University of Portland Top Questions

The world as mine, I was excited about the unknow future, but disastrously unaware of how to take the next step. The curly haired, fuzzy faced, guitar playing senior I was could have used a few pointers to make getting to college a few steps less stressful. My pep talk would be an aimed to opening my eyes. I would have to let myself know that I do not know everything. Because of my inexperience I should have considered every single piece of advice offered from teachers and counselors: "Apply for every scholarship", Get started your NOW". They have been there and done that and its important to never be afraid to seek help of anyone involved in education. They came into this field because of their passion, which includes your success. In High School success in academics came with ease. To prepare past Juan it would only be fair to let know that it won't always come as easy. Talent will only go so far, but a hard work ethic will push you forever. As the playing field gets difficult you will have to step up and rise to the challenge of college and the rest of life.

As any normal senior in high school I was eager to graduate and go off to college where I could make my own schedule and do whatever I wanted. Well, I was in for a rude awakening. I didn't try my best to make straight A's my senior year as I did in the years prior. Making the decision to "goof around" in my last year of high school turned out to be a mistake. My first year in college made me realize that I would have been better off trying my hardest my senior year. Knowing what I know now, I would go back in time to tell myself that I need to work on my study habits to keep my grades up. I would give myself a warning saying that I'm just going to be a small fish in an ocean of sharks, and I don't run the place anymore. My future is a big deal. Had I known what I know now, I would have tried harder to make my college experience a little easier.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to get involved as much as possible. Getting involved in college allows you to know everything the school has to offer as well as the ability to meet many people. Making new friends can be scary, but everyone else is in the same situation. It may feel awkward to talk to some random person you just met, but that person could become a great friend if you give them a chance. Although it is important to study and get good grades, it is okay to spend a Friday night with some friends. They are vital to being at college, but you do not need a bunch of mediocre friends to feel popular. A few close friends who care about and support you are great. I would emphasize that you only live and attend college once so be smart about your choices, but make the most out of it.

Do your research. Find out as much as possible about all of the programs, financial aid, classes, clubs, activities, events, professors, learning resources, and typical students at the college. Every college has its own points in which it excels and there are others in which it scores lower. Make sure that the college places the same importance on things that interest you. Speak to current students, especially those you have a relationship with as they will give you the most realistic version. A school might look great in a pamphlet, but the actual thing may be quite different. Also, be sure to visit the different campuses. Each school has its own feel, and you want one that will fit your style. Above all, take all of the factors together and evaluate which college will be worth the time and money you are investing and will provide you with the most diverse skills for the rest of your life.

If I could go back in time to when I was a senior, I would have so many things to tell myself. The very first thing I would tell myself is to breathe. I can remember vividly how stressed I was, how tense I was with everything regarding college. How will I pay? Will I make friends? Is biology the right major for me? The questions seemed impossible to answer, and that is because they were. If I could go back in time, I would only have to give a single answer: let it be. As my valedictorian said in his speech; go out there and fail. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. That hurt of rejection will only bolster your confidence to strive for bigger and better things. Make new friends, keep old ones, try new things, and most importantly, breathe. Slow down, enjoy your fleeting time as a student, and immerse yourself fully in this experience that expands your knowledge with every class, with the enthusiasm of a fool. As Steve Jobs said, “Stay hungry. Stay foolish.” And that is exactly what I have done.

If I were able to give my high school self about my college experience it would to stress less about grades and to have fun in your classes. I struggled with having fun in my classes freshman year. I was so caught up in trying to get the best grades and every tiny point I did not earn through me into a tizzy. I attended summer school after my freshman year and this is when I started to have fun in my classes. If I could let myself stress less, I had fun in my classes. The grades naturally come if you work hard and have fun – even without stressing out over every missed point. Even though I eventually found a way to stress less, I wish I had gone into college with this skill. It would have prevented a lot of headaches and minor freak-outs.

If I could go back and give my high school self advice on how to handle college, it would be to relax and just absorb the new experiences. Going into college I was nervous about moving to a new city, meeting an entirely new friend group, and entering a new field of study. I think my apprehension about the situation closed me off from truly appreciating everything that I was experiencing. Incoming freshmen, should be advised to relax and truly just be themselves. For many students college is the first time when you can pursue exactly what you want, act as you choose, and start to lay the foundation for the person you will be for the rest of your life. It's impossible to find yourself if you are constatnly changing to be what other people want you to be.

Relax. Everything will come together, and worrying about what the year has in store will grant you nothing but sleepless nights. When you start a puzzle, a movie, or a book you have no way of seeing the outcome in minute detail--the only way to understand is to live it. So prepare for college by studying yourself. All you need to learn comes from the kind of person you are, and the person you become after a year of complete change. You won't be the same when you come out of your freshman year. So get to know yourself now, because going out there alone means all you have is yourself. I went to my college knowing nobody. I came out with the best friends I've ever had. Summer will fly by, but if you knew what was out there, what was waiting for you--you'd be wishing it would go by even faster.

To my yesterself, first and foremost know that everything is going to work out. Now, since you likely don't believe that at this time, I suggest not being overly concerned with your GPA. Stay above average, but make time in your schedule to volunteer in your community. Experience with different fields of study now, so you can begin to rule out fields that don't interest you and perhaps stumble across a few that do. Challenge yourself in classes; not only will it help you prepare for college, but it will jump-start your forumalation of your character-- a prized posession in your future years. In preparation for college, write down a "dream campus" before you begin visiting. Write down details; how many people are in the lounge? Can you find a place to sit? Is the food good? How are the students interacting? Keep this in mind when you visit colleges, invisioning yourself joining their community. A college campus is your home for the next four years. Stay determined, but know that you may make a mistake in chosing a dorm, a major, or even a university. All of these are fixable. Happy trails, and sharp pencils.

Dearest Noel,Stop. Breathe in, breathe out. Repeat after me:I am not a GPAI am not a letter gradeMy worth far exceeds what an institution tells me Stop wasting your tears over those matters that are not important. There are far greater things in the year to come and those are what you need to expend your energy on. 2013 is going to be the best year you have ever had, but also the most challenging. There will be heartbreak, sleepless nights filled with crying, irrevocable mistakes and a burning desire to just go home to mom, dad and Alan. But on the other side of the spectrum, there will also be inexplicable joy that you have never experienced before. You will fabricate a beautiful support system and excel in those things you invest passionate drive into. When you wake up in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive and to be educated. Be strong when things don’t unfold as planned. You are SUPPOSED to make mistakes. Be in love with your college life. Every minute of it. And remember, happy girls shine brighter.