Brigham Young University-Provo Top Questions

Going to college allowed me to really discover who I was. It sounds completely cliche, I know, however, attending Brigham Young University helped me to really set my own standards and without my parents there, dictating many of my actions and responses, I was able to discover my own opinion and my own true state of mind, my own state of being, and my own set of values. I have learned more of what I want out of life and been able to discover those things that will truly make me happy long-term. Not only has the secular learning been incredible, but learning about religion, including the current social and economical problems and issues facing the United States today has really helped me form my own opinions; something I could not have done at home. Attending BYU has been the best decision I've made, and the knowledge and experience I have gained from attending has aided me in my work ethic, family, and work life as well as in my own personal growth.

I came away from college with a friend and with job experience. Yes, I received a good education and I could write at length about the value of a liberal arts education, but I think the value is obvious and inherent even to opponents. I developed critical thinking and research skills that will benefit me in whatever I do. Beyond interesting classes, long papers and engaging professors, though, I value most the discovery of a passion and a career path and the professional experience, training to make that path a truly viable one, and a best friend who taught me to be independent, honest and loyal. I suppose one can find a job and a friend anywhere, but it was only at this university that I found the job of my dreams with supportive mentors to encourage me, and only at this university that I could share the struggles and joys that would bond me to another person for life. I will always respect the university and the learning I gained in the class, but it is where and to whom I went when class was over that I will always truly value.

I have learned a lot about what I am capable of doing. This school has forced me to find what I am good at, and what I need to work harder at. Getting a college education, is not just about geting good grades, it is about growing and becoming better human beings. The relationships that I have gained here are the greatest part of my experiences.

What I have gotten out of my college experience is learning about diversity. I have come to realize better that life is about living in diversity. Learning how to embrace diversity! Diversity makes the world go round. If we were all the same life would be boring, but I also know that diversity sometimes causes contention if not dealt with wisely. As a future teacher I know my classroom is going to be diverse. I want to help create a community where everyone feels comfortable and where everyone can be successful and reach their highest potential. Learning more about diversity has been one of the most valuable tools I have recieved by attending college here at BYUH.

I have learned so much about my limits and my capacity through attending college. I am more readily familiar with my interests and strengths. I can work well under pressure and exceeded the expectations I placed on myself. Furthering my education has deepened my experiences, and broadened my possibilities.

I have gotten a lot out of college, like knowing that it's not as hard as everyone tells you its going to be and it also had made me more responsible. I also know that I have become a better writer and know that everything I do I will have to write papers or something, one way or another. I have made many friend and people that are majoring in the same field. College has also pushed me to wanting to finish school so I can go out and get the dream job that I have always wanted to have. College has been very valuable to attend for me because I'm getting to further my education and become a better person and a role model to someone that looks up to me.

My education has been valuable in more than the facts I have learned. I have also learned the kind of person I want to be. One of my teachers told be something he heard as a student. His teacher said that there are very few great professionals out there and a whole lot of mediocre ones. I want to be one of the great ones. I want to care about what I do and put my heart in it. I want to be trusted and respected for my dedication in whatever I do. As I have moed away from being achild and living with my parents to becoming an adult out on my own I have had to make decisions about who I want to be. My university has given me the basis for making those decisions. I signed an honor code that requires me to uphold some standards in all situations. Sometimes it has been hard but I have had to hold to that commitment that I made. That is who I want to be.

Don't stress about the future, just don't waste the time that you have in highschool. There are great opportunities in highschool like sports teams, clubs, student government, and internships, take advantage of them and enjoy them. Those will be opportunities that you will never have again and they will prepare you for the future. Take time to prepare for the ACT and dont screw it up because it will help you get accepted into universities and also scholarships. Live with no regrets, if you want to do something, do it with all your heart and love it. The more you are able to do now, the less you'll have to worry about later and you will be able to focus more of your time on the things that matter. Don't put off finding financial aid for school because university is expensive and unless you want to pay off loans for the rest of your life, it is worth your time to find scholarships. Most of all, love life and live with no regrets!

If I could go back in time and talk to my high school senior self, the most important thing I could say is stop trying to be perfect and look like you have it all together. It?s not worth it to make yourself sick emotionally, physically, and mentally just to be ?good enough? for other people. Perfectionism can ruin your life, so you need to start taking little steps to overcome it. Turn in a less-than-perfect paper. Make a mistake in piano practice. Try out for the volleyball team even if you get cut. Don?t beat yourself up over a B on a test; it?s not the end of the world. No crying in the bathroom. Just have fun and be a kid once in awhile. Nobody?s perfect; don?t be so hard on yourself. People who truly love you and really matter won?t care if you show your true colors, and those who care don?t matter. Don?t keep all of the pain inside, because it hurts. Only be valedictorian if you want to; don?t do it for others. Love, don?t hate, yourself, and look out for your brothers.

As I look back on my life as a senior, I realize there are many things I could have told myself that would have eased my college transition. Naturally, recommendations would include advice such as, "Learn to study more; high school was easy, but college actually takes work," and "Create balance between your social life and school." However, having excelled at school throughout my life, I knew that college studies would not be too large a change. But in my senior year of high school, I spent most of my time looking forward to going to college, and not nearly enough with my family. Now, when I return home on school breaks, I can not believe that I did not spend every available moment with them. When I left for college, my little brother could not yet walk or talk. Now, he is a vivacious three year old. How could I have allowed myself to miss out on his childhood? Not having a family support was the most difficult part of my college transition, and I regret not having spent the time with family earlier that I now so desperately wish I had.