3 answers
Ruby
Student
Muncie, Indiana
1
Question
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What is your biggest regret about attending college ?
I feel unsure as a freshman in college about attending college and staying in the dorms on campus
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3 answers
David Chou
Project Management
28
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
David’s Answer
One of my biggest regrets about college is not joining the school exchange program to study abroad. It's a great chance to travel to another country, experience a new culture, and still earn credits for your courses.
Claxton Graham
Business Analyst
24
Answers
Charlotte, North Carolina
Updated
Claxton’s Answer
For me, my biggest regret about attending college was not earning a degree in my original major, civil engineering.
Infrastructure - things like roads, airports, dams, and skyscrapers - has always fascinated me. Working as a civil engineer would have been the best way I knew to work on such infrastructure and maybe work on some big, meaningful projects. To get a degree in that field, you have to be able to grasp higher mathematics, particularly calculus and differential equations. At my school, passing differential equations was a prerequisite for taking some other courses, including second-level engineering mechanics (aka, dynamics) and thermodynamics. I had to work hard at math as it was, and I simply couldn't grasp differential equations well enough to pass the class, and because I was also dealing with a serious medical issue at that time, I ended up changing majors and getting a degree in communication. In the years since I graduated, many of my friends who did get their engineering degrees have told me that they rarely have to use differential equations, if ever, in their work.
I am convinced that if I had gotten that degree in civil engineering, I'd not only be making more money than I make now, I'd be doing work I'd still enjoy. It's too late for me to do anything about this regret, as I'm much closer to retirement age and it doesn't make sense for me to spend money to try and get a degree I'll never use. I hope that your college experience is a happy and successful one, and leaves you with no regrets.
Infrastructure - things like roads, airports, dams, and skyscrapers - has always fascinated me. Working as a civil engineer would have been the best way I knew to work on such infrastructure and maybe work on some big, meaningful projects. To get a degree in that field, you have to be able to grasp higher mathematics, particularly calculus and differential equations. At my school, passing differential equations was a prerequisite for taking some other courses, including second-level engineering mechanics (aka, dynamics) and thermodynamics. I had to work hard at math as it was, and I simply couldn't grasp differential equations well enough to pass the class, and because I was also dealing with a serious medical issue at that time, I ended up changing majors and getting a degree in communication. In the years since I graduated, many of my friends who did get their engineering degrees have told me that they rarely have to use differential equations, if ever, in their work.
I am convinced that if I had gotten that degree in civil engineering, I'd not only be making more money than I make now, I'd be doing work I'd still enjoy. It's too late for me to do anything about this regret, as I'm much closer to retirement age and it doesn't make sense for me to spend money to try and get a degree I'll never use. I hope that your college experience is a happy and successful one, and leaves you with no regrets.
Phill Pezo
Industrial Design
103
Answers
Nutley, New Jersey
Updated
Phill’s Answer
Hey Ruby,
It is great to hear that you are considering if college and staying in dorms is right for you or not. College and any new experience can take some time getting used to. Be sure to stay persistent in which ever decision you feel is right for you, as there are plenty of people who become successful with out a degree, like entrepreneurs. Just know that most careers require a college degree.
My biggest regret in college was not taking my required general education classes at a community college. Most college make you take general education classes that you can take at a community college for cheaper and then transfer the credits over to your university. I would also suggest prioritizing studying and learning the best ways to focus. Living in a dorm can be exciting if you have a good or decent roommate. If you are not comfortable with the roommate that you have then try to contact your school to switch. Most importantly, enjoy the experience!
Best of luck on your journey!
It is great to hear that you are considering if college and staying in dorms is right for you or not. College and any new experience can take some time getting used to. Be sure to stay persistent in which ever decision you feel is right for you, as there are plenty of people who become successful with out a degree, like entrepreneurs. Just know that most careers require a college degree.
My biggest regret in college was not taking my required general education classes at a community college. Most college make you take general education classes that you can take at a community college for cheaper and then transfer the credits over to your university. I would also suggest prioritizing studying and learning the best ways to focus. Living in a dorm can be exciting if you have a good or decent roommate. If you are not comfortable with the roommate that you have then try to contact your school to switch. Most importantly, enjoy the experience!
Best of luck on your journey!