Central Washington University Top Questions

Throughout my college experience I have learned a lot about myself mostly and how to accomplish my dreams. I have learned lessons about friends and how important my family really is, and also that helping others is so important to accomplishing a successful life. Central has taught me a lot about being on my own, how to handle situations appropriately and about time management along with self motivation in order to be successful in my classes and in my life. Since moving to Central I have grown up to be such a mature and proficient person, who accomplishes tasks with accuracy and in a timely manner. I am happy that I have chosen to attend Central Washington University and with who I am turning out to be.

Other than the keen skills and knowledge I have obtained, I have grasped the meaning of living alone and succesfully in college. Most kids, when they go off to college, "forget" how to do simple chores. They become prone to the "I am going home to 'visit' my parents," which in all cases has a favor they pack with them. When I visit my parents nowadays I only bring me, my smile, and an appitite (what can I say, I am in college). I have taken my study skills to a new level, which in highschool my teachers said was never possible. Who would have ever thought that a person like me would ever make it to college? Let alone succeed in college. I have gained self confidence where there was not much hope to lift me up, and I have spoken heaps of words with out speaking to my parents who never thought their kids could make it anywhere in life but as a pizza delivery driver. College has not only given me a new life, but a new goal in life; to live out the dream that is impossible.

The college experience always proves to be unique for everyone; some people gain a valuable education and necessary life skills, while others just learn to party all the time. For me personally, the time I have spent at college has already taught be several valuable lessons that I did not have before. The most valuable thing I have taken from college is the ability to work well with others. I have always been very independent, but in college when working on a group project the only way to get it done efficiently is to be organized and have every member of the group do their part. Which brings me to my next point; college has taught me how to organize better, particularly how to organize time better. In high school you're time is organized for you, but in college you have to learn to organize it yourself. Finally, college has been so valuable to attend because of the education I am receiving. My education, along with all of the other unexpected skills I am learning in college, will allow me to go to become successful in my career and life.

Prior to attending Central Washington University I had the opportunity to attend several community colleges. The most valuable lesson I learned is that education can not be taken for granted. Students cannot assume knowledge of new subjects, just because of good performance in high school's core subjects. Studying is a discipline and classes will not complete themselves. Online courses should only be taken if you can trust yourself to plot out an academic schedule as if you were attending in person. I have allowed myself many mistakes, and these mistakes only make things more difficult in the long run.

Great!

I have come to learn that getting a higher education is a privilege that not all experience or honestly appreciate. I joined the International Dorm on campus and discovered different people of different cultures and became best friends with some. I have learned what it is like to juggle school, being club officers, friends and being involved at church and I love it. I had to teach myself how to study better and learned what is effective and what is not. I always thought I would attend community college, but I opted not to, set my goals higher and am so glad I did. I love that everyone lives in Ellensburg in the same small town I live in and that there really is no excuse not to get to know someone. I love the professors and staff that have helped me along the way. I am enjoying every second of volunteering and making a difference by being in the Equity Services Council. Attending school is about learning your future profession, but also learning all that you can about yourself and how to interact with others. Attending school full time allows you to focus and challenge yourself whole-heartedly.

My college experience has been absolutely wonderful so far. I am majoring in Music Education and attending CWU has solidified my decision of becoming an orchestra teacher. We have such an amazing faculty who are not only quality professors, but also good friends and mentors. I love attending classes and rehearsals because I have so much fun that I almost forget I am being graded! It just makes a complete difference being in school and working towards something you are excited to do. CWU has definitely energized me to learn everything I possibly can so that I can be hirable. This university has even given me the opportunity to teach through the Prep Strings Program we host on campus. I cannot think of a better way to do the one thing I love as well as practice my teaching skills. Through CWU I have been invited to join groups for Washington Music Educators where I am able to get my name out making it easier to find a job in the future. Finally, the quality one on one time I get with the professors to talk about my future career is so uplifting and I wouldn’t attend anywhere else.

Albert Einstein said, “Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in school.” Knowledge is not learned all at once, but often comes line upon line; those lines are within textbooks and lecture notes. As a first generation graduate, it’s easy for me to see why an education is important. My Bachelor’s has allowed me to become more of a Swiss-Army knife, versatile in the eyes of employers, in comparison to a common house hold butter knife, good for only a couple of tasks. With a degree I have acquired many useful concepts and principles to help in my career endeavors. Continuing my education simply makes sense to me. My current educational ambition to become a Graphic Designer will place me in a hands-on design program to help me concentrate on my talents. Combining my general education with a specialized program, my potential to move from designer, to lead designer, to project manager, to senior project manager, becomes more of a reality. An education is a lifetime adventure I intend to safari. If someone were to ask me, “is college for me?” I would answer, “was Albert Einstein a genius?”

What I have discovered was myself. Im only 24 years old so thats more than a lot of people can say. My journey to self discovery began with going to college. Through this whole process I have lost a best friend, dealt with an eating disorder, failed classes, stopped going to school for 2 years, had a baby, returned to college, and I am now graduating with a degree in Exercise Physiology. Without my struggle I could not appreciate the woman I am today. Witout my college education I can not be the person who I want to be tomorrow. Of course my soon-to-be- degree is the most valuable aspect of attending my college. I can create a life for me and my son without having to struggle to find a job as most people do. I no longer have to work as a waitress, barista or any other job where I am not happy at. Instead I get to have a career and if I get the job that I am training for, then I will have a place where I can work everyday, and be happy becuase it's what I want to do.

My college experience has helped me answer the question, "Can I really do it?" When I first considered returning to college, my first urge was to discard the idea immediately because it has been many years since I was last in a classroom. I was afraid I would not be smart enough or that my academic skills would be too rusty. However, with some encouragement, I was able to overcome my fears and embark upon my journey toward my degree. Attending college has shown me that I can do it, that I am smart enough and capable enough. The increase in my self-esteem and feeling of self-worth are what I value most in attending college. The second most valuable aspect is the new knowledge I gain every day and the feeling of accomplishment I continue to foster with every classroom success. I look forward to every new day and the opportunities I am presented with, as well as to what the future holds.