College for Creative Studies Top Questions

If I could go back and give my high school senior self advice, I'd definitely tell myself to work harder and draw more, because that's the only thing that's going to help improve my talent. I'd also recommend that I not take out any loans will sallie mae because they are the devil incarnate.

I would tell myself to take a year off of school and explore. Join clubs; take classes and travel to get to know yourself. I am an older student and this is my second bachelors degree. Through the years, I did explore and discovered my strengths and who I am. Doing this helped me know what career path I should take. I never knew I was creative however since I now know I am embracing it.

If I could go back in time I would convince myself that I am a much better person than I believed at the time. Comming from a scattered family, with a mother diagnosed with borderline personality disorder and clinical depression and never knowing my father, there wasn't a very nurturing environment in my home and as result I didn't develop a very strong sense of self worth. In fact, my self esteem was so low that I started drinking at 14 which resulted in poor grades in school. Don't get me wrong, I did well when I went and knew the importance of getting a high school diploma which is why I did graduate on time, but being depressed with no involvement in anything that inspires my core values made it hard to excel! I know now the importance of understanding who I am deep down and have since cultivated a strong self respect, self esteem, self love and have stopped drinking to mask my emotions and have become a much better person. I am able to help people because of my experiences, but if I could go back, I would have told me to love me.

If I could tell my former high school self anything, I would say that the next four years are crucial. High school was tough but college will need the same amount of dedication and vigor to prepare myself for the world ahead. Since I’m going to school for computer animation, I would tell myself to stay patient; for patience is an important quality for all artists. Computer animation isn’t easy and it takes time to improve. Be prepared to swim in dark murky waters before you reach the shore. If it was easy, everyone would do it and the best things are the hardest. You will succeed if you really want it. I'd say never doubt my abilities and a great artist can come from anywhere. Computer animation is a bridge between art and technology; so don’t be afraid to learn computer science and math. Read articles about great artists in the industry. What’s their story? Attend conventions and get your name out there! Invest in extra training! Remember, college only teaches the basics; it’s up to you to learn the rest. Please remember that I have people who will always root for me.

If I could go back in time and speak with my past self, I would say four very important things: 1. You are the most beautiful person I know, and the flaws you see are not visible in the eyes of others. Your personal battles with body image and sexuality are little more than speed-bumps; the woman blossoming within you cannot be judged or held back by weight or whom she prefers to spend her life with. You are accepted and loved by the ones that matter most. 2. You will meet some amazing people, and lose even more. Love them easily and unconditionally. When they leave, mourn their loss, but continue on, for others will continue to need you. Learn from everyone, take the lessons to heart, and use them in all other relationships and areas of your life. 3. College is a journey, do what YOU want to do. I know your parents put quite a bit of pressure on you to become what they expect you to be, but please don't cave in. Pursue your passion and you WILL be successful. Take risks; be proud of your accomplishments. 4. And, most importantly, I love you.

I would tell myself to start applying to schools, because in a few years you will be married and have a child. You will need to have a degree to help your family out. Your husband shouldn't have to do it all. You could make your family's life better. You need to show people you are serious and take up for yourself.

Keep going! You WILL graduate two years early and receive your driver license in the same month. College is great and exciting. You will be able to work towards a career and meet some great people. All of your hard work will pay off! Do not be afraid to sign up for more than 15 units. Have fun, but I already know you will! ;D

As a sophomore in college majoring in Biology pre-professional, being involved in many activities at my current institution, I have learned many skills that will be beneficial to me thoughout my future career. However, if I could go back in time in my senior year of high-school I would advise myself to jump right in my college journey. I wish I knew since my very first semester to join th honors program, get involved in many clubs and organizations. I am grateful for the chance that I had create these lifewong experiences in college, but I wish I did it earlier when i first started. Doing so earlier would have opened up more and more opportunities.

I have thought about this many times the past few years. I love my husband, kids, animals, and job as a pediatric medical assistant. One thing is currently missing, my degree as an RN. I, however, could have never imagined how hard going back to college would be financially and mentally after you start a family. If I could talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to get my degree right after high school graduation. Stay in school! While I was in high school I felt it was not financially possible to go straight to college. I kept thinking the older I get, the more financially stable I would be. I was very niave. The stress of providing for more than one far excedes the stress of caring for just me. I could never have imagined cost of living would be where it is and raises would be non existent. I am a firm believer things happen for a reason and God will provide what we need to survive. However, a scholarship would be wonderful to help with my next adventure in the LFCC ADN program. So excited to finally call myself an RN.

Dear Laura, Do not give up hope. Please stop saying that “you’ll never be good enough,” because that’s not true. You are good enough, you will get into college and you will succeed. You will be accepted to your dream school and there you will become the great artist that you know you are. Try your hardest and never give up. Please have more confidence in yourself. Stop becoming what others want you to be. Be yourself. Believe in yourself because I believe in you. As Robert Frost said, “In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: it goes on.” Robert Frost is right, no matter what happens life will go on. Just know that even if you may face an obstacle now, life will go on. Do what you love, that’s all that matters. Follow your dreams of becoming an artist and overcome obstacles along the way. You can do it. You can do anything you put your mind to. Believe in yourself and never give up. Never give up because I’ll never give up on you. I’ll never give up on myself. Sincerely, Your Future Self

I would tell myself to take time to figure out what I really want to do in life and not jump in to anything. I would want to listen to myself more, rather than trying to make my family proud of me by going into a career that I am not happy with just to be happy financially. I would want to consider my academic options more carefully and seek out more help when it comes to that manner. I would also of liked to seek out help in more career options. If I would of taken more of my time to realize what I wanted to do academically, I believe picking out a career would of been easier and more enjoyable for myself.

If I could say anthing to my former high-school self, it would be to take classes more seriously. My grades, even for the classes that I figured would never apply to my life, mattered more than I could've imagined when applying to colleges Seeing how drastically they affected my overall GPA makes me shake my head and wish that I would've worked harder to improve as oppose to shrugging them off; a lesson that I now realize I learned too late. I would also tell myself to not spend hard-earned money so frivolously. I never could've fathomed that all of the money I spent stockpiling in my bank account for the last 20 years would completely vanish over one year of college. Looking back, I strongly regret all of the frivolous purchases I've made and wish that there was some way to go back and tell myself to hold off on that computer upgrade, or even the occasional meal at Subway. Even a few dollars that I could've saved back then would be a few dollars closer to the top of the pit of Student Loan debt that I have gotten myself into.

If I could talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to go for it. My freshman year of college was spent at Grand Valley State University because I was afraid of the instability that accompanies the art world. I would tell myself to stick with my dream, I would be a Junior at CCS had I done so. I would also tell myself that its okay to be unsure and afraid of what the future, but to roll with it because thats the whole point. Live and learn, make mistakes and grow from them. I may have had to start over a few times, but thats a part of life. I would tell myself to not get in the way of myself, if that makes sense. I would have said to do what makes you happy, regardless of what the world thinks. Art is my passion, its my gift, I need to go for it...thats what I wish I could have known as a high school senior.

I would tell my high school self is to learn how to handle criticism and develop a thick-skin; don’t let people put you down or doubts in your head. Don't listen when they say you can't do this or that, that something will never happen or that it is impossible. Don’t be afraid to stand up yourself. Learn to distinguish who are and who are not my friends. Know how to take things on step at time and challenge yourself on handling everyday situations as they come and realize that life isn’t going to be handed it to you on a silver platter. Learn to think before you act and be careful in what you say to others. Listen clearly what people are telling you, especially if it’s parents warning you about their mistakes. Furthermore, be a smart shopper, handle your money carefully and pay yourself first. Get involved as a volunteer and help out the environment. Make your decisions wisely. Think things through before you leap and don’t take problems you do not want to handle. And finally, try not to be hard on self, be true to who you are.

Don't worry so much. Focus on your abilities and quit second guessing yourself. Jump after what you want in life, even if it seems scary at first. Work hard, but don't let your schoolwork suffer because of it. Do one thing to the best of your ability, not three things to half of your ability. Don't waste your money on foolish purchases. Invest your money in things that will serve you well for years to come. Apply to the best and brightest colleges for your intended major, even if there doesn't seem to be a way there. You owe it to yourself to try, and not to wait. You've dreamed about it too long. Embrace yourself and who you are without worrying what other people think. You're unique, and you don't want to blend into the crowd anyhow. Lastly, you're a leo with the heart of a lion. Have the courage to stand up for what you believe in, because most people out there don't. You can make an impact by standing up for those too afraid to speak.

I am just now going to start college . I would probably tell myself to do some more reasearch and put more extensive thought into what I want to do becuase now I nervous if I am making the right decisions. As is any students trying to decide what they want to do for the rest of their life . And hopefully pick a career and not a job. Also to find something that will make you happy for the rest of your life. It is not always what makes more money it it about what makes you happy in the long run.

College is a wonderful place where you meet new friends and make great decisions. Don't let the minimal things get in your way of achieving all you can becuase there is no better time like the present to make a name for yourself. Use all of the resources available as much as you can becuase they are there for you to utulize. Make sure you budget yourself with money for all things necessary: tuition, food, books, supplies, fun. Study and make sure all work is handed in ontime or if possible early. Do everything you can to impress the teachers and get to know them on a person level or a first name basis. Manage your time well with studio time and homework time along with a job and class time because if you don't it will be disasterous. Above all enjoy yourself with your work and what you create becuse this is the most important time for learning mistakes and correcting mistakes that can be hazerdous down the road in life.

not to worry because you can do anything you put your mind to and you always get where you want to if you work hard enough

I would tell myself that work ethic and a strong presence is key for success in college. I have learned that a good relationship with your professors and a move to the forefront attitude will and can place you in a very good position. I would also tell myself that time management will save your sanity. The battle that many students have is learning to balance school, a job, and a social life. Trust me its possible, but the necessity here is work ethic, good priorities and a strong presence.

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