Loras College Top Questions

As my high school gradution date approached, I grew increasingly nervous about the transition into college. I was worried that I would not get along with the other girls on my floor, that I would not be involved in any activities, that I would never figure out my major, and that I would not make friends. If I could go back in time, I woud tell myself to not become so anxious about everything because it will all work out. I would tell myself to let everything flow naturally, because once college began everything would start to piece together and I would find myself being surrounded by people I would become very close with, and I would learn how to structure my life around everything so I know my priorities and I put them first.

Your life is about to change immensley. You are going to meet so many new people that will impact your life. Meet as many people as you can; they will welcome you. Be open to trying new things; get involved in as many campus groups and activities as you can. Don't forget to let those you love know how much you appreciate and care about them. Understand that there will be many changes happening in the next few years. These changes will all work out and be for the better in the end. You will be challenged in many aspects of your life while at college. Your education will be very different than you are used to, but it is to challenge and make you more globally aware. You will question your beliefs and values, which is a natural part of life. This will strengthen you and help you better understand yourself and your place in the world.

I came into college with an undecided major and serious doubts about myself and my potential. If I could go back in time, I would tell myself that, yes, college will be hard and stressful; however, it is also so rewarding and self-affirming. I've learned through the past year and a half to truly appreciate each new situation that I am faced with and try to find a take-away from it, but it has been a hard thing to do. Ultimately, I would tell myself to believe in myself, God, and the goodness of those supporting me.

Taking a Photoshop class is very important in my major, and I have always been interested in computer designing. The advice I would give to my former self in high school would be, take a Photoshop class! Not only would I enjoy it, but taking a Photoshop class in high school would have helped me decide my major earlier in my college career. Having more of my required classes for my major fulfilled I would of been able to experience a lifelong dream of studying abroad in Ireland. My dream will hopefully only have to wait another long two years. Deciding late on my major is my main fault in college. If only going back in time was an option.

Don't stress about it. Whatever the situation is, ask yourself, "Will it matter next year? Will it matter 5, 10 years from now?" Life goes on. Whether you didn't do well on a test, forgot to do a homework assignment, or completely embarrassed yourself in front of the guy you like, it's okay. There is so much more to life than school. Yes, school is important, and you should work hard to get everything you can out of it. But in the end, the grades you got or the embarrassing moments you had won't matter. It is the people in your life that matter. Your family, friends, and other loved ones are what make you feel fulfilled in happy. They are who support you and carry you through the hard times. They are who your heart beats for. They will be the people you make your best memories with, and memories ARE forever. So make as many friends as you can, and keep them close. Andremember that if it won't matter 2, 5, 10 years from now, don't sweat it.

If I could go back and talk to myself as a senior in high school I would tell myself to prepare to branch out. I would say: realize that college is an opportunity to become the person you have always wanted to be, but you have to work hard for it. It's not easy academically, socially, or financially. You cannot slack off, but it is an amazing experience. It is an opportunity to learn about an area or even several areas of academics that have piqued your interest. It is more than just school, though. In college, you get to be part of clubs that can make a difference. Like here at Loras, I'm part of Overcoming Violence and Empowering Positive Relationships (Ove+r) and the Gay Straight Alliance. In college you find people who are passionate about the same causes as you are and who give you opportunities to do something with that passion. All in all, I would tell myself to truly think about who I want to be and how I can get there and then to be ready to do it because college is the perfect enviornment for growth.

Hello, I am currently enrolled in the Architectural Technology program at Montgomery College. During my first year of college, I did not know what or where I was going in life. It was not until the end of my freshmen year did I find an interest in architecture. My foremost regret in high school was that I never took the time to apply and research about the diverse universities as well as scholarships that are offered within the U.S. I would advice myself to become more knowledgeable as to where I want to go and what I want to do after high school. I would have tried my best to enter on a four year university and if given the chance, to study abroad. I would have given myself a set of goals and plans as to what I wanted to engage in and experience. If I had taken the time and energy back in high school, I would not be where I am now. Life takes many unexpected turns. I have learned from my mistakes and nowadays, I ask for educational guidance and advice that are available for students. Thank you for your time. Sincerely, Merlyn Rivera

If I could go back to my highschool self and myself advice or write a letter to myself; this is what I would say. "Don't be shy, get to know everybody and no matter how hard you try not to be, you will be over involved; not that that is a bad thing. Meet as many people as you can and take advantage of everything that is offered."

If I were able to go back to high school knowing what I know now about college, I would tell myself I'm about to experience the best years of my life. That being said, I would tell myself to be more prepared for paying for college. College is an investment and I believe you get what you pay for. In my case, college has been a financial challenge. However, I won't let college payments keep me from investing in my future. I truly believe that education is one of the most important things you can invest both your time and money in. That being said, I have no regrets about my college choice. Even though Loras is more expensive than some of the public schools I looked into, I know now from experience that I'm getting a quality education. Therefore, I would tell my high school self that decided to attend Loras College that I have made the right decision and not to worry.

The advice that I could give myself would be to get out there more. Try to figure out my own passion early and go for it! Focus on what makes me feel all 'warm and fuzy' inside and follow my heart. I would tell myself to break out of my shell and talk to everyone I meet so I could form more relationships and possible future friendships as well as atempting future networking. The last bit of advice I would tell myself is that being on my own is great, but don't forget school work! Don't study at the last minute, but learn as you go. It's not like high school where craming before a test seemed to work, but college requires knowing details and various concepts so don't slack off and wory about doing 'tomorrow'.