University of Mary Washington Top Questions

Its okay if you go to a community college first then to a four year college. In the long run it cheaper.

I would like to make a positive difference in the world by what I have learned so far through my education and pursuit to become a social worker. Social work is an emotionally taxing occupation, but I would consider it a noble profession. Families, single parents, and abused children benefit greatly from social work organizations. What I see that needs change in this world is our living conditions and how humans treat each other. There is so much domestic violence in families now because of things such as poverty and neglect. All these problems can be evaluated and helped through benefit programs. I want to help fix injustices and abuse. What bothers me the most is not the fact that we have a responsibility to change, but that we refuse to accept this it.

During these past 2 years of college, I have done a lot of evaluations on life. In my first year, I dreaded living in the prison-like freshmen dorms where I had no exposure to diversity. I spent most of my time in solitude, reading and asking myself questions pertaining to life. This year, I understood the purpose of the loneliness I had experienced: a spiritual revolution. Many conflicts suddenly emerged in my social and family lives and surprisingly, I responded to them with a wisdom I never knew I possessed. In that solitude of freshmen year, I tapped into a new found strength and source of intelligence that had been dormant for so long. In many ways, a seemingly depressive year turned out to be a series of blessings. It also allowed me to greatly appreciate the friendships I made in the international living themed dorm I now live in. The many things I lacked of during my first year have an enormous amount of significance now. This isolation, that I had never experienced before, inspired a deep philosophical transformation in me that shapes the way I view life and the events that unfold in it today.

I have learned a lot, met some great friends and have had awesome professors who love to teach.

I have gained a broader since of what being outgoing means. Its hard in college to be the 'quiet one' and expect to get out of college what you want to. Breaking out of my shell really helped me to meet a lot of cool people and learn a lot from the people that I came across that I would have not otherwise have been able to experiance becuase of being shy. College has really helped in getting me out of that comfort zone to live my life and not be afriad of what other people may think of me.

College has really broaded and opened my mind to a lot of social, enviromental and human rights issues. Taking this time out of my life to devote to studying and learning is really important because I am able to be educated on the issues the past has contributed to and that our generation is going to be apart of fixing.

I traveled 3,000 miles across the country to attend my college and I could not have asked for a better experience. I did not know anyone but I was embraced by the campus community and have made lifelong friends. At my school I am surrounded by genuine people who know what they want out of life and who work hard to get there. These people have set an example for me and how I live my life. I have learned what it means to make mistakes in the classroom and with friends, but with the support of those around me I have learned from those experiences. I have a growing sense of responsibility and a better idea of what I want out of life. For me, college has been a place of growth. Nothing could have prepared me for the people and experiences I would face.

Miranda, As a college student I have come to realize one huge mistake. Do not take for granted that which was given to you. In high school you worked so hard! In college it is so easy to become distracted from your main goal-to become a succesful person in life. Even if you do not find the same type of great friends in high school, don't loose faith. Get more involved with campus activities. Don't party too much either, it leads no where. There is a difference between fun and too much. I can only say this, you are more intellegent than the grades you will receive, and you worked to hard to get the money to go to school to loose all of it. So put your chin up and remember the potential you have and what you have to offer this world. Don't let any circumstance deter you from finding out who you really are and moving forward to becoming a great and succesful adult. Love yourself and always remember to put your well being first. Love always, Miranda

TIME MANAGEMENT! It is alot of fun. But becareful. The work will pile up and you will be left wondering where all the time went.

I would definitely tell my high school self that even though you probably know the material being discussed in class, you should still study. And read. Professors can be rather picky in what they want, but they are willing to help a student who comes with questions and is concerned about doing well in the class. So office hours are your friend. School is not about partying, it's about doing well and securing a degree that will help you get a good job. Remember how much being a cashier sucks, and let that remind you, even if your roommate keeps trying to persuade you to go out and party with her. She'll stop eventually, as long as you don't cave. So stay true to you and work hard to make those dreams come true.