The Evergreen State College Top Questions

I would say to myself "Self, it's been sixteen years and I am definitely older and like to think I am a little wiser. College should be about experiences, but also about knowledge. Soak up as much as you can. Never stop learning, because a mind at rest is a mind that lingers."

Don't worry about it - wherever you end up, you will experience thigns that will change you and your perspectives on the world. You will meet people you find interesting. You will learn things you never knew existed, you will have both good times and bad. The next 5-8 years are going to be full of changes, regardless of where you are. The important thing is to embrace change, and approach life with an open mind above all.

I would tell myself not to be so afraid and that I will handle college just fine.

I would advise my past self to start preparing for college at the very beginning of the year. It's really important to know which deadlines are coming up for applications, scholarships, and financial aid. I would also advise myself to prioritize school with having a job and even with my social life. Keeping up with homework is one of the easiest and often one of the most ignored aspects of college life that could have a big impact on how well a student can do in school. I would make sure that i have the right resources to choose the best school to fit my needs and my schedule. Failing to plan a head will only slow me down in furthering my education and I want to make sure that i have enough information to make a smooth transition into college.

study more

October 2011! Great! I'll be out of school by then. I would go back to myself in time and say "Sucks to be you! I got a time machine now! Chicks really dig the time machine. Even the rich snobby ones! Go figure. They all think they're going to go back in time and talk girl talk with Cleopatra. The point is, in today's economy, you're pretty much screwed. Marry well!"

My advice: Smile, take a deep breath, and get really caught up in everything, INCLUDING homework. Make sure to make wonderful use of your faculty, who are a lot more observant and perceptive then you think., and are willing to work with you and support you if you are having personal problems, which is very likely your freshman year. Use your campus resources like academic advising and the gym. Get involved, it is truly the best way to meet people, no matter how nerve wrecking it may be. Don't forget that in class although it may be intimidating and challenging, remember that ultimately, you are in school to LEARN. No one expects you to be a genius, so don't beat yourself up for not knowing things already, you are in school for that exact reason. Lastly, have fun, and don't let stress overule your life. These are the years that are filled with learning in so many different aspects of life. SOAK THESE LESSONS UP WITH A SPONGE, and enjoy.

Apply for scholarships!

I would still take a year off between high school and college, though I would find something more fulfilling in the community to do instead of just working. I would remind myself that I go to school for me, not anyone else. I would tell myself that it's important to be an active part of the community you live in and to take advantage of more internship opportunities. There isn't much I would change about the experience I've had in college, but I would like to remind myself that, even though education is important, mental and physical health are just as important. There is no need to be stressed about work that I have chosen to do.

Start the application process early and really take the time to read over the different degrees offered and soul search to decide what degree would truly suit me the best and provide me with the most job-fulfillment in the future, since those that enjoy their job tend to be the ones that really succeed and move up in their field of employment. Take the time to visit with a school advisor to help you create the best plan of action in starting the college education experience is another piece of advice I would give myself.