California State University-Northridge Top Questions

The first thing I would tell myself is "Do not take a break between high school and college!" Fortunately, I've always done well in school, but by the time I was a senior, I was dying to be done with school altogether. I didn't even take my SATs, nor did I apply to any colleges. My plan was to take a break, go to community college for a little while, then transfer to CSUN. It took me 10 years to finally make that transfer to CSUN! Although my first piece of advice is extremely important, this next piece of advice beats it hands down. I would have told my younger self to not be afraid to fail at school. I would have told myself that it was ok to fail, and it happens to everyone at some poiint of another in life. I would have told myself that I would still be alive if I did fail, and that as long as I was still alive, I would have the chance to make it right, to fix it, to succeed.

Dont drop out.

If I could go back and give myself advice about college, I would narrow it down to two things. First, I would say to go in with an open mind and do not be afraid to try new things and become a new person. To break out of my shell and explore what college and life has to offer, and to not let fear hold me back. Second would be to get more involved with activities on campus and branch out to make more friends. Although my school was not my first pick, there are some great people who attend this school, so take the time to get to know them.

The best advice I can give myself if I went back in time was to volunteer more. In addition, to participating in extracurricular activities, sports, summer camps, college preparation clubs and organizations. Especially taking my senior year, English course with our principal instead of choosing another professor and have gotten a letter of recommendation. I would also encourage myself to asking for a letter of recommendation from our vice principal since I was her assistant during sixth period.

As I materialize from my time machine, which surprisingly will be an app on the iPhone 7, I approach my high school self who is head bopping to a Green Day CD on a yellow discman. The younger me glimpses the older me between head bops.YOUNGER ME: Whoa! What the…OLDER ME: Don’t freak out, I’m just you from the future and I need you to listen. I only get 200 words and I already used 78. First, you often think you should write down your thoughts in a journal but never do. Start doing that now! You’ll look back on your high school and college journal entries and appreciate the insightful, hilarious, painful, motivating, and priceless inner workings of your development. Second, have trust and confidence in your instincts. They haven’t failed you yet. The only thing that limits you from accomplishing grand ideas is your own belief that you can do them. Lastly, paddle hard with a fearless heart because the victory is in the effort not the results. Enjoy the ride. The unknown is the ride. The ride is life. Older me vanishes. Younger me immediately writes down what just happened.

I have proudly finished my first semester of my second year at a California State University. I am a full-fledged college student and not some wide-eyed and slightly terrified freshman anymore. As I have reached my second year into university life, I have two fitting pieces of advice for my high school senior self. Very useful pieces of advice numbers one and two: “Going to a college that may not have been your first or second choice is not the worst that could happen and learn to take your new college experience as an opportunity to leave toxic and unbeneficial relationships behind.” I had hopes of getting into a UC or private school, and I got into both, but circumstances come up in which other choices needed to be made. The other choices that I had made have challenged me every day since and I couldn’t be more grateful for them in the ways that they have made me grow into who I am becoming. It just so happens, that this process of growth includes combing through old and new bad-friendships which would be easier for you if you choose to leave the old ones behind.

Dear Sarah, Coming from a low income housesold, where both parents did not attend college, is pretty tough. While you watched all those other kids who had the means and tutors help, you slowly gave up to the idea, that attending college is not a big deal as ong as there is a degree. Having the knowledge that I have now, after attending college, I get mad at myself. You should have worked harder, put in that little extra effort because later on you are to find out that money is not an impossible challenge to overcome. There are so many scholarships out there that can help if you have the grades. While you do have good grades, you could have aimed higher so you would not be stuck on the edge of good and excellent. Research and knowledge are the most important things to obtain, whenever in doubt you should ask, instead of shrugging off the opportunities you could have had. Don't give up, Sarah, just because you have it harder than those kids who can afford college. Embrace the fact that you are smart and are able to achieve what all those other kids needed tutors for.

As a high school senior, there were a number of things I could have done differently. If I could go back in time and speak to my previous self, I would tell her to keep her mentality open to new ideas and people and to not be scared to do what she wants to do. I would also suggest that she waits a year before solidifying her major, mostly because it's hard to decide what to be for the rest of your life at the ages of 17-18. I would tell her to explore.

During senior year, I felt that I had made many mistkes during my previous years in high school. I did not think I had the chance to attend a 4 year university. If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would give myself hope. Hope thaat I could do anything I wanted to do. I would tell myself that it would not be an easy journey, but I know I could do it because of how determined I am. I would give myself the confidence that I could go to a 4 year university and make it. I would give myslf the strength to believe in myself and not be discouraged by what my high school is telling me that I cannot do. I would tell myself not to give up and not to feel like I cannot do anything.

If I had the chance to go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would truly change my ways in school and in life. Coming from Central American parents, I never had someone to motivate me and teach me ways of bieng a good student. As I entered college, I realized I was only blind in high school. I thought I would never reach my dreams and goals that I wanted to accomplish. The one advice I would give myself as a High school Senior is to work hard every second, every minute, every hour, because thier is not one dream and goal in this life that someone can stop you from reaching. I accomplished to finish high school and attend a 4 year university. If I had this state of mind in High school, I would of accomplished more things than what I am accomplishing now. Its better to work hard now, than suffer later.

I would tell my self to apply to every scholorship i can find and to focuse in school. i would also tell my self to be more confident in public speeking and to get used to classes that are packed and to ask more frequent questions. to get to know your teacher and have a plan and know what classes to start off with and what classes would follow. and to memorize the campuse

After living on my own for a year and even almost a whole summer I have matured greatly. I never realized how much free time I had in the past until now. When I was in high school I wasted a lot of that time, doing things I can't even reflect on and say I was being productive. I would go back to myself as a high school senior and tell myself to apply to as many scholarships as possible, and to not hesitate to apply to any of them. Too many times in the past have I told myself I would finish something, then end up not finishing that thing at all. There was so much avaliable for me as a high school senior. There were so many opportunities to get extra money for college that I threw away. I thank God for good people and organizations like this that make it possible for students to get financial aid. I would tell my past self about this and many scholarship competitions, essays and databases. The internet is endless and I am learning so much on my own than I did in high school.

I would give myself the advice to be open minded about everything because everyone has different opinions and beliefs.

I would say, "Charlotte, you are young. You are 16 and graduating from high school. Go to East Los Angeles College, Pasadena City College is too far right now, especially since you don't drive. I know the waterpolo coach promised he could get you classes; he can't. Go to ELAC and relax, you will grow to love it. Despite your thoughts now, you will get a quality education at ELAC. Take sign language with Dr. Garcia; you will fall in love with the language. Also, you are making the right decision getting your AA degrees and skills certificates there. It may take a few months longer than you expect, but it will be worth it. When you graduate from ELAC, don't sell yourself short. Explore your options. CSUN is highly impacted, and you are going to want to change schools. If you have to go out-of-state, do it. Don't let cost hold you back. The transition will be difficult, you will struggle, but you will not regret it. Stay motivated. Stay eager. Stay dedicated. Stay positive, and never be afraid to be yourself."

If I could go back in time to my highschool senior self, I'd tell myself to lose all the fear of making mistakes, of not being myself, of always being a quiet person. I have learned that if I want to be successful and to get the things I want I have to be persistent, I have to show that I am passionate for the things I want. I would tell myself to always apply for scholarships and never give up, to enjoy my senior year but to also do my best and become more involved in school activities. I think If I did these things I'd have a wider professional network for a job in my career and field of study. As well as not to spend so much time wasting it on social conventions that bring me no joy, and to cherish the time i have with my friends and family, because in the end they're what matter most.

The best advice I could give myself would be not to panic. Sure, obtaining a degree and finding your path in life is important, but constantly worrying about failure isn't worth it. Being in college is not just one of the most rewarding experiences you encounter in life, it's also one of the few moments you'll ever have to be you. I'm not saying to go crazy and forget about why you're continuing your education, but don't panic. A hard class is only as hard as you make it. A difficult professor is only as frustrating as you allow them to be. You're in college to figuring out how you'll change the world not to emerge anxious and overwhelmed with no more than a peice of paper. No, break free with knowledge and experience; with memories and an understanding that in avoiding panic you will not only do great things in life, but that you enjoyed the journey to greatness.

If I could go back to Senior year of High School and start college all over I would tell myself i need to work on time management. Freshman year of college for me was very difficult becuase I didn't know how to time manage. At the time I was working 2 jobs and living in the dorms where I had a number of friends that always wanted to hang out. Everyone is so excited about this new freedom that they just want to hang out and party, which was had for me to adjust to. Time management is very important because it helps you with prioritizing what is important and making sure you get stuff done before you go out and enjoy yourself.

I'd tell myself to not procrastinate and study hard for your test. Also to get involved on campus as much as possible and to not think of giving up because dreams do come true. Just taking one step forward makes a huge different in coming closer to your dreams. Also to not secound guess ourself, if it feels right give it a try because you never know what may happen and that it ok to take a little risk.

TO NOT GO IN UNDECIDED, TO CHOOSE A MAJOR BEFORE YOU START.

I would definitely tell myself that the critical thinking and cognitive skills you absorb in college will stay with you for a lifetime. I will also remind myself how having a college degree is all the time more important in the job market of this era and advise myself. Consequently, having a degree will open doors for the future, which will in turn open more doors and make me more marketable later ... and the cycle continues. In addition to the financial resources I’ll tell myself how I will have access through your higher income, as well as have resources in all kinds of unpredicted and imperceptible ways. Like my roommate from freshman year who is now an attorney, my friend from chemistry class who is now a physician, and the person I encountered at the alumni mixer who may offer me a job in the future are the kinds of benefits and resources that I would be so anxious to tell myself about and that can make all the difference in the world.