James Madison University Top Questions

College has provided an outside into the intensity of completion out in the world. With professors that have much experience in their fields. College is nothing compared the high school. Without the college insight into the academic demand and competition, it would have been an immense shock and struggle for me if I had entered the medical field right after high school. In college, I have gotten more connections, advice, and a wider idea of what I am getting myself to, and how I can contribute to our community.

My college experience so far has been amazing! I have not only learned a lot but i have also connected with my teachers. I have never been in a situation where i did not like my professors and i think that being comfortable in college is something very important. I have not only connected with my teachers but i have with students as well. Being surrounded with warm hearted people, makes your college experience so much more rewarding. I would say that this factor in itself is the most valuable thing that i have been given in my college experience. Working with people who care about their education just as much as you, makes learing more rewarding and changelling in a way. Attending Whatcom Community College has changed my outlook on education. The staff and students at this school, understand what it means to work hard and reap the highest standards of achievment and this is why it has been such a valuable experience to attend!

I have learned many skills related to my field of study (physical therapy) as well as skills that will be useful in life in general. I have learned how to work with others in an effective way as well as how to present information to others. I have learned ways to help the environment and to be aware of other cultures around us and to want to explore these different cultures. I have found people who will remain my friends throughout my life and a boyfriend who I hope to marry some day. Academically I have learned chemistry, physics, biology, anatomy, physiology and more health related classes that will help me to succeed as I pursue my career as a physical therapist.

I could easily tell you about the classes I have attended; the ones I?ve excelled in and the ones where I?ve struggled, but college is about more than attending classes. College is about establishing relationships and learning about the world around you and, most importantly, about yourself. I?ve always been a social person, but my college experience has made me more confident and knowledgeable about the world. My parents did a wonderful job in raising me to know about the world outside our front door, but they could not possibly expose me to life in the ways that college has. I have encountered people from all over the world and with all different views throughout these past years. I can only expect that this will aid me in the future when I?m expected to interact with people in the ?real world.? I have gained a better understanding of what it takes to be a good leader and plan to continue to cultivate these qualities within myself. I could not have become the person I am today without attending James Madison University. I cannot wait to see how much more I will grow in my last semesters.

I have attained and learned from many personal and professional experiences during the course of my undergraduate program at James Madison University. I have always wanted to be a nurse who values the significance of life, formation of relationships with human kind, and promotion of health and well-being. I have attained many noteworthy feats such as a sense of accomplishment, attainment of higher levels of academic knowledge, and ultimately the realization that as individuals we are morally and ethically responsible for being catalyst agents when revolutionizing our world. As a result of attaining my undergraduate degree in nursing, I formulated a personal goal entailing the enrollment and ultimate attainment of a graduate degree in nursing. I am currently enrolled at Walden University and thus far have successfully completed each course. Although this college experience is rather unique, since it is solely online, I truly value this wonderful opportunity to attain such a higher degree of learning. Our nation is witnessing great reform within the health care arena, and as an aspiring nurse leader the attainment of this degree will only advance the vast opportunities for me to leave an imprint as a nurse professional within our health care system.

I have gotten so much out of my college experience. Great friends, great classes, and a great opportunity to succedd. The faculty really encourages me to keep going, and my friends encourage me to do well. The school has so many social options that it is hard not to make friends, and especially with how friendly people are, it is really hard to not continue to be happy here. I loved being here for football games, movies on campus, dining halls, sporting events, and mostly the Quad in the spring. I love this campus, and I loved being here! I could not imagine attending another university.

Courtney, please stop putting all of your energy into high school. The world is so much bigger and you are going to love college. JMU is the right place for you to go, stop second-guessing yourself. You will end up where you are meant to be. Also, in the beginning of college it will be hard. You will feel alone amidst 16,000 people. Yes, that is possible. Just know that you will make amazing life-long friends. Be active your first semester, do not be shy. Get out there and get involved in groups that interest you. Yes, academics are important, but pouring yourself into volunteer organizations will make your experience that much better. Get to know yourself and stick to your values and what you believe. There will be a lot thrown at you making you question things that you have thought were true. You investigate for yourself. Do not take someone's word for it. Find out for yourself-the journey is amazing.

As a high school senior my world was so small that when I came to James Madison University I felt like a spot on a map. There are so many things to get involved with in college, but it is a lot easier to get lost in the crowd. To talk to myself as a naive 18 year old high school graduate would mean that I could tell myself to be prepared and ready to not give into peer pressure to drink and instead get involved as much as you can on campus. There are so many clubs and organizations that have changed my life, but I wasn't prepared when I first came into this world. If I could have gotten involved as a freshman, instead of a sophomore and junior, I could have helped that many more people and learned so much more from my experiences here. My example is with the Alternative Break Program. Last year I went to Cherokee Nation to work at the Head Start Program and during this upcoming Spring Break I will be co-leading a trip El Progreso, Honduras. I wish I could have went on a trip freshman year as well.

If I could go back to being a high school senior, knowing what I know now about college life and making the transition, the advice I would give myself is to get the best grades I can get so that I can receive scholarships. I would also tell myself that studying and focusing on the concentration on my grades is the most important contributing factor that will help me during my college life. I would tell myself to associate myself with people that share a common interest in obtaining a degree and that college friends are a lot different than high school.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself, I would tell myself to listen to what my parents had to say about college. Yes, it seems wonderful to go away to college and live on your own. I would tell myself that, although I?m making new friends, it is lonely and stressful being so far away (6 hours) from my family and friends. Stay closer to home during the first 2 years and then transfer. Most Colleges and Universities have my major and usually the first 2 years are general education classes anyway. Take the time to adjust to living on your own while still being close to home (2-3 hours). When homesickness attacks, it?s just a short drive home.