San Jose State University Top Questions

The advice I would give myself has everything to do with my success in my current major. I am an animation/Illustration major, which is a very intense and time consuming program at San Jose State. Our program is very based in classical art training including drawing and painting. As a high school student I was gifted in the arts and enjoyed having that creative outlet. However, I was not as focused on learning how to draw. I thought I was already fairly skilled and did not comprehend how much I needed to develop my skills and further my studies as an artist. I would have loved to have the opportunity to go through the rigorous art training in high school that I have had in the animation/illustration program. I would be well prepared for my current classes in order to prepare myself for an internship and, later on, the industry as a visual development artist. The five years that are required for this program are not nearly enough to hone the skills I feel are necessary to be a complete professional that is prepared for the visual development industry. Time is of the essence.

I would like to go back to my junior year and try a little harder to get better grades so I could have gotten into a UC school but I know that my parents could not have paid for it but maybe I would have been eligible for more scholarship money. 3.5 isn't bad but the competion is really rough. Also I would have taken my SATs over to try and get a better score. I just felt I was going to have to go to a State school because of money soI didn't try so hard.

I would tell myself that since I am very attached to friends at home, to try to stick a little closer to home. Being 400 miles is tough for someone who doesn't make friends as easily, but if I am up to the task I will feel very rewarded once I stick it through and graduate with my new friends around me. I will also remember to tell myself to continue being involved in school activities such as clubs and a part time job and to not be scared away from sororities. It is good to look at all the options available when choosing a college and think carefully about what you are looking for in your college of choice. I made the mistake of limiting myself and expecting to get into a different college but plans changed. These are a few of the things I would tell myself as a high school senior.

I will let myself know that I should not settle for less. That college is an experience that I have to due to mature; however, the college I will attend with aid in that maturity. Also to do more research in the school that I wish to attend and to not just jump into any school to finish college.

I would tell myself a couple of things. The first would be not to give up and get distracted. I would tell myself to remember that my parents work really hard to provide me with the opportunity to attend school. I would also tell myself to go to the library more often. I would say, ?Jessica I swear you need to go to the library to focus because it will help you, It might sound boring but in time you will like it, I promise!?. I would have to tell myself that the feeling of success because of hard work and determination is the best feeling and it would avoid unneeded arguments with my parents. I would tell myself to remember I am lucky and to take advantage of my education and that life isn?t worth wasting time. And I would tell myself if I didn?t work hard sooner it would happen later with a family tragedy anyways.

These few months that I have been in college, I have experience some difficulties that thankfully I have overcome. And if I have to go back in time and give my self advice during my high school senior, I would tell my self to analyze the readings that have been given to me. Also that when reading an article or book, to comprehend and to look deep inside for the meaning the reading. I would also tell my self to be organized, current, connected, outspoken, and to take learning seriously.

Do enjoy your senior year in high school, but remember the importance of your future. Don't limit yourself to only one or two colleges; instead research several schools and actually take the time to look at the different programs they offer. Also, understand that in this process you should research the professors in the field you wish to study, and see if they offer research opportunities to undergraduates. You should also try to learn as much as you can about the school you're planning to attend. Look at tuition and the cost of living, at what kind of environment the school resides (including the weather), the programs offered, the location of the school, the availability of transportation, the size of the school, the school?s population, etc. Go through all these aspects of attending college, and actually visualize yourself there. Then ask yourself if you?ll enjoy it and if it?s the right college to assist you in achieving your goals. That?s the advice I?d give myself, if I could go back in time.

If I had the opportunity to go back to high school I would have to tell myself to be more ambitious. I regret settling for easy classes because getting an "A" grade meant nothing if there wasn't any hard work. If I had the chance I would have taken classes to improve my math and English so that I wouldn't have been stuck in remedial courses in college. I would advise myself to get out of the idea that my last year in high school should be a breeze, when really, it is the year to prepare myself for college. I should have spent senior year meeting with my teachers for extra help instead of avoiding them when they were there for me. I would have told myself to stay in my math class senior year so that i wouldn't have forgotten simple equations. If i had the chance, I would have told myself to act like a college student and to take my education more seriously than I had that year.

If I was given the oppurtunity to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to avoid credit cards.

A high school senior excited to graduate, I totally understand but college is not what you think it is. It is not all about how wasted you get at parties, the jocks, the girls, or anything like that. College is like driving your car. You are in full control and held responsible for your actions. You have responsibilities. You have deadlines. You have to study and learn on your own. Your professors are not your teachers - they are lecturers. They lecture on topics that may help you comprehend the assignments and it is your job to learn. They do not care if you learn the materials or not, but they will guide you if you ask for assistance. Office hours will be your second best friends. Your teachers in high school knows you, but professors will not remember you unless you make yourself known. Upon driving the car, no matter how safely you drive, an accident may occur. These "accidents" can be falling behind in a class or two, missing a deadline, or something out of your control, but no matter what, persevere. Driving this far, there's no turning back, no "i can't's" just I will.