Calvin College Top Questions

I have gotten the tools to be a productive citizen in society. I have learned ways to love God through my vocation and lifestyle. I have also learned how to appreciate and better communicate with people of other cultures, and belief sysems.

I am learning alot of new things. It has been hard coming back to school after 15 years but I know I must continue to make a better life for me and my four children. I intend on graduating from this course and hoping to find a good job in the workforce. I then intend on furthering my education. Knowledge is a very good thing to obtain plus it is beneficial to you in the workforce to secure jobs.

A high education has only been in huge demand only in the last 20-30 years. You can say that many grandparents and even my own parents weren't turely in need of a higher educaiton back in the 1960-1970, simply because they could have lived a comfortable life doing industrial work or apprentership. Yet, things have changed in the present and our world has skyrocketed into a golden age of inventions and techonology unlike ever before. In a every growing world and economy, higher educaiton isn't simply something for doctors, proffessors, or researchers, it has become somthing needed by nealry every one in every walk of life. Going off to college has become a mile stone in every teenagers life in nearly every modern country through out the world and has become the stage for individuals to grow out of adolecense into adult hood. This has been what I have learned maturity. If I have learned anything at all during my time here in college it is that college has not only taught me a major for my future career, but is giving me the tools for a better life.

I haven't gone to an expensive university, but I have been taught by the teachers of expensive universities. Though I have gone to a community college for the last two years, I feel as though I have gotten the same education as friends who went to higher-end schools. Many of my teachers have worked, or still work, at those same schools that cost so much more to attend. They bring great experience to the classroom, and learning from them has taught me more than just the subject they specialize in. While I've been here, I have learned more about other types of people than I can say I ever did before. I have experienced the plethora of personalities attending the school, both from up close and from afar. The relatively low price of the college allows for more diversity than many universities could ever attain. People of all races, religions, and social standings come to one place to achieve a common goal: education. The experiences I've had at my school are irreplaceable, as are the people who make up those experiences.

I have gained the knowledge of hard work as well as awareness of American culture from my college experience. Before college I did not work a job but currently I have two. Having to search for jobs and manage my won money that I earn from it has taught me the true value of every cent. Living in Grand Rapids, I have learned quite a bit about culture in Western Michigan. Though things are different here from other places I have lived I have enjoyed discovering that there are people who are passionate to learn about other cultures. This year I joined a group called MSAB, the Multicultural Student Advisory Board. On this board we discuss issues of culture and race and attempt to spread awareness about other cultures through various on campus events. Through this group I have learned what I believe to be at the heart of American culture, the belief that one individual can truly make a difference amongst a larger group.

I came to college to become the best person I could be, in all areas of life. So far I have not been disappointed. In my first year I've matured and learned valuable life lessons from experiences with peers and through the various assignments given by faculty members. I've really been able to come alive like never before and be who I was meant to be in this world. I don't have a career path yet but I've learned how to look beyond a career at what is really important in life, in how to interact with others and serve the needs of those around us. My worldview has been impacted and this is what is most valuable, because no matter what career I have, my changed worldview will influence the way I approach and execute the daily tasks of my future path.

My college experience has shaped my life in unbelievable ways. I am smarter, more confident and prepared, and independent. At college, I have gained a deeper understanding of current issues that will be affecting the United States for many years to come. One of the most important outcomes of college attendance is developing knowledgeable opinions of current issues. Before college, I didn't understand or have an opinion on most important issues, but now, I am able to articulate my thoughts and defend my beliefs. College is a time to learn about the world and find direction in life, and I believe that my college education has done both.

Senior year was the best, as cliche as it sounds, and the decision of where to go to college is going to be one of the hardest decisions you will ever make. I have two important things to say. Number one, and I want you to think about this carefully: YOU CANNOT MAKE THE WRONG DECISION. No matter what you choose, you will find new friends,and new ways to use your gifts. You will always have people that love you. There is no wrong choice. This took me so long to realize. The second thing that I want you to know, and this won't be fun to hear, is that this isn't going to be easy. You won't instantly take to college life . It will be hard. At first, you will feel all alone. It will be scary. It won't be anything like you imagined, in both good ways and bad. As much as you will hate hearing these words over and over for the first year, it will take time. It will get better. With patience, you will grow into a new life and a new you that will be better than you imagined.

You will figure out your perfect study atmosphere after trial and error, but once you figure it out monitor your progress so that you may add or subtract things to make your study time more effective. An effective study atmosphere will help you immediately initiate studying and avoid procrastination. During first semester I learned that self-talk has a huge influence on our beliefs about our abilities and self-worth. When you do not understand something, do not shrug your shoulders and avoid asking questions. Seek out professors, peers, and tutors if you need to and do not be ashamed that you do not know everything, because nobody is perfect. When you receive your first mediocre grade on a formal paper, do not become discouraged. When you see a professor do these things make sure to highlight that section of your notes or the quote they recite because it will definitely show up later either on an exam or as an essay prompt. When you are intense about learning you can acquire more information and retain what you have learned much better. Do not simply write down notes verbatim because you will forget small details that are usually very important.

The advice I would give myself is to enjoy high school and to not wish it be done so fast. I would tell myself to make great friendships that will last, and find someone you can always count on.