The Evergreen State College Top Questions

Don't freak out too much about the application process. You're going to be okay, really. It is absolutely crucial to visit the schools that you are considering. Something as seemingly unimportant as the housing situation has the potential to make your college experience miserable. Once you actually get there, meet people! All those orientation activities that seem so pointless are really valuable for making connections with others. Everyone has something in common - you are all at a new, exciting place together. Even the smallest interactions with other students can last you through the rest of the year. You do not want to be stuck in your room watching movies in February when everyone else has found their group of friends. Lastly, this college thing is so exciting and fun! Take advantage of as many opportunities as possible!

First thing first: take a year off between high school and college. Since I went directly to college, I was unable to have an idea of the real world and it was harder to figure out what I was interested in. Second, don't declare a major freshman year- explore classes and take a variety of subjects that appeal to you. Third, put yourself out there and make as many friends as possible - they will become your network not only for socializing but for studying as well. You need lots of friends to support you during your time at college. Lastly, visit as many colleges as possible and talk to people who have been there before deciding where to go. If need be, do what I did and change colleges - many will accept credits for transfer. College is about finding yourself as a responsible adult, but also having a great time with the friends you make there. Make it fun!

If I could go back and talk to myself as a senior in highschool, I would say that college has its ups and downs ( just like every other part of life) I would tell my self to live in an appartment on campus with a kitchen my first year and not in the Freshman dorms. I would tell myself to expore more of seattle and olympia my first year and to be more social with friends. I would tell myself to take 20 credits to maximise my learning.

Be dilligent, don't give up and deffinatly don't procrastonate. You are going to go through a lot of drama and hard work but it will be worth it in the long run. You are going to learn a lot, and not what you expected. Remember to take a breather every once and a while and don't sweat the small stuff. Have fun and keep in mind that this time won't last forever so make the most of it.

I would beg of myself to allow for a future that my family did not see for my life or consent of; I would blow my mind by telling myself that I will be the first in my family to both pursue a college education and achieve a Bachelors Degree; this is a thought which seemed inconceivable and indeed impossible in my life during that time. I would tell myself that it is a gift to learn and that I should stay in school and apply my interests and skills to school so that I could continue to build on my work and passions throughout my undergraduate education, achieving success and greatness in my field. I would say with complete sincerity that while in college I would learn more the I ever though I didn’t know, that the world would change – my world perspective would change forever - through my education. And, I would tell myself that I will be able to help many people reach success in their lives and in their education; that I myself will be able to achieve self actualization, and assist others in their personal pursuit of the same.

I would advise myself to look more carefully into the schools I was considering, instead of choosing haphazardly. Although the college I selected is a good place, I'm already looking to transfer because it's just not right for me, something that I could have figured out if I had taken the time to do more research about their system. Also, I would advise myself to take the time to really explore my options - I went straight from graduation into summer school, and am feeling the pressure of being constantly in school, not having a break in between high school and college, and envious of thsoe of my friends who elected to take semesters off. I would also advise myself to apply to more schools - even though I was doubtful of my ability to get into the schools that I applied to, I now believe I would have had a chance at getting into schools I didn't even bother applying to, and I am regretful that I conciously closed off options. I would also advise my senior self to make more of my own decisions, and not base my decisions on my parents' advice so much.

Do more than the minimum! Get your language and math in, and do a good job too. You will want to have more choices and more funding, and this is how to do it. It doesn't matter that your parents could give a shit, you need to prepare yourself.

Having struggled in high school, it might come as a surprise that I am consistently on the college honors list. As a visual learner, school is always challenging since few classes are geared toward my learning style. Readings and lectures are rarely enough, and courses utilizing images and videos are scarce. In attempt to better grasp concepts I visit museums, seek educational videos and engage in long discussions with teachers and peers. I have had many more educational experiences and become more confident as a result. Most recently, I volunteered with a local historical association where I learned much about the pioneers and geography of Washington State, Native American history in the area, and even about new ways education programs are reaching out to students. Interacting and visualizing what my class was teaching, not only let me experience and understand the information in a way that textbooks cannot, but also allows for personal growth that I could not obtain in a classroom the same way. My grades are consistently high and I am getting more than a degree and course credits from college that will help me in my career, I am getting real life experience and a lifelong education.

Growing up is done in steps, some ascend these faster than others, some fall and never reach their pinnacle, and others strive to find the top and never do so. I have grown more in these two years of college than my entire years of education past, as a human and intellectual and am more than ever prepared to enter proffesional life, live freely, and pursue future happiness.

My experience at Evergreen has been valuable because it has allowed me to explore the field I wish to one day work in. Here, I am able to conduct research in a fully functioning microbiology lab. This has not only confirmed that microbiology is the correct degree for me, but has also given me valuable hands on experience. I feel like it has given me an advantage in the future. By the time I graduate I will have had over two years of independent research. I feel very lucky to have such a unique oppertunity.