Lesley University Top Questions

What should every freshman at Lesley University know before they start?

Elisa

If I could restart this year, I would make the same choices. But I would accomplish more than I did. After graduating I took a gapyear. A very unorthodox decision but I knew that it was right. I would pressure myself to workharder. I could have applied for more schools. I was very self confident in terms of what schools I wanted that I forgot to consider the possibility of not being able to afford them. I should have underestimated myself at times. In case my initial plan didin't work. Also, I would advice myself to be excited about college. It may seem like an underrated choice because of the amount of diverse forms of education nowadays. With new forms of technology college seems outdated. I find it to be a necessity. Not only because it is the purest form of education out there, but also because of the experiences you get to have. I've only heard about them but I know enough. It's a world of possibilities that help you figure out who you're meant to be. So a piece of advice to myself, don't be afraid to take risks, you might be suprised.

Molly

If given the opportunity to speak with myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to partake in any and all scholarship opportunities rather than rely on the one that I was granted (which greatly limited my college-seeking scope). I would also tell myself to not limit my opportunities based soley on my locational comfort zone, to venture out more often and gain a broader knowledge of my surrounding world. I would also tell myself to begin looking into acquiring a job in an alternative healing center that focuses on expressive art therapies early rather than wait for my required internship.

Rahumai Rafaela

I would tell myself to strive for better grades and plan ahead. Right now, I know what good grades reflect, and I have learned to work hard and be focused, which has reflected in my college years' grades. I would also tell myself to inquire even more about the college I'm going to apply or attend to. Even though I did inquire before entering my current school, there are always things they don't mention because you just "did not ask" about them specifically. Asking more is always better, I would make myself be more informed. I would also help myself focus a little bit earlier and narrow down my field of study in order to save time and start to enjoy it earlier. Finally, I would tell myself to enjoy the college years ahead with passion, focus, and love for my career, because that is what will give me the drive and means to thrive in the competitive field of Photography.

Kelly

I would assure myself that choosing to enroll into Lesley University is the right decision. I would tell myself to put aside the doubt and uncertainty I felt traveling far away from my family. Attending Lesley University will help me ahcieve my future goals. Therefore, I should be confident in attending this university. I would also assure myself that I will successfully become independant and mature to become a human being that will be able to survive without the reliance of parents. While I will have a shakey start and tough transistion, I will become accustomed to this new lifestyle and be better off in the future.

Hadassah

Do what you love that helps others. Focus on your art, creative projects, and everything that inspires you (pay much less time to romantic relationships and what other people think). When you pursue what you are deeply curious about, everything that energizes you, you are naturally driven. Consider input from advisers, but follow your heart and Soul drives and passions. When you research, write and create, learn and grow, for the pure joy of it, it inspires your work. The sooner you get your degree, the better (it will be a ticket to professional writing opportunities). Accept yourself more, and judge yourself less. Be less concerned with making straight As, being a perfectionist; it is knowledge, learning and enjoying of the process, that is critical. Don't worry, the challenge of being the first person in the family to achieve a college degree, will be followed by the blessing of inspiring others to do the same. Two sisters will go on to get their undergraduate degrees, after you, and a generation of nieces and nephews will do the same. Be unafraid of traveling: the world and your own mind. Learn as if your creative life depends upon it. It does.

Tanya

Knowing what I know about college life now, I would give two very important tips to ensure a successful college transition. The first important piece of advice I would give is to learn time management skills and put them into practice. For example, having a set time for studying each night will help make sure your work is always done on time and that you are fully prepared for upcoming tests. Once you're behind in college, it's almost impossible to catch up. Putting time management to use will allow you the ability to be a successful student, help maintain personal responsibilities, and still have time for fun activities with friends. The second important piece of advice I would give myself is to start the college/scholarship search as early as possible. Some scholarships allow entry as early as your freshman year in high school. It's never too early to get extra funding for tuition and book fees. Your college selection is also important. Start thinking about where you would like to live, class room size, yearly cost, degrees offered, etc. These two tips would make a huge impact on preparing for and maintaining a successful college life.

Emily

Take advantages of your resources. College is a myriad of opportunities, ranging from expensive software and technology, to renowned professional with timeless advice and wisdom. These connections will prove you well in your future career. Reach out to faculty, advisors, and older students. Their knowledge is invaluable. So much of colleges is experimenting and finding your own way, but it can be overwhelming at times. It’s okay to ask for help. People are there to help you succeed. College is a time of creation. Explore who you are and create a safe community to allow yourself to grow. Get involved with different clubs, organizations, volunteer, try new experiences, but don’t forget the importance of setting aside time for you. Love yourself, own your views and beliefs, and follow your passions. You know yourself better then anyone else. You have nothing to prove. It’s okay to admit you’re amazing because you are. Always remember that no matter what happens, you will get through this, and you will be stronger and wiser for it. College is an opportunity many people don’t have ability to seize. College is a privilege, make the most of it.

Amanda

If I could go back in time i think i would pick a different college to attend. Lesley is a great university but it is not the university for me. Also transitioning into college life is very difficult. I would tell myself that sleep is very important that I shouldn't stay up intill 3am every night. Also i would tell myself to really monitor my eating habits on a much stricter level. Drinking is also a huge aspect of college and I've learned that being able to know your limits and understand that no one needs to pressure you into doing anything. Thats what I would tell my high school self.

Amanda

If I could meet my 17 year old self, I would tell her that she isn't as bad as she's been made out to be. That despite learning disabilities, she can still do anything set sets her mind to. I'd help her unlock that hidden determination and fight that she has left. I'd tell her not to let people's cruel opinions affect her. I'd assure her that every negative feeling she had to endure will only give her courage as an adult. I know that she would be very happy to know that she will be the first one in her family with a college degree. She wouldn't believe that she got anywhere in life! Most of all, I'd tell her that she ISN'T worthless. If she could survive adoption, borderline personality disorder, and abusive people, then she can survive college with no problem.

Melissa

If I could talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself that I should not be worrying over everything. I am just a teenager; God is in control. When I was in highschool, I worried a lot about where I was going to go to college, what my major would be, how I was going to pay for college among other things like self-image etc. I wish I could tell my former self that God would work everything out for His glory. Not that I still don't worry about paying for college, but I know that God has a plan for me and I don't worry too much about who I will be. I would also tell myself to be my own person. I tried too much to be like my sister. I wanted to be just like her. I had to get good grades and do everything that she did. Now I know that I am my own person and can exhibit that person!