Sonoma State University Top Questions

What should every freshman at Sonoma State University know before they start?

Nicole

If I could go back in time and tell highschool senior self anything, it would be to take college seriously from the start, put in the extra effort, and take a few extra units each semester. It would be worth the extra work to get done earlier and start in my chosen career. I would also tell myself to be more involved in campus life, that such a community is hard to come by and to enjoy it while I'm young and have that opportunity. I would emphasize the importance of internships. Experience is invaluable as well as networking I should have started much earlier. The relationships you make in college can be so rewarding not only on a personal level but also a professional level. Most importantly I would tell my past self that college is a great experience and to be so grateful for the opportunity to go. Instead of dreading class and exams remind myself that not everyone is lucky enough to go to college. I would tell myself that I am capable of anything and towards the end of my college career I would be raising my beautiful daughter and would graduate with honors.

samantha

Dear Samantha, Don't be so shy! Go out into the world and research what is out there. Explore different career options and pay attention to your surroundings because you never know what you'll discover next or who you will meet. You already know you love working with children so go and intern or volunteer at a school! Talk to everyone you meet at the school site and inquire about their position there. You may find out about a potential role or career choice you did not know previously existed. Study diligently and take your work seriously. I know your mind is focused on boys and what outfit you are going to wear for the week, but trust me, going to class and doing your work well will get you further in life. Also, cherish your time with your friends and family, but do not be afraid of making new ones! You just might meet your best friend in college. So keep moving forward and always strive to be a better you. I wish you the best of luck!

Monica

My senior year was a struggle for me because I felt I was on my own when it came to applying to college and scholarships and I felt. I was determined to study in San Diego State because I had fallen in love with the school, however I was limited in money since I am the one paying for all of my expenses, mainly which include school. It came to the point when I thought my community college wouldn't be an option. As I reflect on all the actions I made then and how far I have come now the advice I would give myself would be to use my resources to help me find more information about college and scholarships, but most importantly to believe in myself. Though I didn't go to my dream college I have made the best out of the opportunity I got here. It's not about the college its about what you make of it, which I learned through experience in my college life. Thanks to my additute, I have gained so much experience and accomplished goals I never thought possible because of limited money and guidence. Si se puede!

Ella

Well if you have heard the expression take of your cool jacket I would recommend following it. I have always disliked the saying being a shy person myself, however as soon as I started putting myself out there and joining clubs and organizations my college career became twice as fun. You get one chance to do the college experience so take advantage of all of the opportunities provided to you! Study abroad (I did it was amazing), join all the clubs you are interested in, play intramurals, go use the help centers they are amazing and hardly anyone goes. Just taking in the things around you goes a long way in making you part of the campus and creating memories that will last a lifetime. It is also about who you are as an individual when you are choosing a college. Yes the schooling is important but it is what you want from it. Big school or small school? Sports or no sports? These are things I wish I had thought about more because sometimes I feel like I missed out on that big school feel I had sort of wanted. But no matter where you choose have no regrets!

Viridiana

If I was able to go back in time and talk to my self. I will advice my self to focus take very serious the English as a Second Language classes because they are the base for good grammar. Also, I will tell my self to start working on general education along with the classes for a certificate. I will tell my self to take 15 units instead of 12, so I could transfer to Sonoma State in less time.

Maria

If I had the opportunity to talk to my high school self I would first address the awful hair style choice. Secondly, I would advise myself to take every opportunity that I was presented with. While you may not be comfortable with change, the moments that you are out of your comfort zone are the moments of undeniable growth. Don't assume that every student you meet along the way has a "life plan". It is more likely than not that each student is on a convoluted path to finding their true passion and drive. Whether it be through taking countless random classes or a million career surveys, each student should take their time to enjoy the experience that college has to offer. I was fortunate enough to find my passion early and life and pursue it whole heartedly. I was able to graduate in 2 and a half years rather than 4 and am now in pursuit of a nursing career. While I had a "speedy" college experience I don't regret my choice. I have a goal and intend on acheiving it. In short, I would advise any college student to find their passion and go after it.

Crystal

Don't stress so much about choosing the "right" major! I spent so much time trying to figure out what I wanted to do with my life that I wasn't able to enjoy my senior year. I eventually decided that I would go to community college to take some more thinking time, and there I was able to figure out my interests. Community college is NOT a place for failures and drop-outs; it is a local school for students who have extenuating circumstances and a perfectly valid route to higher education. Just because all of your friends were at universities does not mean that you're any less of a success than they are. You took the financially responsible route and were able to decide on a career before wasting thousands of dollars on general education classes. Do what's right for you, not what other people think is right for you.

Amanda

I would tell my high school self a few things, including, enjoy the time you have with your friends and family more, enjoy the beautiful place that you get to call home, and try harder in classes because not trying isn't smart. I was always one that hated where I lived and wanted to get out so bad. I would say things like "I can't wait until college to get out of here, I don't care about who I am leaving." Now that I am gone, I realize my friends are going to be my friends for life, they are my people. I also realize just how beautiful my hometown is. I still do not want to live there again, but at least I can admire it's beauty. As for trying in school, I didn't try at all and I didn't realize I wasn't really applying myself. If I applied myself I think I could have gotten very good grades and I just would like the satisfaction to myself of knowing that I did my best.

Gladys

They advice that I will give my self will be that don't procastionate in homework and get involved in the community and and clubs in school

Ashley

I would tell myself to have a little bit more fun my senior year, but at the same time I should have focused more on studying for the AP Macroeconomics test which was at the end of the year.