Indiana University of Pennsylvania-Main Campus Top Questions

Going away to college has taught me more about myself then I ever expected to learn. Don’t get me wrong, the education I have been receiving is extraordinary, but college is more than just books. I have always been an independent person because my life has forced me to be. College has expanded on that and proven just how strong I can be. I never thought I would join a sorority, make dean’s list, or be able to speak up for myself. I learned all these things just within my first year. Living in close quarters with my best friends taught me how to better handle confrontation and conflicting personalities. I learned that I can speak up and do what I want without hurting someone. College is helping me shape who I am and who I want to be. I now have a better understanding of the choices available to me and that I am capable of achieving anything.

My college experience has been invaluable--less because of the facts I learned there than for the people I met, opportunities I found, and experiences I had. As an undergrad, I learned how to live on my own. I had to find the motivation to show up for class and to study without my parents pushing me to succeed. I also learned how to live with other people and navigate the mundane day-to-day situations (like paying bills or resolving whose turn it was to clean the bathroom) that accompany adulthood. As a graduate student, I was older and had a decade of work experience under my belt. I knew what I wanted to study, and was extremely focused on getting the most out of my classes, finding a great internship, and positioning myself to succeed once I graduated. Now I look forward to the doctoral program I will begin in the fall, and the new ways in which I will be challenged to grow.

The one thing I would say that I have gotten from my college experience, besides an education, would be many friendships that will last a lifetime. Friends are one of the most important people that one can have, besides family. True friends are always there for you and will help you with all your problems. Another thing that I have gotten from my experience would be references by teachers that I can put down on any job application. Teachers that want to get to know you, care about you, and of course your education. I have come across several teachers throughout my college experience that I can truly say know me and my goals, along with helping me through, not just their class, but my other classes as well. I have a few teachers that I can truly call my friend, and as I stated before, "friends are one of the most important people that one can have." I have experienced many things, but if I had to tell a high schooler what the most important thing is in college it would be to get to know your teachers!

The major things I learned at college, outside of the classroom, is how to stand out, yet still be a team player, and how to recognize and welcome others that do the same. IUP does not discriminate at all and I love that, for my high school was not like that. I've learned that taking the extra step is very benificial and well worth the work it takes to do it. Also, getting involved and giving back to others is a truly rewarding experience, that I plan to continue well after I've graduated, thanks to IUP. Here, I've learned to nbe independant, and self- sufficient as well as self-reliant at times, while at the same time making new lifelong friends and preparing myself for my very promising future. I would not trade this experience for anything in the world, I cherish it.

It has been valuable to attend three different accrediated universitites over the course of fifteen years. The two current degrees I have, have opened many doors with great opportunities for myself. I have had the opportunity to start three different Alternative Programs in two different school districts. I have had the opportunity to touch and teach many different students in our education system, since I started teaching in 1996. I am exprememly proud of my accomplishments and look foward to extending my knowledge to assist the acadmeic and social growth of our future.

Intelligent, misguided youth need nothing more than a push in the right direction. Knowing Stephanie Golloway, a professor at CCAC, was all it took for me to develop a sense of self, motivation and my calling in life. My passion for helping people, coupled with the experience that those "special teachers" in my life have provided, has led me to become an educator. I want to touch someone's life like Professor Golloway touched mine. As a misguided youth who found their way due to the college experience, I understand the implications of doing that for just one person. But imagine having the opportunity of changing the lives of every one of my students. College isn't for everyone. Those who find their path without the college experience are still capable of servicing society in many valuable ways. However, the friendships, wisdom and education that I've gained from my time at CCAC and IUP have guaranteed that the youth I will encounter will gain that "special teacher" like Professor Golloway was to me. If those students give me the honor of being a "special teacher", I will reflect back on what Professor Golloway did for me.

I have learned many skills to enhance my personal and professional being. It has enstilled in me a sense of who I am and what my interests are. Unfortunately, I chose a major that limited my growth and opportunities, which is why I am choosing to return to school at an older age. My undergraduate experience gave me the confidence and skill to be successful in continuing with my education experiences.

I think the best experience that I've had is being out on my own. As much as I love being at home the atmosphere of being around people that are 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} like you wanting to better their lives and to become successful.

After high school,you hit the real world,not the one fabricated by social activity and popularity like in high school.You work meaningless jobs just to earn a living with no satisfaction,no inspiration and no fulfillment.Out of my college experience I get purpose,meaning and hope for a better future for me and my family and that is why i treasure it so.Without college,your options are bare minimal and full control of your life is not completely there ,if not for a higher income,you should go to college to increase your options for what it is you want to do in life so you can find that satisfaction and happiness that can be everlasting all the days of your life.

I feel that PHCC was an excellent starter college to prep me for USF. I have gained a lot of knowledge on how to study properly for exams and write papers. I feel very confident transferring to a university. I plan on attending law school after I finish my bachelors.