Villanova University Top Questions

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

Michael

Hey, high school self, It's me: you in seven years. I blame you for these prematurely grey hairs. Remember last year, when you let that girl in computer class do every keystroking assignment for you? Well, you're 24 now and the only Marine Corps officer on base who still "hunts and pecks" to type, so knock it off. In college and the real world, you have to take responsibility for yourself. You know how you think it's funny to sleep in class, because when the teacher calls on you, you still know the answer? That doesn't work in college. It was enough to just "be smart" in high school. In college, though, everyone is smart--much smarter than you, usually. Keep your eyes wide open. Your professors are brilliant and have so much to offer you, so you should never stop taking notes. And when it comes down to twenty more minutes of studying or twenty more minutes of videogaming, make the right choice. It's our future we're talking about, here. Oh, and break up with your high school girlfriend. I just married the love of our life. You'll meet her next year.

Hee Jae

Work your hardest, and when you think that nothing is going your way, your efforts will eventually be paid off. Your hard work will make your transition to college so much easier.

Kala

Ring, Ring…Ring, Ring…“Hello, Kala speaking." “Hi Kala, this is Kala, calling from the future.”"It’s so nice to hear from you. What’s going on in the future?”“Well, you're a freshman at Villanova University, and midterms are this week. It’s been hectic around here to say the least.”“I’m already at midterms? Time goes by so fast... Well what have I been up to so far? Making the most of my college experience I hope."“See that's why I'm calling. I wanted to offer some advice because college hasn't exactly turned out the way you planned. Firstly, don’t stay in the room so much. Go out and explore the world around you. College is a time to expand your mind and take advantage of all there is to see. Secondly, study! School is important, and the work you did in high school isn’t going to be enough to get you by. Lastly, have fun. Bask in the memories that you make because you can’t get these four years back.”“Wow thanks so much, I’ll definitely remember that!”“Please do, and remember, "GO CATS!"

Christine

Christine, First off, you should be pretty happy because your future self successfully figured out how to travel through space and time. And instead of doing amazing things like searching the universe for Doctor Who with my newfound ability, I've come to talk with you instead. What is so important that I felt the need to visit myself right when you are about to graduate high school? Well, this is what you need to know: everything will be fine. Well, maybe fine isn't the right word; your life is going to take you amazing places, through so many bends and ups and downs and leaps and bounds. And I want you to ride through all of it with a smile on your face. College is going to be difficult, but you will do incredibly well and land a job on your first interview. But you'll also be let go from that first job. Don't ever lose that smile from your face. Everything that will happen to you will lead you on the path you will come to love, to a job you love and in the city that you love. Allons-y!

Veronica

My advice would be "take a break!" I pushed myself to go to college because it was the natural next step after high school, despite the fact that I had absolutely no idea what I wanted to do, nor was I motivated to make that kind of decision. I didn't think that there was an option other than college, so I forced myself to go. Three and a half aimless years later, I said, "Enough," and have spent the past ten years figuring out what it was I actually wanted to do with my life, and also paying off the tremendous amount of debt I accumulated by going to college full-time. I would've been much better off dealing with the stigma of "not being in college" for a year or two (...or three) vs. being a college dropout and finding myself at 32. If you're not ready, it's okay!

Holly

Holly, There is so much that you have yet to discover about yourself. During your most challenging moments, you begin to understand the strengths that exist within you. Reflecting back on this first incredible year of college, my greatest piece of advice would be to take risks. Have faith that the moments making up your life unfold as they are meant to. Face the day not only with an open mind, but a humble heart and spirit of adventure. I will not tell you that this first year will be easy. In fact, some of your darkest struggles pass over during this time, but trust that they will pass, and that you are better because of it. Be gentle with yourself: patient and kind, but continue to work hard as you always have. You fight yourself more than you realize; you worry about things out of your control. Focus on cultivating a new home here. Do something that scares you each day: introduce yourself on a whim, seek out meaningful conversation. In change you will discover more growth than you could have hoped for. Loving yourself starts with knowing yourself. So go ignite that invincible summer within you.

Nkechi

Nkechi, you cant impress everybody no matter how hard you try, so just try to make yourself happy. Not everyone is going to like you but that's okay, for the ones that do, hold on the them and cherish them. Please don't be afraid to say "no" even if it means it cause disappointment to someone sometimes you have to be selfish and live for you. You're smart and strong, keep smiling, you'll get by. P.s DO NOT TAKE THE CRIMINAL CHEM COURSE

adrienne

If I could go back in time to talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell me to educate myself on things pertaining to college and job searching. I would do this becasue nobody can really prepare you for the real world because it is so unpredictable. Before the economy became like it is now I wanted to be an architect. Now, there is speculation that architecture is declining in importance. I think that I would tell myself to really think about what I want to do, I mean really think. Life can be so great, but it is up to you to make it that way. If you go into college knowing what you want to study and what type of job you want then make it happen. Study hard, stay up late-you have my permission, join study groups, go to career fairs, network and most importantly understand that it will not be easy. But I believe in you, you will be great some day.

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Roshun

Some advice I would give myself is to let my instinct have more an impact on my application process. For example, I should not just look at colleges from a purely academic and career standpoint. Rather I would tell myself to visit the colleges I'm applying to and really see if I fit in with goals and messages of the University. Another piece of advice I would provide would be in regards to the stress of applying to colleges and waiting for decisions. Evidently, at this point in time, I feel that I not only picked the right college, but I was bound to end up here all along. Thus, I would explain to my high school senior counterpart that it is important to work hard on applications, but then after they are submitted my job is not to stress, but instead figure out which college I would truly like to attend. Overall, my main message would be that almost everyone ends up in the college they are supposed to be at.

Matraisa

I would make sure, when I took college credits in high school, I took them more seriously. Also, I would get into a better study and sleep habit. You still need to have fun in high school/college, but going out should not affect your grades. College, so far, is a wonderful experience.

Jennifer

Looking back, I wish that I had told my high school self to focus more about the general feeling of a school rather than its academic offerings. Of the schools I was choosing from, all were sound academically, but you really have to focus on where you feel most comfortable. This is important because it allows you to flourish as a person by getting involved in things you are interested in and feeling at home in your environment.

Nicholas

If I could give myself any advice, it would be to make every attempt to get to know your school and your career options better. I was never one to put myself in the spotlight, and now, years down the road I wish that I had. I feel that being in a fraternity helps students to connect and to feel like they are a part of the community. I would also have spent more time applying for scholarships and aid, to avoid the mountain debt of student loans. More than anything else, I would encourage myself to research my strangths in order to better plan for my degree. I changed majors twice before I realized what I wanted out of college. By that point, I was already at the end of a degree program. Had I researched my strengths better, I might have found what a caring and logical individual I was, and how that could translate into a rewarding career in nursing, which is my current endeavour. Had I come to this conclusion, I would be done school by now, and already established in my career, taking on the next challenge in my life.

Maryssa

College is a wonderful experience that allows a person to further their knowledge and allow for a better future; it provides more opportunities unattainable by those who have not yet furthered their educational career. If I could go back and advise my younger self, I would be very adament about staying on track and managing my time wisely. It is so easy to get behind when you think that you have all the time in the world to get your essay finished, so you decide to do something fun first. Classes should be your first priority, not your second, or your last. Another major issue is studying; it is a must. I never liked studying in high school and I don't exactly enjoy it now, but it is way more important that I study from now on. Assembling study groups is one way to make it a little more fun and interesting. College isn't impossible, but it must be challenging, otherwise everyone would do it.

Karla

I learned and grew so much during my first year of college, and I definitely have some important things to tell my high school senior self. Firstly, I would tell her that engineering is not for us. I went into college as an engineering major and dreaded going to those classes. I spent the second semester exploring different subjects and classes and finally found what I was meant to be. So I would tell her that our true passion was biology and physical therapy. If I had know this coming out of high school I wouldn’t be starting my college major a year behind. Also I would tell myself to keep on applying for scholarships throughout the year. I had a lot of private scholarships coming out of high school so my first year was covered, but this year I am struggling to cover my tuition. Those two pointers would have made a world of difference and directed me in the right direction.

felix

Seek the advice of financial counsel and academic advisors for paying for classes and scheduling classes respectively.

Jennifer

I would tell myself not to get overwhelmed by taking more than I can handle. When I first got out of High School, I would sign up for full time semester and have the best intentions, but I, unlike many of my friends had to work full time to support myself. I ended up dropping many classes and couldn’t handle a full load. It became frustrating and made me feel I wasn't capable of college. Now that I am older, I am doing fantastic in school, working, and going to school full time. School can be for everyone and is essential in today’s world, but some people handle it better at different points in their lives. I would tell myself to stay focused on my goals and dreams and they will indeed be reached. I would also educate myself on all the help that is made available on campus. I never realized how much support is officered. Everyone is more than capable of becoming a successful student, but being a new student can be overwhelming. I would tell myself to take one step at a time and seek help when needed.

Christopher

If I could talk to myself as a high school senior, I would make sure I was aware at that point of the financial difficulties college might pose for me. Two years into my college experience, my parents have called on me to pay for part of my Villanova tuition. This demand is not unreasonable, but when I hold two jobs and yet make less per month than the $375 my father is asking, it's more than I can deal with. Perhaps I should have chosen a different college, knowing how much tuition would cost. Thus, if I could talk to my high school self, I would encourage myself to think seriously about how much school costs and make sure the school I chose was worth that financial burden: if I had done so, perhaps I would not have that question dangling above my head now, when it's rather too late to do anything about the answer.

Jeshipio

Hey Jeshipio. Don't apply to the far away, state universities. It isn't your thing and you're not actually going to go even if you got in. Don't mess around and actually take an AP class or two and take the test. Trust me. It's a big deal. Don't just mess around in class. Try to retain some of that information. It will help. Apply to the small schools. You like the small class sizes and one on one you get with the teachers. Oh, and most importantly, relax. You got into college.

Jennifer

There are so many things I would tell myself if I had the opportunity to go back in time. As a high school senior, I would tell myself to pay attention in class and that no, I won't use algebra over the next 15 years of my life but pay attention anyway because it's still important. I would tell myself that college is vital and continuing my education will make a real difference in my life and help me achieve goals that I will want to achieve. Alongside these words I would also make sure that my younger self is aware that I don't have to know right there and then what I want to do with my life because this will change so many times over the years but that what I do need to know is who I am and what I stand for. I would emphasize that college will help me learn this and it may be one of the most important things I ever need to know. Having fun is definitely part of life but knowing who I am going to be and learning who I want to be will last longer.

candace

I am in a unique position of being an older student returning to college. I would tell my high school self to pay attention to how what you learn builds upon itself. Every piece of knowledge you gain are building blocks to who you want to be. Classes are important in shaping who you are and are the steps to success. Soak up the knowledge you gain from campus life and your academic life. The structure of college life and the relationships you develop are valuable tools to creating balance in your life. College is where you give yourself the best start for your career and the quality of life you can provide yourself after college. This is where you grow the most in life in the shortest amount of time. These years go fast and you have to make the most of them and keep making goals and achieving them. Your goal was to get into college, now it should be to finish with grades that make you proud and open new doors to opportunities that can give you all you want for yourself in the future. It is your time to be bold, be brave and be willing.

Kathleen

My suggestion for freshmen is to put yourself out there. Regardless of if you were the person to ask people to hang out in high school, be that person now. Everyone is in the same situation as you - no one knows anyone. You're all trying to make new friends now. Be proactive. After orientation ended, I'd continue to text the people in my group to ask them to hang out. A simple "Hey! We're all meeting for lunch at 1:30 in the quad. Wanna join?" Everyone is waiting for that text, and everyone will be happy that you sent it. As a senior, those people I texted to meet up for lunch are some of my best friends (one of them is now my boyfriend!). Regardless of what school you go to, you have to put yourself out there, and it'll pay off in the end.

AlAN

I would tell myself to stay on track. Make your advisors your frieands and study as much as possible now so it's easyer in the future.

Allison

Dear Allison, Now that you are a high school senior, there are some things that you should know about college. You should never feel like you need to be someone else in order to fit in. In college, everyone is very open-minded to all different personalities. If you just be yourself, you can find friends who will respect you for who you are. Don't be afraid to be involved on campus. It might seem intimidating at first but you need to push yourself and join as many activities as you can - not just groups that you know your friends are joining. Also, make sure that you explore everything that college has to offer, even things off campus. Take advantage of going into the city and going to as many cultural events that you can. You have so many resources that you can use to your advantage. Never be afraid to approach a professor. Even if you are not having a specific problem in class, you should try and get to know your professors outside of the classroom. Everyone on campus is very warm and friendly and they want you to succeed.

andrea

I would tell myself not to listen to the english teacher who said "go get another teacher or i will fail you", instead i would have gotten a different teacher insted of dropping oout. i wouldnt have waited 12 years to go to school. i would already have my degree and be working.

Jenna

Get involved more. Making the right friends is difficult but the way to do it is to get involved. It takes time so do not be discouraged. Also, it's okay to let go to the family and friends back at home but they will always be there for support and comfort. Something very important and something I should have let go of earlier so the transition would have been easier. Also, as a high school senior, I would have told myself not to applied to so many schools, it definitely makes the decision harder!

Patrick

I would tell myself to be enthusiastic about starting school and get the most out of your experience Be open to new ideas and make sure you start from day 1 in understanding how to study and the importance of time management.

Francoise

Through my college studies thus far, I have gained a plethora of qualities that have morphed me into a better individual and student. My studies at Valencia Community College have allowed me acquire new knowledge and skills that will aid me in becoming a Cardiologist in the future. As an active volunteer at my college, I have further gained the understanding of caring and giving back to others in need through volunteering. Also, college has gratefully allowed me to discover that I can achieve anything possible. For example, through a Valencia Volunteers at my college, my love for giving back to my community was reinforced when I volunteered at the Orlando Ronald McDonald house! Moving along, I greatly enjoy taking challenging courses that allow me to push myself beyond my limits. I find that I perform better with my studies when I am faced with a challenge. Furthermore, working with other students has granted me the opportunity to learn new things, as well as share my knowledge with others. Ultimately, I have learned that determination and hard work has allowed me to excel well with my studies.

Jaime

Through attending college I have firmly established my independence and have been able to prove to myself that I am capable of making it on my own. I have taken advantage of every opportunity extened to me: joining clubs, attending business events with potential employers, and supporting my athletic teams. My favorite activity so far has been volunteering with inner-city kids in an after school program, it really makes me aware of how much I can give back through spending my time with others. I have also taken as many classes as possible to get the most out of my education and have discovered interests in new courses like Japanese. I know where my passion lies and college has given me the chance to explore it. College has also taught me the valuable lesson of managing my own finances. It can be difficult to start college away from home and with people you don't know, but all of my experiences have helped me and have shaped me into a better person.

Ciara

I have learned about many different things through the strong core curriculum of the school. I am exposed to many different topics and subjects. My experience is valuable because I am constantly learning about myself, God, and the community. My learning and my religion have intertwined in this community.

Andrew

Perspective is a crucial and definable term in both the literal and metaphorical sense. For instance, it visual topics, it can literally mean the way your eye sees object. In cognitive topics, it can mean either a "point of view" or simply wisdom. No matter what the regard, though, perspective has undoubtedly been the most valuable thing I have gained from my college experience. Perspective, in the way I mean, is not only one's view of the things around him, but his outlook on what is truly important in life. My college experience has allowed me to experience a regression in perspective, as many college freshmen experience when surrounded by new people and given independence for the first time. More importantly, it has afforded me the opportunity not only to eliminate such regressions, but to replace them with positive priorities and outlooks gained from the lessons learned from my professors, peers, and others I have encountered. Regardless of the arena of these perspective alterations, the constant throughout has been the presence of remarkable people from a variety of backgrounds and ideologies. Without my college experience, I would not have met these people and learned to appreciate differences in perspective.

Amie

I am in my second semester as a freshman undergraduate at Villanova University. Attending college has given me the opportunity to leave my comfort zone behind and experience new things. I am learning a lot about myself as a person and also learning a lot about other people as friends and peers. College is so valuable because it is an experience unique to every individual. Everyone will have a different take on it. But whether the experience is good, bad, or indifferent, everyone will get something out of it.

Olivia

When I left for college, I was anxiety-ridden and fearful. To say I was apprehensive about my college decision would be an understatement. I grieved for the friends I left behind. However, in just a few short months, Villanova has become a second home. The students are friendly and out-going, which really helped me come out of my depressed shell. The teachers are warm and encouraging, which helped to ease my nervous mind on my first day of classes. The overall atmosphere, as well as the many brilliant people I have come in contact with, has inspired me to make the best out of my college situation. I feel motivated to go to class because I know that each day I will learn something new and--most importantly--valuable and relevant to my life. I know the experiences I am having now will be some of the greatest memories I will ever make, and for that reason alone, I value Villanova.

Cicily

Through my college experience I have been able to not only witness a broad range of possibilities but further actively partcipate and even acknowledge the vast world that I would have been blind to had I not decided to go. College has afforded me the opportunity to seriously reflect and affirm how I, as a citizen in society, will be able to change the world. In our generation, it is often simple to follow the set standard of requirements, barely taking interest in the subject at hand and hardly stopping to think about the potential impact that what we learn can have solid implications in the lives of others. In many ways, my college experience has helped me to realize that justice and charity are not the same thing, that one must seek to understand before being understood, and that sincere service to others is the most effective way to make a difference. These are priceless lessons I've learned from the assortment of service trips and cultural seminars that I've been able to attend at college and these lessons require an energy that only comes with the collaboration of enthusiastic professors, supportive peers, and an enriching environment .

James

My experience at Villanova University has been a great one for me. Coming from a secular background it has been interesting to attend a catholic school as it has immersed me in something with which I had little experience through my high school years. The faculty at Villanova are great and my classes have exposed me to new academic pursuits while maintaining an emphasis on the values of the university. I have made a wonderful group of friends and while I wish there was more going on on campus during the weekends I have enjoyed a very rewarding social life in my time at Villanova. I am excited to continue my education as I pursue degrees in both English and Secondary Education. I have no doubt that Villanova will prepare me well and guide me toward success after graduation as I continue to be very happy with the choice I made to attend.

Maria

Through my college experience overall has helped me decide my future, learn a variety of subjects, interested me into jewelery making, and do ing more on my own. Going to college is very important to me it is fun to learn different subjects, but it also has prepared me for the future.

Alexandra

Through the college of engineering, I have learned how important it is to be able to work with other people. Whereas in high school, I could complete my work on my own, but now I need help from my fellow students. I have learned how important it is to make a strong individual effort on my own first on the assigned work so I have something to contribute to group study sessions. No one wants to work with a student who shows up to study sessions expecting to recieve all the answers but have not made an effort first on his or her own. Learning to be a team player and making sure that one always comes to the table with something valuable to contribute.

Dallas

I have learned so much in college. While I was attending Lake Region State Collge I was active in Delta Epsilon Chi, now called Collegient DECA. While in Delta I fundraised the most money out of every one in the club, and worked nonstop to make sure we were able to go to New York City for conferences and Louisville Kentucky for competition. I went around the college promoting Delta to a variety of different classes. I also made an advertising campaign from scratch. I won second at state with that campaign and went to nationals in Louisville Kentucky, were I competed against other college students from all over the world. I am currently trying to get a Collegient DECA established at my current college Mayville State University in Mayville, ND. If it wasn't for my two years at Lake Region State College I would have never have been able meet so many wonderful people or my mentor who has tought me so many things over the past two and a half years. With this scholarship I will be able to keep attending school and be able to afford it without having to work seven days a week.

Steven

In attending college I has not only recieved an education in engineering, but I also have learned a lot about myself. Being at school, on your own, really gives you a lot of time to learn about yourself and become more responsible. There are a lot of different beliefs that people have here, so I have learned a lot about other people's belief. I think this is valuable because it has broadened my horizon and views regarding a lot of issues. These things that I learned are not things that can be learned in a classroom, but they are learned through experience and this college experience has taught me a lot.

Sabrina

Attending Villanova University has changed my life in more ways than I would have imagined. As an undergraduate student at Villanova I have met people that are truly inspiring. My professors are researchers and scientists that are working on innovative technology and while talking to them one would never be able to guess . I am constantly surrounded by people that actually care for my future and are here to help me achieve my goals which i find to be a positive aspect about this school. The support at Villanova is endless and after exhausting all of their resources there is no doubt that one will be left more than satisfied. At Villanova, professors become mentors and friends and its truly invigorating to have such a positive relationship with the faculty and staff at this school. The people I have become friends with at Villanova also speaks measures of what types of people Villanova accept. Some of the people I have had the honor of meeting have some of the biggest hearts I have seen. Attending Villanova has taught me how to open my heart and mind to the different possibilities around me. It is a lesson that cannot be forgotten.

shannon

my college experience has been great. as someone who slacked off in high school, it really made me realize that my education is in my hands and im the only person who can make it go where i want it to and that i have to actually work to get there. not only have i learned to take responsibility for my life, but i have been molded into someone who has higher standards for my life compared to those i know who didnt go to college. as an end result, i recieved an associates of arts and associates of science degrees in 2010, and i am moving on to a future in respiratory therapy. also, i have learned a lot about who i am. i have become a well rounded, responsible, motivated, enthusiastic person who is very happy with the decisions i have made and my future is looking very bright. that alone is what made my experience valuable.

Cassandre

Thus far my college experience has taught me many valuable life lessons, in and out of the classroom. In class, I have already found a deep love for the subject of economics and cannot get enough of it. I have found that no matter what setting I remain terrible at calculus. And I have finally been able to pursue reading books after books each week which are actually enjoyable and relate to life. Outside of the classroom, I have lived in a small tight-knit dorm which has taught me to respect others and really open up to those around me. Adjusting to a new city, a new environment, was difficult but this community has helped me flourish and understand many important qualities of growing up.

Angeline

The college I am attending (Full Sail University - Online) is providing me with not only the knowledge I will need to go into the video game industry, but I am also learning about (1) art in general and how I can be a better artist, and (2) what will be expected of me in the professional world. The school consistently pushes how to be professional in the field you are in, and what the industry will be expecting of you. It isn't just about shoveling the knowledge into your head and sending you on your way, the are actually preparing you for your career. That level of dedication and helpfulness isn't something I see often in educational spheres, and I'm lucky to have chosen such a school to help secure my future.

Abigail

My college expirience has so far been a great oppertunity for me to become more educated and grow as a person. Taking classes to challenge myself, and learn more about subjects i would have never considered if not given the oppertunity. Its been valuable for me to attend college because i have learned how to focus on my school and balance my life along with it. Meeting many new people and hearing their veiws on world events or local events going on, is also a great learning expirience, and has helped me to expand my ideas. College has been very benificial in many ways, and i am so thankful i have made it this far.

Cindy

After attending the orientation at San Jose State University, it still didn't strike me that I was now a college student. I had signed up for my classes and left with a good impression of San Jose State University. I was excited and ready to begin a new chapter of my life. I was notified that I won't be able to attend and I was devastated. I didn't know what to do and since I had already moved to a nearby area. I quickly brushed that burden off and applied for a nearby community college. I crashed classes and attended as much seminars as I could to satisfy being a full-time student. Now second semester is beginning and I am taking seventeen units to be able to transfer within the two years. At Chabot College, their reputation is students transfering at four to five years, and I want to beat that. I learned that college is all about dedication and I love that challenge I have received because, now it makes my college experience a new learning experience on how to view things as if it could've been worse. But so far, its the best.

Line

I grew up and it only took four years. Years of different classes and new people. People of various creed, color, and orientation. That day should have been a dead give-away. To run Away from here and not look back Cause I’ve never felt so conscious of being black, Or not white? Bright? Light enough to be noticed. I grew up and it only took four years. So what if I’m a little more tanned? So what if I love God but don’t prove it? So what because I grew up but it took four years too long. Too long to understand the world isn’t fair. At least Fair enough to those whose skin it matches. Matches aflame to the cold welcome of Life. Life means nothing then when you are obsolete. Incomplete because your world treats you so. Then there it goes. Might as well give up now. Now that you realize it just doesn’t matter. Matter to anyone but yourself. It might have taken me four years, but I know this. One Self to love and I love myself. A four year lesson in the making, a lifetime lesson for the taking.

Rachel

Due to various circumstances, I never had the opportunity to attend college. I convinced myself that a degree was "just a piece of paper", and got used to working two jobs. Eventually I put myself through a very expensive 5 week course in Finance and Insurance Management, and worked as a Finance Manager until the economy swept away my job in 2008. Although I was making a lot of money, and I could have gone to another dealership, I despised the corrupt nature of the job. So, at 34, I decided to go back to school. In January, 2009 I began attending a community college, and surprised myself by earning a 4.0 that semester. I have maintained that 4.0 and I now have one more semester to complete before earning my Associates Degree in Business. I realise that I was not entirely wrong in my previous judgment on education, but you get out of it what you put in. Anything worth doing requires some effort, but I found that I actually enjoy many classes. Also, I discovered that so many pieces of previous education, and life, fell into place. My goal now...Forensic Accounting ! Education is enlightenment.

Amanda

Going into college, I was stepping out of my comfort zone. New faces, new classes, and a new environment were factors I haven't experienced since I entered high school. I was afraid of not making friends, clinging too much onto my old ones, and drowning in the workload. I worried most of the summer, and once in my dorm, I worried some more. Suddenly, there was a knock at my door. I opened it, and a girl introduced herself, saying she lived next door and was looking for my roommate. I replied that I didn't know where she was. I suddenly felt outgoing, and asked the girl if she wanted to walk around campus. As the weeks passed by, that girl became one of my best friends. Though college can be tough, either academically or personally, I have come to believe that everything works itself out. I still worry, but then I try to remember that first day, and how quickly I made a friend. From one friend at college, I made more. From those friends, I had support. From their support, I built confidence in myself. It is with this confidence that I can achieve anything.

Elizabeth

College so far is flying by. This experience is something I want to savor because I can already tell that these are truly going to be the best years of my life. I suppose I would say that I have learned to just get my work done so that I can focus on other things I enjoy. Get involved! I've met so many interesting people with interesting perspectives that have helped me to grow. Living away from home has taught me that I can survive, I can take care of myself. I know now what I'm capable of and what my limits are.

Jon

This is a question that can't be precisely answered in words, so I'll see if I can lay out the closest idea to my thoughts regarding the question. While I could think back to each of my classes and think of some theory that I've learned from it, there is so much more that I've become. I feel that it is very difficult to explain my growth in terms of maturity and readiness for life after college, but I can at least conceptualize what my life will be like thanks to my development as a student and person of Villanova University. In the grand scheme of things, anyone can regurgitate information, but practically applying what I've learned is what I'll carry on. While this could be the case at any university, the value of a secondary education at Villanova is high in that regard (which I suppose it should be based on the tuition). They tell us at freshmen orientation that Villanova transforms hearts and minds, and in some way they do- it becomes the duty of the graduates to live the transformation.