The University of Tennessee-Knoxville Top Questions

I've always believed that an education is one of the most important aspects of a person's life, and with financial aid and community college, that's become possible. I've grown intellectually, as well as personally. I now have the confidence and intelligence to move on to a four year school, and to eventually fulfill my dreams of becoming a forensic psychologist.

Throughout my life i have dreamed of different careers, from teaching to being a doctor, but everything requires education. Any dream i had would be incomplete without college. Although I had always planned on going to college I did not realize the importance till it came time to pick a college. Comparing and constrasting lead me to the decision of the University of Tennessee. And through the two years i have been there so far, I see how far I can go with an education. I can live out my dream, I can lead a successful and prosperous life after I graduate. WIthout a college education I do not have much to fall back on, and in a time that is struggling economically there is nothing better than security, especially if it is in something that you enjoy. If there is any possibility of going to college I would recommend it to each and every person, no matter what it will be beneficial. In addition to education I have met some of my best friends and had some experiences that will stay with me forever. None of this would have been possible if I had not attended college.

Tennessee wasn't my first choice, and even now, if I had a chance to do it all over again, I don't think I would attend. I had a lot of fun at UT and made some great friends, but I can't help but think that another school (albeit private and with a hefty price tag) would have been a better fit for me. That being said, I learned a lot at UT, both academically and about myself. I found my true major and I did good work. I stayed close to home and realized how important my family is to my life. I learned that being different because of gender, race, finances, religion or politics is not a handicap. These differences can be used to educate others. Mostly, from UT, I found out what I'm made of. The idea is a little abstract, but understandable to anyone who has ever reached a point where they were not sure if they would ever make it through to the other side. So, after all that, I accepted my UT diploma with pride. I earned it.

My college experience has been invaluable to me on a personal and professional level. As a young adult, I wanted to be a criminal lawyer, working to put "the bad guys" away. I am still interested in doing that, but I now want to work from a psychological approach. The University of Tennessee is helping me with this career goal with a degree in psychology. I love the psychology department here, and am using the things I learn to help in my personal life as well. College has been very challenging so far, but I still count it as one of the best experiences of my life. This university has also helped me with another very important goal: going to Italy. I am currently studying Italian, and am trying to enroll in a study abroad program this summer. My Italian professor is so supportive, and my life would not be the same without having the opportunity to study under her both here at Tennessee, and abroad in her native country. I do not currently have the funds to do this, but I am not going to give up this dream.

I have achieved so many new experiences through my brief time at college, it is surreal. I have experienced more in my first semester of college than in my four years of high school. It is how college can change a person, for better and worse. College has helped me grow as a person, and because of this, I know more about myself than ever before. It has been valuable to attend college because of the growth I have witnessed in myself, as well as the strength in the bond between myself and my friends.

Always remember to enjoy your senior year. Make time for friends and school. I knew college was going to be hard. It was harder then I could have imagined.The first semester is the hardest. The classes, marching band and being away from home. At first I didn't think I was going to make it, but don't give up. You will get settle into a routine. You will start making friends. Its is amazing what you can do.

Prepare for the worst. Work hard in high school and it will make your life easier in college. Learn to manage your time more wisely because that plays a big part in achieving great grades in college. Be independent and responsible. Enjoy your time in high school and make the most of it!

I would tell myself to make every decision with thought. Go straight into college instead of taking a break from school. I took a break from school and became a mother. I don't regret it at all but wish I had gone to college to start a good career first. It is hard being a single mother and working and trying to go to school. I would also tell myself to study hard and continue to stay focused. It matters. Don't make things harder for yourself. Stay driven and work hard to accomplish your goals. All will fall into place if the right steps are taken.

I would definitely tell to study.I thought I would be able to get by with studying the night before my tests. Needless to say I was very wrong. I would also tell myself that I'm going to have to branch out and not worry about what other people think about me. In high school there were many cliques and what not, but in college everyone has their own since of style and they don't care what other people think about them. I honestly wish I could go back in time and tell my high school self these things because it would have been extremely helpful.

Take as many chances as are alloted and never hold back. As a Freshman and Sophomore in college, I was quite reserved in my activities and as to how far I would venture from my comfort zone. Transitioning into my Junior and Senior years, things changed and I became more open to all of the opportunities and experiences that were offered here. Looking back on my undergraduate years, it is those first two that I would like to revisit the most. Sure, I met plenty of people, made several friends, and had a great time, but I realize, looking back, at how much more there was to experience. My fear of getting into trouble or letting someone down, i.e. my parents, kept me from attacking certain challenges. I will admit that in some cases, I was probably better off for listening to that fear and I was able to finish my degree in four years. The amount of people that I know that required upwards of five years proves testament of that fact. But more than anything, I would tell myself never to fear exploration or the plains of a new field. Conquer the world before you!