Colorado State University-Fort Collins Top Questions

Advice To My High School Self Experiences gained in my first two years of college have given me new insight and perspective. My recommendation to my high school self would be to choose a direction in which you believe you want to go, and picture yourself shining at the destination. As I mentioned in my Valedictorian speech, “life is about the journey”. However, I also believe the key to a successful college experience is figuring out where you want to go in life, followed by finding the most effective path to reach your desired goals. While one may not know exactly where they desire to end up, it’s important to imagine one’s self at the height of their success in something they are passionate about. Likewise, it’s essential to picture one’s self in the best light possible. As Henry David Thoreau so appropriately stated, “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.” When envisioning one’s self moving forward at the highest standards, very little will stand in the way of accomplishing goals and becoming the passionate individual who inspires others to fulfill their fullest potential as well.

College is a huge step and one that directly affects your future. There are so many opportunities both educational and personal and there isn't a better time to seize them than college. Going to college is not like going to a bigger high school, it takes hard work and determination and it is so important to keep yourself motivated with not only all the exciting events and orginizations but with school as well. Going into college is the time in your life where you can grow and develop into the true person who you want to be. It is so important to know that there are so many people, both inside and outside the school, who want to see you succeed and will help you the best they can, but, in the end, you are the only person who can really succeed or not in your educational carreer. Don't ever take this opportunity for granted because you are so privilaged to get to go to college and further your career. Use this opportunity to not only better yourself but better your community as well and i have no doubts that you can and will succeed!

Save all the money that you earn while in high school. You will need it to help pay for books, food and classes in college.

I would advise myself to participate in the scholarship hunt earlier. And I would give positive feedback to myself for being hands-on with the decisions that will affect the condition and shape of the rest of my life. I did most of my college preparation on my own. I would tell my self to stay proactive in my collegiate life.

If I were to go back and talk to myself as a high school student, I would make sure to reiterate the reasons why it is so important to go to college as soon as I finish high school. I would also make sure to stress the fact to study hard, because it will pay off in the end. I would say to have fun with college, too! It is very important to get through college before making any big commitments unless you have a lot of support. College can be tough, and the classes might not always be the most fun, but make the best of it, do your best, and you won’t regret it in the end.

I would have told myself to explore my career options better. I was so set on becoming a general physician that I never looked into anything else. Half way through my academic career at Colorado State University I changed my mind and switched to Occupational Therapy. Had I explored options better I could have planned according and completed my masters education at Colorado State. I would also have reminded myself how important it is to focus on school. I know the first couple years I did not fully apply myself to reach my potential. It definetly would have been worth the work and I would have gotten much more out of my education.

Knowing what I do now about college, I would give myself the following advice about college life. First, I would encourage myself to RELAX and enjoy college for what it is. Everything will eventually come together. Furthermore, I would insist that I take every opportunity that sounds the least bit fun, interesting or helpful. Taking chances made my last two years of college rich, full of life, learning and laughter. On a final note, I'd suggest to myself that I study harder in the classroom but realize the real learning takes place beyond textbooks and lectures.

of course this would all be quotes. "Hey Brad Koman, I need to talk to you. I am the older and wiser Brad. What I have to tell you will come as no surprise. " Old Brad said, "While you are attending high school do not change a thing, from what I did. I loved taking as many "Honors" classes as possible. It prepared me for college. Breaking baseball records, was wonderful, but being able to put the bat and glove to rest without regrets, will help you realize how to rise to tough situations." The wiser Brad warns, "Please don't change the stupid traditions that have been set like; Tubesock Tuesday and Referee Fridays. The best is dressing up for spirit days. Being Hulk Hogan was one of my personal favorites. Don't be afraid to be yourself, later you will find out that others wished that they had ventured outside the "safe" box. Don't stop lifting weight" "The one thing that I would like to see you change is when you finish 7th in your class, and when your name is called out during graduation, take that brief moment to savor the moment."

I have gotten a lot out of my college experience despite only having gone through one semester, because I have learned and been required in many ways to focus my abilities. I had previously never been required to push myself the way that I have in college and I am incredibly thank ful for that. I have also learned a lot about the human element through experiencing college so far, and learned that what makes a person selfish is not by achieving actions for themself, it's doing so wrecklessly, without abandon for the consequences of others and what sort of after-effects they will see from it. And it's also taking from others under the assumption that you are better than that person, that you are more deserving, when you haven't done anything to recieve what you are taking except hold yourself in higher esteem than others.

My time spent at CSU as truely allowed me to become the person I want to be. The people are accepting and you do not have to change yourself to fit in. The opportunities here are endless and it allows you to really stay connected and invovled. CSU has given me the opportunity to explore my passions and find out what really matters in my life and has shown me the difference I can make. Life long friends, experiences and values have been made and when I walk on campus I honestly feel at home.