North Idaho College Top Questions

"Dear Past Nate, I'm here to set you straight. You may think that a 1890 is a good SAT score. No. You can do better. Retake that test, and while you're at it, take the ACT too. It will help you regarding scholarships. You need to stop procrastinating. Hurry up and get your Eagle Scout. The sooner you have it, the sooner it goes on your scholarships and resumes. Get your FAFSA done too. Don't wait until the deadline. Problems arise, and stops you from getting any financial aid besides loans. Get it done, so you can get money for college. Another thing. Dont take forever finding a job. College is expensive, and you need all the money you can get. Stop watching TV and apply for jobs. Your current laziness hurts my future. Lastly, after all that is done, enjoy the time you have in high school. You won't see many of those people again. Enjoy your time with them. Go to your prom. Ask out that girl. Have an open mind. These things will help you enjoy your life more, and a better attitude about the world. Good luck."

I would have definitely spent more time applying for scholarships and keeping my grades up. GPA is very important and has a major impact on where you can go to school. I would have told myself that all of this extra time and effort would pay itself off in the end.

When I was in High School, dual enrollment was not even heard of. The ability to graduate from High School with a two year college degree would be a dream come true! I would advise myself to go through that program so I could complete my college bachelor degree in two years after graduating high school! I was engaged at age 16, and married at age 18, so I didn't even go to college. My daughter recently graduated from North Idaho College and inspired me to go to school. Now I am starting my 5th semester after being out of school for 30+ years!

When I was a high school senior, I was riddled with guilt over my inability to partake in the senior year activities. I felt horrible for being a recluse, and worse, for losing my outgoing friends. My parents nagged me, claiming these four years were to be the best of my life--and I would cry, distraught with the idea of years worse than these. Drunken parties, popularity contests, and school spriti weeks. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't care about them. Everyone told me I would regret wasting my senior year, holed up in my bedroom with a Stephen King novel every Friday night. But looking back, I know they were wrong. Already, I know life outside of high school to be more positive and self-satisfying. College provides new challenges, but rather than an intense focus on social hierarchy, college pushes you academically. I have learned about Thoreau and Stowe and Achende, , talented writers far more interesting than binge-drinking. If I could tell the high school senior version of myself one thing, it would be to forget the masses. The shame of being unique and shy dissipates in college, and instead transforms into pride.

I would most likely get a partime job. I would work harder on my math and study more than i do. I would look for scholarships to sign up for. I would have told myself that college is fun ,but is hard. I would tell myself that it also costs a lot of money as well.

If I had this opportunity to talk to myself, I would warn myself of what the life of a homeless addict could bring. I wish I could convince a younger me to strive for greater things, because I now have a beautiful daughter and am making a positive step in my life, without drugs. I would tell this younger man, that there is a light beyond the darkness, a smile after the depression; that even though my life is not easy in the future, it is worth the struggles. Though I do wish I did not have to put myself through years of torture to finally see it. If I could turn back time to tell a brilliantly gifted young man that things would be okay and to just do homework, just study for once, to be humble and grateful, to not squander the jaded life for a few mischievious laughs. College is a wonderful experience and had I been there earlier, making this transition would not feel so difficult. Every day I wonder what I would say to a younger me. In short I just wish I could have the chance to tell me "Keep your head up".

I haven't experience college life yet but my older brother has so from what I've heard or seen from him, I'd say. Apply early to schools, try to know what you want to study and make sure you like the school. I'd also tell myself to try to balance my social life and studies a little better.

Go out more. That's probably surprising, but I needed it. I spent literally every night on the computor answering algebra questions so I could get done early. (I hate math.) I needed to be out and be social more, but I'm kinda awkward and not as much of a social butterfly as some of my other friends, so I decided not to leave the house much. I didn't really get to the know the guys on the football team very well and I wish I would have. Just things like that... ALSO, don't date anyone in high school. Worst idea ever. High school relationships are a terrible idea simply due the lack of selection... you just don't find very many people you have things in common with, and what are you gonna do? Stay together when you guys both go off to college. Very rarely ever happens and so you just set yourself up for heartache. It WAS a learning experience, but it wasn't worth it. Unfortunately, i'll never get this paragraph. Maybe you guys can send it to some high schoolers, although it's not like they'd listen. *Shrug*

My biggest struggle with college, has been how to pay for it. If I could give my high school self advice, I would say three things: #1: Start researching and applying for scholarships at the beginning of your senior year. If you apply early you'll have more time to put thought into your essays, and you won't feel as much pressure as the deadlines approach. #2: Keep your grades up. I know senior year is supposed to be fun and exciting with graduation and prom, but don't let your grades suffer. #3: Volunteer more. There is nothing more gratifying than giving your time and talent to worthy causes. All of these pieces of advice have the potential to launch you into a successful future.

I would have told myself to start college right after high school. Since I waited a couple years, I won't be finished with my degree until I'm older. Which means I will start in my career later on. I wish I would have known just how important a college degree is to finding a good paying job in the area.