Ferris State University Top Questions

Ahh... To be in high school again and not worry about money would be wonderful, but we have to grow up one time or another. When I was in high school all I wanted to do was go to a big college. Let's be honest though, It takes a lot of money and effort to go to a huge university. If I could have convienced myself to go to a community college first I would probably be more ahead and comfortable money wise than I am. I went away to a university my first year and ended up coming home to the community college, if I would have only done that to begin with I would be a little further ahead than I am today. After I got my associated degree at the Community College I decided to transfer then to a University which in this case I do not have to pay for on campus housing or food like I had to my first year. Ultimatley I am pointing out that you can save so much money by going to a Community College and get the same education as a University, then transfer after your first two years.

If I could go back in time when I was a senior in High School, I would tell my self to open your eyes. My first year of college was a waste of money and time. When I put a hold on my dreams I thought that I was making the right decistion, saving money and getting a substantial degree. Then when I finished my associates I would go back to an Art School to follow my dream. By not going striagt to an Art Schhol I lost my passion of photography and I almost gave up my dream to a subpar life style. I've learned time is everything and so is money. If you have a dream or a goal push yourself and never take no as an answer. So looking back I would tell myself to always prusue your dreams and never take the easy way out.

If I could talk to myself in high school as a senior, I would sit myself down, look myself in the eyes and tell myself this. "Listen, Alexa. You're a senior in high school and you have no idea what you're going to do. You have no idea where you want to go, what you want to do, and eventually you're going to settle. But believe me, it's the best decision you're going to make. You're going to experience so much, you're going to live in a whole new situation, but it's going to be the best year of your life. Be ready for everything you're going to do, prepare yourself for a great year. Make sure you're ready for this experience, go in with an open mind. And Alexa, it's really important that you focus on school, especially now. Just because you're in your last year doesn't mean you can slack off. And it won't be good for you next year. You're going to be so happy, Alexa. Just be ready for a whole new world, it's so fun. And be happy!"

College is a great time to get to know yourself and many other different people. If I were able to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would encourage myself to become involved with as much as possible and to stay involved. During high school I was a good student, but I did not realize the importance of networking and getting to know as many people as possible. Throughout my college years, I have gotten involved and met some amazing people that have helped me get to where I am today. If I could talk to my high school self, I would say to get involved earlier and keepall of the important friendships. I would also remind myself to take school seriously, but remember to have a lot of fun during the college years. I think the best way to get the most of college is to enjoy your time as a student and become very involved.

In high school, I never needed to know how to study on my own time. As a sophomore college student, I would definitely advise myself to figure out how to learn on my own time, because there is never enough time to learn what is required during class time. The teachers/professors are always there to help, so if they offer their time to help you out, take advantage of that. It goes hand-in-hand with the whole "learning outside of class" concept. Taking great opportunities leads to success.

In a conversation with myself I would say, "You need to work on your note-taking skills; the books are long and full of information, but the information we need is generally discussed in class. You need to work harder in class now, because some scholarships are based off of GPA and you know what? These scholarships pay for your classes, but if there's any left over, they mail you the difference! You could literally be MAKING money off of your college attendance! Also, how are you going to pay for college?" To which I would reply, "I'll get a job and work; I'll make the money myself." Now the future me would be screaming, "Are you stupid?! You're going to work? At minimum wage you will make less than $13,000 full time annually, with all that work where are you going to find time for college? These scholarships, they will pay you THOUSANDS for a quick essay, and some of these essays require as little as two hundred words, leaving lots of time for college and less time working." My past-self would be speachless, jaw hanging open and in complete and utter shock.

If I could go back and give my school senior self advice, I would tell myself to relax and embrace the changes in your life plan. Yes it's scary to move away from home to a school that you know no one in, but you're going to make some of the best friends of your lifetime while you're away at school. I would also tell myself that it's okay if things don't work out as planned. You might get to a class and realize that your major isn't for you. You're young and you've got your whole life ahead of you, so what if you take a little longer to get your degree? You'll lose some of the people that you think most important in your life, and new people will take their place. There's a reason for everything, and it will all work out in some way, shape, or form. Fight through the tears, the stress, and the heartache. It will be worth it in the end when you walk across the stage to get your diploma. Always remember your roots and be proud of yourself.

If I could go back and give my high school self advice, I would tell myself that college is nothing like high school. It is so much harder, yet better. I would tell myself that this is where you meet the friends that you will have for the rest of your life. That getting to know your professors is a great idea, that way they will be able to help you when you are having difficulties in class and someone to go to in case you feel the need to talk to someone. I would tell myself that going away to college was the best thing I have done in life so far and I would not change my decision for any reason. I would tell myself that I will meet people who encourage me everyday to stay in school and do my best.

Younger me, you have no idea the adventures in learning and life you will undertake. Things will be difficult at first, but it will be better if you go out and meet new people. There is nothing in this world that is more important than making connections with real people. These people will be with you throughout your college career and will help you with all of difficulties that you will face. The transition to college will not be difficult because classes will be harder, they are not. The transition will not be hard to make due to a different place to live, because such things will always happen. The real difficulty that you will endure will be facing this new and exciting world on your own. There never has been and never will be a more important mission in college or life than this, to meet new people and build lasting important relationships. The people you will meet will help you to reach farther than you ever could by yourself. Do not miss out on spending as much time as you can with the people that matter. Good luck.

College is very expensive. I cannot express the struggle that college students go through by trying to pay for college. I am struggling to pay for it now, try to prevent that. Work. Work as much as you can to save up. Try not to take out a lot of loans because they will only hurt you when you graduate. Make sure you join an extra-curricular activity. I play rugby right now and joined some other RSOs. I have met a lot of people and made a lot of friends playing Rugby. I work on campus at the cafeteria now, it’s one of the best places to meet a diverse group of people. Don’t subject yourself to hanging out with one group of friends ever. Always make new friends everywhere you go. Get to know your professors and your academic advisor. They will be very helpful with anything you need if you do. Always go to the Writing Center for any paper that you write. They are very helpful. Go to the hockey games. They are always fun, a good way to show your school spirit, and a great place to meet some pretty great friends.