Duquesne University Top Questions

Be more out-going. There are going to be friends that come and go, so as long as you continue to meet new friends and seek new activities and clubs in order to make those friends, you will be OK. However, you don't need to drink to meet new people. In fact, drinking never produces good friends, so look else where. Also, don't spend so much money on honor societies! If they don't actually require service work, it's a waste of money unless you're just looking for word to put on your resume. But I don't recommend that because it doesn't make the most of your college career. Spend more time in activites that relate to your field and try to be the BEST THAT YOU CAN BE IN EVERYTHING THAT YOU DO. Sounds cliche, but when you are done you will wish that you tried a little harder and made a better impression. As they say in sports, leave it all on the field. Leave it all on the campus.

The advice I would give myself would be to not be so scared of the college atmosphere. It's hard knowing you're so far away from home, but all of the students are going through the same thing. I would tell myself to make sure to put myself out there and meet as many people as possible because you never know who's going to turn into your best friend. I would tell myself not to turn down opportunities. College is a time of change and transition into the real world, and it's important to try to get as much experience as possible, so you are the most ready for what's to come in life. I would make sure to stay focused on my studies and not fall behind, and just try to be as active as possible in the college environment because it will help in the long run. All in all, college is about finding out who you are and who you want to be, so don't be afraid to experience life.

I always knew college would be different from high school, but I didn't realize how much of a transition it would be until I was finally there. Of course, the first advice I would give to myself is to never give up, even if everything seems impossible at that moment. Staying on top of your homework is another big one, along with attending every class session. From my experience, missing a day in college is like skipping four chapters in a book; so much can happen and you wouldn't even know it. If you're ever confused about something, don't just assume you'll figure it out on your own; go ask the professor for help. College isn't a social party; when you're in class, be sure to pay attention instead of texting or talking to the person next to you. The last thing would be to always be confident in what you're doing; thinking negative while studying or asking a question in class will only make your mind less likely to learn, because you're too busy thinking about how other people are judging you at that very moment.

If I could go back in time and tell my high school senior self about what to expect in college I would begin with, "Julie don't stress yourself out so much." As a highschool senior I was both extremely anxious and stressed at the thought of attending college. I would also tell my highschool senior self, not to even attempt to take early morning classes. I don't understand why I am so lazy and zombie like when I get up in the morning for classes in college, but I was always energized when I had to wake up at 6 am to go to high school in the morning. Lastly I would tell my highschool self not to worry so much about how i am going to meet new people, just be myself and don't pack your entire life in 5 suitcases because lugging that junk from California to Pennsylvania each summer is a hard task and annoying.

I have got a lot out of my college experience. First college has taught me to multi task because I have school work to do and also football to play. I have to manage my grades and sports which means I have to do well on and off the field. Second, college has taught me how to live on my own when my parents are not around. I learned how to wash clothes and cook some things. College has been valuable to attend because I get to further my education. Since I am going to college I will be the first person in my family to go to college. This means a lot to me and my family because I am starting something that for now on will be expected. My brothers and sisters are going to follow in my foot steps. This is what I got out of my college experience and why it has been valuable to attend.

So far my college experience has provided me with valuable experience in that it makes me understand the importance and commitment necessary in life. What I mean by this is that by college most students, myself included, face the realization that they now are not only going to school but also taking out multi-thousand dollar loans to pay for that schooling, and there is no harsher reality than realizing you better start taking school serious because you have some real money to pay back. I think that is the reason it has been so valuable to attend becuase it takes a realization like that to make some people realize that your life in college is full of responsibility while also being one of those rare times in your adult life when you can try to have as much fun as possible.

The most valuable lesson I gained in college is self-reliance. Most students gain independence in their first year of college, but I find the term self-reliance to be very different: Independence is an unearned gift, whereas self-reliance is an acquired quality. I studied Emerson's essay “Self-Reliance” in high school, but only now am I beginning to truly understand it. Self-reliance is the ability to trust in one's self and knowledge despite what others do or say. As a Physician Assistant major, my professors have told me to prepare for a long, grueling road ahead. Although I did well in high school, this statement intimidated me; however, I learned that self-reliance is key to overcoming this fear and achieving success. Flipping through the pages of Biology I had to study was overwhelming and frustrating, particularly as I heard laughter from the hallway; however, I ignored the distraction and focused on my work. While the average score on that first exam was a D, I earned an A. I concentrated on my studies and trusted the knowledge I attained. Self-reliance is a valuable quality I am sure to carry throughout school and life.

I have learned to be myself at college. Theres a lot of people and you cant please them all so might as well be yourself and do what you love in everything you do. Ive just learned to relax and enjoy the ride while it lasts.

I learned that responsibility deadlines and motivation are the most important during the college experience. To me it is very important to attend my classes not only for attendance but so i won't miss out on important information given during that day only. My motivation is what will guide me to finish what I have started, the outcome of the stuggles and difficult times is what I look forward to in my college experience.

So far I have gotten so much out of my college experience. I have become much more independent and self-sufficient. I have learned that depending on other people, espeically for group work, is not the best idea so I always make sure to do my part. I have gained a greater appreciation for people who work and go to school full time because it is very challenging but builds character. I find that this has been a valuable experience because I have been able to do community service projects in the different commmunities of Pittsburgh with my student groups. People truly appreciate the smallests acts of kindness and I am learning more and more how important it is to give back. I realize now that not all people are able to attend college let alone get a high school diploma so I have learned that it is important to do my best with my schooling so that I can be the best nurse possible when I graduate in order to give back to the community.