University of California-San Diego Top Questions

My college experience had been intermitant in the past. Twenty years ago, at half my current age, I was the same as most youthful adults. Full of opportunity, aspiring to be all that I can be, confused, refreshed and socially inclined are the first descriptive terms that comes to mind. School program structure seemed long and endless yet fruitful. My instructors were informative and patient. I felt my intellect expanding experiencing sharing thoughts and ideas with peers personally and educationally, cultivated my appreciation of diversity of people and culture and change. Now that I have doubled in age, I find that as an adult revisiting the college arena to complete the degree that I've started is completely different yet has similarities. Technology, which changed the face of education, contributes to online options that has decreased the length of time for me to obtain my degree. Degree program structural changes enables me to continue work and obtain a higher level of education in a shorter time span. I still am learning especially from those half my age and I'm able to share experience with them. I'm appreciative of the opportunity and the new experiences college have to offer.

The college I attended was a school filled with motivated and enspiring artists. I was able to explore a creative environment full of opportunities. I enjoyed being able to focuss specifically on my interest and loved being surrounded by other students who were interested in the same thing as I. My teachers were successful artists and I felt that being in their classes was conducive to my personal growth in a way that opened me up to new interests. This was an incredable experience for me, to see that there are so many great and interesting things to learn about. I found that working with prefessional dancers and teachers was an incredible experience. Again, to be surrounded by other students who love the same thing as meI was very motivating. I grew as a dancer not only from the instructors but also from my fellow classmates. I've realized that my happiest moments are when I'm able to express myself through things that I love and feel passionate about. Being in an environment where I am taught by experienced teachers and surrounded by stdents who enjoy the same passions as me is what I value about attending school.

I have learned the value of my education in which it is not a material thing that can never be taken away from me. I realized that I am very priviledged to attend college when there are many others can only ask for a stable living environment. College has instilled core values that I try my best to uphold: humilty, compassion, and charity. I hope to use the priviledges I have been blessed with in a socially meaningful way.

During my college experience I have had to learn somethings the harder way. Time is key in being successful in college. In high school I was able to get by doing what was expected of me in the classroom and not really putting in much effort outside of school. In college however it takes more participation at home, because in the class setting we are not getting all sources of information need to pass. It's so easy to become overwhelmed when trying to cram in work all at one time, and in college I have learned how to use my time and what the priorties of my time are. It is valuable to attend college because if someone like myself is wanting to be in a coroporate business of some kind, the college setting and what goes on in the classroom is similar to the work settings we will be involved in. College prepares us for the work force.

Out of my college experience, I have learned to be more independent and responsible for my actions. I have learned a lot about not only myself but also a diverse culture. Every college offers something different to an individual. I think being at UCSD has helped me grow and just let go of the surroundings that I was comfortable with. I have gained so much as a person and as a student by interacting with students from different backgrounds and professors. College is valuable to me because it does more than educate you with whatever your major is; it also prepares you for the real world and that has to offer. It is not just about schooling, but about community and future goals. It offers a sense of pride and loyalty, that I feel will never leave me. Also, aesthetically speaking, the campus is beautiful. It really takes into account the nature aspect and has made me appreciate nature in a way that I have not really taken the time to notice before. I would not trade my college experience for anything.

UCSD was a great experience not only because of the quality of education, but because it brought me out of a sheltered life. Before I attended this amazing university, I did not know anything about other cultures nor things relating to politics and real life. Before UCSD I only knew of a world where teens get pregnant and only your parents beliefs are correct. Professors at UCSD taught me critical thinking and analytical skills that allowed me to think for myself and make my own decisions. I was able to stray away from my sheltered life and see the world for how it really is. That is one of the best ways for a person to be prepared for the real world. One is not ready to deal with the real world if they do not know what it is like. While I enjoyed my classes and all the people I met while attending, it was a valuable experience because it gave me an education while simultaneously turning me into an adult. I am now open to new things and can more easily adapt to change because I know that I will ultimately learn and benefit from it.

Eye-opening. A breath of fresh air. A never ending ladder into heaven. Yes, college; there are no words that can even begin to express my gratitude for my year at school. My college experience will forever shape and mold me. I have been taught and seen things that I thought were only in a dream. I learned German and went to Germany, I was involved in the LGBT, I've seen so many foreign movies, that I should be able to say speak 10 different languages. College has taught me to utilize every opportunity that comes my way, it has taught me that life is bigger and better and I just have to seek it. Its value is immeasurable, yet it weighs heavy on my soul. It has opened up my world so wide, that the sides holding it are cracking. I've learned so much and I am forever thankful that I attended. I took a year off only because I have to. I want to continue this over-whelming feeling that it has given me; therefore I left only to raise more money for myself. I am no longer afraid to do; now I am just grabbing.

I have not started classes yet. I moved in this past weekend and the welcome week activities have been so much fun. This school has opened its arms to me. I have met so many new people from all over the world and expect that when classes begin it will only get better. My education at UCSD is going to bring me one step closer to my life long dream of becoming a Dolphin Trainer at Sea World!

My first year of college has taught me more about ethics and hard work and commitment than I thought I would ever need to know. The college experience has truly brought out the best in me and produced the goals that I know will become my future. Not only has attending this institution brought to me an education worth what I'm paying for it, it will further me with my aspirations. I have been able to start up petitions to hopefully bring in a Special Olympics swim team to La Jolla, and with the help of how involved people are at this school I could not have done it without them. Furthering this dream, I know that I definitely want to study neuroscience and work with Autistic people. Without UCSD, I probably would not have been positive or I would have been second guessing my life choices versus my actually knowing what I am going to do. I also compete for the swim team and swimming everyday, mostly twice a day, with people who are just as dedicated to their lives as I am really lifts a person to a higher point of confidence to go through life.

From what I have seen, you gain a lot of experience meeting new people and taking all these rigourous classes. It's valuable to attend because you can meet your life long friends and obtain a valuable education that can shape the future that is ahead of you.