shakala
Having an education, especially in our generation, is vital. I strive to learn and succeed, and maybe that is why I love going to school so much. Emerson College has helped me to become more open-minded, and I believe that is why college is so important. It is truly beautiful and remarkable how college can change your perception of everything.
I’m majoring in one of the toughest majors in the industry- broadcast journalism. The amount of times that I have heard that is annoying. If there is anything that I’ve learned is perfectly explained in a quote by Ralpho Waldo Emerson: “What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us” You can achieve ANYTHING that you set your mind to…with hard work and passion. And guess what? The only person that can stop you…is YOU. I had this mentality when I was in high school, and I still do.
Additionally, here are some key tips that I wrote for incoming students about transitioning from high school to college:
http://admissionblog.emerson.edu/undergraduate/index.php/2011/08/14/high-school-to-college-transformation-3/
Amy-lyn
First getting to college can be extremely overwhelming. Trying new things and experimenting with the new freedom can be fun but remember to stay true to yourself and play to your strengths. If you are a morning person, take morning classes. If you don't like to drink alcohol, don't be afraid to tell people for fear of being thought of as "uncool." If you speak up about what you like, people will respect you for being your own person. This will also help you to find friends with whom you have common interests and habits. Don't try to fit into the stereotypical college mold. College is all about discovering who you are and not about reliving what Hollywood thinks college should be like. Also, make sure to establish an open relationship with your roommate very early in the semester. Draw up a contract and discuss what your comfort level is as far as lights out, guests, and noise. Talking abou these things early can help you avoid a lot of uncomfortable moments in the future since, unfortunately, not everyone can be best friends with their roommates.
Joshua
I would tell my high school self to be more realistic about choosing a college and considering finances. Starting at a community college and getting general education requirements and then transferring to a top choice school. I would tell myself to consider this and then consider the fact that I will legitimately fall in love with a girl I meet in college but end up ultimately ruining it after two unforgettable years together. Make your choice.
Tracy
Before attending Emerson, I was a shy, soft-spoken introverted person sure of very little, aside from how much I loved my family (and that the feeling was mutual). I thought I wanted to be a screenwriter, but even that was a little unclear. Through my time at Emerson, I've grown into myself completely. I'm no longer shy, nor afraid to be myself in any situation--whether social or job related. And, while I'm just as sure as ever that my family is there for me whenever I need them, I've also learned how to be a complete person without them, how to take care of myself and exist outside of how they see me. Additionally, the education I received in class has made me certain of the career path I'm on and has improved my screenwriting skills in ways I never thought possible. Sometimes I wonder how things would've changed if I'd attended a bigger school, a more sports based school, or a cheaper state school, but I know, in my heart, Emerson was the best and only school for me.
Alexandra
My time at Emerson College had a lot of ups and downs. I came to the school with a concentration in new media. There was not a large focus on my major and often it felt like it was the most neglected on campus. However, the reason I went to Emerson was because it encompassed a lot of interests I had outside of my major as well. So in addition to courses I took in web design, 3D animation, and technology I rounded out my education with film, drawing, and communication sciences and disorder classes.
Emerson has made me a very well rounded individual. I don't think any other college could have prepared me for the job I currently hold. I now work at a non-profit building their website, editing videos, and teaching classes on computer literacy and video production to all ages. It is a joy and has greatly influenced my decision to head back to school for a masters in education & technology. In high school, I struggled through classes and found refuge in my high school technology classes. I appreciate the opportunity I've been given to give the same gift to others.
Stacie
Before college, I was timid and awkward in social situations. I hated public speaking and wouldn't raise my hand for fear of looking stupid. Since I attended college, I've learned so much about myself and what I can accomplish.
Through group activity and diversity in college, I've seen many kinds of people which helped me realize it's okay to be different. I'm able to adjust around public speaking through the multiple presentations I've had to do in class. Also, I'm at college for me, not for anyone else. I've come to realize there is no stupid question.
I was a bit more self-conscious than most college students because I was still in high school when I attended college for the first time. I didn't want anyone to know I was younger. All I wanted was to be treated equally, even if that meant more work. I was ready.
Now, as a 18 year old I will be attending Seattle Pacific University in the Fall of 2011 majoring in Dietetics. My passion is nutrition and I'm never been more excited for what lies ahead!
Thomas
My college experience thus far is something that I value a great deal. It has taught me about decision making and how choices can affect your future for years to come. It has showed me that being careful and deliberate is extremely important, both in terms of school work and in life. Rash actions rarely benefit people and often time, they hurt them. Above all other things, I am now aware that I need to set goals for myself and work hard to accomplish them. My life is beginning to unfold and I really need to be prepared for it and have plans with how to tackle it. College thus far has opened my eyes and allowed me to see the road and paths that lie ahead.
Megan
I grew more personally in the span of my first year in college than in four years of high school. On an educational level, I improved my French communicating and understanding immensely. In college writing, I developed a comprehensive portfolio of the semester’s work. During an acting class, I discovered my personality through a handful of characters. These liberal arts classes piqued my curiosity and wonder so that I sought new and diverse learning experiences throughout the year.
Just as important, I became involved in community activities. The passionate and unique peers that I was surrounded by sparked my interest in art, sustainability and outdoor recreation. While I supplemented my mind with excerpts by Tocqueville (among others), I nourished my spirit by partaking in adventures with friends.
A better version of myself emerged after freshman year. Student life taught me to pursue subjects of interest, to challenge pre-conceived thought, and to live with meaning and a sense of purpose. Professors encouraged me to explore ideas and to express opinions openly. Friends and acquaintances introduced me to their passions and dreams in life. All in all, I ended the school year with a renewed motivation and an enhanced perspective.
Victoria
So far, I have not had a whole lot of experience in college as of yet being only a freshman in my second semester but so far, I have begun learning a lot about myself and who I wish to be in the future. To begin with, moving away from home to go to college is a challenge for any student, but it has been especially difficult for me as one who suffers from chronic anxiety. After a rough transistion filled with many sleepless nights and some difficulty digesting all those meals from the dining hall, I managed to hit my academic stride, finishing my first semester with a 4.0. Now, I'm confident in my capabilities as a student, but more importantly, as a person capable of facing challenges head-on. I have many dreams for the future dreams of traveling, writing, working in publishing and/or design and all those dreams seem one step closer now that I know I can live on my own, challenge myself, and am living and working in an environment filled with people who are just as passionate about their dreams in the arts and communications as I am.