Portland State University Top Questions

Rachael, in high school teachers would gladly cut you slack if you were late, turned in assignments late, failed a test, or did not answer questions. In college you are expected and graded on letting proffessors know you have a voice. Dont be afraid to get help and speak up college is about expressing ideas. Also dont slack off be the very best you can be even if life is beating you down college is a long process for the future and is about patience.

I think the biggest piece of advice I would give myself is that I would not bite off more than I can chew. I would tell my high school self to take as many opportunities as possible, but not to sacrifice your grades or your energy on things that don't matter. The things that are most important in college is to make an opportunity or opportunities for yourself and not to let people get in the way of your dreams. It's import, high school senior version of me, to realize that some opportunities will only happen once. Those opportunities, you must take without a second glance. The other opportunities that you make will be great, but the once-in-a-lifetime ones are the ones that are most important to take. Make sure you balance your time correctly and don't fiddle fart around. Focus on what matters: grades, extra curriculars and your major.

Try harder. Take more math and science. You might not think you'll use it in life, but you will. Also, pay attention in English class. Everyone needs to learn how to write; for business, science, history, everything. People will take you seriously if you write well, despite being young. Even if you don't know what you want from life, try your hardest and choose a major that elicits passion. College doesn't have to lead to a career, but it should lead to a happy life. This comes from staying involved in things that matter; coursework, clubs, etc.

Hey there buddy, I know stuff is messed up right now with the war and everything but be good to Christina. She deserves the best. Also, you should study for those SATs a little harder. You are much smarter than you give yourself credit for. There are going to be some tough times ahead. You are going to be diagnosed with a life changing disability in a couple of years so enjoy your body while it's still unencumbered. This is very important: trust your intuition but don't stop challenging yourself. You won't know what you want to do with your life for quite a few years and will try just about everything. That's okay. Go for it. Remember how much you loved Biology? Well it turns out that doctors (including a kind of doctor called a naturopath; right up your alley) major in biology. I really think you'd enjoy it. Also, organic chemistry is much more fun than it sounds. It's just a bunch of puzzles! Don't stop being active. You love soccer and cycling. Don't forget that! Okay Mase, have fun. I'll see you in a few years. Mason

I know you don't feel really confident right now about scholarships, college applications, and job searches, but in a year you will open your eyes to see just how amazing the world is once you take a moment to breathe. At first it may seem scary to move from your home into a dorm with complete strangers, but it wont be as bad. Try to talk to people when you're checking the mail or riding the elevator. If you're just chilling in your room, leave the door open to let fellow residents come in to introduce themselves. Do the same if you find a door open ony our way to your room. Just remember to knock and say hello first! I know it's hard for you to sometimes start a conversation, but here's an easy trick to break the ice. Decorate your half of the door with images that represent your likes and passions. That way people with similar interests can find you. Of course, don't give them everything! It would also be a great bonding moment if you invite your roommate to do it too. Don't forget to be yourself.

Never put off what should be done now. Always do the character reading/ homework and the most important thing is you work to live never live to work.

With the knowledge I have now, and a hypothetical time machine, I would encourage my younger self to pursue something he truly enjoys. Our talk would hopefully give my high school self a sense that college is about self discovery and the pursuit of happiness. Casting away expectations from high school would also be an important part of my lecture, because college is not nearly as straightfoward. Do not blindly work away at something you are not sure of. First you must seek your passion with an open mind, and work at it withh all you've got once you find it.

Take it seriously. I actually first started attending college while still in high school, and I didn't take it very seriously. I would tell myself that I am a smart, quick learner. I am an excellent student and need only to attend class to be successful, so I should always attend class.

Growing up I was sheltered and didn't have many friends; most of the people I would talk to were my cousins. My parents had a strong belief in keeping the family together because at the end only they will help you. I always wanted to be like my classmates but because of my economic situation I wasn't privileged in being like them, they would talk about their trips to their grandmothers, going to the beach, or going to Disneyland. In high school I kept to myself and didn't talk to anyone because I felt I couldn't relate. If I could go back in time and talk to my high school self I would tell him to make friends I've always wanted a best friend that wasn't part of my family, even though I'm not in high school anymore I still plan on using this advice to help gain a best friend for life. Friends are an extension of a family; even if they are not blood related they still help mold you into a better person. Everyone needs a best friend even the kid that says he doesn't need one.

I would say always be prepared to learn and adapt. Not everyone will have the same views as you or even believe in the same things that you do. You have to be tolerant to what others think and what they do. Also be patient and not to give up on hw and to not take as long to get the homework to actaully start it.

I would tell myself how crazy I was for not going. How I should of listen to my gut. The next time I get a gut feeling just go for it. This is one life exprance that won't be taken away from me. It's so wonderful that there are so many people out there that want to see your dreams come true. Don't let no one stand in your way when it come to you to do better and get off of the gov promgrams. It's great that they have them but when you know you could have more than you get now why not go for it. I have a two year old son and I want to show him that if you think that you should do something better then to live off the gov then you should go out and do something about it. Thank you, Christina J. Zornes

If I could have a conversation with myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to avoid settling. As a high school senior, and even well before that, I had already decided on what I wanted to do professionally after undergrad. I was settled on a major and a track to become a dentist. I had thought that by knowing ahead of time, that I was making the best decision. On the contrary, by settling in so fast, I did not give myself a chance to do what you are supposed to do in college: explore. I wish I had known before going to school that I did not have to be certain about anything. Although by settling, I was held back from many choices, I did not let it hold me down permanently. I have still changed my major twice and have even considered changing it a third time. I wish more students coming to college believe that it is okay to be unsure about making choices and that they do not have to be made right away. The first years of college are flexible students should be allowed growth and opportunities.

I would tell myself to continue working hard and aim for the highest goals. There is no limit to personal achievement. I would tell myself to keep up on study skills and also communication and networking skills. Organization and balance are very key. The work you put into high school DOES count. If you prepare yourself, college really is not as hard as they say. Never take for granted the opportunities you are given. Cease them all and do not be afraid to be involved. Most of all, be your own person. Have faith in yourself seek to inspire others.

First off, Kellie, get over that guy you dated for like 2 weeks the last month of high school. He's just going to drag you along and he's way too immature for you. You deserve someone who respects you as an equal. Second off, do some solid career research- stop moping around the house, maybe volunteer before you head off to college. You'll thank me a million times over in the long run. Begin networking with organizations now, and you'll find a job faster later on when the job market takes a nosedive. Finally, look for scholarships if you still decide that you think it's a smart idea to still go straight to state university instead of starting at a community college. You're going to be in about $20,000 in debt if not more by the time you graduate from there. Think things through a little bit, think about how your actions today will affect your future tomorrow. If you do that, you'll feel a little less lost than you do jumping right into things.

If I could go back in time and give myself advice for the transition to college, I would tell myself to relax and keep my priorities straight. I felt a lot of pressure left-over from what I'd heard in high-school about classes, professors, etc... but, in the end, the best practice is to relax and take it all in stride. I'd tell myself to keep the big picture in mind, but to focus on one term at a time. I would tell myself that it's okay to make mistakes, because professors are actually pretty forgiving, and as a young adult, that's what happens. I'd encourage myself not to live with my parents despite the money I saved, because I'd have met more friends and had a more fulfilling experience. I would remind myself that debt will be there no matter what, these days, so do it all. I'd definitely tell myself to study abroad for a full year, instead of six months, because that was the best experience I had during college. I would tell myself that you only get out what you put in, so work hard and have fun.

I'm a very smart girl I would have paid a lot more attention in class then what I was.I never stop beliveing in myself. The wrong turns Imay have taken in high school I won't make the same mistakes. I will work a lot harder putting in a lot of hours to accomplish my goals.

Although I did not complete High School, but my GED instead, I would tell myself several things about what to expect. First, that just because something is difficult, doesn't mean it isn't worthwhile. Second, to get a head-start on everything you are assigned, especially at University level. I would also encourage my younger self to try and begin college a bit sooner than I did. The most important thing I would talk to my younger self about, is to keep moving forward and not to let fear of failure stop myself from trying new things or being afraid of taking a risk. I would tell myself that although I sometimes had a very, very hard time with certain courses, I have become a more confident, well-rounded person because of it.

This is wonderful time to be independent, social, and find yourself as an adult, but school really does need to come first. It's OK to say, "sorry, I can't hang out right now, I have to study," because there will always be an occasion to hang out, and you won't have to study all of the time. Use the available resources. Make an appointment with a counselor and plan which courses to take with your end goal in mind (not just what courses sound interesting). Ask what you think are stupid questions--ask any/all questions--because unfortunately the administration isn't always forthcoming with helpful information--do this with the financial aid dept., etc., as well. Go to your professors' office hours, even if it's just to review a lecture or shoot the breeze, so that they know who you are. They want you to succeed and that connection can really pay off--think letters of recomendation, job opportunities. Learn to budget your money and schedule your time! And last but not least have fun, go dancing, get your heart broken, because you really won't be young and pretty forever.

Going back, I would tell myself to look harder for scholarhsip oppertunities. I should have applied to far more than I did originally, so I would not be scrambling now to come up with funds. I'd also advise myself that my major, video production, exists and to do all I can to pursue it. That people will be willing to help me each step of the way, and that while it will be difficult at times (particularly my freshman year) It will soon become extremely rewarding. I'd also suggest getting a vacumn cleaner that first year. Frankly, we really needed it.

If I could go back in time and talk to my high school self I would tell myself to strive for A's every time and not to push off doing something tomorrow what could be done today. I would also encourage getting involved in a student group as soon as possible and start creating connections with professors and other students. I would also encourage myself to complete my associates at a community college in the least amount of time as possible to avoid the need for student loans. Most of all, I would tell myself to enjoy the time in college through continued learning in classes and through lasting friendships.