Case Western Reserve University Top Questions

If I could go back in time and speak to myself as a high school student, I would tell myself to be happier. I would not change anything I said or did, because those words and actions have made me the person I am today. I like the person I have become; I only wish that I would not have worried about this person so much in the past. I would tell myself to remain calm, smile, and be the best I can be. There are no regrets, only learning experiences. Therefore, the only thing I would wish myself is happiness and peace, knowing that the future will be okay.

My advice would be to study what you're passionate about, regardless of what anyone says. As as undergraduate, I focused on Anthropology/Archaeology because it was what truly interested me. Many people (my mother included), felt that this was a terrible idea. I'd constantly be told "you'll never find a job!", or be snottily asked, "well, what are you actually going to DO with that degree?" Despite this, I stayed with Anthropology and couldn't be happier. I've had so many great experiences, and I would have deeply regretted pursuing something different. I'd also stress to my high school self the importance of attending class and keeping up with assignments. Just because no one is making you attend class doesn't mean you should stay home watching Netflix. Professors notice who's consistently there; and they're much more likely to help those who regularly attend and engage in class than those who don't. As for keeping up with work, it's not fun at all trying to cram for a test or write a ten-page paper the night before, when you've known about it for a month.

College success isn't measured by knowing your degree plan. It isn’t about the growing debts of repayment for college that should prevent you from taking that leap of growth, its to knowing that what you are doing is learning about yourself along the way, your likes and dislikes. Say you enjoy helping people but can’t stand the sight of blood – well nursing is not your career choice but neither is cleaning up chemical spills. Imagine this 10+ years later and you’re now making that pit stop in life to attend college, imagine you’re there and are too old to participate in sports, too old compared to the other students and therefore feel out of place. Make the college experience the best that it can be – take the chance to step aside your fears to experience college life through the friends and campus organizations. Learn a new thing or two by taking that unusual class and most of all learn about you so that you are most prepared for your future and to support your dreams and goals. Because being the best you there can be is the best gift you can give yourself and others.

It is important to find and apply for as many scholarships as possible. School is very expensive and the moeny is really helpful. Be prepared to study a lot in order to maintain a high GPA. It is important to have fun with friends, but you want to make sure to keep your scholarship money.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a highschool senior I would tell myself to consider finances when applying to college. I would encourage myself to look more into unversities that are local. I would tell myself to think beyond attending an Historical Black Univeristy and consider other colleges. I would tell myself to save majority of my money from my part-time job. Volunteer more and be more active in school activities. Apply for my scholarships and do not be afraid of rejection. I would guide my highschool self to be open to new opportunities and not ignore advice from counselors and teachers. I want my higschool self to be open to everything around me.

To past me, from big me. College is going to be a whole new world. It is going to give you a new level of independence. You might be alone at first, but so are many other students. Just be open and friendly and I am pretty sure you meet many new faces that will stick with you for the next four years, maybe even longer. College is also the transition to the real world. The first year will just fly by but it will be alot of work. Do not underestimate the shortened class time , because the work after, and before, class will take longer. Do not procrastinate on exams. Do enjoy yourself. There are events and opportunities all around. From basketball games to soul food thursdays to study abroad trips to Spain, New Zealand, and much more. Btw, the freshman 15 is real. Workout more. Do talk to your professors. They are really nice, especially outside of class. Maybe even more importantly, carry an umbrella, and get good boots. The rain and clouds may last for days, but the sun will come out again. Also, be prepared for the cold, because winter is coming. Good luck and enjoy.

The rigors of working and completing high school are demanding, no doubt. School five days a week, 15 or 20 hours of work for movie money, physics projects, research at the library...it all adds up. But in high school, the hours of school are the same every day. You come home and check in with mom or dad, have dinner as a family, touch base. There is something of a routine. The bus ride home is built in study time. College, with M/W/F classes, four hour clinicals this week, eight hours next semester, walking instead of busing to class, checking in with other kids instead of parents (or maybe you don't check in with anyone at all)--the structure is gone. There are due dates for papers, but no schedule to get there. It is like waking up to a foot of fresh snow. You still have to go to school, or work, or the gym, but can't find the road. A few landmarks are visible, but are marginal help. You have to use that stop sign and this tree and that mailbox to find the way you thought you could walk blinfolded. Good luck!

Knowing what I know about college life and making the transition, I would advise myself to remember to embrace and celebrate differences. When I moved to college, I was surrounded by countless individuals who were not like myself or those I was around prior to college. At first, I was uncomfortable with this different environment and longed for the familar. Now, I realize that the tossed salad that is my new college environment is marvelous. Like a tossed salad, each individual is an important component to the whole. When all of the components combine, the result is a wonderful combination of everything wonderful about the individual elements. College is the epitome of all the wonderful elements that individuals bring to table.

Dear Rena, I assume you’ve been receiving all sorts of advice as to how to “do” college the “right” way. Quite honestly, these tips will only get you so far. It’s impossible to truly learn everything about life without experiencing life itself. I’ve made my fair share of mistakes, but so has everybody. That being said, I’ve included some tips that should help guide you along the way. 1) Stay true to yourself. 2) Befriend your professors. 3) Take advantage of campus resources. 4) Learn from others. 5) Try new things. 6) Have adventures. 7) Eat cool foods. 8) Avoid doing laundry on Sunday mornings—it’s a nightmare. 9) Ignore all the negative prejudices about Cleveland. Cleveland is a wonderful city to live and learn in. 10) Stay organized. 11) Keep exercising. 12) Ask questions. 13) Don’t neglect your high school friends, your family, or your pets. 14) Mom is always right. 15) STUDY! Best of luck next year! Oh, and as a heads up, I might have stumbled over a few words and embarrassed ourselves in front of the entire school while giving the graduation speech. Sorry. Sincerely yours, Your future self

If I could talk to high-school me, I may say something along the lines of: "I highly advise you to stop worry about being busy and start worrying about retaining information. You breezed through almost everything educational you've ever been through, but it won't be the same in college. The school you're going to is very rigorous and they expect you to know a lot and want you to learn more. You will need to study. You will need to read your books. You will need to do every practice problem you are given and donate a lot of study time to each class you take, not just the hardest one. It is perfectly fine to make friends and stay involved, but for you to achieve the academic standing you want, you need to give a lot more." I say this because CWRU gave me a rude awakening about how hard other people work and how knowledge only builds upon what you've already taken in. I messed up and didn't study enough freshman year, but I know better now.