Northern Arizona University Top Questions

What should every freshman at Northern Arizona University know before they start?

Haley

What I got out of my college experience is that a good school will try to help you succeed. It's valuable to attend if you want to become something great. If I had never chose to attend college I would not only be losing out on an education but I would be losing out on an experience only a few get to achieve. I would not grow as a person because I would never have to depend on myself. College, if anything, has taught me how to become more responsible for my actions.

Elizabeth

I have learned so much in the past 2 years. I have understood what to put first in my life and it is, of course, college. College has made me to understand more about different subjects and why they are needed in our everyday life. I have learned more and more every single day i enter a class and I gain so much knowledge and information. I'ts very valuable to me in so many ways. It makes my parents proud and It helps me accomplish so much by attending so that I may go on and do what I love to do!

Jessica

I remember the fresh air stinging my face, as the breeze gently hugged my shoulders. I was silent for a while, taking in the campus under a warm blanket of sun. This was where I needed to be. With that realization resonating within me, I chose to attend Northern Arizona University. Because of that one decision, I’ve had a college experience unlike any other. On this campus, you’re an individual with your own major and your own lifestyle. You’ve chosen to be here; you want to be here. At the same time, you’re part of a greater community. On this campus, you’re surrounded by people who believe that success is attainable, and you have the tools to get there. You are a lumberjack, important and accomplished no matter what you do. With these characteristics, you can go far. You can push past a simple degree into a realm of true experience. The opportunities here allow many to witness what they treasure most, and challenge what they don't understand. It’s because of these things that an education here, has proven to be valuable. This is lumberjack territory, and this is where I’ll stay.

Jennifer

Stepping off the stage with diploma in hand, what's next? Beginning a new school with fresh faces for the first time since kindergarten can be a bit intimidating. I have grown up in the same town and seen the same people year after year in school my entire life. The first year of college I was kind of shy not breaking out of my shell just quite yet. The second year though, I have learned to let loose and meet new people and face new challenges as they come. I was afraid before, to get out into the real world thinking that I would be unable to conquer the hardships that I was going to face. The biggest question of all now is what do I want to do? Truly? I want a job that is going to help people and make a difference in at least one person's life. I have chosen nursing to help me follow that path. College has been the greatest asset I've had in deciding my future. There is so much diversity and yet there are so many similarities between us and every person just needs a little bit of love.

Megan

I have learned to be an independent woman and to strive for my own success. I have grown up and learned to be who I am and to not hide that from anyone. I have also learned that not everything is easy. Registering for classes is not an easy thing, but from the difficulties I have learned a valuable lesson. Never give up at what you want to achieve in life. If everyone just gave up then life would be too easy. With all the obstacles that I face as a college freshman, I have learned to push through those obstacles, come out on top, and to create my own success.

Kristina

I've gotten a lot out of my college experience in this first semester. I'm learning how to be on my own without my parents and family around. I now make my own choices and have more options to pick from. I've learned that things are a lot different when being away from home, but not in a bad way. I am exploring more things and really finding out who I am as a person. It's valuable for me to attend college because I have a lot of goals for myself. I find it important to be able to take care of myself finacially, even if I do get married. Independence is something everyone should be able to have, and going to college is helping me to get that and learn what it really is all about.

colleen

so far, my college experience has been short. As my first semester is coming to a close, I'm realizing just how important the next few years of my life will be. I have made an effort to better my future, and have a hope for the family I will one day have. I am a first generation college student, and now that means more than it ever has before. My mother is not working and my father is in fear of losing his job. It is clear to see that if I do not find funding, I will have to drop out. My college experience has been valuable to me beacuse i have met some amazing people, and i am able to see that I have a drive to attend classes. In high school, I just thought college was what I was supposed to do next, but now that I'm here, I realize that it was where I was supposed to end up. I lovve me school, and my instructors, and I'm ready to continue my education.

MUQIAO

A sense of accomplishment that I haven't felt from anything else that I have done. Besides, I am a foreign student and English is my second language. Attending college at another country means enormous challenges. But once i made it, I'll feel more confident and a huge sense of achievement. A very good job with good pay. Job security. Some admiration from others. Use the skills learned to volunteer and help others. Knowing I can take care of myself and be on my own during college. Student loans were worth it and have since paid them off as planned. Friendships. Great memories.The greatest benefit was the completion of a long term plan/goal. Realizing because of college that there are a lot of things I can accomplish if I want to.

Rebecca

My college experience has been about much more than academics. Although they are important, I have been encouraged to get involved and be an active member of my department and my college community. I have made some of the best friends of my life and had some amazing experiences. My instructors have encouraged me to pursue my dreams and work hard to get there. I have never felt out of place on my campus. I have been challenged both academically and intellectually. I have always been allowed to speak my opinions and be heard, and I have been able to learn from those around me. Honestly I would never want to attend a different college then the one I am at now. I feel at home at NAU and, even though I am busy and stressed sometimes, I feel that this experience has been one of the most rewarding of my life.

Jack

I feel that attending college is important in today's world. By attending college I will be able to expand my knowledge of the world around me and enable me to advance in the job market. I am still undecided as to what I want to pursue while in college, but I understand the importance of continuing my education. I have a strong interest in business administration and have thought that I would lean that way as I enter into the college arena. Studying in the business field will help me in any area I may decided to major in.