Oregon State University Top Questions

If I could go back in time and talk to myself I would start by saying change what you are doing. I would also tell myself how important it is to try my hardest and do not give up, you will make it to graduation day. I would tell myself I should start looking for a job so I can save money to help pay for my college education. At first you may think you can not make the transition into college but you can do it just try and stay focused on what is important. The next thing I would tell me is once this is done you will have a career in the field you want and if you get good grades now it will help you when choosing a college in the very near future. College at first may seem hard but just put your mind to it and ask as many questions as you need to so you understand what is being said. Do not procrasate, leave yourself enough time to get your work done so you are not stressing about it at the last minute.

To whom it may concern, My name is Maritza Hernandez, I am a first generation college students in my family. I am proud to be studying at Holyoke Community College. I look forward to making the Dean list by the end of this semester. I am a dedicated mother of two wonderful children a girl that is 14 and a boy that is 11. I am proud to be in college an being a positive role model not only for my children but for many other that look up to me for guidance. The only advice that I would give myself would be to finish college once I completed High School. My goal is to break the barriers of poverty for my generation to come. I look forward to hearing from you. Sincerely Yours Maritza Hernandez

If there was any peice of advice i could give myself two years ago, it would be to get my license. Growing up in a home schooling household, I wasn't able to get my driving license until I was 18. Not having a license kept me from getting a job or applying for internships that could have helped me through my college education. I regret that I didn't push myself to get my license, and it is the one thing I would change about my senior year.

I would tell myself to pick a school with an environment that I felt comfortable in. Having a place that you feel more at home in will mke everything easier. I would advice myself to pick a smaller school where you could get to know your teachers and classmates better. I would also say to think about the town size as well becasue it is easy to get lost in a big town when you are used to a one stop light kind of place. As for high school I would advice myself to take more college credit classes from the community colllege so that I could have some of it out of the way when I got here. I might tell myself to spend more time with friends in high school because you don't have as much time for that in college. Most of all I would tell myself to enjoy being at home while it lasts and to cherish all of the time possible with my parents.

Assuming I could go back in time and talk to myself as I High School Senior the advice I would say to give it my all insports because I truly believe I couldve recieved a full ride scholarship if I couldve stuck with baseball. I couldve completed worked towards my Bachelors degree with a full ride scholarship and then enrolled in the military. Knowing all the benefits of higher rank in the military really changed my perspective on how I wish I wouldve stuck with my baseball. I could be in a much better place right now. So yes, I would definatly try to pursade myself into sticking with baseball and getting that full ride Scholarship.

I would tell myself to apply for more scholarships sooner and to hang out with friends at home rather than working so hard before moving. I should have enjoyed the time I had left before leaving everyone else behind.

Just keep surviving Andrew,. Keep surviving. Its hard right now. Nothing makes sense. It seems like life is moving so fast. You will catch up. You will take a different path from the others. You will eventually find yourself. There are going to be times that you feel like giving up, throwing in the towel. There are going to be times when admitting to failure seems like the only way out. All you have to do is keep surviving. You life will work itself out. You will finally find the thing you have been looking for your entire life. You will be able to sleep in peace. You will look people in the eye and know that you are no better, no worse than they are. Life will take on a whole new meaning. The void you have been trying to fill will be filled with the unexpected. A fire will be lit under you. You will walk through life knowing that you can do anything. The feeling of hopelessness and self hate will be lifted. The only requirement is survival. Just keep surviving Andrew. Survive.

Work hard, this is nothing, wait until you have to pull all nighters, while being sick. You will have fun, you will meet new friends. Things will always get better, no matter the problem. You may have to retake a class or two, it sucks but don't sweat it. You will work hard, you will be supported, and you will be fine. I promise, I'm doing it right now. I am working hard to get the grades I want and the future I need. You can do this. You will be successful, all you have to do is try.

I would give an advice of staying on top of things, go against what the advisors tells you, do what you feel is right. Whenever you feel like you are behind, ask for help from the teacher, teacher's assistant, peers, and friends. Don't procrastinate and learn some time management. I would also advise not to underestimate any classes, people perform poorly in "easy" classes because they lack studying for that particular class.

Don't play football with the boys so you can finish your military career and have them pay for college for you.

I would say to go somewhere where you are surrounded by friends and things that make you happy and secure, so you can focus on school and do better emotionally and academically

GO TO S.T.A.R.T. you are able to register for classes, as well as getting to know the campus before you start school later that same year. It is key to move to Corvallis a few weeks before school starts. This is important because you are able to get to know the town, social setting, and what is acceptable on and off campus. Corvallis is a true college town so you are able to really enjoy your experience here, but you must be respectful of others around you, so get to know your neighbors no matter where you live in town!

Go to class! Some classes, even large ones, take attendance which counts towards your grade. Plus, most teachers base their tests on lectures, not the book.

I would advise myself to prepare for a change in lifestyle, living more independently and making my own choices more independently than ever before. Make sure I know where I stand on issues of moral, scientific truths, religion, and my social circle. I would also tell myself to be sure to prepare everything before I go, make sure all of my financial aid is in place and double check everything that needs to be done before leaving the house and going to live on my own. Another thing I would tell myself is that sometimes things will seem hard and I will feel like I am in the wrong place, but I must realize in those times that I am not alone and that I am in the place I need to be in and I will do well here if I have confidence in myself and manage the opportunity I have been given well. Finally, I would tell myself to make the most of this blessing to be so fortunate to persue an education in such a great place, for I know not everyone is given such a chance. Don't take anything for granted, but enjoy it.

I know that it seems like you have to have everything figured out right now, you don’t. I know money seems tight but remember, where there is a will there is a way. Don’t take no for an answer anymore, advocate for yourself in your academics! Don’t tell yourself you’re not good enough because you are. Be sure to fill out your FAFSA as soon as possible; don’t procrastinate on that because the stress of waiting until the last minute is not worth it. Don’t be afraid to go out of your comfort zone and meet new people, everyone here is very friendly and accepting. Your morals will be tested, hold tight to them because once you lose your morals, you lose yourself. Don’t feel pressure to rush… there are plenty of women who are successful and aren’t in a sorority. Don’t bring your entire closet; the dorm rooms aren’t that big. You’ll need to get a job so apply quickly because everyone is in the same situation. These will be some of the best years, but focus on school too because its the true reason you're going.

Research early admission programs. If you your academic advisor doesn't know much about your intended major ask them if they can do some research for you or get you connected with the right resources. Get involved and volunteer. The more extracurricular activities you're involved in the more eligible you are for scholarships. You are also more well rounded and have a more competitive resume. If possible get some work experience while going to school. When you graduate not only will having a degree be important but also showing that you have some experience is very important. Make friends get to know the locals. They can introduce you to lay of the land. Have fun. It's not all work and no play. This is going to be one of the most significant chapters in your life. Enjoy it.

If I could go back and give my freshman-self advice, it would be RELAX! You don't need to squeeze every little thing into your first term or even year. Go into college with an open mind to try new things, but don't spread yourself too thin. College isn't a one-year venture! And yet, on the complete other side of my brain, I'd suggest they get involved with organizations sooner than later. Before you head out to whatever college, do some general research on things that interest you and what your potential colleges offer in that area. I didn't get involved in an organization until my sophmore year, but I've always kicked myself for not joining an OSU choir until a year later. Also, don't eat the food at McNary dining hall. You can thank me later.

If I could go back and give my freshman-self advice, it would be RELAX! You don't need to squeeze every little thing into your first term or even year. Go into college with an open mind to try new things, but don't spread yourself too thin. College isn't a one-year venture! And yet, on the complete other side of my brain, I'd suggest they get involved with organizations sooner than later. Before you head out to whatever college, do some general research on things that interest you and what your potential colleges offer in that area. I didn't get involved in an organization until my sophmore year, but I've always kicked myself for not joining an OSU choir until a year later.

Julia,Don’t worry so much about making plans. You don’t have to worry! College is fun. Enjoy it. Take your time, meet people, and take classes you like. Your long-term goals will change. You will change. You will become an entirely new person. So don’t worry about figuring out every single thing about your future. Your future will come, and if you spend the entire time worrying, you will have wasted a lot of years. Keep going, don’t give up, and don’t listen to people who try to bring you down. You will make it. Take time to appreciate your classes. If you actually try to learn what your teachers are telling you, you will gain information that you will use every day. There are plenty of people to meet and things to do, but don’t forget to enjoy learning. Also, thank your teachers. They put a lot of work into trying to help you grow. Most of all, college is a great experience. You learn new things all the time, and you have so many opportunities. Don’t forget to sit down, relax, and have a good time. Life is just beginning.

I still have a lot of learn about college life. During my senior year, I definitely worried about the general college experience. I consistently asked myself questions such as "How will I share a bathroom with other girls on my floor?" and "What if I have roommate issues?" If I were talk to myself as a high school senior, I would start out with one word: relax. I would have told myself to stop overthinking and take things one at a time. Stop stressing and keep calm. Don't worry about fitting in. The most important thing is to be yourself. It's natural to be nervous about the college life but when it starts, it will be amazing and rewarding. I would also tell myself to follow one of my most favorite quotes by Lawrence K. Fish which states: "Find life experiences and swallow them whole. Travel. Meet many people. Go down some dead ends and explore dark alleys. Try everything . Exhaust yourself in the glorious pursuit of life.” So high school senior me, there will be a lot in store but you will get through it all. Trust me, you're not alone.