Bates College Top Questions

I was so uptight and anxious in highschool that first and foremost, I would tell myself to just relax. I was at an extremely competitive public school where grades seemingly meant everything to everyone. It was so easy to just tunnel vision on that and not focus on simple things such as having fun. I would tell myself to pass up doing some homework assignment after school and instead take my friends up on their offer for an ultimate frisbee game. At the same time, I know that without all of my hard work in school, I would not have had the opportunity to attend such an amazing institution as Bates. Thus, balance is key. Also do yoga-- it's awesome.

Dear Future Fatima , I want you to know that you are a beautiful and smart young woman! Grades do not define you so do not beat youself up about them. I know your hardworking and your very determined. Your drive will allow you to accomplish many tasks, overcome obstacles and become more independent. Please do not linger in fear, push yourself to new limits and do not ever be afraid to ask for help. Everyone at your school wants to help and advisors want to see you succeed. ASK QUESTIONS! Speak up Fatima, do not let self- doubt possess you. Everything you will learn and the new experiences you will gain will only make you become a stronger individual. Your very ambitious and remember to stop comparing yourself to others, its not a race so remember that every person you meet has a similar vision to you. Help each other out and do not forget where you gave from, many family members have gave up their dreams in order to help you pursue yours. Lastly, look in the mirror and tell yourself your awesome everyday! Now go tell another classmate or friend! Love you Girl, xoxo

Coming into college at the beginning of the semester, I felt as though I would be content with being introverted. To me, spending time studying in my dorm room could take the place of being social on weekends, and that’s how my first semester has gone. What I’ve realized is that this isn’t something I want. It has only been within the last month that I’ve discovered that I need to take a few steps out of my comfort zone. I wish I could tell my high school self to be more social and relaxed at the outset. Even though I’ve realized now that I want to make more friends and get involved, I’m not sure how to. I have a solid group of a few friends whom I eat meals with, but overall I haven’t found my niche. I want to seize the day, but I feel as though I’m being held back by myself. This was a problem for me in high school, and I don’t want history to repeat itself. The next time my roommate asks me if I want to drive to Freeport, I must say yes.

I would tell myself that you just have to be self disciplined. There is alot of freedom in college, and that can be a young kids downfall. I would tell myself always remember why you are here at this college. Its great too have fun, but business always comes first. I would also so don't get frustrated when you come too college and don't do as well as you want right off the bat. College is an adjustment and it takes a little time to get comfortable with things. You will get adjusted to the life, classes, and professors as time goes by. If you stay motivated and don't get discouraged then the grades will get better as you get more comfortable in the new way of doing things. The final thing I would tell myself is that college is a little easier if you have something pushing you to succeed and get through it. You should find motivation so when you have a tough time you feel like you can't get through, that motivation gives you that extra push to succeed and stick with it.

I know exactly what I would say to myself as a high school senior if I could go back in time. I would tell myself to stop. Stop worrying about going college, and everything involved with it. As a senior, I would stress about everything college related. Are my applications done? What school should I go to? Will I miss my family while at school? Will I like my roommate? How much harder are the academics? I would tell my past self to relax, because everything will work out. It will be the biggest transition of your life, but just go with the flow. The most important advise I would give myself would be that people are there to help you. As a senior, I seemed to think I was going into college all alone. I would tell myself that every upperclassman and teacher knows what you're going though, and are will help you every step of the way. Heck, thats part of a teachers job. Alot of stress could have been prevented if I had been allowed a visit from my future self. Alot of stress on my mom too, but that's another story.

I would go back and tell myself that I should have started looking into colleges and scholarships over the whole 4 years in high school because now I realized I started a little bit late and now I feel as if I am behind the whole college application process.

I would go back and tell myself how much of an opputunity he has coming his way and make sure not to take it for granted. Being in college will open many doors that you never knew exsisted. Its up to you and what you do with your education. You can be the best you can be by just doing simple things. Such as volunteering for fundrasiers or just be a part of it so other people see your enthusiasm. The best part of school would be getting your grades and seeing how much you excelled during this short period of time. I would also tell him never to give because in the long run everything will pay off. To give up is giving up on yourself and that is a no no. There is so much help around you, you just have to ask for it.Being in school and not giving up will give you the key to success in your future. You wont only be doing good for yourself but also your community and your family and friends. Evryone will be so proud of you. make the best out of it and never give up.

I would tell myself to frequently seek advice if I did not underestand the college scholawrship process. Also, I would make it clear that its completely acceptible to take risks and put yourself out there. Any missed opportunity is a chance to explore the world at a new perspective. I would also tell myself to be more active about visiting colleges and to write out goals that will help with time management and my future major. Lastly, I would spend a lot of time over the summer preparing myself for interactions with people and professors that will help reach my future goal of becoming a philantropist.

What I have gotten out of the college experience is a sense of self. Yes it may be basic and not eye popping but it is true. In high I was an insecure teenage who was trying to stand up for herself physically and mentally. I lived in Brooklyn NY will my single parent mother and growing up always having to struggle. I had abusive father who didn’t notice me as his child. It was a difficult time growing up, but it was those experiences that build my character today. I would have to say it was my first year second semester that said it all for me. I gained my confidence in the class from being shy scared that wouldn’t be smart enough to speaking as much as I can. I also grew outside in the campus social life. I have a great advisor who provided me with a great support system. I also had the culture shock of a life time with Bates College enrolled student averaging about 1700 and 80 of those student were students of color. I learned about the world in a different way something going to school in NYC wouldnt provide.

I was a very uptight type-A person in high school. This caused me to think that there was only one right school for me and that I needed to do everything perfectly. After being in college for a year and a half, I have realized that this way of thinking limited my options and caused me a lot more stress than it needed to. If I could go back, I would advise myself to loosen up a little bit and embrace the period of time I was experiencing. I have discovered that in the end you will be able to find the good things in what others may see as only a negative situation. I have learned that this mentality is imperative to being happy no matter where, or in this case what school, you end up at. Now I would encourage my high school self to go with the flow and embrace life. There are positives in everything, it just depends on what you want to find.