Fort Lewis College Top Questions

If I were able to tell my senior high school self, advice. It would be "Don't be afraid to take chances”. Which I know sounds over used, but it’s true. I took one year off from school after I graduated and although I am thankful I did. The reason why I did was because I was afraid. I was afraid of attending a school that was not suited for me. I was afraid of starting fresh, making new friends, and leaving my comfort zone. I had realized that if I did not attend college, I was making a huge mistake. Knowing that I at least tried I would live out my life much happier, than waking one day after turning 40 and realizing I wasted my time. I could be a sophomore in college right now, but I am a freshmen. There is nothing I can do about that. Today, I take that advice and use it for my everyday life. If I hadn’t, I would not be typing this essay.

During high school all my classes were seemingly a little too easy, even though I was taking advanced courses, and studying was a nonexistent term in my vocabulary. College is NOT the same! Even though some classes may be easy, you cannot get away with not studying. I can't stress the importance of this and you need not neglect it. Your professers are more than willing to help and accomodate you, and with the rather small student-to-teacher ratio there really should be no excuse that would make sense if you fail a class other than you're just super lazy and have become the king/queen of procrastination, which is possible. Be responsible and manage your time well, and I promise you'll be a success in college, also, pay attention in class.

If I could go back in time and give myself advice now that I have been in college I would definitely go to right before my freshman year of high school and tell myself not to waste my potential. In high school I was not the best student, only because I didn't apply myself, which is the complete opposite of what I am now, and I regret that now more than anything. I pay for my own college, my own car, my own food, and my own rent, and it is extremely rough and I wish I could do high school over again so that I could get a 4.0 and not have to worry about money while I am here at college. Aside from college, I race bicycles professionally which doesnt pay very well, but it gives me some scholorship money, enough to pay for books, anyway. The training alone takes up 20 hours of my week so it is extremely difficult to work. I think if I was able to go back in time and give myself that advice my life would be very different because of the scholorships I would have received.

Get serious about your goals. Don’t just state your goals, plan them out. Do at least one thing everyday that will bring you closer to accomplishing your goals.Use your time well. Make a schedule, and get organized. But don't forget about creativity.Do more math. It’ll just make everything easier. Trust me.Don’t take a chemistry class in college if you can help it, because you suck at it. And you never took it in high school so why would you think it is a good idea in college?Don’t spend all of your time studying or preparing for college. Don’t postpone spending time with friends or starting a new hobby. Studying will follow you to college, your friends wont because they have plans of their own. Expect to get homesick once in a while. Ask for help if you need it. Don't worry too much. Stay positive and things will work out.

I woud save a lot more money so that I wouldn't have to stress out about how I am going to pay for college as much. It would help me be able to enjoy the whole process and life experience.

Foucs on your professional skills. Social life is important but find friends who will help you become a professional in your field. Focus on doing something everyday to excel. Time in college goes by so quickly. When you first enter you feel like you have all the time in the world but you blink and your coming close to your graduation. Being prepared for that moment you graduate is very important because it will propel you in the future you have worked hard for. Do not stress to much. It will work out as long as you stay consistent, persistent, positive.

You can do this. Seriously, you have made it this far, you have four more years...and you're done! Take every oportunity you can, live a life you deserve. Do not overthink college, it is just school, but now you are just in classes that you enjoy. Please learn to study and keep being organized. Oh and make sure to save a lot of money.

I would tell myself not to worry. I worried a lot about the transition to a college so far away. But now I know that colleges are aware that the transition can be hard and really try to eliminate that fear. I would also tell myself to not forget about my family. Even though they are far away, it doesn't mean I can't still talk to them. Family is a great solid foundation that I forgot about and realized I needed way later in the year. So I would tell myself to call them more often, just to chat. The biggest thing I would say though, is to stay true to myself. While it is good to try new things that are outside of my comfort zone, it is also important to realize why I feel that way and stay strong with my own morals. I would tell myself to stand out and not get washed away with everyone else; because it is important to do what feels right no matter what others are telling you. Most likely, you have that gut instinct for a very good reason.

I would tell myself to apply to a four year college. I would say not to worry too much about what type of career everyone else says I should have and go after my dreams. I would also tell myself to not be shy, but to be myself and have fun. I would say to make sure I give myself plenty of time to study, but also time for friends and family. But, most importantly I would tell myself to enjoy every moment because life is too short to have regrets.

What advice would I give my past self? After the years I have spent in college, the most important lesson I have learned is to not worry. I would say to myself, "Don't worry, younger me. Life is better and things seem to work out more if you choose to have a good attitude going into college...and the rest of your life." It's true. Having a positive and upbeat outlook on life do wonders for a persons "luck" in life. For me, I seem to do better in classes, at work and my relationship with others imporves. All aspects of life, especially college, are dramatically improved. "Don't worry, younger me. Just try your best and don't worry about the rest."