(Editor’s note: This is another in a series of articles written by students who received scholarships in 2007 awarded through the Fergus Falls Area Dollars for Scholars chapter. The purpose of these articles is to thank the community for its support of students and their higher education goals.)
Attending Minnesota State University in Mankato has been a great experience for me. I am very glad that I decided to attend school away from home where there were not many people I knew.
With a four-hour drive, MSU is close enough to home that if I want to come home for the weekend, I can. It is also far enough away so I'm not expected to come home all the time, which is nice too.
The best part of going to college at MSU is all the people I have met.
Not knowing a ton of people has almost forced me to meet more people than I would've otherwise. Meeting new people is what the “college experience” is all about. Branching out from your "high school clique" is something that has to be done at some point in your life.
I am very glad I did it sooner rather than later.
By living in the dorms there are many people that were in the exact same situation that I was. They didn’t really know anyone and they were looking for somewhere to fit in. By leaving my door open and constantly introducing myself to new people, I have met a great group of people who could possibly be lifelong friends.
I am active in the Residence Hall Association on campus. Doing this has given me the chance to meet people all over campus with ease. Being active in this organization has also given me the chance to attend a leadership seminar in Fargo, ND where students from different universities around the area meet and discuss different things.
There is almost always something to do as long as you are looking. There are always bulletins posted about things happening on campus. With such a diverse group of people in one place, it is easy to find someone who is interested in the same things you are. Many of the girls from my floor and I have gotten together to watch different TV shows. We are also crocheting hats for charity at the moment.
Starting college, I assumed it would be a hard transition from high school. I have learned differently. In most of my current classes it is easy to get an A as long as you attend class. Some classes I took in high school almost seem harder than the ones I am taking now. I know this is bound to change, but for now I am loving college in Mankato.
College experiences are only as good as you make them. I encourage anyone who will be leaving for college soon to put themselves out there and not be afraid of change.
Dollars for Scholars has been a great help in my education. I am excited and very much anticipating my future years in Mankato and I am very appreciative of all that Dollars for Scholars has done for me.
(Rebecca Cole is a 2007 graduate of Fergus Falls High School and was the recipient of the Theodore Paulson Memorial Scholarship. For information on making a donation for scholarships, contact Fergus Falls Area Dollars for Scholars,1519 Pebble Lake Road, Fergus Falls, MN 56537.)
Email this article | Permanent link | Topstories news | Topstories news archives
Minnesota State
University, Mankato
Mankato, MN 56001
1-800-722-0544
© 2005-2013 Minnesota State University, Mankato. Minnesota State University, Mankato is a member of
Minnesota State Colleges & Universities system and an affirmative action/equal opportunity university.
