McMurry University Top Questions

Going to college forced me to go out of my comfort zone. I didn't have my mom there to wake me up and cook my breakfast before class. I was on my own. Professors didn't check roll. They didn't call home when I failed to show up or turn in assignments. It was all on me! If I failed or succeeded, it was on me. I was in total control of my destiny. I had to choose my path, lace up my sneakers, and get walkin'. I am proud of my accomplishments, and attribute it to my experiences at college. What knowledge I have gained and lifetime friendships I have made during my college years. It has opened my eyes and filled my soul for this journey we call 'life'.

When first starting to attend McMurry University I wasn't too sure if I was going to find my place. It's a Methodist school and I am definitely not Methodist, but the kids seemed to be of many different religions. I wasn't very religious at first and by attending the university I have become more spiritual and in touch with God, which for me is a really good thing. My fiance and his family are all very religious and so it helped me become closer with his family. Not only have I become more religious I've done so much community service that I probably wouldn't have done any where else. I am in the social club Delta Beta Epsilon as well as, on the women's soccer team and with both groups we do a lot of community service. While taking my servant leadership class I took part in helping an IRC family which made me grow as a person in many ways. I've met people who I will know and keep in contact with for the rest of my life. At first I regretted choosing McMurry, but not anymore.

As my first year of college is coming to an end, I realize just how much the experience has changed me. First off, going to college provided me with my first opportunity to take care of myself. For once, I learned how to make wise decisions for myself and take responsibility. Also, I learned a lot about time management. In the past, hanging out with friends and work occupied my time, but this year of college has led me to realize just how important it is to make the most out of my time. Nowadays, school, homework, and working to pay for school have been made priorities and when time just can't be made, the things I have a lifetime to do have been pushed to the back seat. Also, college has taught me to be wise with my money. I have never been a big spender, but writing that check for school every couple of months and the finance class I took reminded me to keep my pockets full. Most importantly, college has and will continue to teach me the skills I need to become a teacher and be successful. Thus, I find my college experience undeniably valuable.

In today's world, I feel a college education is a must-have in order to contribute to life at the highest level. My college experience thus far has opened my eyes to the importance of gaining as much knowledge as possible. I not only have the desire to be educated in my field of interest but to be a well rounded, educated citizen that will not only benefit myself but my community as well.

In my college experience I have learned several things but only the most important stand out to me. I have learned that a Jr College is more of a 13th grade of high school and that's exactly how it looks and feels. I have learned that because you see someone in public that you have in your class it doesn't give you grounds to chat them up like your buddies. I have learned that there are some absolutely amazing people in this world who definately surprised the heck out of me. School has definately been valuable for me to attend because it's opened me up to a world bigger than highschool, bigger than my hometown and given me the opportunity to be the person I have always wanted to be. It's been valuable for me because I am a young mother and wife and I want to prove to myself and my family that just because life throws you a roadblock there are always ways around it, and I can be successful and make good decisions. I am a very strong and smart person and it's taken college to show that to me.

The one piece of advice I would give to myself as high school student today is to continue your education immediately after completing graduation. I myself took a few classes right out of school and then took an eight year hiatus while supporting my family. It is extremely hard to go back to school after this amount of time. Adding to that the pressures of doing so with a family and a full time job and it becomes almost impossible. Students today should pursue their education immediately before they establish a family. This will make it much easier for them to concentrate on their education.

Transition I would have made now that I know what college is like and that would have been helpful for me in high school, I would tell myself that I should have took work more serious because going to college is not at all close to high school, its more getting your work turned in on time otherwise the professor will drop you from the class.

High school is a wonderful time, filled with a wide range of emotions, expectations, and plans. If I were a high school senior again, I would help manage my time and learn to make the transition from high school to college. First things first, do not stop at high school. Set goals and pursue your dreams. Finalize college plans! Make a list of colleges and universities that seem to be suited for you. There is a common misconception that once you've made it to your senior year -- and especially once you've been accepted by colleges -- that senior grades don't matter. Continue to take pride in your grades and continue to do your best. Challenge yourself and stay involved. The key for you is to avoid burnout. You have your high school work, college planning, social activities, family obligations, and outside activities all demanding your time. Try to keep your life balanced.

I would just tell myself to relax and that it'll all work out. I'm smart enough and a hard enough worker that I can do. Financially I may struggle a lot, but somehow it'll all work out. I would also tell myself to keep my head up and that I would make some of the greatest friends in my life.

Reasearch! And talk to the students at the school, lots of them. Ones that aren't suppoused to tell you its great.