University of California-Davis Top Questions

My collegiate experience encompassed not only what was taught within the classroom, but more importantly, what I learned outside of the classroom walls. College is a time for self-discovery, exploration, and social learning. While my lectures and classroom experience was of value, it was the friendships, experiences, trials and failures that I endured outside of class, that have helped shape me into the person I am today, with the goals I now possess. College is a time to explore new possibilities, to propel yourself out of your comfort zone, and to explore new possibilities. The physical act of leaving one's childhood home, in preparation for the college experience is such an important time for personal growth. It is with this juncture from the known that students attending college for the first time have the commonality of feeling estranged, alone, and uncertain with their entire freshman class. It is through this commonality that bonds are formed, fears are subsided, and lifelong friends are made. I encourage all students to attend college, if for no other reason than to experience firsthand, what the collegiate experience will teach, outside of the classroom walls.

I have gained many new experiences from attending college. I discovered the liberating feeling and great responsibility of living on my own. I have made many great friends and formed bonds that will last me throughout my college career and, in some cases, the rest of my life. I have been introduced to many new kinds of food in the dining commons I probably never would have tried otherwise. I have gained many fun experiences in clubs and school events. I have even become more fit thanks to the biking culture in Davis. I have experienced the fast paced quarter system and the more professional way students are treated here compared to high school. My college experience has been very valuable. I have gained new skills that will actually do me good in the real world. I have gained the ability to take care and be responsible for myself. I definitely have fun here which is completely worth my time. I have learned things in my classes that I actually care about because I know how the knowledge will be useful in my future career.

The change from high school to college was certainly a big one, one of such monument that it is impossible not to learn from. I have learned the importance of thinking for myself, which in turn leads to acting for myself. Living with my peers, as opposed to under the watchful eyes of my parents, has taught me to self-regulate and to fully appreciate what I have both as a student and as a member of this modern society. It has been enforced that my actions will have consequences, and that doesn't mean a grounding or a lecture, it means that my life will be affected by everything that I choose to do. Every day I wake up to go to class and to interact with my peers; to be present in this learning environment proves the impact we have on each other and our surroundings. College seems to teach constantly, and I have learned that I am important in my own life and that, by being active in my own as well as the global community, I can make whatever kind of difference that I want to make.

By continuing my education and attending college i have learned some very important lessons. For one it has taught me the value of time management. Having to be responsible for my work in several classes forces me to prioritize my work. If i didnt take this lesson to heart i would be buried under alot of course work thanks to my own procrastination. Another lesson learned was being independent and responsible for my grades and course work. While it is a good thing to seek and get help from your peers. One must take into account that there will not always be someone there to help me. So its important to be able to do the work myself and have the discipline to stay focused and on task. In short by me attending college it forces one to mature into a responsible adult who can handle their priorities. It prepares us for the real world.

So far my college experience has been very positive. I was lucky to be placed with an amazing group of girls in my suite last year as part of the dorm housing. Two of them I am living with again this year and we get along so well. They were a great support system last January when my uncle passed away suddenly. I have been involved with a community service club called Tzu Ching, which is part of the larger international organization Tzu Chi. Through this club, I have grown to be compassionate in everything I do. Each week we host a homeless breakfast distribution and hand out food, clothes, soap, blankets and any other items that we can. This summer, we are hoping to travel to Haiti to help out the earthquake survivors. To do this though, each of us needs to pay our own way to get there. The club is filled with intelligent, kind, beautiful people and I feel very blessed to be able to volunteer with such a unique set of individuals. College has opened my eyes and shown me that I must work hard, love everyone and everything, and enjoy the life I was given.

So far from college, I have noticed that the habits I am picking up now are the ones that shape my future self. Living in my own place managing myself is much different than I thought it would be like. I have revealed countless personality traits of mine that I never realized existed. It is valuable for me to test the waters right now and find out what I can handle, but still my my mom as a life vest to bail me out. I also have made new friends and began networking to other cities for job opportunities. I understand now that knowing people is the easiest way to have the upper hand, so I have been working on finding people with similar interests in case later down the line, I can use their service. Attending school is so valuable because it gives me four years to meet as many people as possible.

Feel freely to the fullest, the freedom of being yourself in whatever new and unfamiliar environment you end up being in. Don't be afraid to express your passions and what you believe in. In the beginning it may be scary, entering new territory and new faces, when you've been used to the same people these past four years. But don't be afraid to put yourself out there; there is no need to compromise yourself to the norm and assumptions of "college life" or fitting in. Academically, grades are important, but just as Mark Twain said, "Don't let schooling interfere with your education." There are so many great classes and books; just so much to learn about the complexities of the world; so take it in with brand new eyes, beyond your assumptions and beyond political ideologies. If there's one thing I've learned in college that has changed my perspective and approach to life, it is that the whole world is interconnected and complex, politically, socially, and economically. Everything affects everything. The world is yours to explore, you can never stop learning, so take it in; analyze, embrace it, and apply it in real life!

Should have went to her and ask a lot more question and worried about college a little more.

I f I could go back to highschool and talk to my self I would have told myself how important that it is to stay in school. I was suppose to graduate in 1996 but I came out a year later hanging with the wrong group of people. I had always been a great student I just lacked at the end. Knowing what i know now I would have stayed focused, went to college right after high school, applied for scholarships. Its just so much I would have said to myself mainly because I am 32 years old and i am a Freshman I know its never to late to go to school But I could easily be in my career at this point. For future students to com I would tell them the same thing to stay in school and be focused on your work because someday it will payoff.

Dear Lauren, DON'T HOLD BACK!!!! Get involved with as much as you can and fill your time with things that you love. Explore the world and find out what you want to accomplish in life. Have fun and put your heart into everything that you do. I know sometimes things will get overwhelming but it is important to keep everything in perspective and not get caught up in superficial things. I know you are hearing this from everyone right now but really take it to heart. With an open mind and a willingness to try new things you will have an amazing experience. Academically college is going to be challenging for you and centered around science classes. This will get extremely hard, especially when you get involved with extracurricular activities. Time management skills will become crucial to stay on top of your grades. Remember you are in college to learn. It may not seem like it most of the time but your success in college determines your success in life. This will be the most amazing experience of your life, cherish it! Love, A wiser and older Lauren P.S. Practice riding you bike before you get to school!!