California State University-Northridge Top Questions

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.