Union College-Lincoln Top Questions

College has been a valuble experince for me. I come from a second generation of college students, my dad was the first one to take initiatve and go to college in order to give us a better future. I now see why he did it. With a college degree, one opens many opportunities in the working world. Not many young people today know the significance from going to school and getting a college degree. Many students today just view it as a place to get away from the parents and go party and have fun, little do they know that they are drinking/dancing/partying/etc. their future away. A school that can make you feel challnged and compettative and yet still keep that social balance, has certianly done its job.

I have gained much by attending Union College. I have been able to travel around the country as a recruiter, getting a chance to tell high schoolers what an amazing institution Union is. Working for the school, I have gained knowledge about computers and admission processes. I have had the chance to be involved in multiple leadership roles and to get involved in the social aspect of Union. Through education classes, I have been able to gain over fifty hours of experience in elementary classrooms in my first two years of schooling. This helped me realize that I truly do want to be an elementary educator, and when the going gets tough, I just remember that I'm taking these classes so I can be in a classroom everyday with students of my own. Because of the ability to be involved, the good academic aspects, the sincere and helpful professors, the friendly and comfortable atmosphere, and the strong spiritual emphasis, Union College has been one of the most valuable experiences of my lifetime.

I believe that one of the most valuable assets I have received from attending college has been a stronger sense of self. My college has been accepting of me as a person as I grow in spiritual, emotional, and academic areas. Growing up takes a long time to do-perhaps a lifetime-and college is an important step for me in discovering what I was meant to do in this world, and who I was meant to be. I have found it important during this time to be surrounded by people that support my journey and can celebrate my success. As any college student, I have had challenges and changes along the way, and my school and professors have been more than supportive during these times. I have changed majors, changed colleges, moved states, and even married in college. My professors take time to work with me in what I need to follow for my future, and I will be forever grateful to them for their kindness and sincerity in believing in my success, and helping me get there. So to all those who may never hear these words, thank you.

Make sure to manage your time effectively. You will be surrounded with an abundance of opportunities and ways to be involved in the campus. From intramurals, to a job, to volunteering to weekend social activities, it's important to learn to say no. Do NOT join every club that asks you to. Do not focus on working so many hours that you miss out on fun activities with your friends because the relationships you form in college will last far longer than your GPA. At the same time, realize that you are paying for an education and that needs to be your main focus at this point in your life. Make the most out of it that you can since you will never get this time back. But also understand that a high GPA is not everything; employers are interested in your professional experiences, leadership roles and volunteer work. A balanced life is the key to succeeding.

I would find someway to convince myself to get proper habits in place such as sleep, eating right, exercise. Only now am I seeing how important they are and trying to form these kinds of habits in a busy college environment is really difficult. I'd also teach myself to be able to say, "no." Especially in the first semester of college, being busy isn't always a good thing. I wish I'd learned to balance everything in my life to keep myself healthy and destressed and how to prevent becoming overwhelmed by everything.

Try harder with grades and make sure to have more fun.

Relax and let yourself make friends. Don't be afraid to be yourself and don't compromise what you believe in. Even if other people think that you are crazy. Being true to yourself is what matters most. Try not to let family or friends pressure you to take on more than you can handle. Don't date exclusively your first year. Just get to know people. Accept people for who they are.

My advice would be rather simple. Go to sleep by midnight, and don't go try to date the first girl you meet. Four years is enough time to pick out a girl, time is on your side. Also, take to heart what it means to "take the time so it doesn't take time" Every paper that you do the day before deserves an F. And the teacher always give you the answers, its just that they are in a thick book, so read.

Vist the school and talk with other students within the degree program that you are interested in. Do not make your decision based on where your friends are going. Find a school that is going to work best for you and that is going to work with you. If a school is not willing to work with you before you go there then they are not worth your time. Have realistic expectations.

Go to a school were you know people and have friends. If you don't know anyone you wont enjoy yourself near as much. Also go to a school that is within a days drive so that you can go home on the weekends and for holidays. But it is also good to be far enough away from home that you learn to be responsible for yourself and dont depend on your parents for everything. One more thing that is very important is choosing classes that you enjoy and staying caught up with your work so that you have time to hang out with your friends or even get a part time job.