University of Southern California Top Questions

College taught me how to think globally and care compassionately. I entered a diverse campus filled with minds that yearned to learn. The challenge was no longer to be "the best." But to be "my best": in my Chinese class, in my Calculus class, in my theory of structures class, in student groups, while running a race during a track meet my new passion was to do my best. The security of the campus helped fostered creativity. And, depsite the different weather seasons, the consistent kindness and respectfulness of faculty, staff, and students, whether the professors or the physical plant associate, was truly refreshing. Even now, as I travel through different seasons and see many uncertainanties I am encouraged to continue moving forward; to simply "Fight On"!

A college education expands your mind, makes you a life-time learner, helps you solve problems by looking at causes and alternative solutions, increases your life-time earnings, creates a nice network of freinds and colleagues. In addition you can work in the fields you chose and change to other fields that match your skills.

Although i am only attending a two year college before I go on to a university, I have still gained much from my experience. Thus far I have not only been imparted with some basic textbook knowledge (and for a reasonable price), but I have also gained invaluable social experiences. Going to a community college before a university is taking things in stride and working your way up to the challenge of completing a bachelor's degree, and for many of us it is the only way we can afford going to college.

I have grown more as a person than I ever could have imaginzed. I thought I was only going to this school to earn my degree and get a good paying job but I learned so much about myself and what I want to accomplish in my life. The friends I made will last my entire life and I feel so proud to call myself a Trojan. The cost to attend a private school are definitely high but I don't think you can put a price on maturing as an individual person and becoming a young, responsibile adult.

The ability to attend college online while maintaining my full-time job is valuable beyond words. I'm a 30 year old full-time professional returning to college to enter the medical field. Living in rural Colorado, without the online option, I would have to relocate my family at least four hours away to attend school. This is giving me a huge opportunity to better myself, and my family. The online resources, study groups, and tutoring available to online students is also amazing. I've been able to obtain some wonderful assistance from co-students, teachers, and faculty all through distance learning. I'm thrilled to be able to go back to college, however, some financial assistance would be very helpful as my choice of major is not inexpensive. I can't wait to graduate and immerse myself in a profession where I'm actually helping people and can be proud of.

College taught me how to learn, be analytical, balance work with play and develop strong valuable friendships.

USC has prepared me for the real world in a way that I think no other University could. When discussing the university many people will point out location as a negative. USC is located close to downtown Los Angeles in an area that one wouldn't exactly call prosperous. Words often used to describe the are around the university include urban and ghetto. While many would worry about safety and crime I feel that the neighbourhood around the university has been a valuable addition to my learning experience. First off it provides a great perspective and a place in which to put into practice the things that I learn in school such as diversity conciousness. Also, it teaches you how to take care of yourself, manage yourself as an adult, and make smart decisions. Staying safe is easy as long as you use common sense, like not to walk home alone late at night. Universities that are in rural locations or small towns don't provide that experience, they're very protected. Students there may learn about race and poverty but never really get to see or experience it. USC is the real world and a real education.

College, while so far it has been a short experience, has helped me to grow so much socially. I used to be very shy and have very low self esteem, so I was very afraid that making friends at school would be difficult. But I vowed to myself that I would go out there and talk to people, and it worked! No where else would I have had the opportunity to start fresh and recreate myself-- no longer did I need to be that shy girl, I could be as outgoing and crazy as I wanted. It also allowed me to see that I can put myself out there and reveal my true self and people will accept that, even if I don't know them. And learning how to make the most out of cafeteria food is a good lesson as well!

I have only recently discovered the impact that my college experience had on my life. After two years out of undergrad, I decided to return to school to pursue a master's degree in Higher Education Administration and Student Personnel. I struggled throughout school to find my place and my destiny. I have since realized that my passion is to help others find their passions. I can achieve that by working with student leaders, helping them find their path and discover their strengths. Each day I get to play a part in forming future leaders, building them up and supporting them. For a long time I felt like a failure, not knowing what my talents were. I know now what I am meant to do and how my unique gifts allow me to do these things. Every time a student wanders into my office to release their tears about a stressful day or come in beaming about getting their first post-grad job, I know I have made the right choice. Each day in my undergraduate education led me to this place, each difficult exam, each football game, each night spent with friends. I cannot thank USC for that enough.

I've learned a lot about myself. I also feel I know the educators better. I see that they are me only with a few years of more education. I find that I, and we (students), are becoming the next leaders in our fields. I am hopeful. I feel face up with the world and find that I have so many opportunities in front of me. The greatest thing I've learned is to breath. To take it one step at a time. And to follow my passions. Heart is what gets us through the storm and heart is what is at the end of the tunnel. If there is no passion there is no life. I've learned to express my heart desires and pursue what makes me happy. Psychology. I've learned I can be and do whatever I wish. Freedom. In the wake of this relization: I ask myself what do I want to be. I hope every minute I am in the presence of this answer: Psychologist.