University of Maine at Farmington Top Questions

If I were able to go back in time, and give myself advice as a high school senior I would give three statements. First, I would advise that I enroll into the local postsecondary program. I was hit hard by the shock of college coursework, and I wish I had enrolled in the postsecondary program as a high school student. Second, I would advise that I learn proper studying skills before attending college. In high school I was not required to do any significant amount of studying, whereas in college the amount of studying and the depth of studying is far more involved than I was prepared for. Finally, I would advise that I cherish the memories made during my high school years, because the next four years or so are going to be filled with "all-nighters," lots of studying, more detailed homework, and less free time. I wish I could go back and inform myself of these necessities; however, the lessons I have learned from these rude awakenings will be vital to the rest of my college years, and beginning of my career.

Dear Senior Jenn, Right now you are probably sitting in Ms. Dos Anjos's class filling out college applications, exciting huh? Well, after a year in college there are a few things you would know. One: Dear God do your homework! Not only will it keep your overall grade up, you will be able to pass those tests more easily. Two: Making friends will require you to leave your dorm. You shouldn't be shy, most everyone at school is nice. Just say hi! Three: Make sure you pick a school that you REALLY want to go to. You do not know it yet, but attending the University of Maine Farmington was a huge mistake. Four: Do not go home every weekend. It will make transitioning in to college much easier. Good Luck! Your Future Self, Jenn

The University of Maine at Farmington is a hidden gem of a school. It has a great history to the school and is still nationally recognized for the quality of the education provided here. I am a Secondary Education major with my concentration in history, the staff associated with my major has been absolutely amazing. I never feel lost here because there is always someone to help whenever I need it. So far I have been very blessed to attend UMF because I am being given an opportunity to expand my horizons and prepare for a successful career as a teacher. It has been so valuable to attend this school because I know if I work hard and graduate, my life will be full of happiness and success.

Although it sounds cliche to say this, I truly found myself through my college experience. I entered into college not really knowing myself. I knew myself through others' eyes, as the athlete and the girl who got good grades. I didn't know myself beyond that. College really tested my limits and I made a lot of mistakes. But, through those mistakes I was able to find myself and find my own path. I was able to persevere through great trials and tribulations; I have come out a better person because of my experiences at college. I have found that I am a tough person, a hard worker, a passionate supporter of athletics, a compassionate mentor, and I found out how much I really need to be there for other athletes who had a hard time in college (with alcohol) like I did. I found that I need to be there for those athletes who struggle with this issue. So, why has it been valuable? Because, through my experience, and in my lifetime, I will be able to change the lives of others. Without my own pain and troubles in college, I never would have been able to do that.

During my time at UMF I have learned that no matter how many classes you take or clubs you join, if you're not true to yourself your college experience will not be a good one. I've learned that my passion is in politics, and because of that I've changed my major. The atmosphere of campus was vital to that decision. My professors have encouraged growth, and have given me numerous networking opportunities. Without the people I've met and the classes I've taken and the clubs I've joined, I wouldn't have had the opportunity to work on several winning campaigns, or to visit Washington, DC, or discover who I am as a person. I credit UMF to helping me become the person I am today.

College has helped me to learn more about myself and what I want to do with my life. I come from a rural town with little diversity, and when I walk across campus and see people of all races, religions, styles, and attitudes, I feel comfortable in my own skin. I have taken a plethra of classes that have affirmed by belief that psychology is what I am meant to do with my life. Through college I have found myself and my future.

The biggest thing that I have gotten out of my life in college is in the opportunity to meet other like-minded people. I am an English major, everyone else in my major shares the same passion as I do for Literature. I also met many great professors. As I have continued through college I have met many amazing people, these people are usually educated and able to hold their own in a strong conversation also. The students in my major share the same love as I do and are easy to talk to and make friends with because of these connections. In our high school years we don’t have the opportunity to meet people from a group of all the same interests. So college is better in this way because we get to make new connections which we never had the opportunity to make before. In college we also have the opportunity to meet teachers which are all in this connection group also. These teachers are positive role models for students because they represent who students aspire to be. Students have the ability to make educational connections in different age groups, and yet they all share similar interests.

i have had a lot of fun

The most valuable part of my college experience has not been my classes, but the connections I have made with other students and professors. Not all students here are like minded, but it was easy to find accepting and interesting friends that I know I will remember for the rest of my life.

If I could talk to the high school senior me, I would say this: "going out of state isn't going to be that hard. In fact, leaving the comfort of your home state and the closeness of your family will help mature you and help you come out of your shell much faster and easier. Moving away from home, whether it is the next state over or across the country will do wonders for your personality and your confidence. Also, think about how much you love writing. Please consider that a viable option for your major instead of interior design because interior design is not for you. It will only cause you to take way more art classes than you will ever need to take and in the end you will discover that it is not a good career path for you. Take it from me, writing is your passion and you will enjoy pursuing that field much better. If you follow my advice you will only go to college once and therefore, Mom and Dad will help you pay for it instead of having to pay for it yourself when you are older and completely independent."