aaron
do not go to comunity college. it was a waste of time , spend the extra money and dont go to a school that will leave you with a question of why did i spend money and have nothing from it
Windy
College is a big step. Going back I would make myself learn how to study. Sure moving away from home is tough, and being on your own is a completely new concept; but dealing with all that AND being completely overwhelmed with school could ruin someone. The work load for college courses is pleantiful, and your schedule can get tangled so easily. Procrastination often causes trouble for students also; but each lecture session presents so much information that cramming for tests and quizes won't cut it anymore.
Making friends is easy, and settling in can be a little fun. Other than the academic transition, any advice would come naturally for each event as it presents itself.
KimCruz
My college experience has allowed me to grow into the person I am today, without rushing me to grow up. I have learned the value of an education does not depend on how big or small the school you attend is, nor is it dependent on the price you pay. The value of an education comes from within you, the learner. If you choose to work hard and utilize all the resources at your disposal you will go far, however if you do not do this, it does not matter where you study or how long you study, you will not get as far as you hoped. That is the cold hard truth. I can pay thousands of dollars for an education but if I don’t push myself to learn I will be wasting my money. Many institutions expect 18 year olds to turn into adults overnight. This is not realistic and I strongly recommend each individual person takes as long as they need to become exactly who THEY want to be, not who the institution tells them to be. This is what my college experience has taught me.
Andrea
I have learned a lot about myself and about how I can better myself to prepare for the future. I've enjoyed this quiet little town but I've realized that this isn't the kind of town I would want to live in for the rest of my life. I think it is important to try different things in order to truely know what you want in the long run. I have also learned who my real friends are and who's willing to stick by my side for years to come. This has been one the most enriching experiences I have ever had and I will continue to utilize all of my skills learned here for the rest of my life.
mitra
i have gotten a better sense of myself from the classes i haven taken, from the interaction with other students and my professors. my experience has taught me that there are many sides to a story or perspectives and the important thing is to look at each angle and make an educated conclusion based off of my personal experience and research. I have learned more about what I enjoy and can not possibly tolerate in school, work and life. Many of my classes have taught me to think about different issues and look at the evidence and to create my own opinion. I feel attending college has enriched my self-identity and furthered my understanding of my own potential and hard work in college classes. I have learned persistence, integrity and patience from attending college and undergoing economic hardships.
Abby
My college experience has had its ups and downs, as all experiences do. The beginning was rough, and I had no idea where to look for what I wanted to do and more importantly who I want to be as a person. I fell in with a crowd that did not fit my interests and became a follower, drowning in my own life because I was so involved in other peoples chaos. I found the Women's Studies and Women's Resource Center shortly after my arrival at Southern Oregon University and fell in love with some of the teachers and opportunities for classes. I am now well on my way to finishing my Women's Studies minor, which is very valuable to me because it is the thing I am most passionate about. Aside from my scholastic college experience, I have really come into the person that I feel like I want to be. Of course I will learn a great deal more in my lifetime, but I have become more clear in the path I want to take, the people I want to surround myself with, and the person I am so happy to be.
Adreana
Honestly and truthfully out this college experience so far I gained maturity and time management. In high school I was the type of student that procrastinated alot, I got the work done in the end but had to rush . In college I learned that when you get an assignment complete it as soon as you get it Dont hold off until later and later when it cant be done to the best of your ability. When you do that it allows your other work to pile up on you and that just makes it more harder for you. I started to bring my old habits from high school to college and then changed up my ways when I realized that college is not a joke, it's a serious setting, you must be able to sacrifice your social life for studying and homework. You must be able to say to yourself if I party tonight I know Im not going to be able to finish my work, so I must stay home and do what I have to do. College life is the best opportunity that would put you to where you need to be in life.
Shakeya
I attend college at Vatterott Career College and my experience there has been worthwhile. Im in the medical assistant program and I believe for a $20,000 program every penny being paid will be WORTH it. Im doing something I love and there's nothing like staying interested in any career you choose, especially hands on. I recently started in June and it wasnt easy trying to find the right college. Im a mother of two so I had to find something that fits into college-life and motherhood. Vatterott provided me with an experience like no other and I learn something new everyday. Ive already learned pharmacology, medical office basics, vital signs, and medical terminology in just five months. My program offers more than just the program itself I still have more skills to come like phlebotomy and more. It has been valuable to attend because Im getting more than what I expected including my experience, the exceptional teachers, and learning environment. I wouldnt trade my college experience at Vatterott for anything in the world. I couldnt have chosen another direction to go in. This is my experience and what Ive gotten out of college so far.
Julia
For me it has given me the freedom with a structured lifestyle. I has been a great growing tool for me personally finding my own freedom and also academically has open my eyes to a whole academic world I would otherwise not have had to privialige to be a part of.
I went from being a freshmand straight out of college, to a Resident Assistant my sophomore year, to living in a house off campus with my friends. All of these experiences although very tough and challenging at times have prodded me to grow into the person I am today which is someone I am proud to be.
Krystal
I have never attneded any college or university, but I would lve to. Altogehter I have 5 other siblings, although im the youngest. At the sametime none of them have finished or even tried to further their education and I want to be the first of my family to say that I krystal keshonda mason was the one to do it so that I can help my family with their financial problems.
Julie
Mostly I'm attending so that I can learn. But as I'm going to school in the medical field, I feel that I'll be able to help people through my work eventually.
Tia
I have learned a lot in and out of my classes. I was able to find out who I really was. Moving out on my own was such a valuable experience for me becuase it made me more independent. I have learned how to handle myself better in all situations, and I have learned how to be a sucessful student even without a parent pushing me to do well. I realized that I want to do well on my own, and that I can still succeed in whatever I want on my own.
BriAnna
Dear BriAnna,
It's just your college-self writing to give you some advice to better prepare yourself than before. I know that you are ready for this transition and you have plenty of support from your parents but there is something you should know, college is really all about YOU. Now, I'm sure that you are somewhat aware of that, but it's not just about doing good in class, it's about being your own parent. Even though you are "still in school", there really is an adult responsibility that is to be had. So my advice to you is to really grow up now, take this seriously because you have been given the best opportunity that few get to experience. This is a time to really shine and find out who *you* really are. I'm proud that you have gotten this far, and I can't wait for the future we earned.
Sincerely, BriAnna
Alwyn
Most high school students don't know what they want to do in life on the day they need to begin applying for college. So, don't worry. The feelings of axiety are normal. The most important thing is to choose a place where you will feel most comfortable pursuing academic and life goals over the next four years. That place should be one in which you will find support, encouragement and assistance that meets your needs. The learning experience should be one in which you will be nurtured and empowered to reach your own potential. And, of course, you should choose an environment in which you will feel most comfortable having fun, meeting new friends for life and opening new doors of opportunity. This special place ought to be considered based upon its merits, not merely the opinions of your friends. Follow your personal passion. Choose a place that is best set up to help you succeed. Whether it is a small campus in a small town or a large campus with myriad options. Tailor your choice in schools to what's best for you and you will have the best opportunity to succeed.
Lizeth
To try and pick the best school academically and not based on partying. Its important to feel comfortable and your school.
Loretta
If i was able to go back in time and talk to the high school senior version of mysef, I would tell myself to keep up the hard work. Unike many of my friends, I took college level classes my senior year and did quite well in them. I also would've congratulated myself on takng the initiative to do things for myself rather than relying on my parents, because that skill is much needed in college life. The advice I would give myself would be to save more money than I spend. I had an issue with spending money on useless items and not realizing that I should've been saving it for college expenses. Without the financial support of my family, I am realizing how much I can go without. I would tell myself to apply for more scholarships than I could think of, because it would make college life much more enjoyable to not have to constantly be worried about money. The last thing I would tell myself is to keep an open mind.
Melissa
If I knew what I know now about college life I would tell myself to get more involved. I would tell myself to go to all the activities for new students so that I would know people before even beggining school. I would tell myself to join clubs that are of interest to me. I would tell myself to take honors courses my freshman year so that I could graduate with honors. I would tell myself to be more outgoing and friendly. I would tell myself to explore the campus and explore the town in my free time and to not be afraid to ask questions. I would tell myself to apply for a job on campus, because there are only a few and they offer very flexible hours and it is good experience. I would tell myself to look more into the opportunities the campus has to offer. I would tell myself to choose a place and volunteer freshman year to make a difference, get involved, and gain practical experience.
Kaitlyn
University classes are much harder than community college classes, even when taken simultaneously with high school. Look into majors before settling with one. Pre- Medicine is extremely involved and difficult. Look into the success rates of students in the medical field. Make sure you truely have a passion for you major before you go to school and choose your courses because they will be more difficult than expected and it will be easier to get through if you love what you are studying. Research other majors, even ones that seem odd or uninteresting. Don't go for what you think will make your parents proud, do what will make you happy. College is really the beginning of coming into your own. Living on your own is slightly difficult at first, but don't be afraid of going up to people and introducing yourself, they will be there for you later. Create a bond with your roommate early, the stress of college is enough without the addition of roommate issues. Get to know the people on your floor, form study groups, get out and enjoy life and what college has to offer you.
Katherine
Katy, do not, I repeat, do not slack off in your Senior year classes. You'll pass no matter what, but that is information that is helpful later on in your educational career! Make a list of everything you need and want, so you can avoid having things shipped to you from California. Make and keep a budget; it's easy to get carried away and overspend, especially with a card instead of cash. Don't feel awkward saying hello to people! They are almost definitely going to be lovely, kind folks and loneliness is overrated. Remember to check if there is anything you need to do that you might not be aware of (i.e. student account, meal plan activation, etc.). When it is cold, run the engine of the Bug for a few minutes so you do not break down on your way home for the holidays. Above all, approach everything with an open mind and invest yourself in what you do!
Michelle
If I had only one major vice in my senior year of high school, it would have been my fear. I was afraid of change, mostly, but also of unacceptance. What if I worked my very hardest on that essay, only for my teacher to tell me it was terrible? Even though I love my new friends, I shouldn't hang out with them often because they might not like me. I worried too much about what other people thought about me that I didn't pay any attention to what I thought about me!
This severely hindered me in college applications and throughout my first term. If the Michelle of that not-so-distant past were to read this, I would tell her to unleash that adventurous spirit buried deep inside. It will not get you into as much trouble as you think. And do not even CONDSIDER putting off applying for scholarships! They really make all the difference for one as frugal as you.
While time travel may be impossible at the moment, I am glad that I learned these things late than not at all.