College

College is a scary but thrilling part of one's life. It is the first time, for most young adults, that he or she has left the home that he or she has been staying in for the past eighteen years. No more home cooked meals, no more rooms that one can call her own and no one to keep you on track if one starts to stray. College is about independence.

Although academics are the main reason I am attending college, it is not the sole reason I am attending college.  During college I hope to not only achieve a well-rounded education and a degree in Biology, but also further my independence, meet new friends, and participate in NCAA Gymnastics.  College will demand good scheduling on my part in-order to balance my academics, gymnastics, and social life. Choosing Southern as my university was the right choice. Southern's mission statement says,

Southern Connecticut State University provides exemplary graduate and undergraduate education in the liberal arts and professional discipline. As an intentionally diverse and comprehensive university, Southern is committed to academic excellence, access, social justice, and service for the public good.

A common theme to academic excellence, which is stated in the missions statement and stressed by many professors is critical thinking and critical learning. I believe it is important to learn how to think critically because it better prepares a person for the working world. It is true Southern stresses critical thinking; however, I do believe that in college, because a I no longer have anyone pushing me to excel, I will have to initiate my own education. Everything at Southern is there for me; it is up to me whether I utilize my opportunities.  

Of course I worry about balancing my time so I do well in academics, having social experiences, and doing well in  gymnastics; however, with good time management I know I will graduate with a Biology degree, I will be a successful collegiate athlete, and I will leave with memories, which will last a life time.

Citations

"About Southern Mission Statement." Southern Connecticut State University Home. Web. 07 Sept. 2011. <http://www.southernct.edu/aboutscsu/presidentspage/mission/>.