University of Washington-Seattle Campus Top Questions

I am a current freshman at southern union state community college. Since I have been attending college, I have learned that the world is full of different types of people. There are those who take the world seriously and those who do not. Those who choose to do their work and help others are the ones I have I need to be around. Those who arrive to class thirty minutes late and walk by someone who has just dropped a book and do not bother to help that person are the ones I find myself resenting. My college experience has taught me to stand out as an individual who helps others and does not go along with the rest of the croud. It has been very valuable for me to attend college because with out attending I would not have been exposed to a part of the real world and I would not be the person I am today.

From my college experience at the University of Washington I have gotten to experience live my life more independently. This experience has taught me to work hard not only at my education but at also to work towards better myself for life after college. Attending college and being more independent has taught me that opportunities are not going to be given to me on a silver platter, but instead it is up to me to go out and get what I want. It has been so valuable to attend the University of Washington because I am placed in a large community with many opportunites for learning and growing.

Passion for flying has been at the forefront of my decision making process for over ten years. After high school, I was finally given an opportunity to quickly and cost-effectively gain flight time and earn the required ratings and licenses at the Community College of Beaver County. Much to my surprise, students in the Proffesional Pilot program leave the ground behind them within the first two weeks and begin an accelerated journey that takes them from the classroom to unheard of airports 250 miles away, and everywhere in between. Throughout the two-year ground school program I learned as much about what I wanted to do with my life as what I did NOT want to do. Prior to CCBC I thought a career in air traffic control would be a close silver medal to being a pilot, but sitting in on lectures and real traffic controlling, I know this is not the path for me. I'm certain that aviation will play a role in my future. By chiseling away at the aspects I don't like and polishing the ones that I do, I hope the result is a career I can enjoy and take pride in.

My college experience so far consists of Air Force ROTC and early morning Physical Training (PT), lots of math class pre-requisites for an Aeronautical Engineering Major, late nights, roommate clashes, and being away from home for about four weeks at a time. The reasons that these experiences are valuable are simple and yet, I have only just realized some of them, thanks to this short essay. ROTC has helped to discipline me, and allow my leadership abilities to grow. Early morning PT has strengthened my body and helped released stress. Math class has refined my math skills and has also pointed out and focused on my weak points. Late nights have taught me the importance of time management. Roommate clashes have impressed upon me the value in communicating with others. Finally, being on my own for the majority of 8-9 months has opened my eyes to the fact that, I am truly in control of my future and that I have to motivate myself in order to be successful. These experiences and their subsequent lessons learned are why it has been valuable to attend the University of Washington.

I have learned that, although I started playing music when I was twenty, a career in music is achievable. I have learned just how rewarding it is to pursue my passion, and I have learned discipline to attain my goals.

Take advantage. A complacent student reaps no rewards. The social network at college is great, but use this towards your future and not just to find great parties. The people you want to meet are those people in the academic department that you enjoy and hope to get degree from or work in. Join the department clubs, not only will you meet great people, it will give you the opportunity to meet staff and get experience in that field. As a biology major, going to biology club gave me hands on experience and allowed me to meet some research staff members for job opportunities. If you don't know what you like, take the first year of school to explore different classes. By sophmore year be ready to dive into a particular department or field. The scariest moment can happen when you graduate and realize that companies do not hire degrees, they hire experience. So take advantage and meet as many people in your school, and study hard.

Looking back seven years after completing my undergraduate education, I feel like I've used my degree as a stepping stone. Without it, I would have never come to the realization that the career I want to pursue requires a graduate education. I also feel that as an undergrad I received very useful lessons in communication, particularly problem resolution and dealing with all kinds of people. In my professional life, I've been able to use the skills I learned in a very effective way. My undergraduate degree helped me realize my potential and grow as an adult, and for that I am truly grateful.

Consumed by financial worries, I was walking briskly down University Way towards the bookstore. I passed by a homeless man begging for change. At once I was struck by the irony of my worries and embarrassed by my pride. I began to wonder what I was doing… getting a degree for myself? So I could buy a nice car someday, a house, and settle down? And then what? Suddenly my ambitions didn’t matter so much anymore. I offered to buy him a burrito, and his face lit up. Then we talked for a long time, listening and sharing stories. Brian loves jazz like I love classical music. He had been a talented musician, but a few big mistakes had cost him his career. Everyone has a story to tell. Attending college has been teaching me how to listen. The more I learn, the more I realize the minuteness of my perspective, and the importance of engaging in dialogue. If I build my future but loose a heart for others what have I really gained? College has taught me that education and compassion go hand in hand. Education can become a barrier of pride, or a bridge between people.

I have learned that employers look differently at those who have gone to college. It sets you apart from employees that are there just to collect a paycheck. It also identifies you a a person of character that is willing to make a commitment and follow through with it. I now have the benefit of a better standing where I work because I have made the commitment to actively pursue a degree.

My college experience thus far has furthered not only my knowledge education but also my life education. This past year at the University of washington has greatly expanded my academic knowledge in language and literature while I pursue a double-degree major in Spanish and English, but also the importance of applying this knowledge to life. I have taken a greater interest in the function of language in society and its different uses. I have learned to finish assignments early instead of procrastinating, a habit I had formed and kept since middle school. The work-college-life balance has taken on greater meaning, and taught me to make better use of my time. Through volunteer work, I gained understanding of the importance of diversity, the value of time, and the impact anyone can make simply by giving of themselves. I have learned that pride is both a flaw and a virtue - that pride in one's work is noble, but being too proud to ask for help is foolish. Most imporantly, I have learned that I am responsible for my future, that wisdom comes from seeking others' help, and that nothing is greater than those who love and support me.