SUNY College at Geneseo Top Questions

What should every freshman at SUNY College at Geneseo know before they start?

arnub

Try everything at least once. Don't be afraid to look awkward. You'll meet tons of people freshman week that you wont ever see again, but some may become your lifelong friends. Know that you cant live with everyone. Keep an open mind and take a variety of classes, just for the hell of it. Know that you're blessed and should take make the most of this opportunity.

Alexis

Hey self from the past, listen, your first year at Geneseo is going to be the hardest time you have ever gone through. You need to take the summer and prepare your mind for the challenging academics you will be facing, but have your social life now, because the only time you will be socializing beyond study groups is on weekends. Stay away from the drugs, because they're nothing but self-destructive trouble,. You can let loose and have fun for sure, but just be sure that you are 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} capable of hadling both the workload and the social life. Save your cans and bottles to return at WalMart, you'd be surprised how much you get out of it! Last, but not least, enjoy the view and take advantage of the facilities that are offered, it's a great release. Good luck and enjoy college! Don't stess youself out, you're going to do great things there!

Rebecca

I am an artist. I see beauty where things may not be pretty and constantly search for greater meaning than the literal. Two years ago, I started college as a Mathematics major. Math is great. I am constantly in awe at its simultaneous harmony and complexity. I enjoy the challenge of studying mathematics, but I picked it for the job security. I'm four math classes away from my degree now, and I'm terrified. I like math because I see the beauty in it that I can find in everything. I like math because I am an artist. What is special about me is this unique perspective on life. I want to study Psychology and eventually Art Therapy to help others see the world in all its complex beauty. I met a seventy-six year old woman in a painting class this summer. She told me, "As long as you are doing what you love, you are going to be successful." Life is far too short to pass up what you love for what speculation tells you provides security. I would tell my high school self is not to let fear keep me from being the best me.

Samuel

I'd tell myself, "I know you've faced some pretty difficult times growing up in the Bronx. But hey, don't let those events dictate how you see life, Sam. Up until this point what has set you apart from your friends is that you understand the value of your education. Trust me when I tell you you're going to realize how much that paid off when you get up here to Geneseo. You will come up here and get to relax like never before, I promise you! No more having to rush home while also constantly watching your back to make sure you're safe. That's not life at all. You'll come up to Geneseo and be absolutely worry free. It's only when you get to experience that comfort that you'll finally get to fully understand why it was so important to focus on your education all along. Your education has gotten you so many opportunities so far and it always will. Your education comes first, don't ever forget that."

Bridget

Knowing now what I do about the college transition, I would do my best to bolster my own self-confidence about trying new things. I grew and changed so much as a college student as a result of trying so many things I was scared to try as a high school student -- from campus clubs to new food to classes to even just striking up a conversation with a stranger. I was adequately prepared academically for the transition to college, but the social transition took some adjustment for me.

Kimberly

The first piece of advice I would give myself is to stop worrying so much. Freshman year will be nothing like how you expected it to be, and that's alright. You still need to give college a chance and not be so negative about everything that happens. It will be difficult, and you will be homesick. But you'll prove to yourself you can live on your own and you can excell at a school known for its academic rigor. And then, you need to stop being so shy. You only have four years. Go out there and enjoy every possible moment. Try out for that play. Go dance in the rain with the people across the hall. Go to a party on the weekend without worrying what others will think. Enjoy your time. Don't be stupid about it, but take the time to soak in all that college has to offer. Before you know it you'll be done and looking back on it all and regretting the things you never got to do or try. Don't let that happen. Try new things. Be brave and be bold.

megan

I would have told ,yself to go to college right away after i graduated instead of waiting 3 years. I would have started looking for financial aid years ago so that i knew what i was getting myself into and i would have worked so much harder to save money .

Rebecca

RELAX! It will all be fine.

Erica

Be ready to learn more about yourself. Be open to new experiences. Participate in the widest range of activities you possibly can; do not limit yourself. Remember, your grades are important but the experiences you are making will shape who you become. There are going to be people that seem so different from you that you'll find fit your personality perfectly. There will be people that don't fit your personality at all and that's okay too. Be true to yourself. You will never have this freedom with the safety net any other time in your life. Enjoy it. Take care of yourself. It will always be tempting to do something else besides rest but sometimes that's exactly what your body needs. Don't sleep too much; you might miss out on one of those memorable nights. Remember how lucky you are to be able to receive the education you are getting for there are far more people who will never have this chance. Get involved in your major. Do research if able and take advantage of all the opportunties you are being offered. Take at least one class just for fun. Live a life you love.

Twiggy

If I could return to high school to have a conversation with my high school senior self I would let her know that education is far more important than whatever seemed so important at that time. My father had just died and my mother was an alcoholic so it seemed so important to remove myself from that environment. If I could talk to my "senior self" I would tell her that she was capable of being successfull at college and that going to work was only a short term fix to the bigger challenges that she would surely face later in life without a college education. I would also let her know that if she could work as hard on her future by attending school and engaging in the community as she did working for a paycheck she would most certainly succeed. I would let her know that believing in herself should be her first order of business and that all good decisions flow from such knowledge. Knowledge is indeed power and without it life is an uphill battle. I would also tell her to covet her time as a young person and invest in herself. She is worth it.

Jean

I would say," I've got to sign up for the college credit classes in 11th and 12th grade before I'll graduate from high school . Do my very best in those classes , so when I do graduate I'll already be half way done with college credits towards a degree". I"ll choose a nearby college that has minimal fees for credits and parking. I'll also sighn up for a work study program. I want to achieve A's across the board in my classes , because I really want to make the honor roll. For as long as I can remember I always wanted to be in the medical field my interests are in medical records, medical assistant, or RN. Everything I have investigated tells its better to climb the ladder first. This means a student is excepted into a nursing program if you already have : CNA,(certified nursing assistant, MA (certified medical assistant, and one must have a cuurent dated CPR certificate . My goals are to stay in classes until I reach the criteria necessary to enroll in a either Health Information AAS degree or Registered Nurse Degree. Knowing this I must start my generals classes 1st.

Sarah

As a high school senior I would encourage myself to think harder about my college selection compared to what career I would like to pursue. I have realized being in school that certain majors are more popular than others and it is harder to get into some classes compared to others. I would make sure to visit every school at least twice before accepting admission, that way I may have picked up on more things about a school before I chose it. I also would encourage myself to pay more attention to the financial aspect of college and to apply to as many scholarships as possible, as education is costly, especially if you look to transfer. I feel that with this advice I would have made a much better decision about the colleg that I picked.

Alyssa

If I could go back in time to approximately one year ago today, I would find myself preparing for my senior year of high school. With the knowledge that I have now come to possess about college life and the necessary transition, I would advise my past self to refrain from worrying and stressing over my future plans. Although a little stress can be healthy, I tended to over-think and over-analyze my options. I have come to find that college is a terrific experience that is not meant to be strictly hard work and tough classes. College can be a lot of fun, as well. You have the opportunity to meet many wonderful, diverse people and get involved around campus. The only thing I regret about my senior year of high school was that I allowed myself to have so much anxiety about college and what would become of me in the future. I have since found that I had nothing to worry about, and that college will be a great time for me to learn and grow spiritually, emotionally, and mentally.

Mayra

People say that senior year in high school are to enjoy our last year in school, so we can enjoy our senior week and prom and all the good and fun stuff we have in our senior year. In reality senior year should be to start looking forward in life to become better persons in a future. That year should be to start thinking what we want to become, what do we want when we are out of high school. If only I could go back in time and give myself an advice I would say ; ” stop acting and start reacting!” time is passing and time doesn’t wait, lets make the best out of this senior year having fun but also thinking mature of what I want to stand from here and 5years from now. I would tell myself to apply for a lot of scholarships so I can make it into a good college and catch my dream of becoming a Psychologist. I would also tell myself to study a lot more and to give the best that I can to accomplish my goals, and not to stop until I achieve them all be how I want .

Brandon

I would advise myself to forget about the money. Go where you're going to be happy. I wish I had topld myself to go to an excellent large public university in another state that has a good balance of academics, athletics, and a social life. I also would've told myself to work harder in high school so I could've gotten into a better college.

mariel

Mariel, your upcoming college experience is going to be great. As a high school student there are always thoughts and fears of the unknown future. Remember that everyone else entering as a freshman has the same questions: will I fit in, how is the food, who will my roommate be. The most important advice is to be yourself, be socially and academically responsible and do not allow students who are not responsible to influence you. Focus on what you are interested in and pursue those interests. In college unlike in high school you are expected to carve out a path for yourself. You are treated as an adult and expected to behave as one. All the opportunities are present but only if you avail yourself to utilize them. T'he same is true for social and leadership activities. College is a precursor to your adult life. You can be as successful as you want but you have to make it happen. Look forward to college as a privilege as well as a gift and embrace this opportunity. Most importantly, have fun.

Ashley

With the ability to talk to myself as a high school senior now, I would have substantial advice. First of all, do what makes you happy and do not worry about pleasing others. In the long run, it is you who matters. Deciding on a major does not need to be rushed, you cannot expect to know exactly what you want to do at eighteen years old. Follow your heart, and do what makes you happy. There are countless opportunities to succeed. Monetary means will fall into place eventually, do not let your lack of money deter you from doing anything. Study abroad! Take advantage of the ability to travel the world at this age and experience amazing cultures; again, do not worry about the cost. Join organizations, clubs, and anything to meet new people. You are going to meet so many new people, and in doing so, will learn more about yourself. Do not do anything you do not feel is right. You will find people will similar values and those are the ones you want to surround yourself with. College is a time for learning, fun, and new experiences. Take advantage of it!

Stephanie

It has been very valuable for me to attend college because I have grown and learned more about myself. I have gained a new found confidence, that I never had before, I have learned to not be afriad of something new and unknown. Plus I am also gaining academic knowledge, which will benefit me when I pursue my career. Attending college has made me more responsible as a student. I take my job as a student very seriously. I have learned that it is my responsiblity to turn in assignments on time, make sure I make time to read and study the material for the next time I have class. I also have learned that there is nothing wrong with asking questions if I am having trouble grasping a new concept. Overall attending college has taught me to be a better person in more ways than just academically. The conccepts I have learned will be with me for the rest of my life. As a future teacher I hope that I can teach my students these valuable concepts along with their academics

Misty

Im gaining usful knowdledge and skill's in school to apply to the work world when I enter it.Im 33 years old and up until and few months ago I had never done anything outside of my home.Im currently enrolled in a M.A program,with nursing school to follow.Im learning how to become a productive citzen in the work force in a in demand field,doing something I love.I had no work expierence and nothing other than a h.s diplomia prior to enrolling in ATI.

Michael

When I arrived as a freshman, I was for lack of a better word, a ‘kid.” I had always excelled in school without having to put in very much effort; and as a result, I was naïve to how much effort it truly takes to earn success in something meaningful. It quickly became apparent that the cliché is true, what one gets out of an experience is a direct result of the effort put forth. Many of the lessons that I have learned in college did not take place in a classroom or lecture hall. Starting from day one, you are thrown together with complete strangers whom which you are not only expected to work and live with, but also compete against. College forces a person to become versed in the dynamics of human relations that will exist long after the dorm room interactions are over. Furthermore, in college you become completely responsible for yourself; success or failure is entirely your own to claim. Attending college at SUNY Geneseo has been an essential part of my life, which has not only prepared me academically, but also personally to succeed in my future.