Metropolitan State University of Denver Top Questions

I would tell myself that I do not have to have my whole career mapped out to earn a degree! I obtained an Associate?s degree in nursing, but then considered medical, veterinary or law school?in hindsight, I wish I had gone ahead and gotten a Bachelor?s degree in nursing. Once I was committed to a BSN, I wanted to get the degree as soon as possible, not realizing how much I would learn?I thought being an experienced and accomplished nurse was enough! One's views change as one becomes more educated. I am now in the dissertation phase for a PhD in the School of Education with a specialization in instructional design for online learning. Going back, I would want to know that to have all the answers about one?s future actually limits potential?maybe the dreams are bigger than what one might imagine. Finally, I would tell myself to trust the process of learning?it may not be linear, and can be scary, but growth on all levels takes time?and there can be no greater use of time than that spent learning.

Find something you want to do, something that you like, and that drives you to acheive it. Whatever the goal is, make it your #1 and put everything you've got into it. Go to new places, try new things, converse with different people, and be open to a world greater than anything you've yet to experience. Grow academically, socially, politically, and personally too. Maintain a comfortable balance and don't let stress, and the people around you control how you act and react. Be yourself, be comfortable, and be ready to have the best time of your time. Don't resist change so much -- it will be okay to experience something new that makes you a bit uncomfortable at first. Quitting is never an option, and remember what Dad always said: "If you're early you're on time, on time and you're late, late and you're outta luck." Give it your all, stand proud, and live.

If i could go back as a senior i would tell myself that i need to organize my time. When im in college i'll need to work and study and if i dont havce things in a set block then rushing and frustration start. Also i would say to join an interest group and become involved with school and also get to know your teacher. Communicating with a professor can be a big help when scheduling conflicts arise. Being apart of the school groups and events also makes you feel connected and can ease the strain of school life.

Dont do it.

Conversation to my self: "Hey, Deanna, I know you're really stressed out about this whole college process. You're so tired of people asking you what you're going to do when you graduate, and what you want to become. I know you want to figure out what is best for you to do, and I know you have no idea what college is going to be like. But guess what? The professors in college are not all grumpy old men and women who are only there to write books and show off their knowledge. In fact, most of them actually care about your education. Ultimately, though, it is up to you to make college worth it. The studying is not that bad; you will get through it. And don't worry, once you get through your first year, you WILL decide what you want to do, and that there are some subjects out there you really enjoy. But if you change your mind along the way, it is okay-- it actually happens a lot in college. Let your passions show in all of the work you do, and it will all be worth it in the long run. "

Don't let up. Even though you are coming to the end of your high school career, this is a transition, not an end. Take time over the summer to review some of your work you've done during your senior year so the material stays fresh in your mind. Read over the summer and practice writing a few research essays where you can also practice using sources. Don't be nervous going into college, this transition is the similar as when you went from middle school into high school, but now you're on your own. Your parents won't be there to hold your hand and watch over you the same as when you were in high school. Now you are an adult and the decisions you make have more of an impact on your life then they did when you were younger. Remember to keep up with all assignments, write everything down, and start any project or homework as soon as you can. Most importantly out of any advice, have fun. These will be the best days of your life if you allow yourself to enjoy them responsibly.

College is the same as high school, it just has more assignments and more reading. You have to know how to manage your time and know your priorities.

Gabriel, This is college now, not high school; it?s a whole new ballgame. You can?t get away with half measures. It?s time to focus on what?s really important. It?s going to be hard, but you?re up for it. Don?t forget to use the resources you have. Get to know your professors, ask questions and get their view on topics in class. Don?t be afraid to disagree with them on something; it can open up a whole new area for conversation and they love that. Find something to do that doesn?t have to do with class. Your mind needs the break in order to fully integrate what you?re learning. Balance is the key; time to study, time to rest, time to play. Get the balance wrong and you?re going to burn out. Apply for internships. This is why you want to get to know your professors; you are going to want their recommendations. So fill those applications, go to every interview you can (the practice is good for you!) and get all the experience you can before you graduate. Best of luck, Gabriel

If I had to go back in time and tell myself about the transition to college it would be that everyday is a new beginning. Regardless of what you were before college is a new start and never let an opportunity slip through your fingers. I would tell myself that every experience opens up new opportunities to discover truth about you and about the world. I would tell myself to be patient, enjoy the experience, work hard, and utilize every resource that is offered because it will only make me stronger. Finally, I would tell myself not to take any class or opportunity for granted because you never know when you can use that knowledge to help you excel in the future.

Ok, so you think life can?t get much better, and you?re tired of listening to people rant about how fabulous it is to be living away from your parents in a dorm, surrounded by awesome people who seem to constantly be partying just because it?s Tuesday. But truthfully, college is totally worth it. Sure, you may get stuck with a strange roommate your first year, but after that you decide who you live with and what you study. You finally get to be in control of your own life, and while that might scare the crap out of you right now, it?s really one of the best things about growing up. Take some time to figure out what you want (and stop listening to everyone else), because this is your life and not theirs. You can even take off a year or ten before getting your degree, and while you might feel a little strange when your friends are graduating from college and you?re not, everyone has to experience life on their own terms. No matter what you decide to do or when you decide to go, have fun and make it your own.