Grand Valley State University Top Questions

If I could go back to myself, as a senior in that small town of Cedarville...wow... I think definitely I would mention to try harder and focus more on school because of all the scholarships I could've recieved. I would tell myself to take time and really appreciate the loving family environment that I grew up in. Some people I know are not as fortunate and I don't think I really said thank-you to both of my parents. I would definitely tell myself to prepare PREPARE PREPARE for college as in, saving money, starting to get study skills down, research about my school etc. I would want to be more prepared then when I entered GV my freshman year and was caught off guard. I would tell myself that no one would be waking me up or forcing me to go to class. I would mention to myself that failing the science portion of the Michigan MEAPs isn't a big deal, because the government will cut the Michigan Promise Award anyway. I would tell myself that everything will be ok and I will make friends outside of my high school ones and TRY EVERYTHING!

Going back, I would advise myself to take a class on the different majors available to take, and how they can be utilized. I believe that I came from high school assuming that my options were limited. As I continue through college, and learn more about the different majors available to me, I realize I am interested in a variety of different studies and careers. I would recommend all freshman to take this type of class so they realize the potential they have, and the ability of their college/ university to help them reach that poential. Another piece of advise would be to take advantage of all the opportunities presented to you. Grand Valley State University creates a lot of events for students to enhance their learning and create well rounded students. Being involved in these events has given me a liberal education as well as opened up more networking skill for my future.

My college experience was in two bouts; right after graduation and two years after. I took time off in between because I was overwhelmed with financial situations and school work. I left Grand Valley State University for two semesters because I wasn't enjoying my classes and was working full time as a server at Applebee's. The money was so good it was hard to resist picking up shifts. I chose money over schoolwork because the schoolwork was overwhelming at the time. But serving tables full-time eventually showed its true colors and I realized I didn't want to make a career out of it. My learning experience from this will never be forgotten. I needed to go back to school when I was ready and when I was eager enough to work for it. I went back to school in January 2008, made Dean's list and I will graduate a semester earlier than projected. I would have told myself to look at what I was ready for and not what my parents wanted me to do. Once you do it for you, you will want to be there, want to do well and want to succeed.

Nine Tips for Self: 1. Never bring your cell phone with you into the bathroom. You never know when it could slip out of your hands and you could accidentally drop it in. 2. Never let your milk go bad, especially when sharing your fridge with your roommate. 3. Do not be afraid to introduce your new friends to Hanson. Yes, even they might enjoy their music after their glory days. 4. Remember that Thursdays are "Boneless Thursdays" at Buffalo Wild Wings. 5. Play euchre in the lobby and ultimate frisbee at the Turf Building as much as possible. 6. Do not take Chemistry 109. End of story. 7. Exchange CDs filled with new music with Jane while she's at Boston College--it will give you something to look forward to along with your monthly issue of Cosmo. 8. Do not talk to cute guys when trying to unwrap the paper on your icecream cone. You never know when it could come flying off and result in you turning bright red. 9. Make sure your room is clean on Mondays in order to squeeze in all of the girls from the down the hall for Gossip Girl nights.

I would tell myself that I should expect the unexpected! Life hits you all at one time and you shouldn't think that something is impossible. Also never to wait until the last minute to do homework and projects. Waiting til the last second will come back to bit you everytime no matter what. Another thing that would say would be to not get too worked up over the little things. They all happen for a reason and it will get better over time, I promise.

Don't stress out too much, you will get through these next few years as long as you work hard.

First: Don't take ANY class for granted; Second: Study, Study, Study; Third: Live in the dorms your first year; Fourth: Put yourself out there, join clubs, organizations and intramural sports; and Finally: Make friends, and recognize who's really got your best interests at heart.

Don't stress so much. In high school everyone makes college out to be the end all be all. College is going to be fun so don't worry too much about leaving everything you know behind. You'll meet a ton of new people and see place you never would have if you'd never come here. The people here are so much more different, probably the nicest people you'll ever meet. Classes are 't the easiest but what would college be without the work? You'll get to live with some of your best friends. Just don't get lazy no matter how many papers you have to write and how many hours you'll spend at work each week. Have fun!

I would tell myself to research scholarships more. A name is just a name and doesn't always tell the whole story. Some universities call them "full rides" while others don't. I received a "full ride" at my first college, but it only covered tuition and fees. If I had attended my current university directly out of high school I would have received a scholarship for more than the tuition and fees even though they are more at the second school. So since they didn't call it a "full ride" I chose the other while in the long run it actually cost more.

I would tell myself to reach out and maybe go a little farther from home, just to experience something further from what I know and make me a stronger person. I would tell myself not to go to school with any friends from high school, so I wouldn't turn to them instead of meeting new people, and also so they wouldn't hang onto me and not branch out on their own. I would say that I should challenge myself more, take more risks. I do feel that I played it a little too safe by coming to Grand Valley, but now I am discovering there are things I can do to get involved in what I am interested in. I have really started to realize what I want for myself, but I think it took a little longer here than it would have elsewhere. I would tell myself not to worry about anything, just to be me and do what I love.