Portland State University Top Questions

Growing up in a relatively small town causes an individual to become attached to the people and comforting environment. In my senior year of high school I remember discussing with friends what colleges they were applying to. It seemed that most of them were staying in-state. Most of my friends applied to OSU. Naturally, I did too. I was afraid of branching out and being in a totally new environment. I feared being alone. I would have rather gone to U of O, but all my friends wanted to go to OSU. Consequently, I only applied to OSU. I later regretted this decision. I didn't like OSU at all. The university felt too big, the classes were enormous, the tests didn't adequately assess my knowledge, and I didn't feel like I fit in. After being at PSU for a term I can honestly say that I feel happier and more challenged. None of my high school friends are at PSU. So, if I were to tell my younger self a piece of advice I would tell her to try something new, don't follow your friends because you're afraid of uncharted territory.

advising myself on how to prepare for college now: i would definitely say to expect the unexpected. in high school are courses are chosen for us for the most part and we get to choose a few electives here and there and boom we are done. in college; as we grow learn and develop, not only do we start to change but we begin to really learn who we are. i noticed myself not giving myself room to learn grow and change. i thought i had to stay in this box and only do with the room alloted. i know now that i will constantly be changing and to change my mind is okay, and to want to step outside of the box is okay as well. i would say to myself that education is limitless so aim for the sky, the infinite goal, broaden your horizon and step outside of the box; dont be afraid to challenge yourself or get to know who you really are.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a senior, I would tell myself to stay focused. even though I would have heard it a million times by then. Losing focus during my first two terms in school has definitely come back to haunt me, and I would make sure that I didn't make that mistake again. I realize that this is much easier said than done, as peer pressure and poor decision making is a fact of life, but that doesn't mean I'd try my hardest to not repeat the mistakes of my past. Having fun is one thing, and going to school is another - they should stay separated, and should never interfere with one another. When that happens, things become jumbled up - I became too focused on partying and having fun, and lost sight of my goal as an Engineer. That will never happen again, and if I could go back in time, I would show myself what would happen if I became too caught up in the dark things that I once was. The story would be convincing enough for me to want to do well in school.

As teenagers, many of us tend to think we know everything there is to know when we graduate from high school. Many of us tend to go to University, just because our parents did the same thing. However, what we really need to see is why our parents did it. Sometimes it is not necessarily about getting a well-paid job. Of course, college degree opens many doors for us to earn a higher salary. However, it is more than just a higher paycheck. You learn so much knowledge about how you can contribute to the world?s future. It could be business degree, but you learn how to help others (your employees, customers etc.) . It could be a medical degree. It is not just a higher paycheck or saving a life. In addition, how you help the world by saving someone else?s life. Main advice I would like to give is, sometimes we tend to disregards our elder?s advice. Please do not simply disregard the advice nor take advice blindly. Many times, since they have more experience in life, many advice we get from our teachers, parents could very much help us to shape up our future.

Prepare yourself mentally and emotionally for the responsibility and amount of work which must be done at a university. You are now responsible for everything you do in this new place. Ask upperclassmen and use those resources that teach you good time management and study skills. Higher education is harder, but putting in the effort is rewarding. Also, open up your mind and take advantage of your surroundings. You are in a place filled with incredibly bright people and educational resources and information are almost endless. Don't simply just go to class and memorize mindless facts, but explore your thoughts and ideas. Your professors are here to help and they almost always love engaging students in intellectual conversations or just answering your questions. Don't forget to meet people on campus. Attend club meetings, look into the extracurricular activities offered or just chat with a random student at the coffee shop. Study groups are so helpful but also a great way to network. The first year is about learning, exploration and growth. Take advantage of the oppurtunities that become available once you decide to invest in higher education. Don't be afraid! Make the most of your college years.

The best advice I could give, would be to just do what honestly interests you, and to study what you love. So many students I have met over the years, are forcing themselves through rigorous, challenging majors they have little interest in, all for the sake of the prospect of a future career. Even if they made it, they would then be working for years in a field that never captivated their true interest in the first place, and in that aspect their whole educational experience could be called a failure. Although it is easy to go down this path, and pressures to do so come from all sides, even internally, the only way to get the most out of your education, and to set up for the life you truly with be happy leading, is to simply follow what you really want. Doing so takes courage , as well as standing up to possible opposition, but it is only your choice that should dictate your education and the way you want it to help build your life. If you can start out with this mindset, going to college will truly open up your mind and your world.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a highschool senior I would tell myself to save all my graduation money because being in college and on your own makes it hard to keep money in your pocket. Getting a job the first year of college is hard because you are figuring out how much homework there really is in college. Living on your own, you need to buy the necesseties like a percription or toothpaste, not having the money and always having to ask your parents makes it seem like you can't make it on your own. Having that back up money to go to would be really nice to have in times of need.

Genesee! I need you to listen to me. I understand that you are going through a lot, and I know that you believe college is not attainable... but it is and you can make it happen! You are so smart and have so much potential. Sure, if you decide to get a job and work, instead of continuing with school, you will do just fine. I know you will because I did and I am you! However, I can assure you that you will hit a wall and all the while you will wish that you had gone straight to college from high school. Returning to school after a long gap is extremely difficult not only emotionally and mentally, but financially as well. GO NOW. Period. If you are scared, find someone to help you. I'm sure Mrs. Wallace would love to help you. She knows how colleges operate and she can lead you to where you need to go. As for paying for college? Get enrolled, apply for financial aid and scholarships, and tuition will be covered. You can do it!! And my final advice: ask questions, communicate your needs, set goals, and meet with an advisor regularly.

As a college senior I would remind myself of the importance to spend time(3hrs. per 1 hr. in class) outside of school hours studying and working on assignments. I would tell myself no matter how hard things get, "Do Not Give Up." Use the student support services that are offered and go and see my instructors/professors during their office hours as much as possible for their support, but also to build a more personal relationship. I would insist on getting more sleep, adopting a healthy diet, get exercise daily, and take some time to relax. I would talk about reasons why I should always give me best in my studies, meet several people and build relationships amongst people on campus, take part in campus groups, and volunteer in the community. I would dedicate time to researching and applying for all scholarships that I qualify for so that I could keep down the amount of student loans needed to get my education. One huge thing I would tell myself though is to not overload my schedule in an attempt to get through my education in lightning speed, but be realistic with what is manageable to do well.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a senior in high school, I would tell myself to spend a lot more time on scholarships. I would also recommend applying to schools early and seeing what scholarships the schools offer and what their deadlines are. Besides scholarships, I would also tell myself to spend more time looking for a job, because money is short in college and job experience and money are both important for a college student. And for college itself, I would tell myself to go to all the orientation and welcome activies. I would remend myself to get involved and meet new people and make new friends. Last but not least, I would tell myself to have fun, because college is not only learning in the classroom, but gaining more life experience from the increased freedoms and learning about one's own self.