College of Charleston Top Questions

My college experience has given me many opportunities to explore ideas and topics that I never thought of before. My mind has been expanded through the various classes, instructors and students that I have been able to interact with. I work full-time and attend school part-time and honestly can say that having a full plate makes me perform better at my job and has taught me the great importance of balance in my life. I have learned great lessons while going to school and working and have become a better person because of it. Not only am I learning new and exciting information everyday, but I am also able to apply it to my job and my life outside of school and work. Some people work best under pressure and I have to say I believe I am one of those people. I am very blessed to be able to blend these aspects together so well. I am honored to continue to learn, grow, and develop my potential as best as I can while balancing all the other elements of life.

I have gotten a new appreciation for the experiences which college has offered to me. Expecting to maybe make a few friends and study a little for my classes, I came to the College of Charleston with an idea of how my time would be spent here. Pleasantly surprised, I have found my life enriched by the many things Charleston has to offer. The restaurants and shops scattered throughout the city provide a fun alternative to cafeteria food or a boring Saturday afternoon. Marion Square offers a clean, green area to play sports, study, or simply enjoy the weather. It seems every time I go out, I find some new treasure of the city waiting to be discovered. I enjoy the college life the most when I am experiencing it with my friends. The friends I have made here have become my closest confidants, and we have formed a stronger bond by actually living with each other--putting up with each others quirks and pet peeves. The life skills that I have acquired so far--including learning how to cook, clean, socialize, etc.--have really shown me that college isn't just for studying: it gives back so much more.

Attending college has all sorts of benefits, but they do not all have to do with school work. Of course, my classes have been interesting and invaluable, but I have learned many things that apply to my personal life as well. I have learned to be independent and responsible for myself. Before I came to college, I relied on my mom for too much; now, I can take care of myself. I realize now that college is not only about learning skills for my future career, but for learning skills for my entire adult life.

the knowledge that the skills i learn here will support myself and my family in these uncertain economic times. along with the ability to push myself to accept new and foreign ideas that allow me to solve problems in a more creative and efficient way, i have come to respect how the sacrifices made today will pay off in the future.

Not only have I gained valuable additions to my education, I have learned how to be self-sufficient and an adult. I did not realize that schoolwork was only half of what I would get out of my college experience.

Going to the College of Charleston has led me to consider a future within the academic world. I have interacted with many amazing professors and it was with their guidance that I have developed my skills. I am currently applying to Ph.D. programs within the United States and several MA programs within the United Kingdom. I know that I am capable of the work that these programs would acquire from me, and I am truly excited about the chances that are in my future.

I will be 30 years old this year. I have been in the workforce for 13 years. I have seen first hand the importance of a college degree. Making the mistake out of high school not attending college, was a mistake that I am paying for. I appreciate the power of education and a college degree. I am so lucky to be in the situation, I am in to attend college at this point of my life. It has been a sacrifice for my three little ones and Husband. But will be worth it. I am finally excited about my future. I want to be the best student and make my family proud of me.

Last term I met an interesting instructor for my writing class. His last name was familiar, so I introduced myself to him. He happens to have been from my general rural neighborhood and was one of my father's students 15 to 20 years ago. So here I am at 50, taking classes from an instructor (half my age) who was a student of my father! He still remembered my father and how much he enjoyed his class. I think it is pretty cool that he decided to teach also. He is a great teacher and offers lots of support and encouragement. I have met kids the age of my own kids that are serious about their education - and a couple that are not really too fired up yet. Those I have tried to encourage. It is most valuable to attend because I am serious in changing my occupation. This is the only way to get that done, so I am persistently on task of the job on hand. I am excited to get my new opportunity going.

I've definitely been able to experience more things on my own. I've learned how to use public transportation effectively, how to do my own laundry and how to cook. I manage my money better and I've learned how to make a resume to apply for jobs. My navigation skills have gotten better as well. I don't get lost as easily. I've become healthier due to the exercise of walking to all of my classes and the meal plans offer really healthy options. My historic knowledge has gotten better not only because of history class, but because of how accessible museums are and how historic the city is as a whole. The beach is also really close so I'm forced to prioritize on a larger scale.

I have met some outstanding people who are all very different from myself. It has been so interesting learning about other cultures just inside my own country; apparently not everyone says "y'all," enjoys fishing, and wears ribbons and pearls! Additionally, I have learned so much about myself. Being away from the group of friends you grew up with and your family really allows you to be set free and discover who you are and what your true opinions and ideas are. Also, being around people who have different opinions from you and have different styles and personalities allows you to experiment and consider different things about life, allowing you to decide what works for you and what doesn't. I have really learned how to control myself and have self dicipline. You have to learn how to make yourself wake up for those 8 a.m.'s, and resist those temtations of going out instead of studying for a final. Also, I have learned to appreciate my family and my home. Graduating high school, all you can think about it leaving and never looking back, but once you're gone you see that there is no place like home.