Arcadia University Top Questions

College life is full of freedoms that have yet to be experienced. There is the freedom to eat what you want, exercise when you want, study when you want, and also the option to make bad choices. The best advice that I could give myself would be to rememeber that attending college will shape my future. I'd advise myself to continue to make good decisions and not follow the crowd. Each and everyday at college is a chance to grow more independent and to do so in a positive manner means making smart decisions as well as trusting my instincts in unfamiliar environments. The biggest misunderstanding that students have is that college is similar to high school in the classroom, when really it's a totally independent learning environment. I'd stress that courses taken in college are to be taken very seriously everyday and one bad test grade can ruin your GPA that semester. Most importantly, I'd remind myself that these are the best 4 years of my life, and I should enjoy every activity that I possibly can.

Don't worry and don't panic. Your life may seem satisfactory, maybe even extraordinary, at times but that is no reason to not accept change into your life. A well lived life is dynamic, its about learning how to deal with the things life throws at you, to make the best of them and find the people and things that help you when things seem tough. Change may seem terrible, simply a wrench thrown into a train of thought and life that was working just fine, but just let it come. You waste time by dwelling too much on what things you think might end up badly in the future. Enjoy this last year at a school that feels like home, with people that you have grown up with and whom you love with everything but at the same time prepare yourself for what will come. Be excited, you think you have lived up to now, but your life has barely even started.

The first thing i ould have to do is stop myself and make him believe its me. Once that is done ill explain to him how important your gpa is, so dont slack off. I would say "your gpa is as important as your guitar, you dont want it to break and wither away do you?" I would admit that i slacked off some in highschool. i actually wish i could go back and time too actually do this. I if it was me in the 9th grade, i would sit him(me) down and explain to him that some classes in highschool are actually important to take for your future. Most kids in highschool do know this, so they just goof off throughout all highschool. Once they get to 12th grade year it finally strickes them that , "wow, i messed up, and i cant take it back." Now in life ive grown wiser and know hats ahead of me and what i need to do to go back to school. I would love to go to a highschool today and explain that to kids. Kids in highschool these days only care about their friends and forget their studies.

Deena, I know that you're busy with prom, senior week, and cherishing these last moments with your close friends, but remember to not slack off this year. Yes, you got accepted into college, but you still need good grades for scholarships and to keep up your G.P.A. A transition is coming and it might be scary at times, but it might also be a fun time to learn from. More responsibilities await you and it is time for you to step up to the plate and start thinking about your career. You will meet lots of people that will touch your heart and help you along the way. If you ever need help while in college, there are always people to turn to. You will need to adjust to living with others, working on group projects, and being organized. Make sure you get involved with events on campus!! Make use of your time wisely while at school, because these years are going to go fast! Make smart choices, and grow and learn. Take in everything, have no regrets, and create life-long memories! Just keep up the good work and you'll do great!

Knowing what I know now about college life, I would definitely go back in time and tell myself to hit the books more. College is definitely not like high school and you can't afford to fool around. I had struggled some in college calculus, and if I knew I was going to have problems, I would have asked for more help or taken a college course during my senior year to see how the classes would be like. I would also tell myself not to stress so much because it is not healthy and there is always someone or somewhere to go to ask for help.

I would tell myself to be free to be myself. It took me a while to crack out of my shell and allow myself to meet people. It was strange for me because I am naturally a very outgoing person. I guess I just was not sure about everyone just yet. I would tell myself to do everything Arcadia offered, and put myself in a position that is not exactly comfortable. That is how people truly grow and learn about themselves and others. I feel like I have the chance to do that at Arcadia every day.

Be more outgoing! Making new friends and meeting new people will ALWAYS feel scary in a new place, but it's worth it to put yourself out there. In the end the people who will end up being your best friends will love you for the stupid things you blurt out that others laugh at you harshly for - nothing but endearing foibles. In about two years, you'll get a tattoo with Aysha that says "If we fall into ourselves, we will become free" and it will be one of the most important moments of your life. College will be about you figuring out that it's actually OK for you to be yourself, and love yourself, and be selfish every once in a while. Just whatever you do, and as soon as you figure that out, don't let it go, OK? 'Cause remember how your folks always used to say that high school would be "the best days of your life"? They were wrong, the best days are the ones that you live with a smile on your face. You realize that in college, baby doll, and nothing could be more important.

It definitely takes a great amount of time to adjust to something that is completely different than what you have ever experienced; however as much as you might be frustrated going through the transition, you will see yourself start to change. You will see growth, positive growth into a person of society, into the person that you want to be in this life. You will learn so many things about yourself and about the world and will learn how to be a person who can contribute to your community and much later, the world. So no matter how hard the struggle will definitely seem at times, have faith and trust in yourself. Be confident about who you are, where you came from, and why you are here. I can guarantee you will make it.

In high school I was very conflicted about which college to choose to go to. Eventually I chose Northern Arizona University, but when I tried to study abroad through them it ended up being a big mess, so I transferred to Arcadia. Looking back now, I would tell myself to just stick with my first choice. My heart was in it and I never should have left. So what if I couldn't study abroad? I could always take the initiative and travel on my own. There are chances for a new experience around every corner. However, transferring to a small school where the friend cliques are completely formed from week one (as I've done now) hasn't proven to be fertile ground for many good opportunities at all. I would tell myself that no matter how homesick or out of control I felt at the beginning, it would all end up being a great journey in the end, one that made me stronger, more independent, and most important of all, happy. I would make sure I understood what an amazing chance I had, and how I should have never let go of it.

Be ready to put yourself out there, and be ready for new things. Even if you may have to work alot to get through school, always find a way to have fun with friends and to get out, because everyone needs to have fun! Try your hardest to study abroad, even though, financially, it may seem impossible. I am just now hearing about all of the scholarships available to college students who wish to see the world, and I wish I had made that part of my experience. Overall, don't hesitate, jump in!