Central Connecticut State University Top Questions

After graduating high school, I attended one semester of college and found that it was not for me. I worked in the mortgage banking industry for almost 4 years and was recently laid off. During this time, I realized that the reason that I was not getting enough out of college was that I was not in the correct major. I have started my studies in law with the intention of continuing to study Constitutional law in graduate school. Now that I am more mature and prepared, I am not only learning information related to my major, but I am also learning how to cope in an environment with a clear authority figure and in groups with no specific leadership, like study groups. College is developing mny social skills, leadership abilities, and expanding my potential knowledge.

"Have you learned anything?" These four words are much more than a Tiger Woods Nike commercial. Throughout one's college experience, it is apropos to ask one's self this very question. In ruminating upon my own college experience, I find that I am still working on my answer. I have had a rather unorthodox journey through academia, having returned to school after a brief hiatus. Despite graduating with a Bachelor's Degree in English back in 2008, I decided to re-enroll last August because of my newfound passion for Health and Wellness. In returning to the classroom, I have realized that I didn't initially take advantage of all that college had to offer me. Instead of embracing new opportunities, I possessed a narrow focus and kept to myself. Rather than enjoying the journey, I was fixated on the destination. Having this "second chance," I have learned to be receptive to others, enjoy each moment, and treat everything as a learning experience. In embracing an optimistic and proactive outlook, I have gained confidence and learned to appreciate myself. Ulitimately, what I have learned is that I still have more to learn, and that is truly a beautiful discovery.

Being a non-traditional student, I started college not sure of myself and my academic abilities. My college experience has taught me to believe in myself. My teachers have been very helpful in telling me that I can do this and encouraging me to reveal my true potential. I am eternally grateful for my teachers and the experience of going back to school in my thirties.

I've received the confirmation that I am much more intellegent than I gave myself credit for. I'm dependable and focused, and complete everything that's assigned. I do the work, attend the class, and participate. Life is like that. Show up, do the work and participate with what's going on. I've gained an appreciation for those who are also in my classes, all struggling through life's situations. Single parents, recovered addicts, and those who suddenly found themselves without work in their chosen field. Everyone of us is engaged in preparing a new future for ourselves, even though our programs are vastly different from each other. I am blessed to have found my program at the college of my choice, so near where I live. What makes it even better, is the staff. They are there to support, instruct, and encourage... and they do. I have faith that I'll absorbe the needed information and be able to apply it in my chosen field of Medical Laboratory Technician. I'm not a young student. But I've always known that someday I would have this experience. I'll make sure my sons have it as well.

Through attending Central Connecticut State University I learned valuable skills that have helped me in my current education and work endeavors. Through my involvement on campus with other students I was able to learn what it means to be a team player and bring that into my current work practices. I am very grateful for the wealth of knowledge that I learned while attending Central Connecticut State University. I am currently attending the University of Connecticut to work towards my Masters degree and feel that my prior educational experiences have prepared me well to be able to continue my education. Through both Universities I have had professors that really made an positive impression on me. I have learned ways I can teach children in a method that makes learning fun and engaging. The skills I have learned through attending college I use daily when I teach students. The most valuable piece for me is knowing how to be a part of making a positive impact within the education system. Through my past education experiences and my current education endeavors I plan to use the knowledge obtained to help students in the class I teach reach their highest potential.

I would tell myself to look forward to the freedom but also know how to control it. I know college students that never have any free time, and those that seem like they are on a permanent vacation. While college can be a fun and exciting place, don't ever lose sight of the ultimate goal: to succeed.

I would tell myself to make sure that i keep in touch with my highschool friends but also to leave room to meet new people and make new friends. I didnt think that i would ever leave my highschool friends behind but you stay close to your closest friends and the ones that you lose you make new ones to take their place. So i would tell myself dont sweat it if you and one of your highschool friends arent as close as you used to be because you will make new friends. I would also tell myself not to be afraid of living in a dorm. That college will match you up with somone you can gt along with and they will be nice. I would say that even though living away from your family may make you feel homesick for a week or two you grow comfertable with your new suroundings and it is actualy a very enjoyable experiance. So I would tell myself dont be so nervous about going to college its jist one step forward to a new experiance in life.

Of all the years I have attended college, the most important piece of advice I would tell future college students (and my younger self) is to seek extra help as soon as it is needed. In my earlier college days, all too often I would not get the help I needed and needless to say I did not do as well as I could have. Talking to your professor after class time not only gets you the help you need to do well on assignments but also lets the professor know you genuinely care about the class and your grades. When it comes time for final grades, showing the professor you cared could be the difference in getting a higher grade. It also lets you get to know your professor which helps create a more friendly class environment, which is also beneficial to learning.

Making the transition from high school to college is nothing short of nerve-racking. When I drove up to Central Connecticut State University preparing to move in, I was extremely nervous. However, I quickly learned that there was nothing to be afraid of. If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would ensure myself that college is not as scary and confusing as many high school students see it. Being scared the first days, even weeks, I found was detrimental to my ability to perform in class and make new friends. If I could tell myself to not be afraid to be myself and truly experience all that college has to offer, I am sure that I would have had a much more enjoyable time and would have performed better in class and with my work. College is sure to frighten anyone who walks onto the campus for the first time, but nobody should let that fear hold them back from being themselves or performing to the best of their ability. My advice? Get involved, be outgoing, participate in class, make friends; no matter how scary. You won't be sorry.

If I could travel back to the time when I was looking at colleges in high school, I would advise myself to listen to my heart. I would also make sure that if I did not play volleyball at the school, would I still enjoying attending. The environment and diverse group of people will have a huge impact in my college experience. I would also remind myself to stay focused on my goals and my career path. The college transition is difficult, but remember to take steps. It is important to develop a strong relationship with professors and classmates. These people will be extremely helpful down the road. I would also tell myself that wherever I attend school, it is my attitude and approach to daily events that make me happy. It is my choice and decisions alone that determine who i will become, not the school that I attend.

Dear 12th Grade Me, By the time you?ll get to college, you?ll be well adjusted to living on your own and supporting yourself, trust me. You?ll be just fine with leaving home , because after basic training and tech school, college will be excellent. I know you hate the idea of enlisting now, but two years later, you'll like it and be proud. It?s not so much that you?ll be a completely different person; you?ll just grow up a bit in the five months you spend living 2,000 miles away from home. Also, you won?t miss high school. I understand you?re afraid of losing this perfect place you?ve gotten to with your friends this school here, but you won?t lose the friends that count, I promise. Facebook, Instant messenger and cell phones will let you stay in contact with your closest friends, and college breaks will have you seeing plenty of them, even as you all grow up. I?m not saying that you?ll be done growing up, or that some parts of college won?t be challenging, but just know that you?re up to the task.

Get started as soon as you can, so that you don't get on a waiting list, and get good housing. It worked for me. Also do as much as you can scholarshipwise because money matters.

As a high school senior my number one priority would have been to get as many scholarships because as a young african american male it's been a struggle coming from a poor background. I would have focused more on my grades seeing as merit scholarships are awarded to high school students with higher GPA's. Considering my parents went through a divorce at a young age, it was difficult focusing on academic responsibilities while trying to help my mother financially because I had to sacrifice school at times to work more so I could help provide for my family. So if i could go back in time i would be more determined to get straight A's, because it opens opportunities and college wouldn't be such a struggle to pay for now.

I would tell myself that college is worth the time and effort. Without the benefit of a higher education, I will have to struggle to stay employed and to keep a roof over my families head. I would also tell myself that , I will only get out of college what I put into it, so I need to work hard in order to get the rewards at the end. I would tell myself to make sure that I chose classes wisely. Don't just choose classes because they are easy and you can receive a higher grade. This could only serve to hurt me in the end. Choose classes that will both challenge and stimulate my mind. Finally, I would tell myself to enjoy the entire college experience. Get as much out of my college years as I can because those experiences will last an entire lifetime.

Knowing what I know now, I would go back in time and tell myself just to relax. All of the teachers are making it more of a big deal than it has to be. It's just a different school. I would also tell myself about how you are in charge of yourself. No one else can make you study or do your homework, but, you. I also would tell myself not to worry about making friends. You always seem to find someone that is like you, or likes something that you do. Even at eight in the morning on a monday you can find someone. I would stress that, you don't have to hang out with the same people everyday, you can even avoid the people you don't like. It's not like high school where you are stuck with the same people for eight hours a day for five days a week. At most, you'll see your classmates about two times a week. College itself is not scary, its the change that is however. That's the last piece of advice I would give myself before my time ran out.

Entering into college I was overwhelmed. I thought about how difficult the work would be and how in the world I would make friends. I didnt know how I would be able to live with a complete stranger or how I could go for months with out my dad's fabulous Italian home cooked meals. I have just finished my first semester at CCSU and have realized I was afraid for nothing. I stressed myself out for no reason what so ever. I go to at the most three classes a day and I am a full-time student. I do my work as it is assigned so it doesnt build up. Making friends was easy with all the activities around campus. My roomate turned out to be very respectful and a great companion to eat with in the cafe where the food is not as bad as anticipated (although I do go home once in a while for family dinners!). The advice I would give myself would be to take a step back and look at all the great things in life, chill out, don't stress and realize college is going to be a great ride.

Knowing what i know now about college life i wouldn't have been so stressed out about the first day of college because in comparison to high school it was actually much easier. Alot more people are around to help you move in and want everyone to be involved. Before i arrived i wish i had researched more out about the campus and about their activities and decide which i wanted to be involved with. I would also try to meet more people during that transition period of moving in. Also in my preparation for college i would bring more sanitary items because as a freshman your living quarters might not be very pleasant. Everything else however turned out just fine and in the end its an experience i can't turn back and really change. Truthfully im happy with the way my first semester went; it was exciting and new, just how i expected it. I made great friends and learned new things and don't regret anything. I am one of few who didn't get involved with drugs or alcohol for the entire semester and am proud of that so really theres not much i would change.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, the best advice I would give myself about college life and making the transition would be to talk to as many people as possible to get advice and ask them to share their own college experiences. I would tell myself to meet with the school counselor/college advisor as much as possible and ask a lot of questions regarding what students find to be the hardest transition vs the easiest transition. I would tell myself to talk to friends who have older siblings that have already gone off to college and get their take on their experiences. People will share great information and tell you what they would have done differently if they are asked. Knowledge is power, so the more information you have, the easier the transition as you head off to college. I would also tell myself to have an open mind and be willing to accept change as a positive thing. Going to college is setting the foundation to a great future filled with great posibilities!!

Start off at this school, don't transfer and live at school. I would also say that clubs and living on campus is a very important part of college and that I should not pass these things up.

I would stress the importance of taking things one day at a time. It's important to space classes out so that in a given semester at least one or two classes are less demanding than the others. I would also stress the importance of taking as many credits as possible without overloading.