University of California-Davis Top Questions

During my first quarter at college, I expanded as a person and discovered more of who I am as a person. At college, you met a variety of people, coming from a small sheltered town this was a change for me at first. I have learned so much in one quarter at college, and then I did in one year in high school. College provides students an opportunity to discover what the world is like and allow us to learn what we want and how to study effectively. It has widened my view about the world. I believe it is valuable to attend college for people to learn about themselves and the world, thus allowing them to become better citizens and create a better world for the future.

I have grown in so many ways because of some of the hardships associated with being a college student. My work ethic is stellar due to having to hold a job to support myself while I attended community college and this has translated into good grades. I have also paid for my school for the most part and this also has translated into knowing the value of education and money. This is something some students dont necessarily learn in college. College has forced me to reprioritize. Fresh out of highschool, I definately needed to work on what I thought was important. Because of college, I hold my career (school and relavent work) and my family very important. I strive to do well in these aspects of my life. Another thing I have learned from attending college is that it is okay to be ambitious, motivated and curious because these traits will translate into opportunities that will in turn, allow for more personal growth. College has been an overall uplifting experience but it has also been a humbling one. In the words of my biology profressor, take the shotgun approach. Apply to everything because only a few things will pan out!

Although the learning experience in college is very important, the most valuable thing I have learned from college experience is to be independant. In highschool, the teachers will keep track of a student's progress and help the student along if he or she is not doing too well. In college, the student is on his or her own. Also, he or she will learn to take care of themself, if living on campus. These skills are very important in living in the real world because no one will be willing to help all the time.

I have learned a lot about the larger world. I have developed a much stronger sense of competition and hard work than I ever did in high school. I've learned a lot about different views, opinions, and beliefs. I've met a lot of really fun people.

College has made me more confident in myself. I now feel more comfortable expressing my true personality. In high school I was a "nerd" and other students didn't find that cool; at UC Davis it's cool to be super smart. I'm more outgoing because I feel more comfortable with myself. The independence at college is also fantastic. I'm learning how to manage my time and I'm loving it. College has only made me more excited to get my degree and work in a profession doing what I want to do!

My college experience was in it’s own way very unique. Being a transfer student, I had the priveledge of experiencing two completely different “college lives.” At Ohlone College in Fremont, CA. I attended classes where occasionally time was apparent; due to the semester system, where classes were stretched out over a longer period of time. At UC Davis, time became scarse; due to the quarter system, where all classes seemed much more confined. Throughout the four years of college, I have faced and overcome challenges that have provided me with the readiness necessary for the real world. Attending college was always valuable to me and my family. As a child, it was embeded in my mind that college was mandatory and not an option. Therefore, it was only natural and necessary for me to attend college. I always knew college was important, however, I had underestimated the value of a Bachelor of Arts degree until I stepped foot in the real world. It is now apparent that a B.A. is worth a lot more than I once thought. Thus, realizing the power of knowledge, I would like to continue my quest for knowledge by pursuing higher education.

When I was an incoming freshman, I didn't expect much because I didn't have an older mentor to tell me how college was like. I judged it by my own experiences of visiting the campuses and through what the media portrayed. However, college is totally what I didn't expect. I am attending a university eight hours away by car from home so I have a great amount of independence. Although, this independence comes great responsibility. I've basically thrown myself in a situation to experience life without the guidance of my parents. Also, college is a valuable place to attend. You are surrounded by knowledgable minds where you experience different ways of thinking, and also different cultures and backgrounds. Furthermore, I've discovered the value of an education by attending. If I had decided to not go to college, then I would have probably be stuck in a situation where I couldn't get out. College allows you to be introduced to a variety of subjects and ideas where you can pick out what you like best and what you want to pursue further.

I learned valuable lessons about what wasn't right for me in my life at my college. As a transfer student, I decided to get involved with my campus by joining a professional engineering fraternity. It took me a couple quarters to realize the group wasn't right for me. Joining organizations can be valuable in many ways, usually in the way of making lasting friendships, but for me, I realized I did not want to buy my friends. I do not believe in joining a group and blindly following its rules just to be accepted as one of them. I pride myself in that. I pride myself in being my own unique person. In the end, I made my own friends. I made friends with people who loved the same things I did, outside of school and our future careers. I made friends with people who are passionate about the outdoors, like I am, through the Outdoor Adventures program on campus. I am grateful for my misstep, because it has led me to where I am now: a strong woman with a new outlook on life, friendshipe and even career goals. I changed from Engineering to Psychology!

As a current second year at the University of California, Davis, I have recently transitioned from living on campus in the dormitory to living in an off-campus apartment for this school year. Both situations have benefited me both academically and socially. Moving three hours from home to Davis has also greatly matured me and has created a stronger bondage between my family and me as well. I have enjoyed all the options I have to do here, whether that be studying at the library, working out at the gym, or joining multiple clubs and making friends there. The professors are very intellectual and willing to help all their students succeed. I have learned that the academic advising centers are helpful to those who take initiative to learn how to use those resources; although I have personally been indecisive on what career path to take, talking to peer advisors has greatly helped me choose which courses to take so far. What I love about UC Davis the most, is that it is in a very college-oriented town and is environmentally friendly with bikes everywhere. When I am older, I know that I will always appreciate my undergraduate university choice.

College gave me freedom to do what ever I wanted without my parents holding me back. However, with freedom comes responsibilty. From the start, college gave me the experience of newfound freedom but it has taught me to not abuse this freedom. Every thing that I choose to happen in college will have a consequence towards my studies. If I do not balance my schedule out then I will fall through in one area. My college experience thus far proves to be valuable as I find that I can be independent of my parents as long as I make the right choices in what I do. It has introduced me to adulthood and independence.