Marylhurst University Top Questions

I went to college right out of high school and immediately declared a major in psychology. I even took the extra step of working as a lab assistant in a psychology lab. I was set up for success, but then senior year came. As my undergraduate degree was wrapping up and it was time to apply for graduate school, I realized that something was missing. The excitement I should have felt for my future was not there and I ended up dropping out. I realized that I had been diligently pursuing a career that I really was not passionate about. If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would give the following advice: “Take your freshman year to find your passion.” I felt so much pressure as a freshman in college to declare a major and decide on a career and it led to me to waste a lot of time and money. This fall, after a lot of exploration, I will be pursuing a degree in interior design. I have found my passion and at last excited for what lies ahead in my future.

As a high school senior, I had no friends. I was the loner that none of the students talked to, but all the teachers loved. I was a hopeless dreamer and my only wish was to fit in and have friends. If I could go back and give my high school senior self advice, I'd say, "Don't worry about all of these losers you're going to school with. You'll forget about all of them (except for maybe one or two) in a year's time. Just focus on getting the best grades you can right now, and everything else will fall into place. Once you get to college, your life will change drastically. You'll have friends, and the best boyfriend you could have ever hoped for. You'll be the happiest you've ever been in your life. Just hang in there; only one year of high school left. And I promise, your life will be amazing."

Take the time to look into all kinds of schools. Start out going to a community college first to complete your basic core work first! Dont rely just on loans. Apply for scholarships and grants, as many as you can. Take advantage of every oppertunity to make it through school without debt. Stay away from credit cards and listen to your advisors. They know what they are talking about!

I would tell myself to save a copy of all my papers and notes from every class. Also I would take photographs of every piece of artwork I gave away to keep for memory (and for my portfolio.) I would have been a bit more organized about keeping notes of the valuable information in a separate notebook, for example my ceramics teacher told me that in life it isn't the shiny things that matter, it is the connections you make with fellow humans.. we were talking about buying new cars, and how it is best to just get a nice old toyota corolla for cash than to go into debt and have a shiny new car and a lot of stress that would take energy away from the important things. I would tell myself that sometimes a crappy teacher will give me other kinds of lessons that might not have anything to do with the subject I signed up for. I would tell myself to savor the experience and to take it as slow as necessary to be present for the kids and to not worry about the degree so much, it will come in time.

When I was a high school senior I could careless about getting good grades. I was all about fun and games and just passed high school with C's. When I started at Naugatuck Valley it was a rude awakening for me, but it was great for me at the same time. College is all about being independent and mature. It's up to you to complete your homework on time and hand it in. If i were to give myself advice as a senior in highschool i would say Alexis, Wake up! Getting a degree is my number one priority right now. I would tell myself how tough it would be and how different I would become. I would tell myself to take highschool seriously and get the best grades I can so i would not have to take all the prerequisites that i had to take. 3 years later I am 21 years old, i have a full time job and i am completely independent. I have been working towards my associates degree and i am almost there. I am extremely motivated, and working extremely hard at work to get myself there. My bachelors degree is next!

There has been a considerable gulf of time and experience between my graduation from high school and when I actually enrolled at a university. I feel I have a very tangible comprehension of who I actually am and, I can directly trace this to my willingness to engage in life, rather than accept paths and goals that others wanted for me. I understand that purpose of these questions is to gaze backwards reflectively and make generic statements like: "I wish I had understood how difficult it would be to keep up with my studies, I should have focused more." or, "Pay attention to your parents and teachers advice, it will benefit you in the end." For myself, I think that is nonsense. I knew who I was at eighteen and I knew what I wanted; education without clear intention or self-directed focus is a colossal waste of time, money and life. I was unsure what I wanted at eighteen yet, I definitely knew what I didn't want: I didn't want to end up stuck in a life, job, relationship that others set before me. Pay attention young man, follow only your path. Your going to be fine.

Dear High School Geneva, You need to go to college now and you can do it if you find the right resources and people to support you. This is completely possible! You need to find one wise adult, preferrably who has been to college, who will believe with you that you can do it. You need to find one person who can show you the steps. Be persistant in finding this person, then be persistant in following their advice . Make this your number one priority. This is far more important than anything else you might wish to do right now. This is going to be hard. Become very determained. If you don't know what you want to do for a career right now, that is OK. You will know more as you progress through your education and you can always add on more training if needed. Take steps in your life to show the adults that you are serious about going to school. You need to look like you are serious. You need to seem like a good investment. Be serious. Be a good investment. Work hard, and do this now! You can do it!

I was such a quiet person when I was a senior in high school, I didn’t realize all the opportunities that were waiting for me. Furthering your education can be simple, give you a career that supports you financially and feeds your soul. The thoughts of attending college were so intimidating I couldn’t fathom starting college. Applying and attending college is not as frightening as it can seem. By talking to a college advisor you are able to define what your personal goals are. Determining what satisfies your soul and can provide a career may give you the motivation you need to get started on an educational path. Choosing a profession does not always have to be the typical careers that we hear about. There are many occupations that are seldom heard of and many more that can be adapted to fulfill your financial and personal needs. By expanding our knowledge into the unknown we are expanding the opportunities life has for us.

The advice I would give myself is to always strive towards success and not let failure be an option. Having twelve years of education is just the beginning of becoming someone in my society. When something gets hard and I fall, I have to learn to get up and keep fighting for what I want. Success is to be envied when its not acheieved by oneself because it only encourages and empowered my drive to become what I feel in my heart is success in my eyes. Money is the the main source of success, but its loving what you everyday and enjoying the beneits that come with doing that.

I would tell my high school self to not worry as much. Everything turned out just fine and I could have had more fun. I would tell myself to cherish my friendships because being at college I don't get to see my friends. I would have spent more time with my family and played with my little sister more because now I never see her. I would just have enjoyed my last year as a child, I feel like such an adult now; living on my own having to figure everything out by myself. I wish I could have warned myself to slow down and enjoy my last year of high school and living at home because I can never go back to how things used to be. But still, being on the other side looking back I think I made some good choices as well and I wouldn't change the person I've become.

I would tell myself the following: you made a good choice in parenting at 16. In college, you will attend the school where you go now for your welfare to work program. You will be helping women find safety, security, and stability. Winter term is difficult: allow yourself time to take the Winter off, you perform better the rest of the year. You will be, primarily, a straight A student. Stay active because it allows you opportunity to have mental clarity. Relax, take notes, you are a natural learner. Marylhurst is the school of your dreams: don't be scared.

First and foremost college does not need to fit any particular mold. It does not need to be a specific time period in your young life consisting of 15 credits per quarter for 12 quarters between the ages of 18 and 22. Don’t let tradition or stereotypes hold you back. Life will throw you curve balls. Just because your college career is not fitting the traditional mold does not mean that you cannot continue. Instead, embrace who you are. Be proud of everything you do in life: wife, mom, full time employee and part time student. Definitely be proud of being a part time student. Don’t think of it as being inadequate because you can’t take full time coursework and still complete everything else you do. Instead be proud that in spite of everything else you do, you’re still able to make time for your education. Soon enough you can be proud that you are a wife, mom, full time employee and college graduate!

Mariia, You graduated. It wasn’t conventional, but what in your life has been? Here's a secret you already know, but forget. You are worthy, smart, and passionate, (your tools). The amount of life you already lived will serve as a benefit to you and your future. Remember: 1) You want happiness. Achieve this by surrounding yourself with people who are. 2) Having everything figured out wont make you safe. No one ever has everything figured out. In trying, you restrain yourself form achieving what you are truly capable of. 3) To get out of your current situation, but choose trusted people willing to help. They're there, you know who they are. Follow your heart. 4) Fear is a tool, and the unknown can ascend you into worlds you don't know exist, and foster positive change (that hear of yours, it's true and solid. Trust it). 5)Know yourself. Travel. Relying on your own devises is one of the best ways to build confidence, and that kind of time spent alone is priceless. You've had to grow up so fast. Be kind and enjoy yourself. I love you, it get's better. Yours truly, Mo

Dear Beth, I know you are a go getter, goal setter and one mind set kind of person, however I would like to encourage you to open your mind up to other possibilities. You will go on to create great things, but if you would only let more into your life, just think of how much more interesting your art would be? Do not judge others, because the only thing that is left at the end of the day are people, they are what really matter. Finacial times are tough...and they don't sotp, but remember the best investment you can make is yourself. This is you future, and if you want to make an impact in your community, then just keep on going, keep loving and keep learning. Do your best and never look back, Your Future Self

If I were to go back to my senior self, I would tell myself it is ok to make mistakes. Life lessons are learned in those mistakes and make us who we are today. I would inform myself that there are going to be bumps in the road but that is ok because they make us stronger and we turn out alright. Finally, it is important to take moments to stop the hustle and bustle of life, and to breathe in the fresh air and enjoy the sun. We don't want to get to the destination and miss out on the journey.

I would have told my self to start studying more to better prepare myself for college. Also, to consider all opportunities that come to you; example, learn to say "no." The main thing that I would tell myself is, "Follow your heart, no matter where it goes."

It is important that you think about what you want to do in life and what will fulfill you long term. College is expensive and if you decide to attend, you must be ready and motivated to commit to your goal. Be mindful of your learning style as well as your holistic aspirations; what do you want to do after you graduate? What kind of lifestyle do you want to lead? How do you see your life ten years after graduation? These are important questions to ask because when you are 18 and graduating high school the motivation to go to college is to get out of your parent?s home and be independent. Consider your goals. Consider what is the easiest and most practical route to meet your goals and take the time to explore your options in the first two years while fulfilling your perquisite requirement. Attending college is an opportunity to gain knowledge experience, maturity and personal fulfillment. Most importantly, stay focused and understand that you should study something that will not only provide you with a source of income, but will fulfill you emotionally and holistically.

I would tell myself to take your time and visit as many schools as possible for as long a period of time allowed. Stay in that environment for a weekend, upwards of a week. You're going to be living here, after all, for upwards of four years! Being comfortable in a space is important to the learning process. Understanding the culture and environment will allow you to make risks you never thought possible and enter a world of huge opportunities.

David, you are the master of your destiny. Take control now and commit to putting forth your best effort. Work now for a better future, one as marvelous as you can imagine. If you go to a quality school you will find yourself constantly energized and encouraged by the experience of attending courses with great professors and fellow students. You will meet others who take interest in your growth and help you feel a part of the learning community. You will feel the freedom and power which an education provides and be able to share that with the world.

I would advise myself to follow my dreams and attend college as soon as possible. I would show myself that it is possible to to go to a good school, without finical help from ones family. I would remind myself that I am smart and that I shouldn't feel inadequate and scared of college. I know now that Marylhurst is a place for me to grow, learn and feel challenged, I would express this and the importance of these feelings to my senior self.