Leah
Make sure that you stay focued but maybe not take yourself as seriously or make yourself as stressed as you always do because in the end yes you get everything done but you make yourself sick over it. Just trust your insticts and believe in yourself. You are smart and strong and can get through anything college throws at you. Make sure to have fun and do not be shy. That doesn't mean go crazy though, yes going to parties are cool but not everyday or when you have a final the next day. Be open, yes moving is hard and scary, but as long as you are open you will realize that it is easy making friends and adjusting to college life. Take that random class that has nothing to do with your major because it is college, but make sure to stay focused and not get distracted. Lastly remember, life is not about how many breathes you take, but how many moments take your breath away, so live life to the fullest.
Liezle
If I were able to go back in time and give myself a few words of advice, I'd tell myself two things: Mothers are ALWAYS right and not everyone is going to like you.
In high school, my mom set rules for my sister and I so that we could do well in schoool and make responsible descisions once we were on our own. I, however, did not agree with some of my restrictions. Once I went away to college, I took too much advantage of my freedom--staying out late, putting my priorities behind and focusing more on the social aspect of school rather than my studies. I then realized that my mom only set those boundaries for me so that I could be successful, and once I came to that realization, I appreciated what she did for me even more.
Another thing I came to experience was that not everyone will like me. This means that despite my kindness, helpfulness, and sincerity, there will still be someone who will dislike me. But regardless of their opinions, I would tell myself to continue being a great friend and to never doubt myself.
Jessica
If I could talk to myself as I high school senior there are many points of advice I would give. I would tell myself to dedicate time to research for my future, including where I want to go to college and scholarships that are available. I would tell myself to remember to save every cent I could spare. I would tell myself to mentally prepare for the changes that were to come, but most of all I would tell myself to enjoy the last year of high school. Graduation was the close of a chapter in my life, but the stepping stone to the remaining story and I feel I may have worried to much about what was to come and not enough about the present. Though senior year is critical to making decisions and starting your life, it is also a teenagers last chance to truly embrace their inner child. Senior year is a time of still living under the roof of a parent, the time of not having excess financial decisions, and still having a constant guiding hand. I would tell myself to embrace those small things and live one last year as a kid.
Kimberly
Be yourself, but at the same time, don't be afraid to step out of your confort zone and try new things. Get involved on campus, and find the right group of friends early on, because it isn't always that easy to switch groups later on in the years. Go to the events on campus (sports, art shows, lectures, concerts, plays). Don't be afraid to approch your professors, they really are there to help you. You're paying good money to go to this school, so make sure to use all of the available resources, such as counseling, tutoring, career assessments and placements, and writing and math centers. Always stop to smell the roses, or take a look at the stars. They bring everything into perspective.
Tiffany
My experiences at California Lutheran University have helped me to adulthood, as they compose the final pages of my bildungsroman. The conclusion of this chapter in my life was not shaped by the opportunities that this college could provide financially, but rather, by the people who create the character of this campus. My story is defined by the people who helped me through my first few years at this university
During freshman year my friend attempted to commit suicide by overdosing. I found her hardly alert, and worked with her roommate to call an ambulance and keep her awake until they arrived. She survived. A few days later my sister committed suicide. I found myself unable to forgive my friend or my sister for their actions needless to say I was in a very dark place. As the weeks rolled on I did not attend class and was in danger of losing my much needed scholarships. My faculty advisor noticed my absences and helped me; he had class due dates extended, set up free appointments with the school psychologist, and pushed me back on my educational feet.
It was here that I learned about resiliency and forgiveness....biology, and literature.
Jesse
When I came to Cal Lutheran I really got invovled in alot. I got really invloved in Student Government. This week I just got elected the President of the Student Body and memeber of the university Governing Board. I will be the first junior to perform these tasks in the Universities History. The first semester I studied abroad in Prague, Czech Republic. I am also really involved in clubs and and academics. I am a double major in political science and religion. Because the class sizes are so small, you get to know every professor on a personal level. Cal Lutheran has really shaped me into a great person.
Jenny
I planned on attending the University of Washingto in the fall of 2010, but when my parents moved to California in August, I realaized I wasn't ready to be two states away. I packed up my things and relocated to California with them, and was forced to start at a community college nearby before applying to schools in California. What I have found so far is that the sixty semester units of general education that are required of every student can often be based on subjects the student has no interest in whatsoever. For me, some of these have been pleasantly enjoyable despite that, and some have been dreadful trying to push through. I haven't reeped the benefits of attending college in terms of a job, but my horizons have been widened, I have learned countless new things, and I have gotten to experience a variety of teaching styles. College has without-a-doubt introduced me to the "real world," and I have gotten a taste of what lies in my future. I hope to get more out of my college experience as I transfer schools and as I focus more on my major and my interests.
Jami
My college experience has been great. While in high school I was always the shy and dependent person but with living on college I met new people and I have become more opened. I have also learned to be more indepent because I live on campus. I have grown so much in my first semester here at California Lutheran University. I figured out what kind of career path I want to go into and what kind of major I want to pursue and get a degree in. I believe college is where a person learns more about themselves and what kind of person they want to be. It shapes them into the person they are and that is why it is important and valuable for students to attend college to continue their education.
Ashley
At the beginning of my college experience I began by going to community college where I found myself longing for a more well-rounded experience filled with opportunities for community service, making new friends, and gaining an education of a life time. It was a decision I struggled with from the beginning of my senior year in high school because of financial issues. I was worried about the burden that I would carry once I graduated and had to pay back loans that I would have to take out in order to attend the school of my dreams. I wanted an education that would challenge my thinking and provide me with the skills I need to be successful as well as happy. Deep down I knew I had to do what was best for my future and what would provide me with the greatest sense of accomplishment. I believe I have made the best life decision for myself by attending a four year University because I have provided myself with the opportunity to be the best I can be.
Ashley
I am grateful that I have had the opportunity to attend college and although I am older than the average college student I know now I have made the right decision to be persistant. When I was nineteen I could barely sit through a two hour lecture but with persistance on my part and the opportunity to take eye opening classes such as Astronomy, Graphic Design, and Behavioral Neuroscience I realized school actually had something to offer me and I loved it. I used to be the individual that had no role models and no motivation to learn; now, I am the person who can look at myself and say "I know who I am and who I want to become, I know what impact I want to make on the world." The professors I have had proved to me that there is hope for this world, and every stressful day working and paying bills is worth the time spent learning with and from professors who are the best role models I have ever had.
Denise
I knew I was capable of being a good teacher when I began my credential program in September, 2010. I now know, that after only one semester, I am going to be a better teacher because of my instructors, my classmates and the teacher credential program at Cal Lu. I have learned about physical and mental development; I now better know what I can expect from a class of Kindergartners. I was taught about the difficulties people from other countries can experience upon relocating to our country; I will be more culturally aware and sensitive to my students' backgrounds. I heard about the struggles of special ed, learning disabled and English Learners; I now have techniques I can use to help a child, not only survive, but thrive in my classroom, as we learn how to work together. Yes, my program is expensive, but it is worth every cent. I am investing in not only my future, but the future of the children of California. I am going to be a great teacher and owe much of that to the preparation I am receiving from California Lutheran University.
Christopher
Through college I have learned that organization and time managemnt is key for success in college. Also being that I am a football player at my college these traits are vital to balance out school work and fun.
Sara
CLU has presented many opportunities to me, including: job and internship assistance, the ability to learn from and develop personal relationships with wonderful professors and faculty, and useful graduate school preparation. While I have only been at this university for two years, I have seen tremendous growth in my academic and social skills as well as my social networking ability. Likewise, professors, faculty, and students at this university have introduced me to different causes that I am passionate about.
Upon entering CLU, I declared psychology as my major, but after taking a sociology course, I changed my major to sociology. I believe that I discovered my strength in and passion for sociology primarily because the small class size enabled me to form a relationship with a professor who demonstrated his belief that this major might be a better fit and continues to encourage me. As a result, I plan to pursue a doctoral degree in sociology and intend to pay it forward by encouraging and passing on knowledge to other young adults as this professor and my other mentors have done for me. My experiences at this university have transformed who I am and my plans for the future.
Julz
The main experience I have gotten from my college experience is that it's nothing like how it is in the movies or television. You are your own parent and it is the time were you have to start going up and taking out time from everthing else. Depending on how many classes you take for the year and what you want to major in reflects on how good of a student I can become. College is were you have to step it up a notch and give it your all because if you don't you will get let behind with now one to push you. My parents have aided along with supported me in life. However this is the part were I do things on my own and make something out of my educational life following to what I want to be as an adult.
Shawna
I am a biology major and I learn a lot at California Lutheran University. I have wanted to be an Orthodontist for quite some time and I believe that this school or many colleges will direct me in the right path to obtain that goal and to stay focussed. I love science and learning about science and the programs that they have offered me I have enjoyed very much. Living on campus has shown me how to be responsible and I have met some friendships that will last a lifetime. I love being in college and getting the full experience that I love.
Molly
My college experience has been amazing. Although I have only just finished my freshman year, I cannot imagine changing anything. Attending a university is defintiely something that has changed my life for the better. It has made me want to get out and do something with my life, rather than just coasting through. One of the greatest things about college is that everyone is doing their own thing, as opposed to highschool where everyone is doing pretty much the same thing. It allows you to really be yourself and express yourself in whatever way possible without feeling self concsious because everyone is doing it. This experience really makes you get out and make active decisions to ensure your future. Not only have I come out of my shell but I have become so independent from my parents. As any successful adult will tell you, being independent is one of the greatest feelings in the world and I owe it all to my experience at California Lutheran University. Afer only one year, I have made life long friends, taken steps to make my dreams come true (no matter how cheesy that sounds), and truly discovered who I really am.
Wyatt
My college experience has been great so far. Ive been able to experience being on my own and taking responsibility for myself and the classes i take. I look forward to experiencing so much more in the up and coming school years.
Jessica
The old cliche that "college is the best time of your life" is really true. It is a time where you discover who you really are and where you want to go. In college you will most defintely be challenged, but the beauty of it is college will in turn teach you to challenge the world. This is a place you meet friends for life, and together, have the time of your life. Here not only will you learn the important facts and figures you will need for a degree, but you will also learn more imporant leassons such as growing up, diversity, leadership and responsiblity. I wouldn't have given my experiences up for anything.
Jeffrey
I truly enjoy college; I appreciate what the instructors are trying to do. If college was not an option in my life I might be dead, in jail or a junkie in the streets, College saved my life, and I am thankful for it. Currently I am the president of the schools business club; I have maintained a 3.5 and have been consecutively on the dean's list. I tutor math and computer on my free time. I just love life and they education I am getting.
Trevor
Through my college experiance thus far, one main value that I have pulled away with is living on my own. Even though I have the support of the school, my parents are very far away. Its very good to learn how to make your own money and do things just on your own.