Lewis & Clark College Top Questions

You may feel like an incredibly inexperienced and restless person. Well, you're about to go have a lot of experiences soon. Don't be afraid, and don't hold yourself back from trying new things. Even though you're parents are really hard on you now, it's because they're struggling with the thought of you leaving them and going so far away. Try to be kinder, because you'll really miss them in about five months. Also, because you're an only child and hang out with sheltered friends like you, you have no idea how to not be awkward around people who party and drink or do drugs. Try to educate yourself before you leave about that kind of culture, and how to help people at parties who seem like they're in a bad place. Don't try too much at once, but don't worry too much either. And definitely try to filter your words when you hang out with new people, otherwise you'll put your foot in your mouth more than once. You're going to change a lot as a person, so don't let anyone hold you back! Go girl!!!

If given the chance to offer advice to my high school self regarding college, I would tell them that while it may seem intimidating and scarry at first, college is an amazing experience. Don't be concerned with making friends immediately, instead, begin by first dedicating time for yourself. Allow yourself enough time to explore and discover new things. Join a club that piques your interest, regardless if you have any experience. Most importantly, don't be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone, it will help you grow as a person. Regarding academics, if you have any questions about any material or topic, please take advantage of office hours, professors are more than willing to help. Don't let your thoughts become consumed by what others may think, ask all of the questions you think are "stupid." Remember that it is YOUR education, so take advantage of it and reach for the stars.

As a college freshman, I've realized that I shouldv'e gone through high school with a different perspective. I couldn't wait to get out of high school. I wanted to grow up, get my education and start my life. However, once I stepped into my first college class, I didn't realize how easy high school was. In college, there is no one to tell you to go to class, do homework, or even get some sleep. I do admit, college is amazing and you get to experience a new enviornment and new people. However, you have to motivate yourself to work hard every single day. If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to take advantage of the amazing opportunities that are handed to you. Enjoy every moment of free time, go to all the sports games and become involved in school spirit. High school is easy, and once you're out, there's no going back. So appreciate every second of that beautiful childhood, because when you walk across the stage at graduation, there's no other choice but to become an adult.

Hello, 1-year-younger Hannah! I have a single suggestion for your transition from sunny California to rainy Oregon: Do not bring so much stuff. Now, I know you were probably expecting something more deep and insightful from your future self, but let me explain. College is a time for you to define yourself; don't let memories of the past weigh you down. By taking every little thing that reminds you of home with you, you are forcing yourself to constantly live in the past, instead of living in the now! Objects carry so many memories attached to them. For example, when you pick up one of the hundreds of pictures you have of you and your ex-boyfriend or friends, you are preventing yourself from going forth and meeting new people by wallowing in memories and experiences of the past. Now is the time to go forth and make new ones! However, homesickness is inevitable, I understand that. But instead of jam-packing your suitcases with every memento you have, take your favorite picture and your favorite stuffed animal, and forge a path for yourself that you can call your own. That's what college is all about.

There are a couple things I think would have helped to have known, however I will try not to let hindsight bias interupt what was actually available to me as a senior, and what would have been reasonable. For one, I should have worked harder to get more scholarships sooner on. I ultimately picked the more expensive school out of my top choices, and daily I feel guilt for putting this burden on my parents. On a similar note, I should have layed out a budgeted allowance with my parents for imporant items and new clothing to fit the different weather. It is easy to keep buying things when money is just available and you aren't working for it. I went into college without a plan for what I would have for expenses, beside a rough idea of what I might need for books. Another issues is that I should have packed more thoughtfully, and only what I really needed. I realized too late that I brought way too many clothes. A key thing to know is that if you forget it, your parents can probably ship it to you.

You are a strong, smart beautiful young lady. I know many days you feel defeated because of the abuse you endure, but believe me things will get better. Holding on to the anger and hurt that others have put on you hurts you and only you. It took me seven years to figure this out and forgive dad for all the things he did and mom for not protecting us when we really needed her. It is the fall semester of 2012 and I have finally enrolled in school, better late than never, right. Last week, I went to take my THEA test and do the final paperwork to enroll in school and get my schedule set, so now I am officially on my way to becoming a Speech Pathologist. The moment after I registered for all my required classes was the best feeling of my life. I can't think of anything better than the sense of accomplishment I felt at that moment. Now its time for you to make a better life for yourself, please don't wait, you can do it, and you will be great!

Don't worry!! I know it's stressful to think about the hundreds of college out there and how much they all cost. You will find your way to a great school and you will have an amazing college experience. Instead of applying to a lot of schools just to see what happens, really think about where you want to be and what you want to be doing. It's stressful for you and for the schools to apply to ten different schools when you probably have a gut instinct about where you want to go anyways. Trust yourself. Also, don't box yourself into a certain field of study too early. You may really enjoy reading and writing, but now is the time to take a science class and ask youself, "is this something I would like to study?" Don't give up too early on a career or subject that you may think you could never do. Check out that extra math class or French literature - you may discover your passion! Just remember to relax and to apply yourself!

I would tell myself to not worry because things tend to have a way of falling into place, even without any sort of intervention. Enjoy your senior year and don't burden yourself with gruesome thoughts about college, like not fitting in, not getting a nice roommate, being overwhelmed. Know, though, that it's not going to be a smooth ride in college, but it's going to be a fun and interesting one. It's very different from high school, and the people you meet can have a huge impact in your life, even in the short period that you will have known them. Be calm, breathe, get all of your things done early, and have fun.

Lewis & Clark is a very "what you make of it" school. This has helped me to grow in so many ways. I have learned to be more assertive and active in my own endeavors. I have learned that my experience is going to be what I make of it, and the harder I have tried the more I have achieved. These new found skills and ideas have opened up so many doors for me, and for that I am extremely greatful to the school, and most importantly the faculty. I have never had a group of people care so much about me and challenge me past all points of comfort in order to see me reach my potential. Lewis & Clark has helped me grow in so many different ways, so many doors have opened for me that I never imagined possible. I am extremely looking forward to my next couple years as a student at this institution.

When I first started higher education at a 4 year university, I didn't really know what I was going to major in. Since then, I've had time to take a few different courses in different subject matters and finally decided what I wanted to major in, education. Before I started my higher education I had no idea what I wanted to do, and my family was always so down on educators, that I shied away from it, but now that I've seen all that you can to with a degree in education, and all the kinds of people you can influence, I think this is the right field for me.

As a Lewis & Clark College graduate, I am a better critical and analytical thinker. In college, one is challenged to expand their creative problem solving abilities in academia and in the real world regarding careers and relationships. In college, I also learned how to budget my finances and manage my time more efficiently. Learning how to successfully live away from my parents who are in Colorado and creating my own community in Portland were important as well. The college experience is not just in the classroom or on campus, it is about the time spent living away from home, learning how to interact with peers, and attaining life-long skills to be a successful individual in the career world and in society. It has been valuable for me to attend college because of the academic knowledge and life skills I have learned, which are necessary in the work place and in my daily interactions with the public in my job. Also of value is my desire to give back to the community on a small or larger scale. My career goals are to affect positive social change, a drive Lewis & Clark College helped instill in me.

what I have gotten out of college is an expereince with the outside world with teachers that dont call your house, students who actually want to be their, a chance to interact with people on a more mature level,. the people in a college enivornment are better for me. it hs been valuable for me to attend is because I'm going to culinary arts and for businees mnagement. it will and has tought me a lot about the businees and resturant world.

I have not yet attended college however, I do find it very important to attend. I plan on attending a Christian college in the fall semester of 2011. I graduated in 2009, and I am definately ready to get back on my feet and get back to school. It is very important to attend school after high school for many reasons, but the most obvious is to better your education and find a carreer that best suits you. Who wants to wake up to a job they do not enjoy. I say go to college, find that career that makes you who you are, and what makes you the happiest. I know I will not be that person whose sitting in the rocker chair when their eighty singing their "shoulda- woulda- couldas." I am going to attend college and make the best of this life. I am going to do everything I ever dreamed of and have no regrets in the end. Attending college is a valueable and important part to making your life just that much more extraordinary.

Wisdom.

A very rich blend of cultures from allover the world. LC being a very intact and close community, cultural transfer occurs really fast and community dwellers starts engaging with different cultures and make the most of their college education. Moreover, there is more interaction between teachers and students unlike many other colleges and universities which makes it easier for students to cope with college life and get on with it even before they realize it.

I’ve been in college now for two years and I can honestly say the education I’ve received is far above anything I learned in high school. I’ve been stretched academically and encouraged by professors to get involved in the community. The college experience has taught me more about my degree so that I can be more equipped for a future career. It has also helped me to grow as an individual and understand others. It’s valuable to attend college because knowledge is power, therefore a college education will help career seeking individuals reach personal goals. Along with learning and maturity growth while going to college I’ve also had a blast. The friendship and experiences I’ve had will always be special to me. Another thing interesting about attending college is the different culture I've been exposed to. So many fun, good, and interesting things happen during college and it’s essential to many careers so it's definitely a valuable investment in an individuals life.

I graduated from college six years ago, and I am still realizing countless ways the experience has enriched my life. First of all, it was valuable for me to attend college because I gained skills that provide an outstanding foundation for any profession: critical thinking and analysis, research, and communication. College solidified not only my love of learning, but also my skill in seeking out knowledge and information and both retaining and communicating what I learn effectively. Secondly, my college experience was valuable because I gained independence and confidence. While I was fortunate enough to have my college funded through family contributions, scholarships and minimal loans, it was the first time I was truly in charge of myself, and I learned how to conduct myself with poise, savvy, and humility. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, my college experience was invaluable in terms of the relationships it fostered. I have several lifelong friends and an incredible network of other classmates and professors who have contributed to my success in more ways I can ennumerate here. The people I shared my college experience with, and many who I continue to share my life with, were and are the best part of college.

While I am addmittedly a completely different person now than I was then; I'm pretty sure I can make my past self listen to me fairly well. First, I'd have to question the possibilities and implications of my existence in the past however, remembering my goal, I would proceed onward to the college discussion. The most predominant and pressing issue I would make is cost. A college tuition I once thought a cheap and simple thing: necessary to all that want it, and solveable by easily abtained scholarships for the masses. Going to a private university, however, I found this view utterly demolished in the span of two years. The second? A conversation on direction of study. Originally an intended economics major entering a Liberal Arts school; I felt completely out of my element for the better portion of my Freshman and Sophomore years, outside of the time spent with professors in my current academic interest (East Asian Studies). More than anything else, I would stress to myself the importance of choosing a field where you feel your interest resides and know that you can and will succeed. Without that, the education itself is worthless.

Were I able to advise my high school senior self on how to prepare for college life, there are a few key details I would be sure to mention. One of the most important of this is to not procrastinate and maintain organized, efficient study habits. It may have little effect in high school where there might be at most twenty or thirty pages a week to read, but in college, with somewhere around a hundred pages to read a day, it can make a world of difference. Secondly, I would tell myself not to stress overly about the difficulty of college classes. As this year has progressed, classes have gotten easier, not because the material has but because I have learned that college is not an impossible, intimidating task but a continuation of my education in which I pursue my own interests, not dragging myself to class but looking forward to it. Finally, I would inform myself that it is best not to take time off from a foreign language. It is not something to be learnt overnight, and in a school so focused upon diversity, it is essential as well as uesful for the future.

If I am any gauge of the experience that is first semester freshman year, then I feel like any high school senior could benefit frmo the following advice: Be patient. Life is longer than you think, but it will be made short by rushing off in the wrong direction. I feel that many (myself included) walk into the college experience thinking that with their high school diploma comes the tools to run headfirst into anything. Unfortunately, many seniors are unprepared for making decisions for themselves without an authority figure there to keep them in check. The excitement of wanting to do everything, meet everyone, and be generally well liked can lead one very deep into situations for which the average high school senior is unprepared -- and let's face it, college freshman are just high school seniors two months down the road. With this in mind, I say again, the best way to get what you want out of you college experience is to know yourself, know what you want, and be alert for those things that bring you far away from finding zen within the whirlwind of higher education. There is always time.