Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College Top Questions

Aside from a few minor tips like pack more food for college and start getting on a good sleep schedule, I would advise my past self to take some more initiative in the college searching process. The fact of the matter is that I ended up settling for a school rather than finding one that I loved and one that is the best fit for me. This is not to say that Penn State Behrend is a bad school, because it's not. The teachers are great and there is a strong sense of community among the students. However, it is not the best fit for me, and I now know of half a dozen other schools that I would love to be at instead. Now that I'm looking to transfer, I realize that this whole process could have been avoided had I made the effort during high school. So, the advice that I think high school Josh would most benefit from would be: take the initiative now so you'll be happier down the road.

Stop and take it all in. Take in the memories of gym class, the classes with your best friends, school lunches, even though you complain about them now, one day you will miss them. Take in the memories of your last sports game you will ever play, or the last class you'll ever go to in your highschool career. But most importantly take in the memories of how much you have grown not only as a student, but a person. Highschool is a place that you grow, but college is the place where you truly find yourself. Transitioning from highschool to college is a scary time, but such an amazing one. The key thing to remember is this is your time to shine and to become the person you've always wanted to be. Become friends with people you wouldn't have in highschool, study as much as you can, but make mistakes too. And don't worry, you will stumble in your tranition into the new chapter of your life, but its just all apart of the ride, so enjoy it. We don't change, we just live, it's your decision on how its done.

In highschool, I wasn't the most social person. This isn't to say that I didn't have any friends, I had quite alot actually, but very few, maybe only one or two that I knew I could really depend on. College is different. I live with my friends. I eat with them. I spend as much time as I possibly can with them because I realize how unique and special they really are. My highschool self, however, would have been very skeptical because, as I stated earlier, I wasn't the most sociable person and expected to only have a few good friends in college rather than an expansive family. If I were to give advice to myself, I would say,"don't worry about friends, they'll find you. Focus instead on having fun and let what happens happen. You'll be in good hands with those who find you."

If I could talk to my past self from college I would tell her that college is a fun and exciting experience but also extremely scary. I would tell myself to not be afraid and that it is okay to talk to people and make friends. Friends will help you get far in life and you should try to make at least two or three through out your college years. They can help you with everyday life struggles and are good to have when they're in your major and you can all study together and become top students. Also, I would say go out and do more activities! College can be rough so having a good activity to help relieve stress is one of the best things you can do.

The big thing I would tell myself, is that college is demanding, and there is no room for late assignments and excuses. Studying and time management will become the college student's best friend.

If I were to go back, I would tell that younger version that you are fine just the way you are and the soon to you feel comfortable in your own skin the better you will be. I would tell her to not hard her heart against anyone because the older version strongly prefers her solitude and is not fond of company. I would tell her that her interest in biomedical will never die but to make your transition easier… pursue your AS in MLT before pursuing your BS. Volunteer early because you will surprised what and who you will give your heart out to. I will tell her that financially it does not get better, but remember to keep fighting and hold on to some of those disenchanted jobs because your time will come.

If I could go back I would cherish my time at home with my family. Througout the latter part of my senior year and also the summer I was never home. I spent a lot of time with people that I thought were my friends and they really weren't. I barely spent anytime with my mom and dad. I regret this deeply because now that I am at school I find myself missing them a lot. I try to spend as much time with them now when I go home. But it is not the same because I missed out on a lot with them over that time period.

If I could go back to my senior year, I would tell myself to apply myself a little more and to make the decision to start college sooner than when I finally did start. I would recommend that I transfer from an Army Reservist to that of Active Army status, which would have helped my discipline and realization of how important higher education is to progress in today’s job markets. Lastly, I would tell myself that the best route to take to complete the higher education would be to attend a community college, then transfer to a 4 year institution rather than attempt a 4 year from the start, and that private colleges such as university of phoenix are terribly expensive compared to junior colleges.

Try to do your replacement test as best as possible. Fill as much scholarship as you can, don’t be lazy. Find your books before classes will start at bookfinder4u.com. Ask for some recommendation letters from your teachers. Make your resume. Find a job in a campus. Find some internship.

I would tell myself to do everything you can, if that means working more hours, doing more research, or finding good opportunities that make you stand out compared to everyone else do it. College is totally different than highschool, it is alot of work and time. I have always been the type of person to get things done as early as possible, so I would tell myself maybe to manage my time and get things done first that are due earlier. Also stick to your values is a big one, when you get to college morals and values of other students are very different. If you don't like something do not do it. If you feel it's wrong stick to your gut. I would tell myself to meet as many people, those people or clubs you join could really help you out and make you stand out compared to someone else. Most importantly be yourself, and do not give up when life gets hard, college is rough but if you have the right attitude then you can get through anything.