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.