University of St Francis Top Questions

The value of what I've learned in college is immeasurable. I enjoy learning about new things and through my college experience I have broadened my knowledge. By attending college and furthering my education it has allowed me to advance in my career. As I look ahead to my next goal I'm hoping it too will benefit me in my career in the long run. My college experience allowed me to form many new freindships not only with my peers but with the instructors as well. It has also been a good example for my children. It has shown them that no matter what a person's age or circumstances, one can attend college and succeed.

I've really been able to see what a good education is about. It's not just about the content that is being taught, its about the people who help you along the way. It's made me strive to be a better person not only for myself, but for my son.

In 2009 I started out my spring quarter a Treasure Valley Community College and unfortunately had to leave because of a mental illness that was getting worse day by day. I couldn’t step out into the world literally because I was too sick. This past May I almost passed away and my life hit rock bottom. On May 3rd, 2010 I started trying even harder than I ever tried to get back into reality. It’s been a terrible experience like pulling boulders chained to my arms and legs. I am attending T.V.C.C. once again even if I haven’t been completely better. There are days when I want to give up but going to college and learning from my instructors is actually teaching me about how to deal with life and how not to give up. I think this is more than a valuable experience that I’m still learning from. Going to school is helping me focus on becoming the great artist I want to be and is also helping me put my focus on something other than me being sick.

I started my career at a Junior College in 2005 in the Pre-Vet program. While at JJC I struggled with Math/Science but I never quit. When I transfer to USF in Fall of 2007 I held close to my dream of being a student athlete and playing college football. Entering the program, I felt like I didn't put in or have enough time due to playing sports. As we know, playing sports can be tough. I was raised here in Joliet, so even though it was hard my first year I had my parents and church family to encourage me. I also served in a organization called Brother 2 Brother which volunteers for different organizations and supports young men of color finish their degree while attending USF. In 2008, I study-abroad in Paris, France. Although my family did not have the funds, USF financial aid, and Alumni supported me. USF faculty and alumni are first class with first class students. Through my experience at USF I think on a global scale now. I speak two other languages through first hand experiences. An education from USF is valuable and holds firm to my mind body and spirit.

I got more experience and knowledge from college life than I ever did living my normal life. I have learned valuable things about the world, but I learned more about myself which would be invaluable without towards having a happy life. Without college, I wouldn’t be here to talk about what I have to look forward to. My personal life has always been full of grief. I was molested as a child, grew up with an autistic brother, moved around constantly, and had many drug problems. With drama that comes from abnormal issues, I had normal issues with jobs that everyone else has. I saw people work hard only to get fired; talented people passed over for promotions; decent people lose much because they had no options. Even with a paying job, I still wasn’t happy. College is not just about education. It’s a chance to broaden your horizons personally and professionally: embracing people and ideas outside of your reach before. It’s a chance to learn more about the world and how it could be better. College is valuable because it gives you a chance to learn more about yourself, and another chance to be happy.

By going to a community college, I have been able to make my dreams more of a reality. I graduated from community college with an Associates of Arts degree on the same day that I graduated from high school. I have recieved a 4.0 GPA from both of these schools. This has made other colleges want me to go to their school even more. I will be entering into the Radiology Program as my first year out of high school. There is a good chance that they have never allowed this to happen in the past, but because of all of my credit hours, they will make an exception. I will probably be the youngest one to enter into this program and I am extremely grateful that I took college classes to prepare me for this experience. I will now be able to enter a university in which I will be able to pursue the career that I have wanted to do for the past three years and not have to take general education classes.

I returned to the University of St. Francis after a period when I worked full-time and did not take college courses. I was laid-off of my job in June 2007 and decided to take the opportunity to return to school. It was a huge risk, and has been filled with challenges that I must face daily. However, I have gained so much knowledge and confidence in myself and my ability to set a goal and acheive it, despite hardships. As a music performance major there is so much involved in becoming an expert in your field. There is the classroom study as well as the technical aspects. I believe that I have worked hard enough that things I thought I had lost over time ( in regards to my singing ability), I've been able to put back into place. I have also met some wonderful people, faculty and students, that challenge me to always put my best foot forward. Going from a big school, to a small school was somewhat of a culture shock, but I have indeed gained much from the University of St. Francis, and don't regret my decision to attend at all.

I have gotten a strong sense of community I has not recieved from any of my prior schools. I have seen and experienced what it is like to be part of something larger than myself.

If I could go back to when I was a senior in high school, I would give myself a lot of advice before entering college. First, I would tell myself not to stress out over the workload. I have always done well in school, and I do not know why I thought I would suddenly start struggling in college. College work is just like high school, except it involves more of an individualistic approach to learning. Second, I would tell myself not to be nervous about making friends in a new environment. I am typically a shy person and find myself being nervous when starting a conversation with someone I do not know. Upon entering college, I learned that everyone is nervous about meeting new people, and that it is not necessary to worry about it. I would also tell myself that college is like a big community. The people are welcoming and willing to help out eachother. All in all, I would tell myself to live, laugh, and love. Live for new experiences, Laugh amongst friends, and Love yourself and the people around you.

if i could go back and give myself advice i would say work harder at everything, to always do evrything possible to get a better grade, to study, read, and prepare the right way.