Emerson College Top Questions

If I were able to go back in time and give myself advice for college it would be to entirely change my expectation of college classes. As a graduating high school senior I assumed that college classes would simply be a harder version of what I had already experienced. I quickly learned that this was not the case- the classes I attended did not simply fill my head with facts and figures, they entirely altered my way of thinking. For example, I took an Environmental Ethics class my first semester and assumed it would mostly be about recycling and saving trees- an idea that my professor dismissed in the first class. Instead, we explored numerous opinions (including sustainability, the definition of wilderness, deep ecology, ecofeminism, and others) and weighed them against each other. I found myself surrounded by insight that I had never even been exposed to; it went far beyond what I had picked up from the media. So, were I able to go back in time, I would tell myself to prepare for an entirely transformed way of thinking about my place in the world.

I would begin first by saying, "It's not going to be easy. " Because choosing a college to attend in the first place was one of the toughest decisions I have ever made, and occasionally I wonder, in spite of my current contentment with my college of choice, if I made the "right" choice, and how my life might be different at another school. Then I would advise myself that there will be times when I'll have to make a real effort, both socially and academically, in order to get the most out of my college experience, that the days when I had everything come so easily to me will be over. I might not want to make that effort at times, but for the most part it will be worth it. And trust your gut feeling, don't spend too much time second-guessing yourself. But my advice wouldn't be completely negative; I'd also tell myself that I should keep my mind open, because there will be plenty of different and engaging people and experiences that I shouldn't miss out on. And finally, don't let fear and anxiety get the better of you.

If I could go back in time to when I was a high school senior, I would have plenty of advice to give myself. First off, I would tell myself that college is an amazing experience and probably one of the best times of my life. I would go on, though, to tell myself that while college is a great time, there needs to be a balance between work and play. College can be challenging, but the work is not beyond what I am capable of. Self-discipline and maturity are factors that I would need to possess. Going to college is a great privilege, and it would be a shame to throw it all away because of some poor choices. Another thing I would tell myself is that I need to make the best out of the college experience. This involves making good friends, working hard, and getting invovled. While studying and working may not be the most fun way to spend your time, the reward will feel a lot better than the feeling of letting the years slip by. Getting a good grade or having a great accomplishment is a great sensation. College is a wonderful experience.

If I could talk to myself as a high school senior, I would first stress the need to keep an open mind when entering college. This I feel would be some of the greatest advice, as when making the transition to college, many individuals, including myself for a brief period of time, maintain a high school mentality, shutting some options or opportunities out in the beginning for the sake of a single direction. At nearly all schools, especially Emerson College, it is important to take into consideration all the opportunities presented in class, within extra-curricular activities, and those made known by your career services office, such as internships and off-campus events. Becoming involved and participating in as much as possible early on that interests you and benefits your major is essential in both enriching your college experience, and finding connections. I would compliment this by encourgaing myself to take this open mind and use it to build as many connections as possible early on in the college experience. Being a film student, needing to cast and or participate in productions, this is very beneficial when looking for support in college, and importantly, outside when entering the professional world.

The first thing I would tell myself is that i made the correct choice of school, and not to doubt my choice. I would also tell myself to look forward to a wonderful freshman and sophomore year. Another important thing i would remind myself to do is eat a good meal the night before I moved into my dorm for the first time, which would probably save me the horrible migraine headache I experienced that day. Other specific things I would mention would be applying for scholarships, because my current school totally screwed me out of financial aid, and when fafsa says my contribution should only be 16k, and the school demands 42k, it's going to cause a lot of family drama that I wish i could have avoided. Overall i would just tell myself to be happy and rest assured that at the time I was making the best possible choices for me.

Edgar, You need to save money. You were fine this first semester of college but having a little extra spending money will be nice. Secondly, I know you've applied to tons of scholarships, you need to apply more, maybe 20 or 30 more. Stay in better contact with your friends and family from home but don't let it take away from your college experience. Your grades will be fine so feel free to get as involved as possible in everything. Focus hard on what you love, don't give in to any unnessessary distractions. I mean, have fun but don't let that get in between what you are passionate about. Never stop meeting people! You will make some great connections in college that will help you get the best opportunities available. Good luck, have fun, and be careful. Love, Edgar

Stay off the internet! That is the best advice that I can give to myself circa 2008-2009. Sure, in this technology-crazed age it seems both impossible and a little bit ridiculous? how else are you supposed to keep in touch with everything you left behind? Check your e-mail, Facebook, and Twitter? Procrastinate? Well, you?re not ? at least not compulsively. The best part about dorming is meeting new people. Talking with your roommates. Chatting up that cute guy down the hall. The only way that?s going to happen is if you take your nose out of your laptop and fine-tune your conversational abilities. Grab your new friends and find something to do in your brand-new city; this is where you?re going to be living for the next four years, after all. Make a list of all the things to do for free ? drop by the Museum of Fine Arts or walk through Boston Common. The inspiration is overwhelming, and you need to take advantage of it. Pretty soon, this city is going to be blanketed in snow and it?s going to be too cold to leave your extra-long twin-size bed.

Stay true to yourself.

If I could travel back in time to my high school self, I would have three points of advice. First, your teachers are lying to you about the difficulty of college classes and asssignments. Stop worrying about it, and you will have less anxiety problems. Second, it is easier to make friends when you open your mouth and don't shut it. Third, always follow your instinct. Life will always be better if you do, don't make the mistake I did!

Going back in Time is priveledge not many and probaby any people have, but if I were to go back to last year I would ask myself to consider expectations. I know what the school expects of me, but it might be more beneficial for my goals if I knew what to expect of it. I feel Emerson tries to make the students feel like they are living on their own in, trying to make it in the city like 'real life.' I would ask my high school senior self that if I wanted to feel like I was living in the 'real life' then why not just do it and go out and work? I might have suggested that if I am going to a school, I should expect there to be the community of the school that might only be created through living on a school campus. I would advise myself to consider what I was expecing to get out of the school socially. Not the type or frequency of its parties, but rather the type of people who go there and really find out if I want to learn how to get along with them.