University of Kentucky Top Questions

My college experience so far has completely changed my life. Attending college has given me the confidence in myself I have always been searching for. I have always been a person of hard work, and not afraid to put my heart into the things I do with my life. But at the same time, I never fully believed that all that would truly pay off into something. College I believe helps people be introduced slowly into the harsh real world, while not being completely overwhelmed. I have gained so much independence but not lost sight about what its all about. I want to be a successful person when I get older, but I also want to stay a good hearted person. Being at the University of Kentucky has showed me that is possible. Expecially, because I had no idea what I wanted my profession to be when I entered school. But through the experiences I was almost forced into having, I believe I have found my calling of helping people through being a Speech-Language Pathologist.

I believe the most important thing that i've learned is how to study, research and problem solve. I was never a really homework or study driven person in high school because the classes all seemed too easy and I had no trouble learning the topics. In college I have been introduced to exceptional classes which have been challenging and ultimately have taught me the value of studying effectively above and beyond what the teacher requires. I believe that this skill in particular will help me throughout my life because knowing how to research and problem solve is the key to meeting any challenge, from work to school to home. I have also learned to work through my mistakes and learn from them because a few mistakes will only bring me down if I let them. Being able to learn from my mistakes without being hindered by regret or grief will allow me to confront the challenges life throws at me without much fear allowing me to meet them head on.

Since entering the University of Kentucky in the fall of 2009, I have learned many things and been offered many opportunities. During my freshman year, I had an opportunity to perform community service at a nursing home. I heard from seniors who spoke about living a fulfilling life and making the best of any situation. During that year, all incoming freshman had to read a book about handling diversity and tolerance, and discuss it with other freshman in the group. This exercise was valuable to make everyone feel comfortable, especially students from other countries or ones who are not outgoing or outspoken. I accepted a work-study position and had to balance it with a full course load, which helps with time management. This year, I live in a dorm with a large number of students from other countries., which increases understanding of others. The opportunities offered to students to travel abroad are extremely valuable. I will increase my exposure when I travel to Germany next summer as part of the Diversity Collaborative delegation.

Going to college helped me understand that that I can do whatever I want to in life as long as I show up for it, whether it's for class, a club meeting, or social event. Being a part of something new or different in itself changed the way I perceived things and I got to learn a lot more than reading a book, sitting on the computer and working low level jobs. It has been valuable to attend because I learned what to expect and how to act for being able to work at a higher level. Plus all the people that I meet, in my classes or lounging before or after class, opens my eyes to the world around me. Then there's always making new good friends as we grow older and more intellectual.

I could never replace the experience I had as a student athlete at the University of Kentucky. In Lexington, I have met my best friends that I will remain in contact with for the rest of my life. I've discovered who I am as a person and what career would suit me best. I've grown into the person I've always wanted to become. I look back at Lexington fondly and always make a yearly trip to attend a basketball or football game. I still feel like this place is my home. I'd recommend it to absolutely anyone as I find that everyone has a great experience here regardless if you're an athlete, artist, engineer, or english major. People just flat out like going to school at the University of Kentucky. GO CATS!

I have gotten a better sense of the variety that exists in the world, more optimism, and, of course, a college education out of my college experience. Every person at UK has something to offer or is unexpected in some way. For instance, I went shopping today with some of my friends and my dorm's office assistant. It turns out that she's from New York and has traveled all over the US. I've also gained more optimism as I notice how many students are aware of the world and care enough to improve it. Whether the care is showed in little things, like gathering canned goods for needy families, or big things, like preparing for a mission trip to Honduras, it is evident that the majority of people are making an effort, giving me hope for the future. Through my education, I've learned more about science and world literature, useful topics that I wouldn't have been able to study in-depth if I hadn't gone to college. It has been valuable for me to attend college because I've gained thoughts and experiences (like the ones above) that I couldn't have had otherwise.

I have made many valuable, lasting friendships and have been exposed to great research opportunities. I have received and continue to receive a very specialized education.

Working full time to pay my way through school has made me prepared for the "real world," and I am looking forward to starting my career.

My college experience thusfar has given me the opportunity to know that I can achieve any goal I set my mind to. It has pushed me to the brink and taught me valuable lessons in terms of communicating with other people, research, and most importantly, studying. UK has a willingness to help any student- from counseling and free tutoring, to financial aid, to even obtaining our first work experiences; all of which I have taken advantage of. Were it not for the University of Kentucky, I would not be the person I am today. I have learned so many valuable lessons about myself and have learned numerous skills that will help me to excel when I graduate. UK has also given me the feeling of belongingness that I have never felt before. It literally is a huge network of people determined to make each individual feel as though they are a valuable asset to the community.

From my experience in college so far I have learned many things, but what I believe to be the most important is why an education is necessary. Education is very important to understand how and why the world is the way that it is. I have been told the sky is the limit when it comes to learning, and when you think you have learned all that you can learn more. College has taught me not just to accept things that I am told, or news that I have heard, but instead to go out and do my own research to come up with my own conclusion. I have also learned a lot of valuable lessons in parenting that I can use with my two children from all different aspects of life. I have a better understanding of the history of the United States both domestic and foreign relations, and what that means to America. Another important thing that I have taken with me from my experiences so far is to keep learning, and to further my education to do what I can to give back to my community, and also to share the knowledge that I have gained.