seyrra
My college experience had taught me so much in the short semester that i've attended so far. I've learned new and interesting facts and theories from my classes and random facts from classmates. The most important thing that i think i've learn from college though is me. Moving away from home to attend college has made me refocus my attention from caring for my younger siblings to caring for myself. I've learned that i am stronger than i thought i was and that i can be a role model for my younger siblings.
Having the opportunity to be exposed to a multitude of cultures has given me a better perspective on my own life. Before college i will have to admit that i was a bit ethnocentric, but mow i realize that there is a whole world of differences, and differences is what makes the world interesting.
I don't think i could have learned so much about my self or about the world that i was blind to before if i had not attended a University. It has help me tremendously to understand myself and have repsect for differences.
Nicole
Well by attending college im getting all my pre-requisite classes over with at the community college closer to my house. That way in the long run i wont be paying college loans for the next 10 to 20 years. College is great. It is basically on your own time. If you want to work hard and get all the work done that is how you pass your classes. Otherwise its a waste of time and money. As far as college party life goes there is not much at this school. Which is fine because im here to pass my classes not go into them hungover. So that is my college experiece. Not really crazy but it will get me farther in life and have a job down the road.
Karla
Out of my college experience I have gotten education. My whole purpose of being in school is to get an education and have a better life for myself. NAU has provided me with great teachers and awesome resources to help me succeed in my field of study. I have gained a lot more than just an education. I have been able to expand my mind and learn more. I have met some incredible people who have opened my eyes to different perspectives. Even if I do not completely agree with their views it still helps me grow as a person and I am able to view things through their eyes and they are able to view my perspectives and see from where I come from and why I am how I am because of certain things they do not have much of an understanding for.
Maricela
My college experience has taught me how to be independent. It taught me responsibility of myself and that how I do in school will affect my future. Attending college has and is very valuable to me because I want to have a career in something that I would love to do which is be a catholic counselor but for children. If I would have had that as a child It would have saved me from many painful experiences that have affected my life. It is also valuable because I have learned the hard way that I only have myself and that I can only depend on me and god of course. When you get betrayed by the person you loved the most and you lose everything because of them and because you were naive you realized even more how important school is. If I would have prioritized my school and myself I wouldn't be where I am now with nothing. I would have my career doing something I love which is more rewarding than just the money and I would be able to take care of myself. College prepares you so you can face the world with confidence.
jordan
Through my first semester in college I learned many things about myself and what I really didn?t know about myself. In my first semester I really was just shocked about how different it was from high school because I was all alone able to do what I want. I was kind of shell shocked on how little high school prepared me for college, but that was mainly my fault for making my senior year easy instead of preparing myself for college. Halfway through the semester I realized I don?t know how to study or manage my time very well. Now in my second semester I have completely changed it was a real Jackal and Hyde change. Only one semester and my whole outlook on school changes I have all knew habits and I do my work the day its assigned instead of at the last minute. Now I can take this new outlook on education and time management and apply it to other aspects of my life.
Roxanna
The most important thing that I have gotten out of my college experience is knowing that I will constantly always be learning and have much to learn about people. So far, I have been to four different colleges over the years, one in which I went through a study abroad program to Kolkata, India. I have realized that I am always going to be a student in life through this experience of college, even when I graduate from college. There are so many things that I am looking to do, such as travel around the United States as well as abroad again, explore people more through volunteer work, learn more about different cultures and I feel like this will all be easier for me with a degree in Secondary Education and Special Education which I am currently working towards. I want to be a teacher in life as well as a student because I know I still have much to learn. I do not believe I would have come to this realization without college. I am thankful for the college experiences that I have already endeavored, as well as the student experiences I will have in the future.
Jessamyn
My decision to attend Northern Arizona University was the most advantageous decision I have made thus far. Living on my own and being solely responsible for myself and my personal actions, such as whether or not to attend class every day, has made me more responsible and accept responsibility for my actions. For instance, on the occasion I do miss a class, due to an illness or because my alarm does not succeed in waking me up on that particular morning, I will go in on my own time to make up what I missed. In addition, I have also learned the importance of managing my time; this is helps me plan when to work on a certain assignment and how long I am able to work on it until I have to move onto the next project. This asset will come in handy in real-world situations when I obtain a job as a Registered Nurse; my ability to manage my time will allow me to equally care for all patients that have been assigned to me and not leave anyone out.
Maeghan
If I could go back in time with all the knowledge I have today, I would tell the highschool senior me to save my money. I would tell myself not to go to NAU, and to go to a community college for a year because it would be the wise thing to do for the new dreams I would discover in the near future. I would tell myself to start taking classes that would go towards this new dream. Going to a community college would not be fun, but it would absolutely be worth it. I would also tell myself to work on a lot more scholarships, because believe it or not, big dreams costs big money. I would finally tell myself to enjoy the time I had left, because although I was so ready to get out than, I would assure myself, I'd miss highschool.
Christine
My transition to college was like being pushed off a high-dive, everything rushed in at once. If I could go back and give my high school self advice it would be to wait. I'd tell her not to go right to college just because she thinks she has to; to travel, live, and figure out what she likes to do. I'd say she has plenty of time to decide what to be when she grows up, and she'll change her mind a few times along the way, so pick things she'll enjoy doing rather that doing what she's told she should do. I'd tell her friends are wonderful, but spending all your time with them makes it hard to study; some of what I learned in class will actually be useful someday - she should pay attention. I'll also tell her there's a lot of things I learned in class that I never used, so don't study all the time - some of those friendships will last for years, and teach her things classes never could. I'd say "Have fun, take your time, and be yourself - there's no rush."
April
Throughout high school I was an acceptable student , however, that was one issue, I was only mediocre. I always managed to get a"B" in my classes, but this was never enough to stand out. I wish i could have talked to myself and forced myself to study harder and do the very best to my abililties. This would have helped me retain the information a little better, rather than memorized and slightly forgetting the information.
Critical thinking is a big part of the college process. If I would have done more quality work during high school, there would have been a better chance of retaining the information learned. This information would have been useful when trying to solve problems for my college classes. There was not so much critical thinking in high school, it was mostly memorization. If I could go back in time, I would definitely tell myself to critically analyze the questions asked and spend more time with learning the information, rather than memorizing.
Jefffrey
Work hard and don't give up on yourself. Apply to schools early and work on getting as many scholarships as you can because paying for college isn't easy. Don't waste time doing nothing when you know that you should be doing homework. Don't join every club just because other people are. Join clubs that make you happy and will benefit you. Take up leadership opportunities because they'll teach you how to prioritize and organize your schedule. It's ten times better to be a student than to be an athlete. An athlete's career ends when they are no longer useful. With a good education and good schools, you can get a job that will ensure your future worthiness. Don't let your future control what you do now either. Don't try and predict what is going to happen in the future. Instead, just know what you want and pursue it to the end. Finally, do not let your mistakes in the past haunt you. Live your life without chaining your mind and heart to things that will hold you back. Stay free and dedicated to only yourself until you are ready.
Julia
The ability to go back in time and talk to myself would be one of the best things that could happen to me. If I was able to do so, I would start by telling myself that it is going to be a big change, even if you're only two hours away. I would then tell myself to make sure that I put myself out there, and make new friends, because they are what will keep you sane in college. Without them, college is a lonely place where all you do is work. I would then tell myself the obvious, go to class. But the obvious is not always followed, and tends to get a lot of people into trouble (I have first hand experience). Make sure you eat properly is another. Do not pig out on junk food or cheeseburgers all the time, it will slow you down and make it almost impossible to stay alert in class. Most importantly though, I would tell myself to have fun, and not take everything too seriously; college is supposed to be a time of your life where you have a blast and grow into yourslef. Make sure you have fun.
Irae
If i could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, i would have so much more advice. First and formal, i would tell myself to make sure to sign up for scholarships way ahead of time. Also make sure you keep up with your grades. Then i would make sure that i learn better study techniques, and know how to study in a more quiet environment. Another important thing i would tell myself, is to prioritize well and have good time management. To know that school is first, and that you're going to college to better your future and to be successful.
Bailey
If I were to go back in time, I would tell myself to be who I really am. I hide behind a facade when in the presence of others, but everyone is different and so am I. I'm beginning to break out of my shell and be who I want to be and express my opinions more in class because I know I won't be judged by my classmates. And if they don't like me, well then that's their problem because I love who I am and that I don't need their judgements to bother me. I would also tell myself to relax and have fun - school isn't all about studying all the time. Make friends and go have fun in your free time.
Brianna
Go slow, ignore the counselors, and reach out to people. Don't be afraid to speak your mind, and don't let anyone talk down to you. Get more scholarships, you'll need them. Most importantly, get out more!
Jennilynn
I came from a lower class family that lived on the southeast side of Chicago. I was an excellent student until I developed panic disorder. I was fearful of having a panic attack at school and that lead to my lack of my attendance . I didn't understand my condition and my family didn't have money for therapy . Ultimately, fear kept me from persuing my dream of becoming the first female in my family to receive a bachelor's degree.
If I could go back, I would give myself the encouragement that I needed. I'd give a clear explaination of what panic disorder is and why it shouldn't push me off track. I'd explain the importance of having a college "career" and how it would give me the confidence that I needed in life. I'd tell myself that attending college means more than having a degree in hand. It's an experience that builds integrity, which is exactly what I needed to become a successful adult. Most importantly, I'd tell myself that I'd never get ahead if I let fear make my choices.
Paige
With both the opportunity to speak with my high-school self and the knowledge that I have acquired during my freshman year of post-secondary education, I would give myself several pieces of advice regarding the transition into college life.
The first piece of advice regards the importance of scholarships and financial aid. Of all the different extra-curricular activities available, applying for scholarships is one of which I would advise my na?ve self to participate.
Secondly, as I now know, living five hundred miles away from the individuals I care most about is a difficult aspect of college life. I would advise my high-school self to try not to worry about the separation. Even though all of those individuals are miles away, they will always remain close at heart.
The final piece of advice I would give myself is to release any inhibitions and enjoy the time that I have at hand. A potpourri of people diversifies any college campus. So far I have met a variety of individuals. I would advise myself to be comfortable with my personality and semblance and find the friends who will enjoy me for exactly what I am.
Kyndra
As a high school senior, I wish someone would have told me to visit as many college campuses as I could and then decided which one I would enjoy and succeed at. I would give myself advice on roommates and how it isn't the wisest decision to room with your best friend. I would tell myself to put myself out there and to try to make as many new friends as possible and to get involved with clubs on campus as well as getting to know the city in which my school is located. I would tell myself that college is completely different from high school and that you have to actually read your textbooks and study everyday to get good grades and succeed in your class. Also, I would tell myself to apply for more scholarships and to do anything I can to save money and not get into total debt from school.
Kelsey
College has an outlook to be a great time, but it really takes a lot of dedication and time. It's not all about parties and fun. It's about changing the rest of your life with the start of an education. Concentration is key. I would tell myself to look more into schools that would fit my major and look good when graduation hits. I would pick a school that will fit my personality and style. I would tell myself to make a lot of friends and not to stick with the ones I have already. Life moves on, so don't regret anything. College is a whole new experience and make the best of it. You should pace yourself well and focus on everything. I would join clubs and stay active. College is a huge part of life, and just enjoy every part of it.
Sara
If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior the message would be simple, cherish your time. I found the most difficult thing about college and transitioning was time management. Suddenly I had extra time between classes, I could stay out as late as I wanted and I had no parents to tell me what to do. The problem was my workload increased dramatically. I would tell myself that no matter how smart I think I am in high school, college changes all of that. Nothing in college is unnecessary, if a professor wants you to read a chapter, you better read that chapter. If you don?t study for quizzes like they are test, you will fail. Also I would make sure as a senior I would know to spend more time with friends and family. I would want my younger self to spend most afternoons with friends that choose to go to school very far away and to realize how much my family does for my. Although staying in touch with the Internet is easy, once you leave the people you care about, you miss them terribly.