St. Mary’s University Top Questions

What should every freshman at St. Mary’s University know before they start?

Jesse

Assuming going back in time and meeting myself doesn't cause a hole in the time-space continuum, I would tell myself to follow my dreams, and to worry less about what other people think. I wanted to be a writer from the time I was 12, and I lost my way because I listened to people who told me to do something more "useful." I foundered and did poorly in school because I was pursuring an education I didn't want, and I was miserable. It took 15 years and a stint in the military for me to get back on track, but I'm more passionate than ever. I performly badly in school before, but I recently graduated with my Associate's degree earning a 4.0 gpa, and have, thus far, kept that average at St. Mary's Univerity. I would tell my younger self to be open-minded and adventurous, to study abroad, and read everything I could get my hands on. I would tell my younger self to love deeply, to take no one for granted (especially not myself), and to know that I can achieve anything I set my mind to.

Kristina

I would tell myself to graduate with my class. College is amazing, but I graduated 2 years early when I was 16 so I came to college really young. I see my old friends who are bearly graduating this year and all the senior things they are doing that I'm missing out on. I really do love this school. It's a perfect fit for me and anyone who wants to succeed. As the first in my family to attend college, St. Mary's has made the transition easy. I wish I could've retaken the SAT to get a higher score and get more financial aid. Since my graduation was a sudden choice I didn't have enough time.

Yadira

I would tell myself not to stress and not worry about the "what if's." I was really worried and stressed when I moved into college before classes started. During orientation I learned I was overreacting and that there was a lot of people I could count on for help. They made me feel welcomed. I was in my second home and got the feeling that I really belonged here. The sense that I was part of their community - now mine also - was everywhere present. I had nothing to worry about because faculty and staff are more than willing to assist you with anything, be it academic or not. They care for us as individuals. I would also to say to my high school senior self: "Keep up with the good grades! You are almost there! Enjoy your free time because you will not have much after classes start. College it is going to be a crazy, stressful, but very fun (not party fun, but random fun) ride."

Andrea

I would tell myself to not sweat the little things and to actually appreciate the little things in life. I would tell myself to take dual credit courses, they may be a bit harder but prove to get things done faster when you are in college. Challenge yourself. Do better! If you put that extra effort in a certain class, it won't have to come back to bite you in the butt when you are tested on that subject during college. Be who you want to be, not who people want you to be. You're a senior, and you're practically an adult in a few months. Take some responsibility and get a job, it'll do wonders for the years to come. Rather now than later. Don't let fear dictate your life. Take fear of not knowing into your own hands and achieve greatness. You're going to go far, kid. Keep your chin up, and always do 110{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c}. It's your last year of being a teenager. Have fun while it lasts, but remember to do good!

Lauren

The first and formost advice I would give to my senior self would be to do what I want to do and not listen to anyone else but myself. I remember getting criticized for my choice of school. I wanted to go to UT Austin because my family wanted me to. But I decided that St. Mary's was the right choice for me and it took me forever to realize that. I would also tell myself to take it seriously. College can be fun, but when it comes down to it, your grades and performance are what matter the most. If I could I would go back and make sure I knew that. Also telling myself not to be afraid to speak up. The school is very open minded and I am a very shy person, so attending St. Mary's has given me the oppurtunity to open up.

Joshua

When applying for colleges, apply for as many as you can. Talk to counselors who know about scholarships, because they can help you pay for school and get rid of most, if not all, your financial problems. You have got to be more open to meeting new people. The numerous people that you will meet can change your life forever in a way that can't easily be described in words. Another thing you should do is to not be afraid to take chances. Take the philosophy that it is better to try and fail than to not try at all. You can miss out on so many wonderful opportunities if you let fear take control of your life. You were given a gift to spread joy and hope to people and you shouldn't limit yourself because you are afraid for failure. Don't let any negativity hold you back what you were born to do, and that is to live with love and hope. I promise you, that life won't be easy, but with a little bit of faith and great friends, you'll make it through somehow.

Nicolas

If i was able to go back in time to my senior year of highschool, I would advice myself to be more focus and serious about college. I would advice myself to put effort in every application i sent back then with the belief that i will get accepted. I would also advice myself to give up most of my social life so i would be able to dedicate that energy towards my courses and applications. I would also change my attitude towards college completly by being more serious about it and not just blowing it off. I would advice myself not to be timid or embarrassed to finding helping or reaching out in moment in need. To realize that there is a lot of opportunities out there that i just have to make the effort for them.

Sophia

I would tell myself to think deeply about what I want to do in the future and that every decision counts. Research and participate more in order to find out what it is I'm good at and whether I enjoy it or not. Start taking action by your own account because there is so much you are capable of and many doors you can also open for yourself. Don't take your future for granted. Don't worry about the social aspects of college life and be involved academically.

David

If I could go back in time the very first thing i would tell myself would to make sure i stay proactive with my school work. once you fall behind or put yourself in a whole it is very hard and stressful to make up for it. the second thing i would tell myslef would to be kmore involved with the community because little did i know making ofther peoples life better was what you end up loving! the third thing would be to help other peers when they needed or in other words lose the whole lone wolf attitude and become a leader amoungst others. i saw to many students and friends that i just sat and watched waste money and their life away in a couple of months and ii wish i could go back anf change that. and last but noit least i would tell myself to stop being LAZY and do scholarships!!! there is no reason to put yourslef and family in an economic bind when there are oppurtunities to do scholarships! a simple survery questions and a small essay could change your life!

Andrea

If I could go back in time and tell myself what I know about college now, I would clearly say three words: piece of cake. Other than the cost of attendence, everything is perfect in my eyes at St. Mary's University. Back in high school, I was 'the nerd' and I really didn't enjoy high school because I was too focused trying to have the perfect grades just so I could get into my dream school. And now, looking back, I would tell myself how easy college has been because of everything I did back in high school. And that I did not waste one single hour of extra studying because it clearly payed off. People say to enjoy high school, that college is where you get serious, but knowing what I know now, I would tell myself, "Do not waste one day of doing what you want to do, because at the end of the day, it is you who will suffer or succeed. Do what you think is best and don't let anyone tell you otherwise. College is what you made high school out of."

Amanda

Dear Amanda, Coming into college is going to be incredibly different than anything you endured in high school. No more studying last minute, or at all for that matter, and no more not paying attention in class. Be prepared to attend every class and make sure to listen and take notes thoroughly because you are actually going ot be tested on exactly what teachers teach you! CRAZY, I know! Learn how to manage your time the best you can, especially as a student athlete. You are going to be missing a lot of classes so be sure to inform your professor at the beggining of every semester so they can work with you the best way they can. VERY IMPORTANT: You're professors and advisors are going to be your best friends!!!! Especially at this school every one of them wants to see you succeed and will do what they can to help you reach your goals! Lastly, have a blast, its college! But remember that you have years to party, drink, and have fun so why try and get it all done in one year? Have fun, stay safe, work hard, and never lose sight of your dreams!

Erik

If I could go back and talk to myself as a senior in high school, I would say the most important piece of advice I could give myself is to be disciplined. If you go to class, work hard, and study college is a breeze. At times it may seem like it's not worth it, but in the end the experience and education you gain will be invaluable. If you can maintain your discipline and motivation you will be successful. I think John Green said it best, "One day, you’re 17 and you’re planning for someday. And then quietly, without you ever really noticing, someday is today. And then someday is yesterday. And this is your life." I would tell myself, this is what life will be like from then until you graduate. Always making big plans, and never knowing where they will lead.

Yasmin

If I had the opportunity to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to take the scholarship hunt more seriously. It is astounding how expensive living on campus can be, and for that you need to have money to spare. I would tell myself that I should not be paying my school for my education; the school should be paying me. This can only happen if I have enough scholarships to pay off the full year and still have money remaining. Additionally, I would remind myself to not stress too much about final exams and graduation. Everything will fall into place as long as I am patient. I would tell myself that the more I stress, the harder everything is going to get. This advice would hopefully help my transition into college be a lot easier than it originally was.

Stephanie

Back in high school i might of not being as honest as i shouldve. Being a freshmen in a university, I learned that I am now on my own. I do not have my parents or anyone by my side to rely on. It was a big transition in my life, I matured and I sure am a better person. Looking back, i wish I couldve had better study habits than I did in the beginning of the semester and better reading skills. I am now in a complete different atmosphere with new people. Being in college, I learned that i need to be more accepting, understanding, and open for anything. I do not regret anything from my past, I know better to move on, and be the best I could be.

Italia

If I was offerred to sit down and talk to my senior self, I would only need an hour. I would tell myself that you do get homesick the first couple of weeks, but that's okay. The change is different, but it's a great different! I would advise myself to become comfortable with talking to complete strangers, because they can become your next study partner, and yes, you will want one no matter how much you think you won't. I would tell myself to start practicing my use of self-discipline, because that's all college is. No one is going to make you wake up on Friday morning for class. No one is going to care whether you get a C or an A; you have to push yourself, you have to strive for the best. It is okay to have down time though. Do not push yourself to the point where you crash and burn. Just prioritize and balance it out how it needs to be. Last but not least, I would tell myself to enjoy it, because the next four years will be some of the best years I'll ever experience.

Jennifer

Hello Jennifer F. Mendez. As a triple major, approaching my year and a half, I want you to understand that your freshman year means everything. Freshman year is the cornerstone of your entire undergraduate career. If you do not take serious your grades, although classes might seem easy, you will suffer for it. Your grade point average can can go down easily, but to get it up, that takes effort and years! Please be cautiuos of your assignments your first year. You are turning 18 and are experiencing college for the first time! Experimentation and rebelliousness will be on the rise- try to not feed these develish temptations. Do what you do best- work hard at everything presented and don't give up! After your first year is over with, time will pass by and you will mature with the relationships you are presented with in college and outside of your college environment. These coming years will shape you into who you want to become. You know what you want to do when you graduate, just keep connecting the dots to make your dreams come true. Remember, freshman year is the crucuail point Jennifer F. Mendez!

Charles

I would encourage myself to be the best I could be in my school work and take advantage of every opportunity that would come my way. When i was in high school 20 years ago there was no internet cell phone or ipods and ipads so the research was more difficult to achieve . I think things are better now knowledge has become more achievable and access has become better.

Anthony

As I write this statement, I realize that the answer to this question is obvious. If I could return to the time when I was a high school senior and give myself advice, it would be but one phrase : "Think about the consequences of your actions!" Yes, this seven word phrase may seem simple but it is in fact the most relevant piece of advice that I can concieve in my mind. At this very moment, I am applying for a scholarship as a college undergraduate at a community college because I failed to think about the consequences that would follow my long nights of partying and my reluctant attitude towards my education. Those long nights deprived me of time and sleep, which in turn deprived me of study time which caused me to get mediocre grades as a senior. If I had considered the consequences that followed my desire to sate my worthless and insignificant appetites, then I would have been a valedictorian at a four year undergraduate university. Now, I am full of regrets and I relax my conscience with "what-ifs." What if I had studied? What if I had focused? What if ? That is the question.

Ryan

Hey, Take it easy buddy, you have plenty of time to make life happen. There is no need to rush away from school just yet; working a dead-end job is not all it is cracked up to be. You are definitely going to live past twenty-five so stop worrying about that. You need to focus on the present and plan for the future... your future is not so pre-determined as you think. You have to start making the right choices. Just a couple more things; your Dad is not against you, your Mom is not always going to loan you money, and your brother is actually way cooler than you. Your sister is alright too, man. Trust me. I do have one last thing for you, now listen closely to this one; the Raiders are going to go to the superbowl in with Tampa on January 26, 2003. Do not bet on the raiders dude, they are not going to win. Also, they are never going to win again. Also, they are actually one of the worst teams in the NFL. Get over it.

Vianey

Given the opportunity to go back in time to myself as a high school senior, I would have told my seventeen year old self to suck it up and listen to everything mom and dad said about school. Although I made it into one of my top three schools, I did not try as hard as I should have to get into my other schools. I had really wanted to get into Texas Christian University, but my hopes were shot down when I was put onto the waiting list. By having this conversation with past self, I believe there would have been a greater chance at me getting into that school. As a senior, I did not fully appreciate my parents advice about college. Most of the time, it "went in through one ear, and came straight out the other". Now, I know that they nagged because they love me and only wanted what was best.