University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Top Questions

So far out of my college experience I have gained the knowledge that I will need not only as a student, but also as a future leader of my chosen profession. I believe that since I have had to pay for all of my schooling myself, without any help from my parents, I have gained the knowledge to understand that what your money is invested in can make all of the difference in the life you live. For those who have been able to receive financial aid, or have their parents pay for their schooling, they don't understand what it feels like knowing that everyday you arrive in class, is one more day that you have come to realize you can make it through. I believe if each individual were to experience this kind of emotion, they too would understand why it is so important to attend school, for those who are receiving no help at all.

I attend San Joaquin Valley college at Bakersfield i'm with the emergency services & safety management program. I have gotten so many and wonderful opportunities experience in my college years as fire arms training, laws and arrest, defense techniques, first-aid i loved them all even though if their were happy or sad moments. Back in high school i was introduced about gangs which i actually back up the south side i seen the violence, and also taught about drugs but thats gone for me after i seen my real father lost in drugs treated my mom like crap that's when i opened up and did something better for my future. I had teachers and my pricipal in high school that help me out to moved on and that's what i did even though my freinds thing i'm a looser. I want to show all that i accomplish my dream i get flash backs from my past that makes me sad and cry pointers that i sometimes wish my life ended. I thank god, my mom and to all that help me out thank you because i could not done it without you guys for keeping me.

When you graduate high school, you never really know what to expect from a college or university. Sure, you tour your campus and you make a few contacts, as well as choose classes, but living there and going to classes, interacting and knowing how getting involved is not something that you know when you first get there. At UWEC it was easy to transition from living at home and living in a dorm with new people. I actually had a random roommate my freshman year of college and now she is one of my best friends. I am involved in organizations on campus and also work for one such organization. The campus itself is pretty, not too big, not too small, but just right. Espeically just right for me. It has given me a better sense of self and what I want to do when I leave. UWEC has also given me opportunities that I would not otherwise would have had. I have a better sense of community as well. Being involved has helped me branch out and become friends that I would not have in high school.

I have really learned how to study well. All through high school I never really had to study because school came easy for me. When I hit college I realized just how much catch up I had to do to learn how to study correctly. In college there can be a lot of obstacles in your path that may prevent you from studying correctly. I have to work in order to pay for college and since I live at home I also have to balance family life. I really had to work hard in order to get the grades I wanted. It has been very valuable to attend because it has definitely started to prepare me for life after college. From working with people you may not normally work with, to following a study schedule, everything I've learned in college will benefit me later on in life.

What I have recieved out of my college experience so far is the readiness to start life. The college experience can be a scary one but it does not necessarily have to be. When I go to my classes and do my work I feel like I have accomplished something for myself and that is a great feeling to have. Many times I think about people who are not as fortunate as me and do not have the same privalege as me and I am grateful to have this experience. My college education thus far has given me many life making tools. The teachers have us read many books and write many papers about life and how different people have to deal with it and it makes you appreciate your life a whole lot more so that when you finally graduate, you can go out into life and help anyone else that is less fortunate. You then use this knowledge and new-found humbleness to help others and to raise your own kids to the best of your ability. Going to college is a valuable life experience and it should not be wasted, but utilized to make a better future.

My name is Paola Monteon, i am a high school graduate looking for a place to go to college to continue my education. I am the first one in my family that is actually trying to go to a good university or college, my sister went to a JC college and that was the end of her education. I want to become a Doctor but because of the lack of money and the fact that some of my grades weren't that good i have limited my own options but i am working really hard to get back on my feet so i can go to a pre-med college. For that i understand i have to start from scratch and scratch for me is a small university.

It is at the campus of UWEC that my dream lives. Professors have cheered and encouraged me when I felt overwhelmed. As a married mother of three with a soon to be empty nest it is finally my turn to explore who it is that I want to become. I began my academic endeavor with a set idea of the area I wanted to major in. Little did I know that the general education courses I enrolled in would open up an entirely different world. My academic advisor along with many of my professors freely gave their time and advice. I changed my major and even created a topical minor. My origional question of who do I want to be is now clearly defined and I have a beautiful road map of the journey I have embarked on. The students at UWEC have been an invaluable assest. It's hard to attend school as an adult student while surrounded by students younger than your own children. Yet it is these very students that took me by the hand as they showed me to take effective notes, create successful study habits and most importantly loved and believed in me.

College has been one of the most terrifying yet rewarding experiences of my life. I came into school thinking I had my entire life planned out, and UWEC has opened my eyes and mind to new opportunities and experiences. By attending this liberal arts institution I have been able to have an interdisciplinary education. I feel more prepared for several careers rather than one because I have a better understanding of more than one discipline. I have had the opportunity to travel to foreign lands and teach Nicaraguan children how to speak English and play UNO,while I learned to "latin" dance and play soccer like the locals. I have attended conferences, planned our campuses first LGBTQ film festival, and met life long friends. My teachers and advisors have been so supportive and helpful in guiding me towards graduation and a successful life. I do not think I can even fully describe how valuable attending college has been for me, especially since I am not finished yet. I just know that this institution has changed my life and I hope that I have left my mark on it as well. I will never regret coming here, it has been amazing!!

My experience with college has made me more aware of things I can accomplish, when I put my mind to use. I have been out of high school since 1985 and I never thought that I was college material when I graduated. Since no one in my family ever went to college or graduated from college, I never thought I would either. My mother and father didnt even finish high school, so there wasnt anyone trying to encourage me to go to college. I eventually found a job in 1986 in the manufacturing field as a machine operator or machinist as they call it. Not too long after I started working, my son was born in 1988. Ive been working as a machinist since my last permantly layoff, because of the economy. That was my second permantly layoff due to the economy, jobs have been outsourcing in the field of work that im in. It been valuble for me to attend school because, im not just looking for a job now, im looking for a career. I still have to pay for books and some of my tuition, because I'm a nonresident student.

I have had many new experiences here at UWEC. I did not know how to sew, and for my first semester i decided to take a costuming class. This class lead to a costuming practicum second semester and later to having anon campus job for the following school year. I have learned many things i did not know before and have been able to learn fromupper classmen who are practicing in my area of study. I plan to be a music education major and i get to play trumpet with all of the people int he trumpet studio. This helps me learn what to practice and shows me what i need to do to get in to the trumpet studio here. College has been invaluable with all the new experiences I've had. In one year I've made more close friends than i have in the four years prior of high school. We all live so close together in the dorms so we become great friends fast. College is a great experience and i cannot wait to go back in the fall.