University of California-Davis Top Questions

I have learned this first year that many of the general courses use and build upon knowledge from high school. The greatest advice I would tell myself is to not take things in high school so lightly. The courses in high school seemed to require little effort to me so I learned material just to pass tests and not to actually acquire knowledge. I would have had a much easier time learning the material in college if I understood it better in high school. Being able to master the academic part of college early would have made the transition far easier. I just wish I could show my high school self my first quarter transcript and tell them what I had done wrong. I have no doubt that I would have changed my study habits and actually paid more attention rather than discard teachings solely because I disliked the one teaching it. That is an important fact of life that I have come to learn my freshman year: even if you dislike your teacher or don't understand them, it is still your responsibility to learn the material whether on your own or with the help of others.

I'm finding myself at college. I attend my classes, takes notes and receive good grades, but the real reason I am here is to discover what I will be like and how I will take on the world once I am actually out in it. I do not go partying every weekend with my friends. I thought I would once I got to college, but I'm glad that I do not. I like to think it shows more about my character when I say that I differ from the average college student. Apart from that, I'm also learning how to take care of myself without the help of my parents. My mother cannot afford to help me, so I have been on my own financially. Having this on my shoulders along with the stress of college exams, creates quite the load. I have learned, however, that I am a strong woman. Stronger than I ever thought I was. My dreams and aspirations for the future seem like a possibility now. I know as long as I continue to work hard, raise money and still remain balanced between my school, work and social life, then I will succeed.

My college experience has been amazing and has really opened my eyes to the 'real world.' I grew up in an upper middle class neighborhood that was not very diverse ethnically, religiously, nor politically. Coming to Northern California has exposed me to much more variant political views, and the school itself houses a multitude of cultural backgrounds and beliefs. I have had the opportunity to meet new people and expand my knowledge of vitality and living presently, all while sticking to strong academic standards that have prevailed throughout my life and delving upon a whole new world of research, labs, and science. Davis has been exciting and the small college town atmosphere definitely facilitated a smooth transition from home living to becoming a more independent, open-minded adult.

My college experience has been a mixture of things. I now know that I am no longer a child and that I have to grow up and depend on myself. In my, so far, short experience, I've had to learn how to deal with family problems being away from home. I've had to learn how to live with three other girls in close quarters and how to make friends where I knew no one. I've also had to learn how to take care of myself with just relying on myself. I've also learned how to manage time better and how hard it actually is trying to do all the activities I want to do. I've also learned that I have a long road ahead of me to do what I want to do in life. And I am so ready for more of my collge experience.

I have recieved a great education and the skills I need to exceed in the career I have chosen for my self. It has been very valuble to attend because once I graduate I will be able to get a secure job with good pay so I am able to support myself and my daughter and give her a good life.

I have learned from my college experience that I have much more to learn! And I am excited to use what I've learned from, so far from to Davis to continue learning and truely discover what drives me and how I can make a positive impact on this world. By attending UC Davis classes I have come to find new interests in subjects that I never thought I would like, for example, geology! It was a prerequisite for my major, but after I took the general geology class I have been taking geology classes every quarter since and now I'm thinking of completely a geology minor. It's remarkable how many opportunities Davis can offer to an aspiring young student. One of my close friends here started out as a Tecnocultural Studies Major, but has decided to double major in Art Studio as well in order to pursue her dream. She sought the help of the talented people hired by Davis to assist students in discovering the majors and subjects that truely express what they wish to develop into a career. I am proud that I chose UC Davis as my university!

I was always that girl in school who was too timid to express her own thoughts. I redefined the word "reserved". By the time I hit high school, I knew it was time for a change. I couldn't let this problem hold me back anymore. In my tenth grade year I joined a program in high school that allowed me to graduate with my high school diploma as well as my A.A. degree. That summer I began my courses at Brevard Community College (BCC). Now, as a senior, I am a full time student at BCC. Since attending this school my confidence has increased in a way I never thought possible. Now I am never to shy to talk, especially to my teachers. As a result of my increased confidence, I have also become more involved in my school. I am engaged in several clubs, and hold leadership roles in many as well. My college experience has allowed me to become a more efficient student and harder worker. I now have skills I didn't have before that will allow me to continue a successful college experience, as well as the ability to graduate into a successful career.

My college experience has allowed me to interact with people who are actually interested in the same things I am. It has also allowed me to meet new people and discover new ways of looking at old ideas. I hope that I can continue to grow as I pursue my degree and I know that Davis is the perfect place to do so.

Beyond the academics, college (undergraduate study)exposed me to viewpoints of which I was unaware. I learned about so many cultures and beliefs. I was able to study abroad, which completely transformed me. College afforded me the opportunity to find work easily and with the skill set necessary to work in diverse, 21st century settings. Most importantly, attending college propelled me into adulthood and independence. I learned how to be self-sufficient, resourceful, persistent, and focused. Earning a Masters helped me to become proficient in my profession and to network with colleagues. Graduate course work enabled me to feel like an expert in my field. Now as a graduate student, for the second time, college is re-inspiring me. I am challenged by my classmates and course work. I am intellectually stimulated and excited by all that I am learning. Again, I am discovering alternative viewpoints and it is expanding my thinking. I believe that earning my doctoral degree will allow me to continue be in college as a researcher and instructor, thus I will continue to be exposed to new thinking and ideas.

Despite the fact that I am currently attending a two year institution, paying for school is still a lot of money. Tuition for the courses I am taking, such as physics or calculus and analytical geometry, is expensive. And the cost for the books and supplies I need for my courses is absurd. I have learned to put my best in the courses I am taking not only to receive excellent grades, but also for the fact that I am paying, out of my own pocket, for the courses that I am taking. It would not be wise to be paying close to one thousand dollars for a course, and receiving a C+ in it. College has also taught me to be able to do more things on my own. I have to make sure I pay my tuition on time so I can take the courses I need to graduate. I also have to make sure I balance my school time and work time so the two do not collide. I have also learned that attending college is such a big benefactor for people who want to receive great pay.