in life made all the difference in the world. It changed my approach and my outlook on school. I have been successful in every class since then and am so excited to start the nursing program in two semesters. I can see a light at the end of the tunnel that keeps getting bigger every time I look up. Never give up the dream!

Andrew

So far I have found my college experience to be eye opening and very helpful. In the short amount of time I have been on campus I have learned many things that have helped me to become a well rounded individual.

Laura

In the short month and a half that I have been at college, I have already pulled and stretched myself in ways that I never thought possible. I am living in the Green House, a housing community centered around leading an environmentally friendly existence. I am taking a Japanese language class, and twice a week I attend a Psychology lecture of 350 people. I am becoming more familiar with a beautiful culture, and I have learned how to think in ways that will help me lead a happier life. I also work in a dining hall about three times a week where I make nachos, deliver pizzas, and cashier. I have become more efficient, and I have fun while also earning a little money to pay for my food. Perhaps the scariest thing I've done yet is volunteer for the student radio. I've never been involved with radio before, but I am being trained to be a DJ on my own music show. I am now friends with the soundboard and I can fade in and out of music. I plan to take myself out of my comfort zone even further and maybe even learn how to cook!

qi

Life is regretful without going to college. From elementary school to high school, we are still like birds in the nest. We still follow adults' wish, we still accept elders' protection, we have not open our wings to really fly by ourselves. But college is like the first time when we stand on the edge of the nest: we look up to the sky to see its wideness, we also look down to be aware of the dangers. We are luckier than birds, we have a process named college, where we can prepare ourselves before we really going into the society. In college, I took many science , math and engineering classes, they have been enjoyable and helpful, providing me better preparative for career in engineering. Also, because I have done many labs with different partners, I found out that good teamwork is the key to success, to build a good teamwork, friendship is the base. Studying in college is different from high school. Unlike high school, professors are not supervisors anymore, they just hand out the assignments, then you are on your own. So self-supervision is another important thing I learned. I believe I benefit a lot from college.

Han

I've only been in this campus for about a month so far. However, I can already find myself being so attached to this school for the reason that there is just so much things I know that I will not be able to experience at other colleges. I've already been exposed to a learning environment that is very challenging but yet, exciting as well as to all these numerous opportunities to be a part of extracurricular activities such as kendo, fencing, drumming, and ethnic clubs in which I can explore.

Walter

Out of my college experience, I have gotten many things that will benefit me through out my life. To name just a few, I learned that my view of things were different from other people's point of views. Entering a prodominately White college from a prodominately Black high school, my view was only based on where I came from, so I had to learn to be submissive and passive to other people and how they view different things. I had to begin listening and learning from others before I opened my mouth and said what I thought and how I viewed it. I also learned how to be independent and make independent decisions that was vital to my college experience and my life. College has been valuable to attend because it gives you a chance to learn how to prioritize and take care of your business. It also gives you the prespective of how the real world will be after college. while in college, it's slight different because you focus more on yourself than others most of the time, however, when entering into the real world, it's about how well you work well with others.

Patricia

The University of Wisconsin-Madison has opened my eyes and my mind. Here I have made friends from across the world, am taking classes that interest me and do not only fulfill requirements, and have been given the opportunity to study abroad. I have been taught by leading researchers, published authors, and the most caring and interesting faculty any school would be honored to host. Every semester I am inspired to take on new tasks, challenge myself and others, and to, most importantly, learn. Though Madison is challenging, I enjoy what I am learning and am encouraged to be creative in even the most traditional subjects. Thus far I have gotten a well rounded, inspiring eduaction, I have grown personaly and academically, and have cheered on the best sports teams in the Big Ten in sold-out stadiums!

Ross

I have experienced the chance to live on my own and feel what it is like to support myself. My parents help me when they can but I am basically responsible for myself. I work part-time and go to school full-time which has been a good balance. I have plenty of time for studying and hanging out with friends. Madison, Wisconsin is a beautiful city to live in and I've enjoyed going to college there.

Elizabeth

Great thinkers postulate that people learn best in defeat, finding success only after a thorough grounding in failure; by attending college, I found this to be true. Our Creator Yah endows everyone with at least one Gift from broad spectrums of potentialities. Over time, with favorable circumstance and intent, we each may hone and perfect our Gifts, perhaps earning some other(s). Ideally, the microcosmic environment of academia provides controlled atmospheres in which to intimately familiarize oneself with both one?s own Given wings and the winds upon which they soar. Testing theories and practices, embarking upon flights of imagination and supposition, trying the outermost limits of tangible reality, probing the depths of conjecture and faith, all of us fail repeatedly and often miserably. Yet in failing, we fall back down to begin again until finally, transcending the mere ignominious lucidity of failure, we begin to realize the image and likeness of our Creator. There we find our individual answers, strengths, contributions and destinies. Attending college enabled me to see, if only for one brief, infinitesimal moment, through the prism of unfettered experience and witness the true potential of humanity as the Omniscient sees it; I am improved forever thereby.

Katie

I haven't yet been able to attend college, due to financial difficulties in my family. However, my college preparation itself has been a huge learning experience. I never realized how much patience it would take! I've researched countless scholarships, filling out any application I've been eligible for, and submitted my FAFSA every year, only to watch my friends leave for college, leaving me behind, the only one unable to reach her dreams. However, I'm still trying, still working toward my goals. Someday I will be able to go to college, to finish my education, to start a life for myself and my future family. And when I get there, I'll have the satisfaction of knowing that I did everything possible to help myself reach that dream.

Jamie

What I've gotten out of my college experience was that nothing in life is easy, nobody's going to hand you your degree, work must be done or otherwise you pay. It has been vaulable to attend because I discovered you can fnd good friends; they may be completely different from you but you love them just the same.