University of Oregon Top Questions

The University of Oregon has given me many things, both big and small, that have changed my life and helped me to arrive at the place I am at today. I believe there are many aspects of our lives that we take for granted and therefore, we begin to loose sight of how important a strong support system in our education can truly be. Throughout my studies, I was surrounded by an extremely positive and forward thinking community that pushed me to be the best I could be. My professors were very engaged with my work and constantly encouraged me to push myself to my full potential. I will value their efforts forever. I have been so fortunate to study at a university where I am constantly surrounded by a diverse array of people, studies, and ideals all of which have broadened not only my awareness towards a variety of unfamiliar subjects, but also of the world. I think it is crucial to look beyond our own borders with the intent to continue learning, growing, and striving for greatness.

I have met many professors, advisors, graduate teaching fellows, and students that make college all worth it. I believe college is about the connections and even though the price tag keeps getting bigger, the people I meet in college make every penny worth it. It's the people you meet who get you internships, jobs, and other opportunities that you can't find on your own. In the tough state of the economy, those connections become crucial and critical to succeding in education and life.

I learned probably one of the most valuable lessons of my life while I attended college. That lesson being to question anything and everything. I learned not to believe what I read or am told by anyone without solid evidence and critical thinking. It is so easy to just take what your professors and textbooks say and regurgitate it in everyday conversation, but it is so much more valuable to listen to what they say, research it, form your own opinion, and then discuss it with others that have opposing opinions. I have learned the most from people that think completely differently than I do. I believe that this process will not only enhance youe education at your university, but will lead you on a path to being a more enlightened individual that can carry themselves in a converstion with anyone. If an education to its fullest extent is what you're after, this would be my best advice.

College is an amazing experince to learn about yourself and grow as a person. I wouldn't trade my time in college for anything. You have the opportunity to take any classes you choose, find out what you are interested in and what kind of career you might want. The friendships and comradery I had in college is like any other time in my life.

College is nothing like high school, in high school some of my teachers aren't as firm and I could still rely on my parents for a lot of things, but when I got to college I really learned the what being responsible was. I had to make sure that I found a way to be to school on time, get my books, and speak up for myself if i needed to because there was no more running to my mom. The experience taught me that I am capable of handling things on my own, and that I can do alot more then what I give myself credit for. Just as high school was a preparation for college, college is the preparation for life; hence, its very important to attend.

I have come to grasp a larger world view gained through insight by my college experiences. I realized that it is important to be critical of everything and that deep thinking is required of every subject matter. I aquired some skills that allow me to be a better person and have learned to engage in various activities for enjoyment purposes. I have made new friends and been touched by the people I have interacted with. I will continue to share friendship with many college friends throughout my entire life - strong bonds have been foraged between us. Attending college allowed me to figure out what I actually wanted to do with my life and led me toward a career I think I will be happy with.

Throughout my college experience i've learned how to use my time wisely and study more often, I realized that I had to rely on myself to achieve the grades I want. It taught me a lot of responsibility, and made me realize that college was something I had to take seriously. It was valueable to attend beacuase I started full time college for my entire junior & senior year of high school, and in return I earned an Associate degree free of charge. Also I was able to graduate high school half a semester earlier, and in this coming january I will attend Florida State University as a junior transfer. With all my hard work and dedication I have went ahead 2 years of my educational timeline, and I am able to call myself a junior in college at such a young age.

A college degree opens doors for a person. Most importantly, it is an accomplishment that no one can ever take away. To complete a 4 year degree shows a determination and committment not every person has in their "make-up". It is as important to be proud of yourself as others are proud of you. My education is one of the most important attributes of myself. It has widened my perspective of life and has allowed me opportunities that I would not have had if not for my education. Also it has made me appreciate the movie "The Graduate" so much more. When I graduated from school, I could identify with the main character and his struggles. It is a universal dilemma. Now that I am attending graduate school I feel the circle is becoming complete in my life.

My college experience has really opened me up to academics. I am a music education student in the University of Oregon School of Music and Dance. The classes are much smaller than most of the other majors, and all of the students in the program are very close. We are all very adamant about going the extra mile to become great teachers. We do our work together and provide each other with resources that help us both in school and our future careers. My musical ability has advanced dramatically, and my course work has really pushed me to become curious about my education and the vast amount I have the ability to learn.

I have gained the strength to finally come out of the closet and stay out in front of my parents, friends, teachers, and colleagues. I have come to terms with the hardships I've faced in my life including coming from a military family, being gay, and having been sexually assualted. It has been so valuable because without knowing who I am and being proud of it, I probably wouldn't be here today.