University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Top Questions

As a current senior in college there are so many things I have learned that I wish I had known much earlier in the process. A recent mentor of mine just told me that I should live my life with the motto, "get over it," whenever there is an obstacle in my way. Looking back there are so many circumstances where telling myself to "get over it," would have really enhanced my college experience. I was an awkward and shy freshman and was so affraid of reaching out or meeting people because I did not want to go to events alone or risk looking silly or being bad at something. If i had just gone into every situation thinking get over the fear, get over the akwardness and shyness and just go for it, I think that I would have had a much more fun and fulfilling college career. I would tell my high school self to take the risk, reach out, and get involved in everything you can because you never know what opportunities will arise because of it. I would also tell myself to never wish the time away and to enjoy every single second of life.

It may seem trite, but it is essential to stay true to yourself. There is so much pressure, particularly in high school, to conform to some sort of ideal. But in college, your individuality will help you discover what you’re best suited for and embark on lifelong friendships.So you want to be a writer? An artist? An actor? It’s not that crazy a dream. College can prepare you to pursue a profession, not known for stability, in a secure and responsible way. You can also pursue studies you never even knew existed- like carillon and the history of genital mutilation. And when some of these courses get you down- when you just don’t know how to find the standard deviation or the indirect object pronoun- don’t be afraid to get a tutor.There will be bad days. You will curse yourself for asking an ignorant question in class, your roommate will leave you a science experiment in the microwave, and you will fall asleep, snoring and drooling, in the most populated area of the library. So watch your favorite movie and treat yourself to a whopping three hours of sleep. Great days are coming.

Having been in college for a few years is really an enriching experiance, but along the way you learn many things that you wish you could have known a couple of years back. I would greatly relish the chance to talk to myself as a high school senior and I would have so many wonderful things to tell myself. I would tell myself to enjoy college because the time passes so fast. I would say meet more new people and join more activities because missed opportunities are the worst feeling ever. Of course, I would also have to give myself some warnings, such as spend more time in class and study more, even if it seems hard and you don't feel motivated to do it, you will come to understand that it is worth it, but by that time it will be too late. Also, I would warn myself about the dangers of a large college and to perhaps choose a smaller one, where you feel good to be an individual and not just a number in a system. These are the things that I would tell myself and hopefully, he would lead an even greater life than mine.

I would advise young David that college is about balance. While the grade point is obviously a main focus, it is important to get out and socialize, meet new friends and enjoy your time on campus. See what's out there! Join some clubs that sound fun and don't be afraid to try something new. You never know what you might discover. Also, stay away from Lauren in History 101. She'll bring you nothing but heartache.

For me, college has been a experience of self-discovery--and one with often surprising results. For example, in a research paper for one of my English classes, I had decided to research the connections between computer use and loneliness--largely due to my Internet procrastination problems. While I researched, one key fact stood out--that people need other people to maintain emotional wellness. It was then that I realized that I often felt miserable because instead of being an introvert (as I thought myself to be), I was an extrovert. I NEEDED to be with people to be happy, and my Internet addiction impeded that. College was also valuable in that it really taught me about the responsibilities of leadership. This year, I lead a small group--essentially a small "family" of Christian brothers and sisters--in my Christian fellowship. Besides needing to prepare for Bible study each week, it was also necessary to take care of the members of my "family." Essentially, I had to learn how to plan activities for the small group outside of Bible study meetings. Clearly, such realizations of my personal self and learning the necessary leadership skills have made college all worth it.

The University of Michigan is a great place to study. I have learned so much about myself and others. This is why: there are so many opportunities for EVERYONE! Research, volunteer, church, social opportunities, and a great sense of community and pride are all heavily embedded in the maize and blue tradition. Through one or multiple of these outlets individuals begin to discover what their purpose in life is. For me, it was beginning to understand the disparities that are present in the health care system. Not everyone has an equal opportunity to experience quality health care, especially preventative care. And the university taught me, that with dedication and hard work, I can do anything.

I have gotten so many valuable things out of my college experience so far, and I continue to have more valuable experiences all the time. For one, I have made the most amazing friends I could ever ask for; friends who are truly there for you and want to help. I have also gotten the opportunity to learn so much, not only academically, from the amazing and unique professors at University of Michigan. Through my college experience I have found new interests, figured out what I want to do in life, and felt like I can really make an impact on the world. This has been the most valuable for me, especially because many of my friends at other schools have no idea what they want to do and feel as if they are useless to the world as a whole. I know I will graduate with a great degree, get a wonderful job, and live a fulfilling life that will impact the lives of others. All of this is due to my experience at University of Michigan, and I wouldn't trade it for anything.

Everybody tells you that college is where you truly find yourself. They tell you that you will learn more about life outside of class than you could ever learn of anything inside the lecture hall. When I first came to school, I felt terribly out of place. Did I choose the wrong school? Would I ever learn to like it here? Would I make any friends? I missed my house, I missed my real friends, and I missed my sister. I was so overwhelmed by everything; I really didn’t expect to ever adjust. At first I didn’t let myself think about how lonely I was. I threw myself into activities, joined several groups, and hung out with my roommate and my neighbors all of the time. I did things I never would have expected of myself. Eventually, I wasn’t lonely…I felt like I fit in and truly belonged to my school. So it’s true. College is a learning experience. I learned to give things time, that I will get from college (and from life) what I give. That was a pretty valuable lesson, one I never would have learned if I hadn't been here.

Research has been the most important part of my college experience. I have had the opportunity to work in a research lab in the field that I want to go into after I graduate, Biomedical Engineering and Regenerative Medicine. I work in the lab most days of the week and I am learning how to be a responsible researcher. I have been able to run gel electrophoresis tests on DNA plasmids, cloned DNA using bacterial transformation, and learned basic laboratory techniques that are not usually offered to students at other schools. One of the main reasons I chose the University of MIchigan was because of its focus on Undergraduate Research. I have learned that research is what I want to do in the future, solving scientific problems to aid the advance of society. The opportunity to work with such a great research team early on has been very rewarding, and I plan on continuing my quest for knowledge through research for the rest of my life.

I always believed that college was just another step towards my goals but being here for only five months has truly changed me. One of the most important lessons I have learned so far in my college experience is to do something you love. Before college I was so focussed on where I would be in ten years that I was not appreciating the journey. I was always focussed on becoming a lawyer but what I realized was that I had chosen a path for the money, not for my true passion. Since coming to college I have realized my true passion is psychology. I am so interested in how our minds work and how our interactions with each other effect our personalities. I cannot wait to explore a more indepth understanding of psychology, especially forensic psychology. If I had never attended college I would have never found what I want to do with the rest of my life. I have gained so much valuable knowledge including independence and a group of friends who will be with me for the rest of my life but if I had not found my passion I would have never found true happiness.