CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice Top Questions

I'd tell myself to be myself, wear what you want and have fun. Also tell myself to relax aand be more confident I was too tentative in social situations. I would also tell myself to please focus a lot more in all my classes and to focus solely on life after high school which would of been college. If I could talk to myself back then I would of saved 8 years of finding myself. It took me 8 years to finally discover what I wanted to do as a career which is being a Parole/Probation Officer. I could of saved myself a lot of grief and money lost. I've definitely learned a lot of lessons but if I could I would surely go back to my high school self and maybe improved my life.

I would tell myself to remain calm, and that there is nothing wrong with admitting that a certain choice (or major) was wrong for me. When I entered college I was so afraid of switching majors, due to the fact that I might not stay focused, that I let a bad major choice ruin my GPA. I was always taught to not switch my major, because it was considered "unfocused and irresponsible", and to stick with what I picked. After academic counseling sessions I gathered up the confidence I needed to finally switch majors, and I have been just as focused and driven as I was when I started. Thanks to my switch, I was able to bring my overall GPA back up to a 3.2 from a 2.6, with a 3.7 major GPA. Now I am happier with my work and workload, enjoy learning what I am being taught and look forward to graduating soon with my Bachelors' of Science degree in Criminal Justice.

I took 15+ years between high school and college. In that time I've worked had two kids and struggled through. I would tell myself that I should have got clean at an earlier age instead of actively trying to destroy myself in front of those around me. It is hard at this age to balance work, marriage and kids with school to be successful at all four areas.

If i was giving another chance to go back in high school, there will a lot of changes i will have to make. First i came from another country so English is not my first language but my third one. In that case, I will have to consider the advise gave by my english teacher in Cameroon , she always told us to learn english for life not for points or for grades, but to learn for life. It's took me time to realize that she was right, when i found myself in United States. And i start to think about her with all the regret, but that was to late because i did not listen to her. Going back now, i will listen carefully to all my professors and try to learn each course, memorize them for life without a joke, because there are some courses are keep coming back in College and you notice that you have forgotten everything. Some examples as maths and history of the world. And you feel embarrassed when the teacher talks about World War I and II and you don't have anything to say about , unable to answer questions , you feel diminish.

I will tell past myself; don’t feel like a burden on your mom’s income. The last thing you want is to be away from your college degree pursuit. I should know I am you. I regret the path of ‘how I’ after decades of laborious employments; lead myself to realize that without your college degree, your pride and yourself worth is as good as the state minimum wage. I know you are going thru a rough time deciding on what to do but your life would be better if you could obtain these degrees at an early age. You need to talk with admission about CUNY colleges because it is one of the most affordable universities in the nation. Furthermore, they will guide thru your financial needs and options for that college. However, continue looking for web sites like Campus discovery for assistance in obtaining scholarships. This is to help divert the cost associated with college. I know it is a lot of work but you are smart and like to complete everything you start without worries of your financial situation. So, try what I have told you now and I will continue it in our future self.

I would advise myself that things are going to get hard and I am going to be faced with obstacles but how I handle those obstables will make me the person I desire to be. I would say that education is priceless and is something that noone can take away from you. I would say that in the future the world will demand higher education professionals and if I am up for the challenge I will soar like the eagle I am. I would tell myself that being in the national honor society is just the start and I will become a Ronald E. Mcnair Scholar, travel and conduct research. There will be experiences and cultural knowledge that will broden my horizons and allow me to become a lifelong scholar

I would of told myself to do more dual enrollment classes so I could of saved myself money and I could of started the Dental Hygiene Program right out of high school.

Not everything in life will go as you plan, but a sense of direction is not always essential- despite unanimous claims. The transition from high school to college is a peculiar crossroad of self-discovery and awareness- a paradoxical predicament. Your immediate decision will determine your life-long path… at this age of immaturity where the quest for the long-awaited independence and adventure of adulthood sparks the glimmer in your eye. Goal-orientation strives for a single culmination. Like a horse guided by blinkers, you only see the path onward in one dimension, one direction; all other possibilities cease to exist. College will never be about passing an exam, to pass a class, to get that diploma, to land a job that buys the material wealth defined by “success”. Favor knowledge and intellect itself as a conscientious member of the planet. There will be academic pressure from parents, and pressure for a prestigious place in society from peers and the rest of the universe. But, pleasing others creates a visceral burden and a state of complacence. It is NOT a lack of motivation, but motivation into a new realm of possibilities that makes a cultured and well-rounded being.

Upon reflection of my years in high school, it is safe to say that I would tell myself an innumerable amount of things. First and foremost, I would prepare myself for the financial readiness of balancing my finances without having to work full-time. I would have also created a savings account throughout my high school years, if in fact I ever needed it to pay for any and all expenses related to college. Also, I would have made various visits to the college, becoming familiar with the setting and people who both worked and taught at the college. I would have looked further into the programs offered, clubs open, and sports teams available to students. As a high school senior, I should have been a mentor to younger students at the high school- enriching them with as much information and becoming a resource for them if ever needed. I wished I would’ve spread awareness not only about my college, but attending college in general and the importance of setting it as a future aspiration.

Hello Stephanie. As a High School senior, I strongly advise you to take all of your classes and professors seriously. Do well in your classes and take extraccuricular activites and sports. Get to know your school; know its history and explore the options it offers for you. If there is something you think you do not like, go for it! Give it a try because once you do, you will be certain that it is not for you. Most importantly, take Advanced Placement courses if offered; if you do, you can have the option of skipping a few required courses because you already took them in High School! Language courses are also good to take! You can skip this in college and leave room for more exploration, if possible. Again, I highly recommend that you explore your options and continue to do so once you get to college. It will be a great reward for you and from you.

I would tell myself to buckle down and stick with my first college choice. I did not like my first college and therefore threw away a full ride scholarship to school to go somewhere else. In all honesty, where I transfered to was no better then where I came from and it even took me longer to get my associates degree. I'm extremely disappointed in myself for throwing away such a great opportunity. Now I am in debt from student loans. If I could I would show my 18 year old self my Sallie Mae loans. I know for a fact I would be angry with myself. Dispite my debt, I am still committed to getting by BA.

The advice I would give myself would be to be more independent. I would tell myself to start asking questions and handling things on your own becuase in college you are the person who is responsible for everything. You have to put effort in to achieve the results. I know in highschool I received alot of help from my family, teachers and friends but the college life doesn't take you by the hand. Also college is a time for staying focused on goals and what you want to be later on in life. Partying is okay but don't leave work until the night before it is due. You will be completly exhausted! The best advice I'd give myself though would be to not schedule any classes until around 9:00am because having to wake up early for an 8:00am math class was the worst decision. I know myself and I'm not a morning person, what was I thinking. Oh and mom was right eat breakfast!

Going to college is taking another step on the ladder of success. Some people get over whelmed adjusting to a new environment while others adapt easily. Transitions are never easy and one should always have a support system like your family, friends, classmates who can help you when probleems arise. My advice to high school senior's make sure your up to date on your school work. If a professor gives an assignment make sure it is done and its ready to be handed in on time because you will have tons of work to do. Make sure you help your classmates because they will be times you will need their assistance. As the saying goes "no man is an island". So help your fellow classmates. Dont be afraid to confront issues that are bothering you. If you have to be assertive "BE ASSERTIVE". If you have problems with a teacher go and speak to the Chair of the department. Every department has a chair. If the chair of the department is not helpful go and speak to a DEAN. Colleges are very expensive and you will be paying for your education. Make sure they provide the services you need.

If i were to go back in time, i would advise myself to never give up. Being a high school athlete i got injured very badly my junior year, that i never thought i would be able to play in college, so i lost sight of my athletism as well. I would advice myself not to think that college isn't the right move for me because if i was to start as soon as i got out of high school i would have already been in my career i'm trying to pursure, which is nursing.

The best advice I could give my high school self is something I've really always known: get off your lazy butt, get to work, and pursue what you really want. I slacked off big-time senior year because I knew I could get away with it. Now I wish I could go back and get the highest average I was capable of. My transition into college has really made me realize how important it is to have a strong work ethic and make something of yourself. I now realize that if I want to go places in life, it's not going to just fall into my lap. I wish I could go back to last year and tell myself to get a jumpstart.

Never give up

I think one of the most important things that I missed out on when I went to college because of my expectations was the idea that I actually had a lot of freedom. Freedom to do what I wanted without Mom and Dad, yeah, but more importantly, the freedom to do things I had been afraid of before, like finding my own church, starting a youth bible study group, making friends with people who weren't my "type". High school can restrict a person so much, and it fit me into a little 'this is what people want me to be' box that I had a hard time breaking out of when I went to college. I didn't fully embrace my independence because of the fear of trying something new. If it were possible, I wish I could go back in time and say "Little Me, you are what you make of yourself, not what others make of you. Grab onto what you want and don't let go, not for ANYONE. Live your passion and walk by integrity. Oh, and no matter what you do, STAY AWAY from frat parties."

Keep your eyes open: there is more to life than you imagine. Life will not revolve around the social group you sit with at lunch, nor will it concern with your status. Your grades and academic success will speak for you, both in your college and social life. Strive for excellence, and success will open its doors for you. Don't chase after success; have success chase you. Concentrate on your work, remain career-orientated, and you will become what you can be.

As I sit here in my dorm room in Zamelek, a small island inside of Cairo, Egypt, I can only say that this is the most important and valuable experience I have gotten out of my college experience. Yes, they have provided a relatively inexpensive, in comparison to other schools, way of receiving my education, as well as a plethora of unforgettable experiences. But the opportunity to study abroad in Egypt during this winter semester of January 2011 has to be the most amazing experience John Jay could have bestowed upon me. I've only been here a week, but I have not only gotten lost in several different directions on one small island, but I have also climbed down into the tombs of the Great Pyramids of Giza. I look forward to cementing this trip with trips to Alexandria, Luxor and even a bazaar. Truly, this is the most valuable thing John Jay has given me, and I honeslty thank them and the professors who assisted me in applying for this program.

My college experience has equipped me with many valuable tools that has allowed me to be successful in my career. College is the one form of education that allows you to challenge (your thinking) what you are being taught while you are being taught. It allows you to broaden your view as you are now driven to conduct research to determine to find out the best answer to the solution. This research and level of thinking is what jobs today label as "critical think skills" which is very valuable for everyone in their career. This skill set that I learned has allowed me to analyze problems and determine the best possible solution. Attending college has not only made me intelligent, but it has also allowed me the opportunity to interact with a variety of individuals. Communicating and interacting with people of different ethnicities and background is crucial in today's society. The student body at John Jay College is very diverse, and this diversity has allowed me the ability to look past the differences and see the individual for who they are. This ability to work with individuals of diverse backgrounds has become my strong point in my career.