Brandeis University Top Questions

Upon entering college, I feel as if I have opened my eyes to the outside world and received a taste of the "forbidden fruit" from the Garden of Eden. It did not take me long to realize how much I did not know of the world until I met my classmates from all over the globe. I have been exposed to so many ideas of thought and cultures, and to think that I lived my whole life not knowing these ideas and cultures is mind-boggling. Besides receiving an academic education and fulfilling general requirements in different areas of study, I have experienced a taste of life outside my one, in one campus. I believe that this is why it is so valuable to attend college. It is not only for the education that students attend college, but also for the experience of learning about life and becoming more open-minded and understanding to our surroundings. It is a place where we can learn, grow and develop into better individuals of society all the while experimenting and trying new things in a safe and comforting environment. College is a place to take risks and find ourselves in the greater world.

I am attending Brandeis University double-majoring in International & Global Studies and Cultural Music. Following my undergraduate education, I plan to attend Wesley Seminary and receive a dual degree of a Masters of Theological Studies from Wesley Seminary and a Masters of Arts in Peace and Reconciliation Studies from American University. An undergraduate degree in International Studies offers me the opportunity to discover more intensely the interaction of culture, language, religion, history, politics, and economics in world affairs. This knowledge aids my understanding of the dynamic human relationships that unfold both here and abroad. I better grasp the vastness of human diversity as I work towards peace and reconciliation among nations and cultures. A Bachelor’s degree in Music also develops my skills as a musician and my knowledge of indigenous music as I use music as the universal language. A dual Masters degree will enable me to pursue a career in international non-profit agencies of denominational ministries, ecumenical councils, and interfaith organizations. My pursuit of education will continue throughout my life as there are endless books to read, facts to learn, discoveries to make, insights to perceive, and friends to encounter across this globe.

Although I have only spent a semester at Brandeis Unviersity, I am finally understanding that as a student, I can only get what I put into it. The more effort I put into my work, the better and more beneficial the results are. I have learned that there are people out there who are willing to aid each student, faculties, deans, advisors, professors, academic clubs and so much more that are willing to help, if asked! So far, I have learned that sometimes in order to succeed, a first step might have to be asking for help when needed. Also I have learned that we as humans have only one life to live and we should enjoy it, take a risk, do something different, take a class that sounds a bit weird, do not limit yourself just because something is different because in the end, one might end up enjoying it. These lessons also pertain to life, one cannot sit on the sidelines forever or remain in their comfort zone for life, to get the best out of life, we have to go out and live it, and not simply talk about it but experience it.

Everyday I think about how much I enjoy college compared to highschool. At Brandeis everyone is accepting and friends are everywhere. there is always someone to study with and help if you need it. The teachers have doctorates in their fields and are very accessible when you need help. You are treated with respect and everyone follows the honor system. Brandeis is perfect for me because they have both an awesome music program and a huge science program. I play the violin and the private teacher and orchestra have helped me flourish in my talent. The science courses and labs have enabled me to get good grades and all the courses I need to get to graduate school. Brandeis has everything I need.

The college experience has brought me from being an uninformed, rather ignorant, and prejudiced member of American society to, I think, a student who recognizes his own shortcomings and ignorance and who strives to learn, become informed, and to understand or intelligently critique the viewpoints of others. At college, the recognition of my own ignorance has humbled me. At the same time, knowing my own limitations allows me to strive towards goals I didn't previously know existed. Thus, college is both humbling and empowering.

With my college experience, I have found out that even in a new setting, new friends and relationships can be established after high school life. Adding on to this, Brandeis University has offered a wonderful learning environment for me to learn in, with numerous resources for students like me to utilize when needed. These include the library, as well as the career center which help students like me go towards the path they want to pursue. The extracurricular activities that I have joined are exciting and engaging while also meeting new friends. Brandeis University has been valuable to attend since I have been taught by intelligent and friendly professors who want their students to succeed in the future. The diversity that the university has with its professors and the students, only adds on to its already wonderful reputation as a top institution. With all these qualities, Brandeis University has been more than everything a student like me has asked for, and it will only continue to get better as my education continues.

My college career thus far has allowed me explore so much! Foremost, the courses I take enable me to explore the wonderful world of Academics. Each class that I take requires me to study a tremendous amount, but in turn I have gained so much discipline. Next, interacting from my peers has been extremely beneficial. Everyday I am impressed by the intellectual conversations I have with my friends. Lastly, college has allowed me to get to know myself and the person I want to be. I would be so very grateful for this scholarship so that I can continue my education with less debt! Thank you!

My college experience, so far, has been absolutely amazing. The challenging workload, the knowledgeable professors, and the all-embracing atmosphere at Brandeis have all contributed to my love for the school. I think it is a little early to pinpoint a particular aspect that had been the most valuable. However, the kind and extrememly intellegent students and Professors I have met during the first semester have encouraged and motivated me to work harder to achieve my goals.

Although I have changed my major since attending community college, I earned my certified nursing assistant license through the prenursing requisites. This has offered me a lot of working experience, as well as very personal ones because of some of the clients that I've been assigned to work with. I work in home care, so I get to use my personality and compassion to make those that are bed-confined or have had spinal injuries more comfortable in the environment of their own homes. I've learned a lot from their wisdom and stories, and everyone of them has also stressed the importance of continuing with my education and going as far as I can with it. This advice is only a mere part of what is going to push me past my community college experience and receive my four year degree.

I figured out that premed was not for me, and have been able to shift my direction with ease thanks to Brandeis' faculty.