Calvin College Top Questions

If I could give myself advice as a high school senior, I would tell myself to be open. Calvin College is incredibly diverse, so there are people from all over the world with different cultures and opinoins that one is exposed to. Coming from a small suburb of Chicago, I was never exposed to a diverse group of people. When I came to Calvin, I was able to step back and expand my worldview. Calvin offers so many opportunities to get to know others and hear differnt opinions that one can learn a lot from being here, I have.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would inform myself that even though college is scary, it will become my home. I would reassure myself to take deep breaths and know that it will all work out. The people are friendly, the food isn't bad, and I won't be judged by the way I look. I'd tell myself to walk into it with the biggest smile on my face and with my heart on my sleeve. I'd advise myself to be way more outgoing and to accept everyone for who they are. Most importantly, I would tell my high school self that she is beautiful and that she is loved because being insecure will prevent you from being who you truly are.

I would tell myself to figure out my career path and stick with it. The challenge of college is that there are too many options for you to pursue and each time you switch your major you are wasting money. I would also encourage myself to work as much as possible the year before college in order to have fewer loans. Another piece of advice would be," Do not go in thinking you know everything, because you will be proven wrong". Make many friends and do not expect your roommate to be your best friend. Be confident and do things that you believe are important . Also, do not let others like advisors or classmates deter your career path, if you are set in a career than stick with it. Speak up in class and chat with a professor because recommendations will become important. There can be many set backs, but as long as you have a goal in mind then fight your hardest to achieve it. Sometimes living away from home can be brutal, so keep in touch with family and friends. If you are struggling use all the academic resources avaliable and/or minimize your class load.

Keep looking ahead an see who you are becomming. You can’t live to your fullest until you let go of what’s holding you back. There’s a lot to learn and a TON to experience. Take courage and walk ahead into a new phase of your life. It’s full of challenges and struggles, but it is also full of great experiences, opportunities, and sheer FUN!! 1. Stay true to yourself – It’s easy to let others shape you or to become who you think others will like, but stay YOU! 2. Experience outside of a classroom – Get out and do something you thought you’d never do or might be uncomfortable doing. Get involved on campus! 3. Be willing to alter your opinions – You will be challenged and will run into situations that will really test what you thought before. Take all opinions into account and learn to change for the better. 4. Study – But don’t stress about getting everything perfect right away. You’re going to do fine. 5. And don’t forget to eat and sleep! Don’t be afraid to jump into the unknown…you never know what you might discover.

Overwhelmed. Nervous. Hesitant. Terrified. Those are words and familiar feelings I know are flooding your brain as you make this next step into a new season. But don't be afraid: college is NOT like high school. Sure, you will still find jerks and partiers and people trying to cheat their way to the top. But that life doesn't have to be for you if you don't want it. People here are serious about their future, and want mature friendships that last a lifetime. Professors want to give you individual help or simply just chat and get to know you. The upper classmen aren't looking at you like a little freshman to devour; they want to support you and treat you as an equal. This is your chance to take chances and really live life to the fullest before you are truly an adult in the real world and things are 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} your responsibility. Take advantage of the relationships, activities and the world of opportunities you're offered, and Don't. Look. Back.

I would tell myself “ Listen life starts once you get that diploma. This isn't the most important time in your life. You won't remember 99{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of these people. Don't be so eager to graduate while not making any plans for college. I know you think you want to take a couple years off but don't, its not worth it. When you get to college, organization is so important. Don't think you can be successful with doing what you're doing now. Stop wasting time, you never know when adult life creeps in and you have more responsibilities. Think of college as the gateway to everything you’ve ever wanted, but never could afford. Think of college as a way out of electricity being cut off,living check to check, and living in shelters. Look at your mother as an example of what happens when you don't take college seriously. Yes she did the best that she could, but she spent her college years having babies. Make better decisions than that. You have a chance to change the next generation. Stop accepting mediocrity and take a step towards excellence.

Don't ignore your instincts. Follow your heart. Listen to that inner voice, it is God changing directions in your life. Enjoy every aspect of college life, it goes by way to quick. Take a lot of pictures. You'll need them later to remember who is who and why they were important in this time of your life.

Do not take drugs or drink too much, associate with those students who are pursuing success, and balance fun and school work. Of all the people in the world, about 10{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} will not like you, no matter what you do. So, be true to your convictions, and accept the fact that there are some people that will not like you. Start saving money for college because your parents will not always be there. Follow your heart. Do what you love. Don't just look for jobs that pay the most money. In order to be happy you must find your purpose. Knowing your purpose will help you survive the most difficult time you will ever go through. College is not life. Life is what happens after college. Take what you learn in college into your real life, but be willing to toss out what college taught you in favor of what works.

When I look back at myself as a high school senior--loaded down with AP classes, fretting about which college to go to, and worrying about the future while trying to enjoy my last year of high school--I wonder how I can have learned so much in just one short year. I've learned plenty of lessons the hard way, such as the importance of sleep and the necessity of actually reading the textbook once in a while. Other things, such as how great it is to get to know your professors, or the wonders of a united dorm floor, took longer to learn. If I could go back in time, I might reiterate these lessons to my high school self. But when I think about it, people did tell me those things. I had plenty of advice to work with, but certain lessons can only be learned through experience. A huge part of college life is making mistakes, then growing and maturing through them. Perhaps the only advice I'd give myself would be: Stop worrying. Don't take life too seriously. Live one day at a time, trust God, and don't be afraid to make mistakes.

Never pretend to be somebody that you’re not. A lot of people come to college with this idea of starting over fresh by trying to become somebody else, but they end up burning out after a few weeks. Don't be afraid to have confidence in yourself. Nobody is expecting you to be perfect on your first day of college. You won't remember the name of everyone you meet, but neither will anyone else. Every freshman is in the exact same situation that you are, everybody is nervous on that first day. Just breathe, and remember who you are. People will like the real you a lot more than than person you think everyone wants you to be.

I have gotten the tools to be a productive citizen in society. I have learned ways to love God through my vocation and lifestyle. I have also learned how to appreciate and better communicate with people of other cultures, and belief sysems.

I am learning alot of new things. It has been hard coming back to school after 15 years but I know I must continue to make a better life for me and my four children. I intend on graduating from this course and hoping to find a good job in the workforce. I then intend on furthering my education. Knowledge is a very good thing to obtain plus it is beneficial to you in the workforce to secure jobs.

A high education has only been in huge demand only in the last 20-30 years. You can say that many grandparents and even my own parents weren't turely in need of a higher educaiton back in the 1960-1970, simply because they could have lived a comfortable life doing industrial work or apprentership. Yet, things have changed in the present and our world has skyrocketed into a golden age of inventions and techonology unlike ever before. In a every growing world and economy, higher educaiton isn't simply something for doctors, proffessors, or researchers, it has become somthing needed by nealry every one in every walk of life. Going off to college has become a mile stone in every teenagers life in nearly every modern country through out the world and has become the stage for individuals to grow out of adolecense into adult hood. This has been what I have learned maturity. If I have learned anything at all during my time here in college it is that college has not only taught me a major for my future career, but is giving me the tools for a better life.

I haven't gone to an expensive university, but I have been taught by the teachers of expensive universities. Though I have gone to a community college for the last two years, I feel as though I have gotten the same education as friends who went to higher-end schools. Many of my teachers have worked, or still work, at those same schools that cost so much more to attend. They bring great experience to the classroom, and learning from them has taught me more than just the subject they specialize in. While I've been here, I have learned more about other types of people than I can say I ever did before. I have experienced the plethora of personalities attending the school, both from up close and from afar. The relatively low price of the college allows for more diversity than many universities could ever attain. People of all races, religions, and social standings come to one place to achieve a common goal: education. The experiences I've had at my school are irreplaceable, as are the people who make up those experiences.

I have gained the knowledge of hard work as well as awareness of American culture from my college experience. Before college I did not work a job but currently I have two. Having to search for jobs and manage my won money that I earn from it has taught me the true value of every cent. Living in Grand Rapids, I have learned quite a bit about culture in Western Michigan. Though things are different here from other places I have lived I have enjoyed discovering that there are people who are passionate to learn about other cultures. This year I joined a group called MSAB, the Multicultural Student Advisory Board. On this board we discuss issues of culture and race and attempt to spread awareness about other cultures through various on campus events. Through this group I have learned what I believe to be at the heart of American culture, the belief that one individual can truly make a difference amongst a larger group.

I came to college to become the best person I could be, in all areas of life. So far I have not been disappointed. In my first year I've matured and learned valuable life lessons from experiences with peers and through the various assignments given by faculty members. I've really been able to come alive like never before and be who I was meant to be in this world. I don't have a career path yet but I've learned how to look beyond a career at what is really important in life, in how to interact with others and serve the needs of those around us. My worldview has been impacted and this is what is most valuable, because no matter what career I have, my changed worldview will influence the way I approach and execute the daily tasks of my future path.

My college experience has shaped my life in unbelievable ways. I am smarter, more confident and prepared, and independent. At college, I have gained a deeper understanding of current issues that will be affecting the United States for many years to come. One of the most important outcomes of college attendance is developing knowledgeable opinions of current issues. Before college, I didn't understand or have an opinion on most important issues, but now, I am able to articulate my thoughts and defend my beliefs. College is a time to learn about the world and find direction in life, and I believe that my college education has done both.

Senior year was the best, as cliche as it sounds, and the decision of where to go to college is going to be one of the hardest decisions you will ever make. I have two important things to say. Number one, and I want you to think about this carefully: YOU CANNOT MAKE THE WRONG DECISION. No matter what you choose, you will find new friends,and new ways to use your gifts. You will always have people that love you. There is no wrong choice. This took me so long to realize. The second thing that I want you to know, and this won't be fun to hear, is that this isn't going to be easy. You won't instantly take to college life . It will be hard. At first, you will feel all alone. It will be scary. It won't be anything like you imagined, in both good ways and bad. As much as you will hate hearing these words over and over for the first year, it will take time. It will get better. With patience, you will grow into a new life and a new you that will be better than you imagined.

You will figure out your perfect study atmosphere after trial and error, but once you figure it out monitor your progress so that you may add or subtract things to make your study time more effective. An effective study atmosphere will help you immediately initiate studying and avoid procrastination. During first semester I learned that self-talk has a huge influence on our beliefs about our abilities and self-worth. When you do not understand something, do not shrug your shoulders and avoid asking questions. Seek out professors, peers, and tutors if you need to and do not be ashamed that you do not know everything, because nobody is perfect. When you receive your first mediocre grade on a formal paper, do not become discouraged. When you see a professor do these things make sure to highlight that section of your notes or the quote they recite because it will definitely show up later either on an exam or as an essay prompt. When you are intense about learning you can acquire more information and retain what you have learned much better. Do not simply write down notes verbatim because you will forget small details that are usually very important.

The advice I would give myself is to enjoy high school and to not wish it be done so fast. I would tell myself to make great friendships that will last, and find someone you can always count on.