Point Park University Top Questions

Still being a freshman, I feel as though I have made a rather smooth transition into college life. I came here so that I could learn more about filmmaking, which I plan to pursue as a career. The classes that I have taken so far have been very informative and interesting. Were I able to advise my high school self about college life, I would make two specific recommendations. First of all, I would assure myself that I made the right decision. Filmmaking is taken very seriously here, as I had hoped it would be. It is important to keep in mind, however, that by coming here, it is assumed that one already has films in mind?stories that one wants to tell. And so, it is important to start thinking as soon as possible about ideas for films. Second of all, I would address the fact that most people here are extremely friendly, so I need not worry about struggling to make friends. Meeting people comes naturally in the classroom and on campus. I actually think that diving right into college was an exciting way to begin. I probably would not change anything even if I could.

I would say: "Don't be afraid of adapting to new cultures and people you're not used to; your family is one thing, the rest of the world is another. Accept yourself as you are, in every regard; it will save you lots of pain and confusion. You are not an island, we all need help sometimes, so don't be afraid to ask for it, especially financially. And do yourself a favor and learn how to budget; overdraft charges are no fun for anyone. Search your butt off for scholarships, this school is expensive; this field you're entering is expensive, and you don't want to spend all your earnings after college on all your loans, you'll need that money to live. Oh, and keep your optimism. You'll undoubtedly go through a lot of hurt (emotionally and physically), struggles, exhaustion, but no matter how bleak it looks, just say 'yes, and', go with it and keep shooting for the heavens and don't let anyone else's "realistic" views bring you down. Lastly, don't sell yourself short for anyone or anything, keep your mind open and your integrity intact."

It is funny that you ask this question, because my parents have asked me the same question. If I were to go back to high school and talk to myself, I would have to talk to myself about studying, take my classwork more seriously, I would tell myself to ask for pointers on how to study and I would tell myself that I really need to read the text books that are required. I would also tell myself that during my free time that I would need to read as much as I can possibly read. I would also tell myself to be more involved in committees and social groups. I would also go to the gym and work on being in better physical shape. This would have helped me avoid injury during my Senior softball season. I would finally, tell my-self that I need to take more math classes.

With over a semester of experience in college as a freshman, I would tell the high school senior version of myself that the transition into college from high school will be easier the more organized and time effective I become. In college knowing how to manage time, sleep, and fun is the most important key to surviving the first semester or year. Keeping a day planner where you write down the homework you have, the rehearsals you are scheduled for, the times to set aside to study, and the blocks of free time really helps with managing time and keeping sane. Also, the transition is easier if you maintain a set goal for the semester and stick with those one or two goals, because it helps keep you focused on personal growth and helps keep your mind off of distractions that hinder a student?s performance. I would also tell myself to make good connections and relationships with the teachers I have, as well as with people in the university offices because it is easier to get help or answers from the correct people when you are having trouble or need guidance.

If I could go back, I would tell myself to keep pushing yourself to do the best you can and to improve on the studying skills. Studying is one of the most important areas in college where you spend a large amount of time researching and reading and keeping up on assignments. I would tell myself to not get hung up on little issues and focuse on the larger ones because there is nothing more detrimental to your success than fighting yourself over little things.

Be prepared to meet alot of interesting people. I would tell myself to orginize my time more wisely and just remember that you are a beautiful person on the inside and on the out.

When i was a high school senior and was looking for a school I was looking for one that was "Safe" . If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior one main thing I would tell myself is to take the jump. Sometimes safe is good but being to safe may hold you back from learning many new things. I would let myself know that going away to a school where you know no one and your friends are over 4 hours away isn't a bad thing because you get to meet so many new people and get to experience having the awkward silences between you and other new classmates. Another peice of advice is just because a class may seem intimidating doesn't mean it is impossible. The challenge is the best thing about trying new subjects that are harder to learn because that's what makes them even more rewarding in the end result if you succed. The last words of advice are just have faith, believe in yourself, and don't ever listen to what others or stitistics say! Always take the jump because the landing may be great!

The best advice I could have given myself as a senior would be that it is alright to not be a hundred percent on what you want to do for the rest of your life. The best part of life is making mistakes because without them you wouldn't know what truely felt like the right thing to do for yourself. Also, making mistakes mean that you have tried something new and even putting yourself out there isn't failing but rather, it is achieving the courage to act and do. So, I would have encouraged myself to fail, to prosper in hands on experiences. Success doesn't happen overnight, being a fighter and not giving up on yourself is the best advice to give anyone in the tender age of seventeen.

The only advice I would give myself is what I said to myself when I was a high school senior. You need to go to a college that you want to attend; not what your friends want and sometimes maybe not even what your parents want under certain circumstances. College is the first big step in a young adult?s life. It is the beginning mark of making choices that will affect their futures and how they want the outcomes of their lives to be. Stay focused in college, life will be great. This does not mean you cannot have a social life and experience what college is about, but you learn to decide what is right and wrong and learn from specific mistakes that you may make. Everything about college helps one put the pieces of their life together tightly. College will help you decide what you want out of life and what you will do in order to achieve greatness or failure. It is all up to you. Look at college as a journey; not a destination.

If I knew what I know now when I was younger, I would have trusted my instincts in selecting a school instead of choosing what seemed practical. Location and tuition should be secondary factors to the quallity of an education. I am not sure that my younger self could have understood the importance of time-management, but I would have certainly tried to warn her. Any further advice would be unneccesary; no one can fully prepare for the learning and personal growth that occurs in the first year of college.