Regis University Top Questions

My words of wisdom to my eighteen year old self probably sound somewhat different than anyone else’s. My junior year of high school my dad lost his job of seventeen years in the economic downfall; this was a hard hit to my family. I have had a part-time job since I was sixteen, so though I was already working, I decided to get another job. I wanted to help my family any way I could. For months during my senior year I worked two, and at one point three, jobs. Saturdays for me started with a shift at 7 A.M. and three sifts later I would get home around 2 A.M. Though most twenty-somethings may look back and tell themselves “be more responsible,” I would simply tell myself: “Live a little while you have the chance.” College is full of responsibilities. Classes are harder and more time consuming; there is not much time to have fun. I am proud of the responsible adult I am, I just wish I would not have been in such a hurry to get here. My dad always said: “You have the rest of your life to be an adult.”

The advice I would give myself If I were able to talk to my high school self would be to loosen up, have fun, and achieving top tier grades aren’t all that important. Sure that’s what the teachers tell you but the true gift of knowledge is what you do with it and the joys you get out of it. If all one ever cared about was grades then they would find no joy in life because they would be so obsessed with getting the grades that they forget everything else. One thing I would also tell myself would be to focus more on the qualities of a career that are of interest to me. Currently in College, I spent so much time figuring it out that when I finally found it, it was almost a last minute change and I am soon to be graduating so I missed out on all the opportunities that I could have had. The third and final thing I would tell myself would be to not be limited by one’s fears-another aspect about college is to experience things. Don’t be limited by what you are comfortable with: have fun!

Mary, for goodness sake do NOT listen to those people when they tell you negative things about you. You ARE smart and you CAN be a college student, and you CAN live the life you had always wanted for yourself WITHOUT feeling guilty about it. Go to college as soon as you can, get in and keep your nose to the grindstone. You always wanted to be a CPA, now is the time to do something about that. You can do this because you ARE smart enough and you ARE strong enough. Those people just tell you those things because they see that and they don't see it in themselves and therefore want you to feel as bad about yourself as they do with themselves. Get away from those people, they don't know what they are talking about, nor will they ever stick around long enough to see the brilliant person inside you flourish into the great loving and productive community member you are. Just go and grow kid! Your mom will be so proud! And so will you.

Half pig, half girl Almost woman, shaped like sausage curl Mistaken thoughts majority rule Feels like Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Too sluggish for the girls on cheer Boys think I am queer Cheerleading, basketball, track Muscles I lack Want to try out But full out doubt Ditch class to get away To video games I play Stay up late Slit wrists because of self-hate Listen to music “Never cared for what they do Never cared for what they know And nothing else matters” Lyrics give me solace No longer want to be a carcass Times goes on Play guitar like Stevie Ray Vaughn Go to college Gather lots of knowledge Take yearbooks off of shelf See sad images of former self Wonder why, why why No adults saw me cry? Pain was buried deep inside My youth died Advise to former self Read Marriane Williamson “who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous? Actually, who am I not to be? Resolve to love life, and love myself Forge friendships with positive kids Let my light shine Work hard and dream big

I would tell myself quite a few things acutally. The first being that I needed to work harder to get what I wanted out of life. That my focus should be on getting better grades and applying myself to my full potential. I needed to apply for scholarships, grants, etc instead of leaving it to the wayside. I would tell myself that my number one priority should be my education and preparing to excel in every aspect of my education. I would also make sure that I was prepared for the transition from high school and living with my parents to going to college and being an independant person.

My college experience has been valuable in both my personal and professional development. The knowledge and experience gained while continuing my education has helped me grow to be a better citizen, employee, and parent. Returning to school as an older student was beneficial as I appreciated the opportunity more than I had as a teenager. Regis University was an integral part of gaining confidence as a non-traditional student and in my desire to continue on to graduate school to obtain my MBA.

The day I arrived at Annunciation Elementary School, I knew my experience would be special. This particular semester opened my eyes and changed my life forever. When I arrived at this inner city school in Denver I was immediately greeted by cheerful Kindergartners with so much love to give. These bright, vibrant children were eager to learn. I soon realized their life at home was a struggle. Many of these precious children would go without food from Friday afternoon until Monday morning. Every so often a child would come to school exhausted after being awake all night from gun shots outside their home. This experience Regis University provided altered my life forever. After witnessing the love these students have to give even with the hardships they endure on a daily basis has inspired me to give back to those less fortunate. The Regis University motto is "Men and Women in Service of Others." This ideal is emphasized in just about every class taken at Regis. The professors emphasize giving to those less fortunate by providing and often times requiring community service. The community service aspect Regis promotes and encourages of its students has made it a valuable institution to attend.

What I have gotton out of my college experience is that if you do not try your best you will not succeed. I tried to put my homework aside for a little while and when I least expected it in was finals week. I stayed up all night and only slept for four hours trying to finish , and I did I was proud of myself. It has been valuable to attend college because it has taught me not to give up and that it is never to late to get an education. College is not like highschool where the teachers can forgive a letter grade and still pass you. College is much more helpful because they won't pass you unless you know the subject. I like that because it gives me a challenge as well as a brain to work with. I love learning because it makes me feel smart when I teach someone else what I learned. I get excited when I teach someone else my knowledge that they did not know.

Being a student of information Technology Major (master) at Regis College for professional studies, I have learnt from various industries experts and managers who severally share their huge experience and solutions to problems facing IT managers in the industries. I have gained from case studies use in the class, research papers and APA styles of writing professional papers. Diversity and career programs at regis have helped me valued and learnt about different cultures. I can now contribute to the vitality and richness of our community. Intramural sports at regis is one good thing I cherish. I have been physically and mentally stable throughtout, and I can critical think towards solving problems around me. My leadership skill has been built on solid foundation and I value the way I can now provide my services to the needy and community.

What I've gotten out of my college experience is a sense of accomplishment and responsibility. I've grown as a person and found out where i belong in the world. Its been valuable for me to go to college because when I first graduated from high school I was sure that I knew who and what I wanted to be for the rest of my life. But after attending one semester at college I questioned if that was who I wanted to be, so I took some time off to go into the work force. After working for four years in a school cafeteria and my local ymca as a school age childcare aide, I finally realized my potential and that I deserved to better myself. Since I made that decision I reapplied to delaware county community college to work on my degree in elementary education and to finally realize my full potential. College has shown me that you don't have to "settle" for what life gives you, but that with hard work you will be able to find out who and what you want to be for the rest of your life. College gives me that security.

My entire paradigm of the value of education in my life has changed because of my first 18 months in college. Some professors have been able to initiate my interest in areas such as Freirean Pedagogy that I would have never explored had it not been for my contact with these professsors. Other professors have helped me realize that I can accomplish my hopes and dreams for life. My English professor is showing me outside of the classroom where my writing abilities are, and is reassuring me that I can one day soon accomplish my childhood dream of being a published author. My Spanish professor has illuminated me to the fact that simply my interest in foreign-language acquisition and etymological linguistics qualifies me for my dream of studying near-extinct or long-dead languages. Most importantly, I have discovered how to research things that interest me, whether or not that knowledge relates to my classes and will help me get a good grade. My college experience has shown me that even though the world can be a scary place, I am acquiring the tools necessary to navegate this Odyssey successfully, and to live a happy and successful life.

I am learning alot, not just about the academics that my courses address, but also about myself. I feel like this is the perfect atmosphere in which to grow up, and at the same time feel safe. College is very different than high school, some people fail because they are still looking for the hand-holding that one gets in high school. At Regis, they don't just throw you our there, they explain why it's time to push away from the coddling and grow up, and they help you to do that.

Having grown up in a town of roughly 8,000 people and 2 hours from anything the world often seemed small. Peoples' lives revolved around that town and making a living. They focused on their families, friends, and retirement. Many of my classmates concentrated on sports and graduating with that golden 4.0. All of these things are respectable goals, but attending a college in a city of 2.5 million people changes the way the world looks and feels. The thousands of faces seen every day rushing from point A to point B and back again made me realize how large this world truly is. It threw in my face the fact that most of my accomplishments to date were insignificant in the scope of life. This revealation coupled with a college built around morals and helping the world altered my perspective on what it means to truly live and be happy during this crazy thing we call life. My college experienced changed me for the better. It showed me that I share this world with 7 billion other people and a life well lived comes from works of service, because when you change the world you change yourself.

Regis University has prepared me for the graduate level educational experience and the career path that I have chosen, that of a nursing educator. The Jesuit values and emphasis on service learning have deepened my understanding and appreciation of the abilities I have, and "How I ought to live" in service to my family, community and country.

College was a lot different than what I thougt it was going to be. I have learned a lot of valuable knowledge like being on time and what it will be like in the working world. I've been at community college trying to save money up so I can go to a University. I've gotten a lot of core classes out of the way which I'm happy about. I'm doing everything I can to go to college with minimal amout of debt when I get out. Even if I do live under a mountian of debt in the end it will be well worth getting an education and knowledge for a better future.

5. Ability to Adapt: two weeks in and I was already able to ignore (or at least repress a scream at the sight of) the giant hairball in the corner of the shower. 4. Independence: No curfew, but no safety net either. 3. Knowledge: A given? Maybe. But it is still undeniably significant. 2. Financial Responsibility: No more pocket money. More like "stay in my pocket money". 1. Gratitude: Count my blessings? I never realized my fingers and toes were not sufficient.

The first advice I would give myself would be go to school right away! Waiting until you are older just makes the whole process harder and you miss out on the exciting college experience. Also by going to college right out of high school you have less commitment on your time and money. Going through college should be an experience that helps you make better choices for your life in the long term. I would also tell myself to check out as many colleges as possible and find the one that is the best fit for you. Every university has it's own personality and taking the time to explore that is worth the investment and gives you a better chance at success.

Like Tolstoy simply stated, " If you want to be happy, be." No one is going to hand you happiness on a silver platter. It is up to you to hike up the mountain of success. Let me tell you, it is a long journey full of frustration, confusion, and self doubt. As a high school senior, I was constantly reassured that college would just work itself out. Teacher after teacher, counselor after counselor, I did not realize the implications of "graduation" until I actually graduated. I would like to say that college is part of the "real world," but it just isn't simply because people in the "real world" actually get paid. College students have deadlines, headaches, cram sessions, anxiety attacks, and all nighters while they rack thousands of dollars of debt through loans. With all that being said, I can not think of an experience in the world that offers people such ability to fully reach their potentials. College is like all the gear that makes climbing the mountain of success attainable. So to you, high school senior, look forward to the future and choose happines.

If I could provide some insight to myself as a Senior it would focus upon the need for time management. I thought I was busy in High School balancing academics, sports, homework, work, and community service, but college life is far busier. A college student needs to be far more cautious with time management. One big factor: more opportunities for social without a parent reminding you of different time lines. I would advise myself to schedule study time that is not allowed to be interrupted. These interruptions can build and suddenly it is test time! Good Luck! P.S. Don't forget to schedule eating!

If the opportunity arose to go back in time to give myself advice as a high school senior, armed with the knowledge and experience I have today, there are a few things I would advise: 1. Organization is extremely important! Regardless of the task, the class, or even the assignment, maintaining an organized system will help facilitate learning by making finding documents easier, notes will be located faster, and you will always know what lies ahead. 2. Apply for scholarships. Everyone wants to believe that they are super-heroes, that they can do it all on their own. I/you can't. Applying for scholarships will help relieve your stress because you won't have to worry about working to cover bills while in school. Applying for scholarships would also facilitate your learning because you will have more time to spend studying. 3. Just get it done. Whatever arises- get it done! Homework- get it done! Studying- get it done! Rest- very importantly get it done! Exercise- get it done! You will have opportunities to go to school, but why waste time and money? Following these three somewhat easy pieces of advice will make it easier. Just get it done!