Northwestern Michigan College Top Questions

If I could go back in time... This has always been a question I have tried to avoid simply because of the mistakes I have made in my life. And truly the only way I would go back is if I could go back knowing what I know now. That is what makes this question unique and answerable for me. I would definitly encourage myself knowing the great challenges that lie ahead, but also keeping my eyes focused on the prize. When the challenge is great it makes the reward even greater. The harder we have to work the more we respect where we are and what we have accomplished. I would tell myself that the people I meet and the relationships I will form will be lasting. And to take everything in as this will be the time of my life. But also to buckle down stay away from the parties and ladies. They will be there, but this oppurtunity for the rest of my life won't be. I would tell myself that this is the best thing you will ever do for yourself. Stay focused, work hard, and don't lose faith in God.

A letter to my 18-year-old, college-bound self from my 35-year-old, re-entering college self: Self: You?re about to leave your comfy house with the waterbed and mom and move into a 12? x 12,? insane asylum blue, cinder block "room." Take the time to decorate, it will help. Food on campus is not good. My advice: eat an ENORMOUS breakfast because lunch is particularly awful! You?re going to have to read until your eyes hurt. Take out your contacts to read. On the subject of reading: get used to the fact your books will be your biggest expense. College is going to be four years of new experiences, soak them in! Which brings me to the present-day. Here you are, 35; a bachelor?s degree in journalism that you never made a career out of; still paying students loans; and going back to college to try to break into a field where you maybe won?t be so susceptible to the economy for your lively hood. I?ll leave you with this: Good Luck! You?re going to need it, both this time around and the next. Sincerely you, Jennifer Shock

Keep your eyes on the prize, never give up. Even if things go slowly, keep working at them, you and you will succeed all in all your goals. Oh, and work a little harder on the math, you'll need it.

"Samantha, you are allowed to change. Just because you were different in High School, misunderstood, does not mean that you will have no friends here. You have a chance to be someone completly different, because you are meeting people who don't know you. Don't put off college for as long as you did, go right at it from High School. Don't worry about realationships, boys, drinking or drugs, because those are just going to keep you from your dreams of being a memorable member of society. You matter, to someone, you matter. You are bright and talented. You are beautiful, interesting and worth while. You are caring, loving and loyal. In college you will be able to use your traits to your advantage. People want to meet you and know you, and be your friend. College professors want to hear your opinion. You are not alone. Not matter how much you feel lonely, there is always someone out there willing to talk to you and be your friend."

I would go back in time and tell myself that no matter how much pressure everyone is putting on you, you have to remember to stay calm throughout the process. Applying for scholarships, choosing a degree and classes, and enrolling is a very stressful and difficult situation to handle. I would also tell myself to prepare doing all of the deciding and researching about your degree because the counselors do not help as much as you would think they would. Even though this is a very stressful and difficult time you have to remember that schooling is extremely important, and you cannot give up hope! Even when you want to give up you cannot. Just tough it up and you will make it through unscratched!

My advie to myself and to all seniors would be to grow up, mature and take responsibility for your future. I would encourage a strong academic background, an honorable attendance, a respectful stance with instructors and a willingness to comprehend what the future can hold for you. I would tell them this is not the year to skip school, to become lax in their grades and to belittle or disrespect their teachers or classmates. This is the year to excell and show everyone how you have grown and learned through the years. Prove that you can perserve in the future and explain that today, right now, what you do can and probably will determine your future. The past is in the past, let it go, but today the future is in your hands. Be wise and be smart in your choices.

Don't slack off senior year and make each moment count.