Central Michigan University Top Questions

I would tell myself to spend more time getting to know people outside of your group. Make friends with everyone you meet, because you might depend on them someday. Make friends with the girl who sits next to you in your science class, or the guy on the computer next to you at the library. Perhaps one day, you'll miss class and the girl in BIO can give you the notes, or the guy in the library might find your cell phone you left behind. Or maybe, these people will become your new friends as you grow and mature. Give them time, and they might just become your close friends. Don't close yourself off and think you don't need to have adventures because you already have your own friends. Make new friends.

If I could have a conversation with 17-year-old me, about to graduate high school and head off to college, I would say, "Listen to that little voice telling you to take a year off and get some experience before starting to work on your degree. Right now you see college as much as the beginning of your studies as your first taste of independence. It's true that it is both of those things, but I'm afraid that if the first time you're out from under your parents' roof is also the first time you sit down in a lecture hall to learn about the subject of your choice, one of those things will seem more exciting than the other and you'll end up bumbling your way from major to major. There's nothing wrong with the non-traditional route, and if I know you (and I like to think I do...) you'll find your way to it eventually, once you develop the confidence to march to the beat of your own drummer. If you think you might be capable of getting a jumpstart on that now, more power to you!"

When choosing a college, choose the school that feels challenging both academically and socially. Challenge is necessary for growth. Consider what kind of environment suits your interests and passions and would allow them to be used most effectively. Look around at the students; do they seem like-minded? Would you feel content, yet not complacent on this campus? Does campus or the surrounding area have a place to which you could retreat? When you get to school, know yourself. Do not be hesitant to speak your mind, as you will find those who agree. Prioritize. Work doesn't always need to take precedence over fun or rest. Be where you are and know where you're going. Make use of your time. Do not be afraid to make a change. Try new things. Help others. Be engaged. Look for what you want and need, and when you find it, do not let it go. And most importantly, remember that life is fleeting. This life is your life; know it while you have it.

Take advantage of all that a university has to offer. You will never be in an environment with so many opportunities again. The most important things I've learned so far are not from my classes - they are from my involvements. The leadership skills I've gained by being involved in the Student Government or being President of a student organization. Those experiences are what are most important. A major doesn't get you a job. You don't have to sell a major - you have to sell yourself. The only way you can sell yourself is if you branch out beyond academics and partying to gain these real-world skills.

I would say to stay busy and meet lots of people but don't spread yourself out so thin that you are stressed all the time

I would tell myself how important it is to look for college scholarships senior year. I would also tell myself that it is imperative for me to attend class regularly and while in class, work hard to get excellent grades. Lastly, I would tell myself how important it is for me not to procrastinate and start on my work when it is assigned instead of waiting until the last day before it is due to start on it.

One of the main points I would give a younger me would be get involved. I was involved with dorm activities as a freshman and sophomore in college, but didn't really get involved with clubs/groups on campus until my junior year. I have met so many more people and aquired valuable connections (for my future career). Another point my younger self would have benefitted from is to focus more and put more time into your studies. My freshman year was definitely a transition year and I didn't spend as much time on my classes and homework as I should have. This dropped my GPA down and if I had spent just a little more time on my classes my cumulative GPA would be better now. I spent a lot of time with friends just "hanging out" and I would tell my younger self that those friends would have still been there even if I hadn't spent as much time with them. I should have broadened my horizons (by on campus involvement) and spent more time on my classes. But as I say all this remember to take some time for fun.

open yourself up, let people come to you. make friends with those you live with, get to know your professor. live on campus. go to the events, even if they seem lame. free food is still food. get involved. join a sport. work out! HAVE FUN.

Honestly, it would be to stop caring so much about what other people think. I was very guarded in high school and wanted to fit in and be cool and every other stereotypical thing that high schoolers want. I would tell myself that what those people thought was not important and wouldn't even matter within a years time. In college, no one cares who you are or how popular you were in high school. Here, you become your own person, grow, and learn so much about yourself. I would tell myself to let my guard down, stop trying so hard, and just have fun. And that that football player, was sooo not that important. Being yourself, and being comfortable in your own skin is what is most important. To treasure it, learn from it, and love it.

I absolutely love college so far. I have been able to plug into a variety of clubs and groups that interest me, and have connected with a number of the faculty on campus. I feel respected and cared for here. I love being responsible for myself and handling my own problems without Mom and Dad constantly looking over my shoulder (although I don't hesitate to ask for advice when I need it). I also really enjoy being on campus and the freedom that comes with being able to hang out with my friends, study, and get involved whenever and wherever I want. I'm being challenged academically and I've learned more in my first semester and a half of college than I learned my entire gradeschool career.

I have only completed one semester so far but I have learned so much already. I have learned about myself, the people around me, new habits, and what I want to do with my future. Attending Central Michigan has so far been very valuable, it has led me to so many different experiences I would have never considered. Living with strangers to majoring in computer science as well as graphic design are some of the things I never would have imagined myself doing. College has taught me responsibility, time management, and to pay attention to the fine details. I am growing as a person because of this opportunity and I expect to continue to be open to new opportunities and learn as much as possible while I am here.

In college, I have learned, like all students, how to live by myself. I have learned that it is very important to keep track of your time with homework and social life. College has definatley allowed me to have the space away from my parents to grow up. Being in college helps you develop many social skills too. You are in a place where at most you know two percent of the college's population. I have gotten the chance to meet so many new people and descover who I am. It has helped me be me. I think college is a very valuable part of life because you get the biggest oppertunity to grow as a person. I was very fortunate to get the chance to experience life away from home. Its important to be able to discover who you are for yourself. Not only have I had the chance to discover who I am, furthering my education is a blessing. A lot of people do not get to further their education. I get to have more job opportunities. I am very fortunate and I think college is an exprerience that everyone should have.

Coming out of high school, I was not certain I wanted to attend a university. After being here four years, I am so thankful that I have. The lessons I have learned these past few years cannot be measured. They are priceless. Each semester I feel I am becoming more and more capable to succeed in my field. I feel that I am gaining the expertise and knowledge to be a good leader and worker for my career ahead, and I am getting more and more anxious to graduate and change the world by enhancing the quality of life for those around me. But college is not only giving me the tools to complete a job I am passionate about doing, it is also teaching me life skills, like the ability to relate to people who live and think very differently than I do. One thing I will take away from this college experience is that I will never stop learning from those around me. It is the people who are the most different from us who we learn the most from. My name is Bethany Juen, and I am a Commercial Recreation major at Central Michigan University.

I am currently in the process of transferring colleges. I was attending a four year university as a major in elementary education. When I finished my first year, I realized I was not satisfied. The classrooms were big, and we were lectured at on a daily basis. There was very little, if any, individualized attention. At the time, I was also experiencing problems at home, which didn't help my school situation. I finally decided to switch majors to general studies, and just take general education classes until I figured out what I wanted to do with my life. I started looking at transferring to other colleges, but was still unsure of what I wanted to do. Then I discovered Brown Mackie College - Fort Wayne. I took a tour and had an interview, and was accepted to study to be a veterinary technician. I have never been more excited to attend school. Animals are my passion, and being able to help them is my life-long dream.

Entering college has been a whole new world. It has taught me how to become a better student, learn to live with people, and break out of my comfort zone. In college, you must make sure you do the reading and learn what is necessary for the class. I have learned how to manage my time between classes and the best ways to study to ace my classes. At home, I always had my own bedroom and bathroom, and after moving to the dorms, I had to get used to sharing a small room with another person I had never met before and sharing a small bathroom with three other girls. It has been really valuable to learn how to live and work with other people. As for breaking out of my comfort zone, it can be scary meeting new people and not knowing anyone in class. College has helped me open up, talk to new people without having the comfort of my high school friends, and join clubs and organizations to meet new people. College has really helped me become a more independent person and helped me overcome real life challenges. It has been a great experience so far!

I have met great people during my college experience so far. There are many people that are willing to help you. There are so many resources to take advantage of in order to succeed. I learned that you have to study harder and actually known the material. This has made me more dedicated to my work and to learn. It has also made me think more about my future and what my major will be. College has turned me into a better student and a independent individual.

I have been attending community college since my sophomore year in high school. Doing so has shaped me in many ways—not just on an educational level, but from a personal perspective as well. I've always been self disciplined and driven to achieve my goals, but taking college level courses has made me more aware of what those goals are and what type of effort it takes to achieve them. It has allowed me to become more organized and independent when it comes to my school work and has taught me quite a bit that I am confident will stick with me throughout the rest of my life. As I mentioned, I feel that the college experience has shaped me from a personal standpoint and has molded me into a more self-aware, motivated young adult. I'm a believer that each experience we go through in life shapes us into who we will eventually become and I feel that the opportunity to attend college has definitely been one of those experiences. Thus far, it has been valuable to me in many ways and I know that it will continue to be as I push farther in my studies.

In high school I was torn between attending a community college and a large university; basically a decision, in my mind, between saving money and having fun. But now that I'm here at college, I found out it's not only fun that college has to offer. My old chemistry teacher always responded with a certain quote when we told him something was unfair: recognize, adapt, and overcome. Thus, the most important thing I've gotten out of my college experience is learning how to do these three things. By that, I mean I have been tossed into a building with 300 other teenagers I don't know and been told to get along with them, study hard, have a social life, get a job, clean up my own messes, do my own laundry, and a million other things. My time so far at college has just been a giant learning experience and I continue to learn every day. I've gained valuable life experience, common knowledge (and a little academic knowledge), maturity, personal skills, and decision making skills. The things I've gained from my experience in college are the most valuable part of my life so far.

I think that college is vaulable to attend because without a college education you can not get a good career or make decent money. College is one of the most important things that a person can do, without a degree a person can not do anything except retail or some other dead end job. With a college education you can have a career that challenges you and fullfills you. People that says college is a waste of time are just afraid to go to school and learn new things. If you want to be successful in life then you got to learn something everyday so that you don't stagmate.

Honstly to pick just one word to describe my college experience I would choose growth. I do not know the person I would be today if I had chosen a different univeristy to attend. I have become friends with people I may have never given the time of day in high school, I've learned what it is like to be living on my complete own, having to pay my bills. I have learned to adapt to other people, and live with 7 other girls for two of my years in college. I have experienced how to communitcate with professors when I need advice on something. I have matured tremedously over the past 3 and a half years, I can't find the words to beging to explain. This college has given me a sense of belonging and community that I know I could not have gotten anywhere else. This school has giving me opportunites and experiences that I will forever look back on and be proud of. I love this school and will forever be a Chippewa! :)