Northwest Vista College Top Questions

So, you're thinking about going to college? Here are a few words of advice to help you get through it: it is NOT one big party! As much as you think going to college is all about meeting new people, making new friends, and having a great time every day - you also need to understand that school MUST come first if you want to succeed. If you slack off in school and fail to focus on your studies, you will fail classes and eventually, you will be kicked out of school. Also, go to class! I know it seems like you can just read the book and study before a test and still be able to pass without having to wake up for that early class twice a week; but, I promise you, it will be so much easier if you just go to class and listen! Lastly, be prepared to grow up. You are going to be on your own, making your own choices. Mom and Dad worked very hard to teach you how to make the right decision and stay on track with your life. Remember their lessons. In the end, it will all be worth it.

So you think your ready for college? You think you know how your going to do? Well you're wrong! Make sure that you don't slack off and a relationship comes after. You're grades are important if you plan on becoming a nurse. The only person that's going to help you succeed is yourself. Everyone else they're only going to pull you back from what you need to be doing. Attendence is a main key factor if you don't attend and it will only hurt you! Yes, you're probaly thinking but alot may be revising to me. Well it was and even though it is you still must attend cause attendence counts against your grade. You may tell yourself that youll take me serious and listen but really you're going to need to resist everything else. Really avoid all of it because if not you're going to be me who regrets my actions and grades. I made a big mess of my first semester and thought that i could do both work and school. I realized that i could not do it and i was not prioritized and now i regret it.

I would tell myself to work hard in my classes and register early. If you have questions don't be afraid to ask them. Everyone on campus is really friendly and hard working. I would also tell myself that a lot of my friends are going to be attending this school and if possible, set up a car pool. There are many resources on campus that can help you, so take advantage of them. Tutoring can only help you and there will be time for this, no excuses. Build a relationship with your proffessors, they are always lokking for bright students and can help in the future with career planning and possible internships. Overall, enyoy yourself, college is work, but it is also fun and an experience to be treasured and appreciated.

I would tell myself to work harder and focus on the future. Work through the hard times becuase they will only make you a stronger individual at the end. Make memories and take plenty of pictures, because this is the end and you only get one senior year of high school. Don't be afraid of moving on into the big world, embrace is. It's you becoming an adult and going out on your own to make something of yourself. The last thing I would tell myself is that no matter what happens, you will always have people in your life there to support you, your family.

The advice I would give my high school senior self would be to enter college the semester following my graduation from high school. I had will have just earned my Dual-Credit in College Algebra and my education would be fresh on my mind. I would advice myself that though I was worried about attending college and missing classes due to my disability, to just go ahead and apply. Waiting was a mistake and it was very difficult to convince myself to finally get into college. Now after 4 years, I am finally in college, but I feel obligated to retake my College Algebra class and I could have already nearly earned my Bachelor's Degree by now. I wasted years of my life telling myself "I will get into school next semester." I never realized that I would actually be happier in college than I have been my whole life. Graduating high school was the best choice of my life at the time: all I had to do was to take the next step to make an even better choice. I have learned from mistakes and plan to stay in school until I earn the degrees I want!

If I were to be able to go back and talk to myself I would say, put ALL you have into your work. Do not give into peer pressure. Trust your gut. Do what you think is right and not what everyone else is doing. Focusing on your school work needs to be your MAIN priority. No one is going to be there holding your hand for every step you do take. You have to be the one to initiate success. The professors are not going to make you get up and go to class everyday. You have to make yourself go. Even if you are sick, GET UP AND GO. You can not afford an absence. They will appreciate you getting up and going as to staying in bed all day and missing out on the lesson. It shows that you can fight against whatever you are going through. Times may be tough, but you are stronger than that! I know you. You have more will power than anyone else I know. YOU CAN DO THIS.

If I were able to speak to myself, to give myself some words of wisdom, it would be this; do not procrastinate. Uncertain of the steps I needed to take, I did not attempt to at least figure out these steps before important school deadlines. My ability to receive the help and funding necessary to attend my desired university diminished quickly. This eventually led to my attendance at a local community college. Unfortunately this did not occur until a year after my high school graduation. I would tell myself to not be afraid to ask others for help. The entire process of registering and paying for college would have gone much more swiftly had I asked knowledgeable individuals I knew about the next steps.

Hey Jason, how are you doing? Congratulations on your upcoming graduation with the Class of 98. Have you thought of your long term goals? Still focusing on all the wrong things, aren't you? I know you think that you are successful with how your "music career" is going right now, and it is. But what you don't know is that CD sales are about to hit a sharp decline and people are going to start using that internet thing a whole lot more. In fact, there is going to be a big shake up in the music industry and some of the top artists might not even sell 100,000 records because people will be able to "download" all the newest music for free! On top of that, you are going to become a father in two years and having a daughter is about to change any long term plans that you thought you had for yourself. All I can tell you is to devise a plan to make a career out of doing what you love. Prepare, stay focused and follow through with that plan no matter how tough the road may get for you. Good luck!

Study hours are worth it. Designate time EVERY DAY. Even if its just 30 minutes.

I would have to travel quite a ways back in time to talk to my high school self, but I wish I could, and help break through the thick skull that was! I would let me know that taking a 'semester' off after high school is not the great idea it sounds like, and can turn into years. Also, I would try to hammer home that my education is for my benefit; a choice that I should make and respect because life without it is lacking. Therefore, treat it seriously, and embrace it for the opportunity it is, not as a burden to be avoided. As you focus on your personal experience, let the pressures you feel from family and friends fall to the side. This is for YOU. College is a blessing not to be taken lightly. Don't fear the economic repercussions, for the willing truly do find a way. Between scholarships, grants, and loans, there is no reason not to jump in and seize the chance at an infinitely better tomorrow.