South Dakota State University Top Questions

What should every freshman at South Dakota State University know before they start?

Asia

Before making the decision to attend the community college I am currently enrolled in, I did in fact go to a 4 year institution for a semester. I was unable to stay, do to expenses of on campus living that my grants and scholarships were unable to cover. I learned a great deal in that one semester I was there. I was on my own; I made decisions that affected my life whether it is educationally, or socially. I found out very quickly that college was not easy, and over time it would just get more difficult. I am thankful for that experience, because I can appreciate the many nights I stayed up doing homework and studying without some telling me to do so. College allows a young adult to truly experience independence and make crucial life decisions. I would not be the independent young woman I am today without attending college. I now work and attend a community college this semester, looking forward to transferring the following semester.

Kristen

My college experience so far has exposed me to different thoughts and ways of doing things. This has come not only from instructors and professors but also other students. I was raised in a rural community and although State is also in a rural area it is in another part of the state where socio-economic factors and culture differ from my home. Some of the things I have been exposed to have been of great value. Although I worked all through high school, I have a great deal more independence and have to be more disciplined than when I was at home. While this is not a 'function' of my education, it is a life lesson that will guide me the rest of my life. Finally, the most important thing I have received so far from my education is learning to develop new relationships. Many of my friends growing up have gone to other universities and so I have had to reach out to new people and form a new circle of friends. This skill is important in networking which will be valuable after I graduate.

Mercedes

It is valuable for me to attend college, and further my educatin because noone in my family had a Bachelor's degree. While in college I learned that college is a lot harder than high school and you have to make yourself have time to study. i work two jobs and attend college full time, and i struggle in school a little bit because i have no time to study. So scholarships are important to me and my furhtering in college.

Lily

There is nothing more valuable than a college education. It can provide career opportunities, financial support, and experiences that cannot be achieved anywhere else. The most important skills I have learned in college are for my future career. I have acquired knowledge about the structure and function of the human body and learned how to identify disease causing organisms. Math has provided the skills essential for making accurate dosages for patients. While working with others in labs I have learned the importance of teamwork. Teamwork is very important for a nurse because there are many health professionals that I will need to work with to ensure the health of patients. As well as the career experiences and valuable education I have gained skills that help me be an independent adult. I have learned how to be more responsible while attending college. By attending college I have learned time management skills such as getting to class on time and spreading out course work so that I get everything done. I have also gained a better sense of the community through community service. College has provided me with many beneficial and valuable experiences that will help me in me future career, nursing.

Katie

I have gotten many valuable things from attending South Dakota State University. First, I have learned how to deal with the large amounts of stress that come with pressure from school work and activities. Reducing stress meant letting go of things that were not important to me. Overall, it helped create a new set of personal values. Second, I have learned how to manage my time. In high school, my mom made sure everything was done. When I started college, no one guided me through the day. Instead, I had to manage my time and guide myself through the day to get things done. Finally, I have learned how to accept people for who they are. Throughout my college experience, I have worked with people from multiple backgrounds and ethnicities. I learned to see the world through their eyes and accept them for who they are. Basically, they taught me not to judge people. Overall, college has taught me many valuable lessons that I will keep with me for the rest of my life.

Sarah

I was never the most popular kid in high school. I attended a small school, and didn't really fit in. When I went to SDSU in the Fall of 2009, I instantly found my niche. Finally I got to be around friends from rodeo and FFA! Attending classes at SDSU has helped me fruther develop my passion for agriculture. Through my classes, I have learned more about Animal Agriculture and different careers that I can get with my Animal Science major. We also learn about how to advocate for agriculture and tell the world the story of food production, which is something I hope to find a career in. Several leadership opportunites have also presented themselves to me over the past two years, like becoming a State Post Secondary Agriculture Students officer. This opportunity has increased my self confidence and leadership skills, and I plan to run for National Office this February. All in all SDSU is a home away from home, and its a place where everyone can find friends, a passion and expand the skills they already possess.

Brittany

I have gotten alot out of my college experience so far. I have learned that I have to step out and to not be shy around my friends and professors. By me stepping out and talking to people I have learned to not be shy and to ask for help when needed. I have had fun learning more than I did in high school which will help me get further in getting my degree for becoming a nurse.

Connie

The number oen thing that I have gotten out of school thus far, is the expantion of knowledge. I have not made any real friends, I mostly keep to myself. When around the community , I recognize the teachers, not other students. I am sure that I could try harder to meet new people, but when your interests are so different from others, it makes it harder. I hate the fact that students are checking email, texting, facebooking all while in class. I hate it. If it was up to me, no phones would be allowed on in classrooms. I do like the work and the classroom atmosphere. My academic advisor is really great and very helpful. I feel that I have found my purpose. When I decided i needed to go to collge was when my husband left me and my daughter. I needed to get a degree so that I could support us. I was undecided going in, but after taking a Lifespan class, my freshmen year, I knew what I wanted, and everyday when I leave my children behind I know that it is to better our lives. I would never leave them for anything else!

Molly

While attending SDSU, the values of hard work and determination have definately been reinforced in everyday life. I have been challenged to do my best and succeed. I have had some tough classes but, with the help of my professors and acedemic advisor, and encouragement from family and friends, I have always found a way to make it through those obstacles. I know that the things I am learning now will stick with me for life and help me later on when I am completely out in the real world. Attending college at an institution like this has opened many doors for me and I know that when I leave here I will be ready to face whatever issues may come up. I have have met amazing people and learned many things that have helped mold me into the person I am now. It has been an great experience that I am very thankful to have and look forward to continuing it for the rest of my college career. I encourage everyone to continue on to college so that they can be exposed to all the wonderful things it has to offer and to make a difference in their lives.

Donald

I have gotten to meet many different people, and it has given me a chance to rediscover what I have previously learned during high school and vocational school that I may have forgotten from lack of use.