California State University-Channel Islands Top Questions

Do this thought experiment with me Nick. Tomorrow morning, when you step out of your car and walk over to your girlfriend feeling held back and tired of her, remember what I'm about to say. You are not going to find what you're looking for here as fast as you think you are. It's not going to be found in the shape or form you think, quite the opposite actually. Which is why it's important for you not to crush this girl's heart. At least not the way I did. I get it man, you're sick of being in a relationship, but try to leave the earth better than you found it. That whole spiel about "you're young, you'll make mistakes", it's not gonna fix the hole inside you. I'm not asking you to live a different life or act on what I think I know, because I'm still 19, and not exactly in a position to give you advice. But just walk up to her, look her straight in the face, and decide if that's the mark you want to leave on your hometown.

Don't stress. It will be alright. Stick to it in community college because when you transfer you will be on the right road. There are so many opportunities and experiences ahead of you. Have fun but take classes seriously. You only get to live this time once so why waste it?

If I could go back in time and give my high school self advise about college, I think I would have a whole book on advice. I am a first generation college student. Since my parents didn’t attend college I had to figure this whole thing out on my own. As much as they wanted to, my parents were unable to guide me through the path of college. Trying to decide what to major in and which school to attend is very difficult, especially doing it solo. On top of that my parents didn't make enough money for me to attend college in the first place. I had to also figure out how I was going to pay for my education. The first advice I would give to myself would be that there is financial aid! Start community college right after high school because I would be able to afford it now. The next advice I would give would be to seek out help from counselors. That way I wouldn’t have to figure everything out alone. If I would have gone to counselors as soon as I started community college I probably would have graduated already!

I would tell myself as a high school senior to take class seriously and its a big difference from high school. In college they don't give alot of busy work to help you recieve a higher grade. For example a class could consist of you writing blogs on a website, a midterm and a final. With only having those assisgnments in the class it can help make you get an A or break you to recieve a D, so work hard and study hard. Also, remember to listen to your father's advice which was stay away from sociology because its a hard class. If you do take it please study hard for the test in the class. And, please go to the advising center to grab your major requirement paper and take the classes you need. Try to take 18 units for your second semester as a freshman because you want to try to graduate in four. After second semester keep taking 18 units until you don't have too. I know its going to be hard but you can do with the help of your family, friends and religion. If you do get stress out go exercise.

Throught out my high school year I was motivated to go to college; I had the top ten colleges that I wanted to apply to. But the top ten listed colleges that I wanted to go to was torn up in my face. My Parents wanted me to go a Junior College for my first two years and then transfer when I am in my Junior year. Being the Obediant daughter that I am, I let them persuade me into thinking a four year university wasnt for me. I sat back and watched others get ready to apply for their top ten colleges that they wanted to go to. All I could think about was that I was ready for a four year university. I did what I thought was best and applied to only my top two choices which were CSU Channel Islands and Wiley college. When I got both acceptance letters from both colleges I was thrilled. Now that im in college I realized it is not High school anymore. Knowing what I know now I would advise to myself that I can not go through college like I did with high school.

Study hard at school, because it helps you later in college. Everything you don't learn in school you have to catch up in college.

Study a little bit more and better for some exams and looks for scholarships before so I can pay my studies in arquitecture.

Dear myself: I know you are experiencing a lot of pressure to get in to an "Ivy League" school, and competing with all of your friends. I know you feel that you should go to a "big name" school out of pressure of hearing everyone else name drop all of the big names: Harvard, Yale, Princeton, etc. But in the long run, you will do better at a school that fits YOU, not at a school that has the most show-offy name. You will feel happier going to a school that fits you as opposed to a school that sounds impressive on paper. Make sure you look at the majors offered at the schools you are considering so you can see if the school has majors that fit your interests. Take a tour of all of the schools you are considering so that you can get a good feel of the campus and what campus life is really like. Ask too many questions. Join a lot of clubs and get really involved on campus. You will meet people that will forever change your life. Good luck! Love, future me.

Future Self: Hello Samantha Past Self: Hi Do I know You? Future Self: Not right now but you will soon(smiling) Past Self:(Confused) I don't understand Future Self:Well Samantha I know you might not believe this but I am you from the future Past Self:What? Are you crazy? Future Self:No I'm not but I've come back to give you advice about your/our future and the transition into college life Past Self:Okay I'll play along whats your advice? Future Self:My advice to you...well me..well us...well you know what I mean, is to just be yourself there will be a lot of people who will try to convince you to be like them. Wear what they wear, say what they say think how they think. But I want you to remain true to who you are. You will grow into the woman you are meant to be but only if you follow your own mind Past Self:Thanks that sounds like great advice. We sound like we will do great in the future Future Self:(Smiling) We Will Bye Samantha Past Self:(Waving) Bye Samantha See you Soon

Dear Bree, This is future Bree speaking. Do not worry about the transition from your private high school to Channel Islands because all the AP and honor classes that you slaved in will truly pay off when you go to college. The workload at CI is manageable, but I need you to pay close attention to the advice that "future and more wise Bree" is going to give you. I know how highly motivated you are and how much you enjoy learning. I also know that you will need to get a part-time job to pay for school. The classes at CI may seem easier than what you endured in high school, but do not let that become an excuse for you to give any less than your best in all you do! Keep giving your 100 {4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} best, and enjoy learning! I know you can thrive, so do not let your job distract you from being the best student you can be. Being a student is the most important thing right now. And since you are double majoring and minoring, I know it will be a stretch for you, but I know you can do it! Sincerely, Future Bree

I have to admit that I worked my way through college. I was always a fulltime host/server/cashier at two restaurants and a full time college student. I decided to trust my ability to work rather than to spend time applying for scholarships. My advice number 1 would be: Apply to as many scholarships as you can. My english professor freshmen year told us that nobody would see our grades after graduating college. My second piece of advice: I would tell myself get the best grades you can, becuase after this you are going to want to go into graduate school. My third piece of advice would be: get involved as much as you can. Conferences, workshops, trainings have been very helpful in my selfdevelopment. Fourth, sleep is overrated. Fifth, practice, practice, practice. Sixth, keep your eyes on the prize there is light at the end of the tunnel. Something else that I would advice is to do the best you can to figure out what you want to do for the rest of your life. The sooner you figure that out, the sooner you will be in your path to achieve that goal.

Its simple all I would say is save! College is not cheap! I wish I can just go back into time and save every single penny I had and not spend it on cute clothes. I feell really bad now because I have my parents stressing over how they will pay for my tutition. The economy is not good right now and my parents are not so sercure with jobs. Sometimes I just want to quit college to help out my parents but thanks to their support they always motivate me to stay in college and they say they will earn the money somehow. To conclude this I recommened all high school students to save for college and never say you can't.

I would advise myself to make college a priority in my life, and I also would assure myself that college is an attainable and realistic goal. As a high school senior many students do not have any idea what course of study they want to pursue for their future; I would advise any senior in that perdicament to continue their eucation in a local community college. I highly recommend community college because it is an environment that provides students with a solid foundation in general education, a foundation which is essential for furthering a student's education and also essential for later transferring into a university. In addition to atending community college and transferring, I also would encourage myself to relentlessly search and apply for as many scholarships as possible before even stepping foot on campus. Actively searching for scholarships early on will prevent future stress concerning the financial pressures of college. Also the greatest resource for any student aspiring to attend college is the college councilors; I highly reccomend schedualing a visit with a councilor who will be able to help the student determine which courses need to be taken during freshman year at college

I would definately tell myself this school was an amazing choice for myself. It is close enough to go home in the case of an emergency but far enough to stay over the weekends and get involved with school life. I'd tell myself not to worry and get discouraged when I didn't think I'd make it. There are plenty of professors who care about me and my education to listen to my problems and help me as much as they can. I'd tell myself jump as high as I can and not to be afraid. I will meet plenty of life long friends who are always here to catch me or help me get back on my feet. This campus is amazing and filled with amazing people. I've added myself to it not only to become a better person but to get involved in the university and help others with fears in securites about doing well and making college one of the best experiences by far.

If I was to go back in the future I would advice my self to go for the AP classes even though it was an extra load of work. Since I know the AP scores do matter when you get in college. I would also advice my self to take some extra classes in the community college to get ahead. Also be more involved in school like joining more clubs or being in a sport. That would of helped with being out there. And lastly not to slack off the last few months before getting out and enjoying senior year more by doing more activities.

What I have gotten out of my college experience is satisfaction. I went into CSUCI imaging what my college life would be like. I have gotten all the classes I needed, became really involved in the school, found a good paying, part-time job, and stayed on top of my academics. All while having a great social life and being a member of a philanthropic and academic sorority. Since CSUCI is so new, this experience wouldn't have been able to happen elsewhere. I gained so much important life knowledge and I am proud to have gone and to have been a part of the school while it was still growing. I have been so thankful for my education, my teachers, employers, friends, sisters, and school staff, because without them, honestly I don't think I would have been able to be so successful. Without them, I would have never been able to achieve the satisfaction that I feel when I reflect on my college experience.

In my college experience I have learn to help one another (students) and to help the minorities with support. I also helps incoming freshman so that they won’t be lonely and miss their families that much. I tend to get them involved in clubs or meet friends.

Returning to school has given me empowerment. I've always wanted to finish school, but it was never the right time. I have come recently to realize there is no such thing as the 'right time,' only the 'are you going to do it now or not' time. I chose now. I was wracked with indecision for months about going back to school again. How would I fit it into my busy unpredictable schedule? Answer: online classes. How would my study skills be after all this time? Answer: just fine since I am an avid reader and natural studier. How can I finish before I am too old? Answer: I'm not too old now and won't be in the future either, for me learning never stopped even though the classroom studies did. The agonizing months of indecision disappeared the day I signed my application. I just knew it was right and I haven't looked back since.

CSUCI has helped me to become a positive role model and leader of my campus’ community. I spent my first year dorming on campus and when I moved back home due to financial constraints I became involved with the bike club in Nov’09 to feel attached to the campus. I spent my time training to compete in collegiate road races while becoming deeply in classes. I achieved leadership roles of secretary and vice president within 6 months of joining the club and through persistence & hard work I am the current club president. Timid in high school, my public speaking class, let me embrace a new me. I wanted to find solutions to problems of the campus community and advocate for changes those problems. Since becoming more proactive on campus I've been able to network with faculty to participate in community projects as well as find employment opportunity in the community. I am thankful to attend this 4 year university because it offers so much to its students. Small class sizes, dedicated professors, and supportive friends are what draw me to this campus, and while CI was not my first choice I could not be more pleased withmy choice.

I have gotten so much out of my first year of college here at CSUCI. In highschool I was not invovled at all and hated highschool, but at CSUCI's orientation I was inspired by the faculty and staff to come out of my shell. Now as the year ends I have won numerous awards such as Freshman Leader of the Year and others. This is all due to the staff and faculty here at CSUCI. They put the students first in everything that they do. The thing that has been most valuable experience I have recieved was being a part of the CI family. I felt like a real person like Spencer Keaster here, not a number or statistics like i may have felt like at any other university. I also have learned so many lessons in leadership, I know I will be a great leader in society and help build a very close community where ever I live and work.