Currently as a junior at the University at Albany (UA), I would sum up my college career by saying that I acquired a lot of growth and that I’m getting one step closer to fulfilling my career goals. I believe that I have grown both personally, socially, and academically. I have worked hard to make sure that I am striving academically and along the way I have managed to meet some really good friends and enjoy new experiences, as well as grow personally by changing my thought process, the way I express and carry myself, and even the way I dress. Going away to college is truly a growing experience and it is easily displayed in me. In addition, by attending UA I’m allowing myself to get closer to becoming the public accountant I intend to be. As of now I view college as a rite of passage, and by attending college I’m going through that rite of passage and hoping to encounter a world of opportunity.

                  However as of now, I don’t believe I’ve had a memorable UA moment. To on lookers that might seem pathetic, but in my defense I will argue that memorable times are only embraced when you reminisce upon them and that I also have a year’s time to make that memorable moment. My years have flown by and being a freshman just seemed like yesterday. It’s been a good time, with a lot of hard work, late nights, and good laughs. I’m proud to be a University at Albany Undergraduate, but most importantly I’m proud to be the first person in my family to go to college. I’ve  had the opportunity that many people don’t think they have or don’t care to reach out and grab, but I can reassure myself and any on lookers that it’s all been worth it and through all the trials and tribulations I wouldn’t have it any other way. #BLESSED 

My college experience has been quite adventurous. I have to say I might not be a senior but I feel that even as a junior I have changed so much from when I first step foot on campus my freshman year. I have done many things, made many mistakes and don’t regret any of them because I learned so much about myself. 

You can say that entering college I was not mentally prepared for what I signed up for. I declared my major as Biology and from the first day I was in biology, chemistry, calculus, and different labs. Coming from an environment where I basically did nothing it was a reality check. I learned very quickly that I had to put in work to get good grades and there was no one here to watch me or take care of me like at home.

I loved the independence but with that came a lot of responsibility.  There were nights that I struggled and that I wanted to quit because my classes where too hard or because I felt that my other friends did less work then me because of their majors but I did not. I told myself I would not quit; I also had a great support system  and I made friends that were also in the same boat as me and we helped each other throughout the way. I can truly say they are the reason I am here today. 

My freshman year I got involved with research and it has truly opened a door for amazing opportunities. I was able to travel to France for free with a stipend to conduct research. On the weekends I was fortunate to travel all around Europe. This opportunity was amazing and I truly got to see life in a completely new aspect. I loved the adventure, I made many mistakes and I had no idea how to speak French. Today I am preparing myself for after college. This maybe one of the toughest things I have done to date in college because with so many different approaches and not a set destination choices become difficult. I am taking life as it comes my way and I am hoping for the best outcome.  

I have had so many memorable moments at the University that it is difficult to choose one. I think that one moment that really took my breath away was the summer of freshman year. I was in a summer research program here at the university and I had to present my research. I presented my research in front of not only my peers, mentor, and program directors, but I even presented in front of my mother.  My mentor asked me a very difficult question and at first I was shook because I did not know how to answer it, but I calmed down and was able to answer it. This experience was nerve racking but at the end of the day it was truly an amazing experience. I learned to think quickly on my feet and had the opportunity to show everyone all the work I have done.  

UA ... UKnow!!

Thus far I think I have been satisfied with my UAlbany  experience. When I went on a tour of the school senior year, one of the guides said that there was always something to do here at the University and these two years has proven that statement true. 

Academically speaking, I have learned you can NOT wait to study the night before a exam (some people can I cannot) and that you need to form some type of study group or support system. Every student has that one friend or group of friends that can help them if they missed class; if they need help with homework or to just complain about how crazy their professor is. 

On the contrary, socially I have learned so much about myself. I really feel that college truly helps individuals find out what they want and who they want to be. I've met so many different types of people with different backgrounds, all that diversity and all of those different conversations only leads up to a more well-rounded person. 

My most memorable moment would have to be when I received an award/scholarship from Project Excel. It felt so good to be recognized for your hard work, especially because I was going through it freshman year! Honestly, everyday I wonder if I made the right decision by coming to UAlbany but than I realize I am exactly where I am suppose to be. 

As a senior, my college career as of the last two years was better than I could have hoped. My first two years here, I was not as serious as I am now. I was coasting on by and didn't take college for what it was, a way to make an impression on others and to set goals.

My last two years here, I stepped my game up. Beforehand I wish I did earlier but now I'm doing work and taking care of business. I can truly say I'm proud of how I'm leaving my undergraduate study at UAlbany. Don't get me wrong, I really actually do not want to leave. I like it too much up here and want to stay a lot longer. I've gotten used to the community and settings here.

Regardless, if I am leaving UAlbany for good, I can safely say I'm leaving on top with all the possibilities there. It gives me hope that I can actually do more than make people chuckle and be social!

The most memorable moment I've had during my time here? You're really asking me to choose? 

Honestly, take your pick of which you'd like to hear! 

Meeting Pertrice at orientation and drinking way too much sprite while also getting free pizza (good way to start my college career haha)

Living in a triple with two people COMPLETELY opposite of each other...felt like a sitcom

Going to three parties back to back and waking up with Super Smash Bros in my pocket (amazing)

Swimming in the Albany fountain my freshman year at 4am within a month of being on campus..

Maybe the only fountain day I'll ever attend in 2010

This is all just my freshman year!

These memories, plain and simple...to choose one would lessen the importance of others. I could honestly write blog posts about each memory...wouldn't want to hog the spotlight from anyone else though hahaha.

Probably one of my favorites has to be this past semester I went cliff diving somewhere in Ravena. Location looked like the setting for a Texas Chainsaw Massacre movie but overall great experience. So hard to take the jump when you're not a strong swimmer and got a wee fear of heights. I JUMPED THOUGH! I WASN'T LEAVING UNTIL I JUMPED! It was like 25ft high and pretty epic. 

My UA experience has been an interesting one, there is always something to do or something to see. It's difficult for me to get bored when I'm on campus because there are always workshops going on, people to talk to, events to find out about, extra curricular activities to attend, games, fitness clubs such as Zumba classes, and shows.

My experience has been pleasant so far, I can't complain. Attending UA has taught me a lot about networking mostly, interacting with people of other cultures and being involved. It has taught me to grab on to any opportunity that is offered to me and take advantage of it, but most importantly it has taught me a lot about time management and how easy everything else becomes when you manage your time properly.

I have many memorable moments at this university, one of them was move-in day. Staff members who were in charge of helping us move in treated move-in day like a holiday. They had a little cheer going on when you go to sign in and they had a few events going on later on that day. On move-in day I got to meet all my floor mates because we all did something where we would leave our doors open during the day, for the rest of the week where anyone can just stop by and introduce themselves and get to know each other; so it was an interesting experience, we were all walking around the hallways. It was funny as well because luckily my floor has all the silly people who like to goof around and be funny.

College, ha what a ride!  No one would say it would be easy and in some aspects, in terms of school work, or waking up for class, or actually paying attention in class was easy.  The hardest part of college was… growing up.  ‘Growing up’ sums up my college experience.  It’s not something I wanted to do, I mean, who reallyyyyyyyy wants to grow up.  I’m in no particular hurry, but it’s something I was forced to do.  It’s funny how when you’re younger, you always just thinking for right now, never worried about the future.  I always thoughts my likes, my favorite things, my personality would never change.  I can’t remember one specific event that signified the sudden change in my ideology.  I just remember waking up one morning and saying to myself “hmm, I don’t like that.  I think it’s time for a change!” I wasn’t cognizant of it, I wasn’t actively trying to change myself, it sort of just happened.  Now I realize it’s inevitable.  Change is going to come and that’s what college is all about.  Changing, growing, adapting to new and different things, hopefully for the better. 

The more you grow up, the more responsibilities you have but the more fun life becomes.  I love a challenge, I love to experience new and exciting things.  The more you grow as an individual, the more opportunities you have access to. Take advantage of it.  I was scared to death studying abroad to Spain this past summer, but it was the best thing I ever did here at UA.  The World is Truly Within Reach. 

I am trying to think of one word to describe my overall experience at UA but there is none.  Every year something new happened, something fun happened and even though I complained about class and work and being tired and broke, I wouldn't change anything about it.  This experience has made me into what I am today.  I like who I am today.  I'm happy!

The biggest thing I am leaving with from UAlbany is the experiences.  The good, the bad, the ugly.  There were good times, and bad times, but they helped shape me.  The people, who made the journey with me, will forever be ingrained in my memory.  That includes, friends, family, dogs we had, fishes I couldn't keep alive for more than two days, professionals, and even you, whoever is reading the post.  I spend a lot of time reflecting and writing these blogs, and spending time with you at Albany High School, GreenTech High School, the UAlbany STEP Program Summer Institute  and on Saturdays.  Some might look at this as just a paycheck; I look at it as an investment.  I'm not going to be president of the United States, but one of you might be.  I hope my thoughts, my actions, our interactions, shapes you to become a productive citizen in the world.  Realizing the world is much bigger than what you see on a daily basis.  I hope you take that heart and when you're big and famous, you always remember the struggle people are going through and always keep that dear to your heart. 

The most memorable moment at the University…is too much to list.  I have so many outrageous, funny moments here.  I believe my biggest memory will be the weekend of 21st birthday.  It was my birthday, I went out all night then had an exam the next morning at 10am, I got there at 11am. lol.  A few hours later, I hoped on a plane to my study abroad trip, where they lost my luggage, so for the first 2 days of my trip; I had one pair of clothes.  On top of that, I had to try and explain everything in Spanish.  To say the least... it was a frustrating but fun filled weekend that I wouldn't change for the world!

There are so many words to sum up my college career, but it is best said by Charles Dickens, "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, [and] it was the age of foolishness." 

Throughout college, I was faced with so many difficult situations that I had to deal with and make so many important decisions. I truly found who I was over these years. I can honestly say that I am NOT the person I was in high school. College has its way of changing people and for me it was for the better. I still stayed true to myself and didn't push myself to do anything I knew I would regret, but what made the difference was losing friends because of that. Some people I met my freshman year can't even begin to compare to the friends that I’ve kept since then.

 College really makes you more aware of whom you really are as a person! I know right out of high school, I thought I knew who I was, but college pushed me to my limits on so many different levels that I exposed a side of myself that I never knew existed. Thinking back on the past few years is like picturing so many different things it’s unbelievable. Sometimes in music videos, there are a bunch of different flashes of different scenarios within a few seconds, and honestly, that is what I see when I think of my college career. There was drama, there were tears, there was laughter, there was happiness, there were all these different emotions that it’s hard to say just one thing about it all. I simply cannot sum up my college career! There are too many stories to share, to laugh about, to reflect on, to note to self to never make happen again, and to even cry about. Now that my years here are soon to be over, I’m starting to realize that even after all the years I’ve told people that I didn't like this school, the truth is... I'm leaving piece of me behind and taking piece of UAlbany with me. As hard as that is for me to grasp, it is the simple truth. 

            Some of the outcomes of attending UAlbany include making some of the greatest friends I will ever know, learning how people perceive me as a person and also learning about who I am and who I am meant to be. The lessons that I’ve learned could never be taught in a classroom and I believe that is one of the biggest outcomes I’ve received from attending Albany. I know the handful of friends that are near and dear to my heart will always be in touch because the friendship that we’ve made is indescribably irreplaceable. I know now that not everyone sees me the way I want him or her to see me and I can definitely change that by creating a more cheerful persona for myself. Not only will that help me in making more friends, but it will also help me in the job world. I’ve learned that people like people who like people, so a smile can really go a long way. These past years has also taught me about myself. I learned where my limits are, temper-wise, and I know never to take anything so seriously again. I learned to compromise and be open-minded. I learned to let go of my anger and just let things go. These are the most valuable outcomes that I would not trade for anything else.

            Picking just one memorable moment at UA to claim as the MOST memorable would be impossible. The moments that I enjoyed the most, however, were the simple moments. Those random moments when I was just hanging out with my friends and we just laughed and laughed until our stomachs hurt were honestly the best moments. Nothing can replace the simple joy of laughter. Laughter is the simplest reminder of how happy I can be and how happy I can make others with my presence. Moments like that will stick with me forever.

I can summarize my college career as a learning curve. It really has been a growing experience towards adulthood and the significance of education in one’s life. I could not be where I am today without the great, mountain-moving assistance of my CSTEP and Project Excel mentors, professors, academic advisors and parents. The students whom I have had the great opportunities of sharing classes, laughs and worries have been an asset in practicing communication skills and workmanship. This is essential for the workforce. As a student who also works part-time, college has been a great way to try to learn time management. The key word in this sentence is “try”.  In the end, a college career is more than “try”, it is about “succeeding” and how a student defines success.

By attending UAlbany, I’ve gained the ability to see different walks of life, take different courses that shape the necessary mold of individuality and complexity and find different ways to enjoy the Campus Center food. I really have to say, many things can measure a school, but its food options set a tone about how you will enjoy the institution. And its libraries. UAlbany has great libraries.

My most memorable moment at UA would be when I went to the Patroon Room to eat and I saw the former University President, George M. Philip dine with a colleague. It is a humbling feeling to be able to be in the same room with the University President. That was cool.

With only less than a year left here as an undergraduate student, if I had to sum up my college experience in one word I would have to use the word fulfilling.  However one word cannot possibly encompass my experiences here at SUNY Albany.  Not every moment was positive. I've had strains with friends and relationships, been rejected by residential life when applying for a position with them, difficult tests and seemingly impossibly long papers; at times things seemed like they sucked.  However, compared to those bad moments, I've had an uncountable number of great moments, great professors, and great friends.  I feel as if many of the people I've met here will remain near and dear to my heart for the rest of my life, and the skills learned here (not just the degree) will do so much to help me in my future career as a teacher.

My most memorable moment here was probably freshman year, the very first night here.  I felt so out of place... I had never lived with so many people my age.  The whole second floor of my resident hall was just sitting in one of the common areas, each suite more or less talking among themselves.  However slowly, people from each suite dispersed and only a few people were left.  Eventually, after probably four or five hours, there were only three people left.  The two other people there are to this day, my two best friends (and also two of the people I am living with now).  I honestly can't remember exactly what we were talking about all night, but I will still always remember the night that I met Alvin and Kelly.

My experience here at UA has been really fun and educational so far. I've learned so much about myself, my likes and dislikes, how to speak to people and what to watch out for in life and I don't think I would have been able to understand myself that well being at home. 

My motivation to become something great grew so much here because I find a lot of people around me who want that same success.

My most memorable moments are in the Spring semesters when everyone is outside "podiating" (sitting on the podium in nice weathers) and having a good time. You meet everyone on the podium and it literally becomes a community right on the spot.

Going away to school for college has definitely served as a huge learning experience for me.  I am definitely not the same person I was three years ago entering the University as a freshman straight out of high school.  College, especially being away at school, (in my opinion) makes you grow up in more ways than one.  You may start out with a plan, and yes, some continue on with that plan, but if you are anything like me, things happen and plans change.  I feel that attending UAlbany has definitely been a big part of my life and I do not know if I would have grown as much mentally, emotionally and physically as a person if I did not go to this school. 

One of my most memorable moments at the University was during my sophomore year around the beginning of the spring semester.  From before entering the University and up until that moment, I knew that I wanted to major in business, enter into a career associated with business but I was unsure of what career that would be.  All I knew is that I had to continue on with business as my major.  Well as I previously mentioned, plans change and I was unable to continue on as a business major.  At that point I did not know what I was going to do, what to major in, or what path I wanted to take career wise.  One of my suitemates would always take me into the EOP Complex with her, and on this particular day I spoke up and explained my situation, and immediately, I was introduced to a new plan and a new path to continue on.  That day I decided to change my major to globalization.  This was one of my most memorable moments due to the fact that it portrays how the University works; how people are willing to help you when you need it the most and point you in the right direction. 

Overall, one of the biggest lessons that I have learned while attending the University has been that even as plans change, you do not always have to follow the most familiar, straight forward path to get to a certain place in life.  I thought that being a business major was the only way that I could reach my goal, but with a completely different major now I am still headed in the same direction, just with a new perspective.  

My time at college has been one big learning experience. Each semester has had a different feel to it but I can see that the person I was going into the semester was never the same one that emerged. The people I’ve met and the lifelong friendships I’ve established have really enriched my life. Through these relationships, my classes, and just a whole array of other experiences dotting my college career, I’ve learned so much about myself – my strengths, my weakness, my passions and much more. And moving even just a few hours away from home is a big experience. You don’t appreciate home as much till you leave and it’s just odd how I think I actually grew closer to my family after moving out.

            One of the biggest outcomes of attending UAlbany is coming to appreciate different learning styles, and understanding my own process and preferences much better. I’ve realized that I can get the most out of my education when I take control of my own learning as opposed to relying heavily on professors that too often fall short. On the other hand, I can definitely appreciate the fact that great professors can actually shape the way you view the world - if you’re lucky enough to cross paths with such a professor. Some truly awesome professors have fostered my passions and basically introduced me to new worlds, and this has had a big impact on my development as a person.

In fact, one of the best professors I’ve encountered is responsible for one of my most memorable moments here at UAlbany. I was taking a piano class last semester and the ‘final exam’ was a concert held by the students with friends and family in the audience. If you asked me before college if I thought I’d ever perform on stage solo, I’d tell you that you were crazy. But I did. Heck yea I was nervous, but I pretty much nailed my piece and it’s definitely one of my proudest moments. It serves as a nice reminder that with a little courage and the right push, you can go places you never thought you would and grow in ways you never expected. 

My freshman year experience so far I have to say is quite memorable. Even though Albany is nothing like NYC, home sweet home; it does have it's benefits. I am very happy that I decided to dorm and live in a whole different atmosphere than the I was in growing up. Being on my own taught me how much I take my parents for granted and also how to take care and look after myself more. 

I became more responsible on my own. The best memories I have from my freshmen year would be all the fun times I spent with my friends, hanging out and enjoying it each other's company. From laser tagging to mattress sliding in State Quad's tower to late night movie nights with 20 people in your room and all the other crazy fun adventures definitely made my first half of freshmen year memorable. As much as I miss home and my friends, I have come to realize that Albany is my new home and my new friends are my second family now. With them, I look forward to enjoying the rest of my freshmen year. 

Overall my college experience here at UAlbany has been a lesson to step out of my shell.  I grew up in a very small, conservative community, and I loved it.  I did not feel that I was deprived because I had many other experiences; I just preferred my close-knit environment.  My new community at UAlbany, was uncomfortable at first, but it helped me step out of my comfort zone; not in a way that I regret afterwards, but in a way that helps me practice confidence, and reminds me to consider success more important than temporary jitters.  

This is something I have remembered when using my talents, speaking up amongst my peers and most importantly this has helped me start off my career in the classroom.  Although it was a large adjustment, I learned many lessons from pushing myself to live in such a different environment.  Overall, I learned that you have to be confident in yourself and believe what you have to offer is valuable. 

Since I was about ten years old I was practicing the national anthem.  Every time the opportunity came back home, no one ever asked me because hardly anyone knew I sang solos, and I definitely would not offer.  When I came to college my freshman year, I sang the anthem to open an event attended by Def Jam poets, and in the following weeks at a school basketball game.  Those are the most memorable moments to me because I realized that I stayed in my shell and would not reach my potential even though I was aware of it because I was rehearsing it for eight years.  And within one year of stepping out of my shell I was continuously surprising myself with more and more opportunities.  

This has shown me the value of living among differences, a lesson that has helped me accomplish many more dreams.  I was attending school to become an educator but had no idea how I would start that journey after I finished school.  I believe that when I became more confident in what I had to offer and my ability to learn new skills, it became easier for those around me to notice it also.  School has become an experience of me believing in myself,  having the courage to try, and receiving confirmation in future success.  

Whenever I did not succeed, I always learned something to make me better prepared for the next opportunity.  This is a principle that I believe can help me in my personal life and also in my community, both in Albany and back home.  I just have to make sure I remember the big and small lessons when I go back to my comfort zone, and each time I experience a new change.

 I would have to sum up my college career as a learning experiences to events that can happen in the outside world. Being in college you are actually granted control over the direction you want your life to take. It is the beginning of the how an individual will start to plan out their own future. Some things may happen accidentally, other things you plan, but whatever the case may be , you should take advantage of the opportunity that comes along with it. 

Some outcomes of me attending UAlbany were the amazing peopele that I met here at the university. Another outcome was the fact that I joined the step team, Organized Chaos (OC), on the suggestion from a friend I knew from elementary school. Another group I joined was CSTEP and STEP due to my past experiences with them. The fact that my brother attended UA, I really got involved into the programs and events over here  at UAlbany. Can't imagine I would have done the same thing if I went to a different school. 

My most memorable moment at UA was when I was on Indian Quad having one of those talks about life and the future with a group of my friends.  We talked for about 8 hrs. We ordered food, watched television and even played some games. It was a really fun night, kinda wish we had more nights like that. Hopefully we still do in the future.