Jerod
I've not yet begun my college experience since i've been involved in a career in electricity since high school. I hope to excel in my college experience in both school and in socially broadening my horizons. I am going to keep an open mind to things that i havent done and maybe might not even think of doing. I hope to be at the top of all of the classes that i attend and eventually finish at the top of my class. Im hoping to use the knowlege and skills i've accumulated in the past few years since high school to excel in school and eventually in my career. Attending college will be valuable to me because once i'm done i'll be able to get myself a reliable, good paying job with lots of oppertunity for advancement. I aspire to become a professional in the workplace and be a reponsible, stable husband and father able to spend time with my eventual family.
Amanda
The college experience has been enlightening to see what is out int he world for me besides entry-level full-time employment. I waited 5 years to return to college so I have worked hard and taken my time deciding upon what Iwould like to do. I have learned so much more than I would have without wonderful professors to guide me. I also now understand and know what I want out of life and out of a career for myself. My internship experience has been extremely valuable in helping me decide what I need to do.
Rachel
I thought attending college would be just like my highly competitive high school. Although now, after I have completed a full year of college, I must say that although when compared they seem extremely similar, there is definitely one major difference. I originally thought that religious classes such as theology and ACS (Augustinian Cultural Seminar) would be a mere waste of time, another class where "going through the motions" would take precedence over actually being stimulated intellectually. However, these classes allowed my moral conscience as well as religion to greatly grow. By taking classes such as philosophy, I no longer just learn methodically, I learn different ways of how to think and how to challenge myself. These classes have allowed me to open up my mind, and because of this, I will be majoring in something I never had considered previous to my entry at Villanova University.
Kathryn
A declaration of my college experience could take pages upon pages! My declared majors have ranged from zoology to biology, psychology to marine biology -- and then some. Some people say I am indecisive. Rather, I like to think of myself as exploratory in nature; a person who is educationally well-rounded. For me, college has been a life saving experience. As a young adult, I became troubled for various personal reasons. Many young adults do. For me, college opened my eyes to a world of beauty, one that pushes the mind to think of the possible and the impossible; the imaginary and the incredibly real. I was on a path of self-destruction, and going to college helped steer troubled self to the right path. It was not only the education, it was the spirit of the communities I became part of. Many friends I met are still a part of my life. I learned from the curriculum, I learned from the teachers, and I learned from my peers. College helped me grow in more ways than I could have ever imagined. And as I continue to attend , I know I will learn more about the world and myself.
Josephine
I want to be a doctor. I know that is the only thing I am meant to be. Villanova is allowing me to pursue my dream and be able to go to medical school one day. My parents are incredibly hard workers and are sacrificing a lot to send me here. I am so thankful. I make sure to work hard and never take it for granted. My college experience has been great so far. I've learned to open my mind to new things, be in a new environment, and to expand my educational horizons. I can't wait to help people the way so many doctor's have helped me. I know I will be a better doctor because of the experiences I've had as a patient. Villanova is just one stop on my path to becoming a doctor, a healer.
Lauren
I learned a lot about myself, my strengths, & what I want out of life. I realized my likes, dislikes, & limitations - all of which have helped me steer my career, life, & decisions. The most important thing in life is to be happy; everything else will fall into place.
Darya
Everything is training ground. Don?t fall in love. It is too easy. Focus on making it through school. Don?t be too eager to fulfill your life. Don?t let it distract you. Learning is the most valuable thing you can learn how to do. You can fail and make mistakes. That will make your experience more memorable. When you lose something of great value and there is nothing you can do. Stay busy. Don?t be vain. Don?t look at yourself in the process. Forget about how it is meant to turn out. You will never know how the price can ever justify the result. Change your major as often as you want. Nothing can stop you from learning what you want to learn. Stay disciplined. Have a work ethic. Don?t break so easily. Don?t quit so easily. Remember how important it is for you to stay focused. Don?t worry about your ego. It won?t feel good to leave your comfort zone. All you can do is keep going and keep progressing at your own pace, on your own terms. There is no one to catch up to; everything is under your control.
Fiona
If I could talk to myself as a senior, I would remind myself to slow down. When I was in my last year of high school, I had in my mind that I had to rush to get to colelge because it was important that I get started on higher education right away. If I had realized the value a year of service woudl have given me, I would have siezed the opportunity and come to college next year much more prepared. It is imporntant to have good grades, to apply for scholarships, and to work towards winning awards. But the most important thing is self development, and I was moving to fast to realize it.
Phyllis
If I were talking to myself back in highschool about college, I would tell myself , "You must apply to a college and be accepted so that you may begin school the fall term after graduation". I would continue by saying, "You do have the option to change your major after beginning if you realize there is something else that you think would be better for you or something you would rather spend the rest of your life doing". I would also tell myself, "By beginning college early, you will finish while you are still young and can truly enjoy your new found career and life. Also, you must remember that college is very important and you must not mess things up. After all, when you are older, it is so much harder to study and remember the things you are studying. So take it from someone who knows, please get your education now while you are still young. You will thank me when you are older".
Jaclyn
Just breathe! Everyone is in the same position as you are. They are just as scared and nervous. Villanova is an amazing place and it's the perfect fit for you. I know that this is the first time you are leaving your family for an extended period of time but it will be alright! You will make friends that will last you a life time. You will get a great education and experience new things. It's nice to get to know people from all around the world and learn about their backgrounds. Just go in with an open mind and get a chance to know a lot of people. It's all worth while in the end. The classes will seem very intimidating at first, but with hard work and a lot of studying will get you the grades you want. Just stay focused, work hard, and don't forget to have fun!