Ferris State University Top Questions

What should every freshman at Ferris State University know before they start?

Jordan

I would tell myself that it is completely okay to not be certain of the future. Being in high school, you think you know what you want until you move into a world of possibilities, where you are not sure of what you truly want. To my future self, I would also like to say that college gives you the chance to start over fresh, and make a new life. No gimmicks, no judgement, nothing but you and what you are capable of. The sky is the limit, and you're just getting started. Sure, rough times are ahead but it will make you a stronger person than you were yesterday, a week ago, a month ago, a year ago..it will make you stronger. So, do not decide what you want right away, give it time and let things happen; there is no need to rush a good thing when it is bound to happen. Yes, it will be hard being away from Mom and Dad, but they never leave, they are always with you. So go ahead, become and grow into your true self, but most importantly, have fun and enjoy Ferris State University.

Emily

College was by far the biggest transition I have ever been forced to make. If I could go back I would tell myself to get more involved in the commuinty and on campus events. I did not attend one school event, not including sports, until my second semester when I had to volunteer for an event in one of my classes. The event was cleaning up the community and helping some older folks in town with some of their yard work. I was always so caught up in my social life that it never occurred to me how rewarding something like this would be. Not only did I feel great for helping in the community and giving back, I met so many new friends that I never would have met if I didn't volunteer. I realized that giving back was such a rewarding thing and it was awesome to get to know new people. I also attended my school's youth group the last month and absolutely loved it. I realized how much I missed out on and how many opportunities were available and it is safe to say I will be a lot more involved this coming year.

Amber

Advice I would give my high school self might start with a bit of encouragement. Advice such as “Keep your head up and keep putting your best foot forward” and “Hard work pays off.” After a bit of encouragement, I might tell myself that a transition to college was everything I dreamed it would be. A true sense of freedom settled over me during the transition to college. Freedom to pick my own classes and times, freedom of when and where I complete my homework, and a freedom to get up whenever I want. For practical advice I would say penny pinch. I would classify myself as fugal, but really press penny pinching during high school. Advice might be “Going to the movies is overrated and overpriced” or “That shirt really isn’t worth the money.” My most practical piece of advice to myself, however, would be to get involved in the school’s technology classes. I often wished in college that I had taken more classes in high school related to my field of study. I tossed away chances that would have helped me later down the road and I wish I had the ability to fix it.

Ann

As a senior in high school I had no idea that I could or would be successful in college. I lacked the confidence it takes to even consider becoming a nurse at that time. I would tell my younger self that "you are smarter than you think or believe. " Time , patience, and perseverance will help you succeed in college. The young niave Ann should know that perseverance does further. Start college while still young as classes can be difficult and time consuming. When choosing a career pick one that you will enjoy, benefit others, and provide you with financial security such as nursing. Study to really learn the material not just to take a test,. You might need to draw on the information you've learned at a much later time. Accept help, criticism, and advice you will need it. Believe in yourself you can do it.

Autumn

If I were to go back in time and talk to myself as a senior I would probably tell myself that the transition between highschool and college life is a lot smoother than I originally thought. I would remind myself that even though my parents lived too far away to visit me constantly that I still had my friendly grandparents to rely on, only an hour away. I would tell myself that highschool had suceeded in completely, utterly, not preparing me for college so I should disreguard the majority of what my teachers told me. Making friends was a lot harder than I thought. It appeared the only way to make fast friends is to give into peer pressure and small vices. That was not what I was about. At the end of the day the most important piece of advice to give my high school self is to study hard and remember why you are really here.

Justine

If that day came where I could go back into time, that would be the best day of my life! I would tell my self not to be scared to go on to college and to apply my self in more things. College was the only way to understand what I want in life and how I was going to get it. That little voice in my head needed to slow down and enjoy going growing up. I was scared of what growing up was and what people thought of me. I wish someone would have told me all of these things. That way I could be much farther in my american dream than what I am now!

Micayla

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior I would let myself know that it's okay to not know what you want to. Changing your major is a normal thing that most college freshman and sophomores do, multiple times. I would make sure that I would know to take more general education requirement courses the first year so that when I do switch my major, my classes will still be going towards something. Another point I would emphasize is to stay at school on the weekends. Living only a hour away can be tempting to go home every weekend, especially when you miss your family. The only way to create lasting freindships is to socialize and make friends with the people you are living with or in clubs with. Staying at school on the weekends is the best time to get that time in.

Nicole

If I could go back to high school and give myself advice, I'd start by simply saying "try everything." I would explain that "there are a multitude of organizations, groups, and sports to play that will enrich your life. Some of those activities will work out and some will not be for you, but you will learn so much more about yourself after trying these new things. On that same note, try to meet as many professors, peers, coworkers, and community members possible! You will make a lot of new friends, but it is important to surround yourself with only those who will push you to succeed and will help you become a better you. After meeting new friends and joining some organizations, do not forget that you do not need to party every weekend. On the other hand you do not need to study every weeknight, you will get better and better at classes once you finally get into sonography. Enjoy all there is to offer, establish your values, be a caring friend, an attentive student, and enjoy the time you have here. It is much shorter than you expect."

jazzimen

I would go back and tell myself to think about where you are now and where i want to be and let that be my mtivation. To stay focused and know that hard work pays off. I would tell myself to pick my scheldule more wisely, look at the times and the buildings in which they are located. I would also tell myself to go on the ratemyprofessor.com so that I know what kind of professor I will be dealing with. Also, if I would tell myself to make more of a social life with the people in my major so that we could talk to each other about classes and possibly work together on some things. I would also say that even if I'm home sick, I have to get away, better my life so that I could have a better living than what I did growing up. Lastly I would tell myself to use all the resources given, to go the student service center and ask question and to look at my options and opportunities more.

Rose

I would tell myself to stay in school, and finish your degree, and never give up on your goals and dreams. I would highly recommend that you job shadow to find out what your passion is. I would also recommend living on campus so that you can experience the campus life, such as joining a sorority. Apply for as many scholarships as possible because student loans are very costly and scholarships you do not have to pay back. I would tell myself that i am a brillant, smart and confident woman. you can achieve any goal that you are passionate about. Choose a career choice that you can have fun at, and pick something that you enjoy doing. If you do not like the career choice you picked you will become bored and complacent and not like your job. Never give up on your education, and constantly challenge yourself to keep learning. I would also tell myself that a respiratory therapist is the career choice for you. Their may be times where you may feel burnt out, from your studies, but look at the bigger picture and stay focused girl because I know you will succeed.