• I chose to go to college to pursue my ultimate dream of becoming a veterinarian and to help animals—whether stray or domesticated—who cannot speak for themselves.

• Since most of my family members also attended college, I am not the first in my family to take this path.

• My college experience has been good so far. I was nervous at first, but fortunately, my school ensured a smooth transition for new students so that we wouldn’t feel overwhelmed. I also had the chance to meet people from different parts of the Philippines, which gave me a deeper appreciation for our diversity.

•The challenges I faced included learning how to socialize with people from different backgrounds, adjusting my study habits to meet higher academic standards, adapting to the expectations of my professors, getting used to a new environment, and navigating the world of commuting.

Tips:

1. Set clear and firm goals. Know why you’re in college and what you want to achieve, so challenges won’t shake you. Remember that you belong there; otherwise, you wouldn’t be there.

2. Take good care of your health, time, and study habits to not be drowned and drained in the end.

3. Have self-confidence, and everything else will follow. If not, fake it till you make it. College and adulthood are all about mind over matter.

Previous college Student

• To please my parents and to satisfy my own satisfaction.

• No

• For me, the college experience was really different because I was already old. I was in my late 30s. I actually graduated when I was 41.

• It was hard because I had a full-time job, and I was already a police officer (Honolulu Police Department) and in the US Army reserve at the time.

Tips:

1. Know what you want

2. Have a plan

3. If you don't have a plan get at least a liberal arts so at least that would get ready and find out what you really want to accomplish in college as far as a major is concerned at least you have a liberal arts degree.