Framingham State University Top Questions

Jillian, your attitude and actions determine your college success. If you want to do well in your classes you need to make school work your first priority. So, do not procrastinate. It is very easy to put off doing work, especially now that you have a lot more free time. But be smart, do your work and then relax. It is amazing how much easier your school work can be if you manage your time wisely. Also, remember that college is a brand-new, clean slate. Therefore you can be anybody you want to be. You are not confined to who you were in high school. So, get out there, do things that are out of your comfort zone and talk to people you normally wouldn't. Look around you, everybody is just as nervous as you are. So be friendly, get to know a lot of people. Remember, your college experience will only be as good as you make it, so do your best both in and out of class.

Dear Senior Self, Now that I’ve made it through my freshman year of college, I need to tell you a few things I wish I had known while transitioning from high school to college. Don’t try hold on to people who aren’t trying to hold on to you. I know you hate change, but this is a fresh start and a chance to reinvent yourself. Rid yourself of poisonous people in your life and move on.Always bring an extra pencil to class because you never know who is going to ask you to borrow one. College classes are a lot harder than high school classes.Work fewer hours. STUDY Familiarize yourself with the library because it’s going to be your key to success for the next four years.Your GPA actually matters now. Take care of it. You’re not going to meet your best friend the first day or even the first week of college. When you do meet them, they’re not going to have the same political views, fashion sense, or music taste, but they’re going to be the best friends you ever had. Love,Kelsey

I would tell myself to first of all be confident in who you are. Everyone has quirks and things about them that make them who they are, and you just have to embrace it. You cantcare what others say about you. Once you love who you are and is confident in that then you GET INVOLVED! That is something I wish I did first semester. Its how you meet people. Its how you get to know yourself and your school. It challenges you but it makes you feel like your apart of something bigger. Its an amazing feeling. I would also tell myself that its going to be hard not living at home. Alot of times it gets down played and people don't think they will miss it but it is a huge transition. You are now living on your own, making your own decsions. Its alot so Iwould just say to prepare for it. Make sure its something you really want to do and deal with before you jump right in. Most importantly is put your self out there and try new things. If you don't know if you should try it, definitly DO IT!

Hey Becky! I know you're stressing out about college, but there is no reason to be scared! Everyone is a phone call away. Your roommates are gonna drive you crazy, but the good news is that Rachel will let you room with her in Towers! I know that is doesn't seem ideal, but you will love being there. Unfortunately, you lose touch with most of your high school friends, but you make new friends at school! You will find your own little place where you belong. You end up being the secretary of the band at the end of your first semester and you will be in the running to become the President of the band for your sophomore year. You'll also find your favorite people in the a cappella club! Make sure to put yourself out there to find new friends. Let go of the past and look on to the future. You can do it! Sincerly, Becky

Dear Taylor, The coldsweat, midnight nightmares are not neccessary. College is going to be a breeze, at least for you. Your worries of losing yourself and the realtionships changing for the worse with the people you care about most, will not happen. Everything will be okay, your worries about failing all of your classes, not making any friends, and hating being away from home with dissappear quickly as you adapt to your new life in the first days of your arrival. Just stay calm, enjoy the rest of your summer, and make as much money as you can because they weren't kidding when people told you that college kids are always broke. You are going to succeed and become so much more than what you already are. Remember to stay true to your values and know that you are smart enough for college. Wipe away your easily discouraged attitude and embrace the change you are about to endure. The greatest time of your life is right around the corner, and I promise you, you're going to love every second of it.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself knowing what I know now, it would be a very intense conversation. I didn't finish high school the way I should have. I had a dysfunctional family life growing up. So in my eyes as a young women I had no choice but to leave home. So I would have to sit myself down and have a real heart to heart. I would say, " Finish high school, go on and get your college degree early. Going back in fifteen years is still not a bad thing, but it could be so much easier you for in your life to finish now. Your going to have two little girls to look up to you. Wouldn't it be an amazing for them to know you never gave up on something so important? Your going to love it, it is nothing like high school, and you will feel a since of accomplishment that can only come from going to college. You will go to school online which will help you feel calm and at ease. Your worth it and I know things will be ok. Put your all in it."

If I were to go back in time to high school, I would definitely tell myself to not stress out so much about getting into my dream school. From going to Framingham State over the last two semesters I have learned that I can get a quality education wherever I want, as long as I make the effort to ensure I am learning as much as I possibly can. I would also tell myself that the transition to college will be difficult in the first few weeks, but after a while it will become easier. The workload, at least this semester, is comparable to the workload I have experienced in high school - so do not worry too heavily about not having enough time to study and work. I would also tell myself to reach out and take as many opportunities to get involved - it'll make the college experience that much more valuable.

Stay focused and keep on doing what you are doing.

Dear self, Don’t be afraid. There are so many amazing things in life that you might miss if you worry about what other people think. Always remember that smiles are infectious: if you smile, you feel confident and happy, and make others smile too. There are so many wonderful people that you will meet who have huge hearts and will keep you laughing daily, so these smiles are practice for the joy to come. Having experienced a year and a half of college I’ve learned that while grades are important, they aren’t everything. If you take the time to enjoy the things you love with the people you love, the things that have to get done become a little lighter and easier. Finally, don’t be afraid to pursue what you love. When you take your first photography class you will realize how much talent you have. So don’t be afraid to photograph! Remember how much joy it brings you and that God chose this talent especially for you to bring Him glory. Don’t forget your second love: languages. Keep your chin up and your smile wide. This is the greatest time of your life.

I f I could go back in time and talk to my high school self, I would say to stay on top of your work load. It is very easy to procrastinate and say, "I can do it later." There is temptation to blow off school work to socialize or go out with friends, but it really does pay off if you stay on top of the course load. You don't want to find yourself cramming it all in at the last minute. I can say, from experience, that this is not the way to go. Keep up with assignments and readings and you will have plenty of time to hang out with friends, and you won't have to pull a dozen all-nighters in order to get all your work done last minute.

If I could go back in time and speack to myself as a high school senior, there would be much wisdom which I would divulge upon myself. I would first tell myself to choose Framingham State as my first choice college and would not have had to transfer for my sophomore year. I would also tell myself to become more social on campus. I have learned a lot and have a high GPA, but I am not as involved or social on campus as I should be. A mistake which I made, that I don't regret is choosing to major in English and than switching to History. I am still recieving the english minor, but I would have warned myself to study the history courses and then complete the courses for my minor. Other than school and major choice, I have no major regrets about my time at college. I have studied hard, met great people, and sharpened my personal philosophy on life. If I could go back in time, I would try to change the future, but sometimes fate plays things out for the best.

the way my life is going now i couldnt ask for more, college life is not only rewarding it makes my future brighter knowing that when i graduate i will have a full time job not only making good money but helping those in need. i wouldnt change going to college for nothing, it has learned me and and made me the person that i am today. in high school i was kinda of leary about going to college because i hated school and the assignments but college is totally different the work maybe alot harder but it has helped me so much and taught me things that i didnt even know. i have listened to my heart and kept forwarding my education and have no quit and i am so proud of my self because in high school i thought that i would never be at the point that i am now. if i could look back and tell my self something i would say your a strong minded woman, that has the heart to do anything that you desire but giving up is not one of your desires and thats what i have not done is give up.

I would tell my younger self to "get your education while you are young". Although you may find a greater appreciation for education in your elder years, your mind is sharp while you are young and you are able to retain more. I would tell my younger self that the opposite sex will always be there and when you are educated you will choose your suitors more wisely. The best investment of time and money is a great education. I will also tell my younger self that a good education affords a better selection of jobs. I will also tell my younger self that in the future your degree will be very vital. I would say that education is something that nobody can take away from you. You may lose a job or relationship but an education would allow you to get on your feet expediciously. I would tell my younger self learn all you can, explore your knowledge, and never let it go. It is literally your gold mine.

Apply for scholarships, you will wish you did! You are responsible for the repayment of your college education, so make sure you go to a school that gives you the best education for the least amount of money-or one that you recieve grants and scholarships towards. You want to be studying something you enjoy, so don't limit yourself! If you have something in mind, make it work but work hard for the scholarships!

If I could go back in time I would stress the importance of academics

As an orientation leader for my school I try and help student make a smooth transition to college. College is a wonderful, new and exciting journey. I would tell high school seniors to keep an open mind. Going to school with preudgments can hinder ones ability to make the best out of the school experience. There will be many new students and faculty to meet and some of them may become friends or resources. Also, many college courses will be required to take even if they may not be of interest. A student may be surprised by something that interests them. Meet as many people as possible because you never know who your study partner or best friend may become. I wish that all students enjoy their time at an instutution while recieving an education that they love!

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to finish college. I began college as a rising high school senior. After graduation, I continued on my college track. However, due to some mistakes in my personal life, I did not finish college at that time. As life caught up with me, marriages, children and work kept me from continuing my education as I had once wanted to do. I am now finishing my education. I would definately tell myself to finish college no matter what. It is so much easier when you are young and do not have the added pressure of children, spouse, and a job. My dream was to finish college as I push my children to do so. Finally, I am able to tell them to do as I have.

I would tell myself that it is going to be harder than I think. I would tell myself not to change any of my plans I have for myself but just to be prepared for a rough road ahead. I would tell myself that playing a sport was the best move I made and that I would know when to stop when I had to. I have my priorities set and that will help me to be successful. However, I would warn myself that studying is key and tell myself to learn good study habits sooner rather than later. I would also tell myself that there are many ways to acheive your goals, and not to have my heart set on one path, besides the journey is have the adventure.

Through Framingham State College, I was introduced to my major. I had no idea that I was even interested in Environmental Science before I began taking classes and fufilling general education goals at Framingham State. After entering the Environmental Science major, I have been given invaluable first had experience in the field see some of the same things in real life that we are also learning about in the classroom. While at Framingham State, I have also been introduced to the many study abroad options which focus on my field of study and interest. Framingham State has really helped me discover and shape my life and future career.

My college experience has broadened my horizons as a student and has helped me narrow down a field that I want to make my career. The more experience I gain the more motivation I find to continue my education. It has been valuable to attend because with my education I am attaining I will be able to work in a field I love making money to be able to live comfortably.