Portland State University Top Questions

Growing up I attended an elementary school with fewer than 20 students in the entire school. Going from this environment to one where there are twice as many students in the classroom and 10,000 times as many students in the school has been incredible. Every class I take I have been able to interact with different people and through this I have realized my interest in other cultures. My college experience has shown me that there are so many opportunities out there and that there are so many things I want to do with my life.

I was skeptical to apply to PSU at first, because everyone in Oregon knows that Portland is filled with all kinds of peculiar people. I figured I would be going to school with a bunch of weirdos, and I would have a difficult time making friends. After being in school now for three months, I laugh at my silly pre-college fears I had. It is almost impossible to not make friends here. There are a ton of porgrams, clubs, and other activities, both academic and recreational, that anyone can get involved in. The diverse population on campus has allowed me to learn things that cannot be taught in a classroom. I have already created bonds with people that I know will last a lifetime, and I look forward to the great things the rest of my college career has to offer for the furture.

My college experience thus far has taught me that an education is only as valuable as you make it to yourself. College is so special because we CHOOSE to go there, not because we are required to. I have learned the difference between going to school and actually learning, and how it feels to WANT to learn and be there. It has helped me learn the importance of actually wanting to improve yourself.

When I attended my first college, everything seemed very weird: people, campus, and the social life at school. I first attended Portland Community College. It was a small-sized campus, yet somewhat diverse. I came to love it because the social life and getting around was very simple. I was loved by all of my professors and was surrounded by friendly classmates. Everyone was very willing to help me around. I never wanted to leave this school as I also have never experienced any trouble there. However, it was not a really active campus. Also, I always had poor grades there since I was never told about the advantages I could have. Afterwards, I transferred to PSU. The campus was very huge and much more diverse. PSU has raised my hopes in my education as well as my career goals. With all the help I can get, I have been an outstanding student with high GPAs throughout the years. It was something that I couldn't get much of from PCC. I had countless wonderful experiences just by being an observant student. It has been valuable to attend because you will always feel valued and special as a student there.

I was initially quite scared to attend college. As the youngest of four kids, I watched all three of my brothers pass up college, and pursue other interests. I enrolled at the community college, and half-heartedly got through my first two years. During the summer of 2010, I applied, and trasnferred, to PSU. Figuring out how to be financially stable while attending college was my biggest hurdle. At the community college, I worked 60 hour weeks, and came out a near-zombie. With the help of my some friends, I was situated with student loans, and a game plan. Being able to get myself into college without the cushy support of my parents has been my main motivating factor. I push myself to do the best that I can, on everything I do. I cannot settle knowing that I could of done better. College has shaped my character, and made me a stronger person. It has also given me the self-esteem to recognize that, just because one person did not think I would be able to do it, did not mean that I could not.

College is such a stepping stone in life. It's going out there and carrying on with your life. My parents can't take care of me forever and it's my time to go out there and live. So far it's been a huge adjustment, I moved away from home, and had to take on a whole new lifestyle. At first it was a difficult adjustment because everything changed in one night. All the sudden I was on my own. I was living in a different place without my family with all new people. It's been valuble to attend though, I've already learned so much. It teaches you a lot of responsibility and time management. It takes responsibility because no one is there to tell you to do your work or study, it's all up to you and if you don't take the time to study you'll pay for it, literally. I've met so many new amazing people and am living in a beautiful city. College is hard, but if you work for it, you will make it.

I have attained so much knowledge about myself, others, and the way we all manage money while attending college that I would never regret this experience. I have been able to explore what motivates me , at what point I crack under pressure, how I should and shouldn't manage my time and money, and how I affect others under stress. With a couple years left there is still much to learn, but college creates this unique environment of pressure and support that will inevitably cause growth.

Continuing my education has baited me. It gave me a taste for meat and made me hungry for the rest of that big world out there. I love learning all that I can. It has helped me to realize the big and great things that are out there. I really can do great things and I have been blessed to have the tools to get there. It's going to be long and it is going to be tough at times, but just because it is not going to be easy does not mean that it's not going to be worth it! I have tasted success and independence in small fractions, I can only imagine what the future holds. Just thinking about the beauty I can contribute to the world humbles me to no end. College can take me straight there. It can all be possible; I just need to reach out and grab it! I'm going to grab everything I love by the hand and run headfirst into the rest of my life. I cannot wait!

In my first term in Portland State University, I learned how valuable time is. Timing was the biggest obstacle on my way this previous term. At the beginning of the term, I spent much time wondering around the campus and making friendships than doing my homework. However, my advisor suggested attending procrastination workshops. There where I learned how to manage it by planning the time to finish school work allowed to mange my life as a college student and an adult. Using a planner and a calendar helped me keeping a track of my school work. Having fun with friend is not a terrible thing, but finishing the important things in school comes before spending time socializing and making friendships. Planning school time is the best way to succeed in school, and still have much time for life outside the school.

My college experience has been valuable because I have been exposed to people and opportunities that are not available elsewhere. There is limited room for advancement in the workforce without an education, and employees are often treated as disposable and replaced often. The university environment has been structured to ensure fairness and idealism, which is a novel experience after struggling in the 'real world' for so many years. Also, within my department, there is a sense of unity and kinship that I believe is rare in most fields. The experience asssociated with being around people with similar interests and aspirations, people who just 'get it', has been reinvigorating. I feel I learn from the other students often, and we collectively have a great deal of support from the faculty. I have enjoyed the college experience so much that I plan to attend graduate school and pursue a masters degree. The education I have been, and will continue to recieve, both in and out of the classroom, will hopefully prove itself invaluable in the formation of my future and pursuance of a higher quality of life.