Clayton State University Top Questions

If I could travel through a time machine, I would tell my senior-self similar things that I told myself in 2008. Which were things like always work hard, believe in yourself despite all your circumstances, forget all doubters, and keep your eyes on the prize, “college.” I have always been a dedicated student, inside and outside the classroom. Sometimes it discourages me to have worked so hard and seemingly, achievements are far off. I graduated fourth in my class, and I applied for scholarships endlessly. Earning a few scholarships, I often imagine if I had only landed bigger scholarship opportunities that affording college would not be so challenging now. Though in 2008 my writing was effective, I would proclaim to the younger Shanise to take some writing classes outside of school, maybe the essays I wrote were not grammatically correct. I worked my butt off, believing that those who put a lot into school got a lot out. I want to prove this as a factual statement not a myth. I am a supreme lover of education, though my journey has been slower than I would have liked, my persistence ensures me that my due season is up ahead.

If I could go back in time and talk to my high school self, I would want to give myself some advice. Although I am happy with choices I have made, I could only imagine where I would be if I had an opportunity for this conversation. I thought I knew everything there was to know about the world. If I had the opportunity, I would wish to talk to myself about how things really were and what I needed to do to proceed in life. I would tell myself to do more to prepare for my future and also to have more fun. I would talk to my former self about things that could make my future easier, like scholarships and activities. At the same time, I would tell myself to relax, enjoy myself, and be certain in the knowledge that hard work will pay for itself. The time I wasted in high school worrying about relationships, education, and my own ego could have been split evenly into working more and enjoying my time more often. If I had experienced this conversation between my two selves, I think I would be even more established at the current date.

I would tell myself not to panic. We build this idea up in our head about the world and how we should conform or not conform based on what the culture we suscep ourselves too. "It'll be ok, Justin!" Confusion is such a powerful notion in high school, I would tell myself to take a step back and enjoy the fruits of my hard work. That my dreams can happen if i put my heart into them and although everyone around me is telling me to be proud of my accomplishments. I must not boast. "Be humble, Justin." The only way to live your life is to die for something greater. To have faith and transcendence in your life to overcome any negative reality that may present itself. "That’s what character is, Justin” Lowering yourself to be risen up again, to openly look for ways to improve yourself and the environment you’re in. To never lose heart or focus, the things you Love will be the life you live.

My purpose of attending college was to facilitate me in future with my career. After my Biology degree, I will continue my education with Doctor of Pharmacy Program. The benefit of education is that I can not only help my community with knowledge I gain, but I can also counsel my patients on the best, cost-effective pharmaceutical therapy for them.

I am a college student hailing from a low socioeconomic background. I statistically had a low chance of having success in my life. My college experience has been a path of enlightment. I attended college part time for about two years during 2001-2003 and have just recently returned to complete my degree. My college experience has taught me how to be a contributing member of society and to be grateful that I live in a country that promotes education and high work ethics. When I obtain my middle grades education degree I will be so happy to share knowledge with the future leaders of America. I have loved every minute of school and learning and I hope that my opportunity to attend college will not be taken away due to finances. Because of the knowledge I have learned at college I volunteer with a family that has foster children. I have learned from my experience at college to not run from my poverty stricken past, but rather to embrace my experiences and learn to implement those experiences into my teaching practices, or pedagogy, to make the material relevant to those from similar socioeconomic backgrounds. Thank you for your consideration.

I have learned many things while attending Miami Dade College. The transition from high school to college was easier than expected and I feel Miami Dade College has helped me prepare myself to move to a bigger university. A 2year college has also helped me develop many skills I lacked while in high school. My studying skills are better, I have learned to manage my time wisely, I feel I am now ready to attend a bigger university. I did not feel ready right out of hish school. I started my education at Miami Dade College but to exceed and prepare myself for my career as a psychologist higher education is necessary. I am looking forward to moving away, focusing on school and applying all my newly acquired skills at a bigger university.

I have gotten so many great things out of my college experience so far. One of the main things I have received is awesome friendships. I have met so many amazing people at college and a few who I will be friends with for life. I have learned better communication skills by meeting new people and becoming more independent. I have learned so much from awesome classes at my college and love going to college. I have learned how to work harder and to not procrastinate by going to college. It is a lot different then high school. It has been valuable to attend college because it provides me with an education that can increase my earning potential, so attending college will help get a higher paying job then I could get by not attending college. Also a college education is a requirement of many professional jobs. A bachelor’s degree is a minimum credential for teachers, and that is what I am going to be so college is very valuable. Another reason why it is of value to me is because nobody in my family has attended college and I want to be the first to get my degree.

The best and most valuable tool I got out of my college experience, is direction. Clayton State was the place that I officially decided that being a Professional Counselor was what I wanted to do with my life. I grew a passion there to persue my dream. I became an adult in college, as I attended Clayton State just after the death of my mother. Before that, I was a 2 year student at Ga. Perimeter College, and I was still very dependant on my parents. I was forced to grow up and start making a name for myself, and Clayton State provided me with some much needed structure in my life. I felt lonely, and sometimes confused and even depressed. But, through the Psychology program, I found a new direction for my feelings and was able to channel them into something great for my life. One of my first classes I distinctly remember, is Death and Dying. Through this class I was able to express my feelings about my loss, and learn how to deal with them in a constructive way to improve my life. Clayton and the Psychology program was definately the beginning of a better promising future.

So far out of my college experience I have learned to not be selfish and I to be responsible of my own actions. My mom is working in Kabul, Afghanistan to earn money to support and put me through college. She did not attend college when she graduated high school. Through her and attending college, I am seeing the importance of a college education. I also see how import it is to be a responsible student. I have many friends that recklessly party and are uffering the consequences. Some have gotten police citations and now have courts dates to attend and fines to pay. Some have lost there financial aid due to there behavior or drug/alcohol use. I still have as much fun at partys with out drinking or doing drugs. This makes it clear that doing that stuff is not more important that my college education.

My college experience has been pretty decent. I've learned to be responsible and take things into my own hands. I am responsible for going to class everyday and getting notes and information on my own in order to do well on tests and quizzes. Also, I had to teach myself how to study because in high school, I never had to study. Basically college has allowed me to grow up and get out of high school mode.