Minnesota State University Moorhead Top Questions

What should every freshman at Minnesota State University Moorhead know before they start?

Carl

When you start college you need make sure you have time to study. Girls are fun, drinking is fun, but it will get you into a lot of trouble. So save your nights out partying and study instead. If we would of done this when we first strated college we would of graduated already and be working on that masters degree that we want.

Robert

Make sure you are ready to grow as a person. College is not a contiunation of high school it is the next step in discovering who you are and how you fit into the world. It is a time to discover what is important to you and how you plan to incoproate these discoveries into your world. While you might think college is for you right out of high school it may not be, take time to look at all of your options so you can make the best choice for you and no one else.

Katie

I would give myself the advice that no matter how much you want to hang out with your friends and be lazy it takes a lot of effort to get through the first year of college. You have to really tell yourself that it is all worth it in the end. The effort you put into the courses will make you feel better in the end once you get back the results. It isn't going to be easy to get through it but you have to learn to tough it out. Once you have that diploma in your hand and walk off that stage, you're an adult and have to start acting like one. Don't worry if you don't figure it out right away, it takes time, but you have to willing to put everything you have into it. Also, last piece of advice, work comes in handy so work when you can.

Katrina

Do not let anyone in high school who is bringing you down allow you to feel lowly about yourself. You have turned out to be an amazing and popular student at college because of your sense of humor and kind heart. You do not need to hang on to David forever because you meet someone better than him and closer. Granted, he moves, but at least he agrees to be your boyfriend and stay loyal to you until you graduate and move down to Florida with him. Also, do not fret about that elective class that you failed one semester. Dad was wrong, he said you shot yourself in the foot and look at me, your future self, who is in college as a Psychology major. Exceed his expectation and make him feel stupid for saying rude things about you. You are better than what he thinks, and you will have friends and a boyfriend to tell you that and reassure you of that truth. Continue to talk to Joe: he's a big help on making you feel better. Most importantly, remember that Mom will always be there for you through thick and thin. Good luck, and have fun.

Bridget

I would tell myself to calm down a bit and that there is nothing wrong with taking a rest now and again. I have learned some things while here and I would wish to share them, because I was rather high-strung when I initially got to MSUM. Telling oneself to relax just a bit, so one doesn't burn oneself out is generally a good idea. Along with that, I would possibly try to tell myself that, though psychology is a rather branching field, it really is worth it, for I had a few misgivings initially with being a psychology major when I first decided that would be my major during high school.

Cecelia

Although at times it might seem like the work overload is too much to bear, stick with it because in the end, the grades are worth it. If you don't work as hard as you can, then in the future you will regret not working towards your fullest potential. Remember not to overwork yourself though, and get some sleep. Remember what that word means? It's a glorious thing that you shouldn't take advantage of. It will help you keep a clear mind so that you can do your work and life more alert and awake so that you can enjoy it more. Also, don't be scared to try the clubs that they have there, because you will meet many great friends that will help you through your coursework and that will share fun times with you. Relax, do you schoolwork, and have a great time!

Maite

The best advise for myself as a highschool school student would be to learn how to balance life. The learning process of life does not consist of only succeding academically. Do not take life too seriously, but never forget to follow the rules and continue the path to your goals. Be able to spend time with your loved ones without forgetting to get your work done. Most importanly, don't forget to dance. This is your time to be a teen-ager. Dancing will keep you healthy physically and psychologically. Last but not least, sleep. The real responsibilities will come later in your life. Don't sacrifice your rest time for a trending TV shows, social networks, or even studying too much. Learn to take care of your mind and body without interfering with your goals and relationships.

Rebecca

If I could transfer back into time to my senior year in high school, I would tell myself to try my best with all of the school work and the homework handed out. I would tell myself that the ACT test is an important test that will follow you throughout college. I would also say to study hard for the ACT and to pase myself through it. When I was in high school, I didn't take the test seriously and I scored low. Now, because of it, I have to take a math course through the technical college. The advice I would give myself if I could go back in time would be to take the ACT test more seriously and to actually study for it.

Jessica

One of the first things I would tell myself is to start scholarships right away. There was never a "too soon" period that I thought existed. With each scholarship earned, there would have been less money needed to be received from alternative sources. This would me less loans and less money out of pocket. Furthermore, this would mean less stress; I would have saved myself the worry of whether or not I would be able to finish a full year of college. Another point I would make to myself is that college is nothing like high school. Individuals are more free to express themselves in college and to ultimately be themself. Therefore, there was no need for the worry that I would be different and therefore and outcast. College came through in every part I had hoped it too. Now it is simply up to me to come through and finish my education.

Sierra

If I could go back in time and give advice to myself as a highschool senior, there are three things I would say. First, don't be afraid to make friends and meet new people. Friends can be extraordinary resources and loads of help when you need it most. There are times at college when you'll never feel more alone... leaving your old high school friends behind, your family, and your pets. It can be rough on even the toughest of souls. Having friends to cheer you up and make you laugh along the way is extremely valuable. Second, take time for yourself. Take time away from the studying, reading, researching, and late nights. Yes, grades are important, but not as important as your physical and mental health. Most people take their health for granted - including me, but not anymore. After being diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis the summer of my freshman year at the ripe old age of 19, I learned to take advantage of the few days I felt healthy and pain free. A grade is something you forget about in a week, but your body is irreplaceable. Take care of it. Lastly, just go and experience life.

Nicole

Academics is number one! Go to every class and be awake and prepaired. Friends will always be there, class is the most important. I would also remind myself to stick with it. It may seem overwhelming and tough, but anything worth doing is!

MIchelle

I would tell myself to relax. At the start of the year I was so nervous because I was the only person from my graduating class attending MSUM. I would tell myself that yes, not knowing anybody in a new place is very scary but also to suck it up and go introduce yourself to people because you will meet great people and make amazing friends. I would also tell myself to not skip class for any reason. It is possible to do well while skipping class but you are paying for it so you should attend every class and get your moneys worth in knowledge. It also makes the professors feel better when they have all of their students attend every class, and when the professor is happy everybody is happy.

Matthew

First of all I would tell myself - GET your assignments done on time! Don't get behind and try to do it all at one time, it is too over whelming. Stay on track and put your full attention in to your work. Next, start applying for scholarships as soon as they are open. If you don't have the money to pay for college, get those scholarship papers in and if you are lucky enough to have a job- SAVE YOUR MONEY, or at least half for college. College is expensive so if you don't want to be paying for your education for the next 30 years- start saving and apply for all the grants, scholarships, and finacial help you can. The last thing- Matt do better than your best in your classes. Grade do matter! Study, study, study! But remember you are a Senior and have a life, so be involved in school activites. Remember this is the best year - your senior year, work hard, and play hard.

Kimberly

You need to break out of your shell! The college experience is different for everyone, and it is up to you to make it how you want. Orientation weekend is the best weekend for some people, but it wasn't for me: I wasn't open enough to the new people I met. My advice for that time is to just be friendly to everyone, and let them know you want to hang out with them. After that, I realized how great the dorm life really was. It is important to make good relationships with your RA, and everyone else on your floor: they have become my good friends! Another thing that has made my college life great is to get involved in groups and/or organizations. It is great to gain experience, and more great friends! It will take practice to balance all the new things, like classes, friends, and organizations, but it is worth it!

Ashley

Carpe Diem, seize the day! I woudl tell myself to live life to the fullest it seriously is a beautiful and short jouney that needs to be cherished and college is a huge life enrichment. I have done the most growing in myself over the past 3 years and I am a better individual with the growth I have done. That has all been with the experiences I have gone though, leadership positions, advisers, professors, bosses, co-workers on campus, and a great major and friends within the major. I would tell myself to make mistakes and keep making them that is how we know we are alive and working towards something, without falling we wouln't know how to get back up on our feet. Each and every circumstance in life teaches us something and we take wisdom from it. I woudl tell myself to live with passion deep meaning and love as many things as possible and don't be afraid of hurt, pain and rejection if people don't like you for who you are then that is a clear indication you don't need to surround yourself with them. Find happiness in the simple things.

Haven

I would tell myself that I am just as deserving of a college ecucation as anyone else. While we may have some people in our lives who say that we can't do it and family unwilling or unable to help us, there are still options out there. People on campus are more helpful than one might think. They key to success is realizing any college experience is what you make it. Use the resources campus offers and don't be afraid to ask for answers to your questions. After all, that is the campus staff's job. You don't have to figure out every little thing for yourself, but take the initiative to know what questions you need or want to ask. Also, look into the surrounding environment of your campus for related costs such as seasonal expenses, public transportation, utility costs, and housing. Also get to know your school's community so you can not only utilize its services, but so you can also contribute through volunteer opportunities that are offered. You'll find you usually get back way more than you give, so take it as a personal challenge to see how you can improve yourself.

Mackenzie

Make new friends. Yes, the ones you had in high school were great and you can still stay in contact with them, but let them go. This college is going to take up four years of your life, and it is crucial to get out and meet new people. Don't be afraid to say "Hi" and scoot in to a chair next to someone. The worst that can happen is they'll give you a weird look and walk away. The key to being happy while away from home is finding people you enjoy being with. You probably won't end up staing friends with some of the first people you meet, but that's okay. You are a social person deep down inside, and let yourself crack out of that defensive shell you have created. Ask for people's numbers, talk to your surrounding classmates, tell stories, make jokes (even if they're not good, you can at least laugh at yourself and relieve the tension). It's going to be one of the hardest things you'll have to do in college but I can promise you, it will pay off in the end. Good luck, Mackenzie

Benjamin

Relax and let the cards fall where they may.

Jennifer

There are many choices that one has to make on a daily basis; you have to decide what to wear, what to eat, how to spend your money, and when to go to bed. But one of the biggest questions that you have to ask yourself at 18 is to continue on with a higher education or not. College was a great experience for me because I meet very influential people, learned many valuable lessons, and learned how to educate students to be healthy and fit. Through my college career, I worked with many young professionals and professors who had the same love for physical activity and health as I did. I was able to learn from all the influential people around me and take life lessons with me for the rest of my life. With my valuable lessons and great education, I was able to get a job teaching physical education right out of college. I am currently teaching middle school physical and health education. I have a great job where I get to interact with influential adolescents and help instill lifelong values and skills that students can use now and for the rest of their life.

Becca

I have been given the opportunity to grow and to expand my epxeriences.