University of Portland Top Questions

Oh, there is so much advice I would give myself if I could go back in time. First, I would explain how you actually have to go to class! Just because you're in college and teachers aren't keeping an eye on you, does not mean you can goof off. If I had realized this, maybe my first semester wouldn't have been so rough. Secondly, college is your chance to start new. I went through some difficult times in high school, and my GPA suffered horribly. I didn't realize this chance of a new beginning until my second semester, in which I realized that I was a very smart girl; I just had to put forth the effort. But perhaps the most important thing is that I should have fun my senior year, be myself and continue to make friends. My past philosophy senior year was "I'm not going to see these people ever again so why bother making friends". I greatly regret this, because many people remain friends with their old high school buddies and I was super ridiculous for thinking this way. I certainly needed a talking to. I was such a negative nancy!

The first and most important advice I would give to myself would be to learn your best how to balance your school life with your personal life, especially when you do sports and have a job. It gets very overwhelming sometimes to balance your life, so it is a good quality to have in college. I would next explain to myself that college isn't that cheap and money is very relevant to be successful, so I would make sure that I would apply for more scholarships. This would help take one stress out of the college life, which is already full of a ton of stressful things. I would next tell myself to learn how to study more effectively. Throughout high school I never really had to study for to much because it was alot easier, but now in college I know that this is an essential tool to succeed. The last thing I would tell myself is to keep that drive to succeed in any situation you are put in. College throws a ton of stuff and situations at you and you need to strive for your goal to be able to get through all of them.

OK Jen, Seriously! Listen Up!!! Jen, grab life by the horns, STUDY, make the most of college, learn, Learn, LEARN, but most of all BELIEVE in yourself. Do NOT settle for anything less than excellence! Set goals and work torwards them. You will need to BELIEVE in yourself and stay focused in order to get through all that life has in store for you. College will be tough, but you can conquer it TWICE. The dedication and committment you bring to your schoolwork will set the foundation for what you need in order to succeed in life. You will face uncertainity EVERY day, do not be afraid......embrace and accept uncertainity, create your own future, and do not EVER let anyone tell you that you're not good enough, EVER! Stay the course, do not get all caught up in the "what ifs", concentrate on what it is that you need to accomplish and then take the necessary steps in order to achieve your goals.' Now GO!!!!

"Looking Back on it Now..." I know you are about to emark on a journey that will turn your world upside down. College can do that to people. My time here is meant to give advice about your college experience. Advice I hope you will remember in the months to come. I could go for days about every thing I have learned. " Eat healthy, don't stay up too late, don't overwhelm yourself!" But I didn't bring my soapbox. This is the best advice I can give you. Don't be alone Emily. We spent all of high school buried in our books, getting straight A's and walking the halls in silence. Our high school classmates probably saw us as a snob, but we both know it's cause we were scared. We put on a tough face, like we didn't need anyone, but we lied. Mostly to ourselves. It is people that shape us in to the person we are meant to be. So make friends and get hurt. Embrace those beautiful people that come our way. College is a time of growth, so don't rob yourself of experiences that will make you......you.

Put yourself out there. There is no reason for you to be shy. Everyone is beginning something new and it is a new environment for everybody. Be involved. The best way to make a difference is to be involved with events that you really care about. There are going to be many opportunities, so seize them. It is a great opportunity to become friends with others who have the same interests as you do. College is an investment for your future. Academically it will expand your knowledge and you will want to learn more. Life long relationships will come from this time period in your life, so be who you are because those who you will meet will appreciate what you have to offer. College is another step in advancing your career, so take advantage of all the resources the college has to offer. College is what you make of it. Enjoy it, learn from your mistakes and grow. You have an impact on everyone around you. Be the kind of person that makes a positive impact.

I remember my whole senior year felt like a life or death battle. College was the fierce dragon guarding the treasure of knowledge and I was the lone knight battling for my right. I swung with all my strength to only hit air. It seemed as if nothing was on my side. If I could go back and give advice to myself as a senior in high school I would definitely have told myself that the experience would be great no matter where I chose to go. I was so stressed on going to the right college with the right reputation that I didn’t my last year of high school. Eventually when I didn’t get into my dream school, I almost didn’t let myself embrace all the opportunities I could. Yet my current university was the best unexpected choice I could have ever made. I realized that no matter where I went to college the most important transition was of my own perspective and with that I opened myself up. So to my high school self I would have said don’t worry because no matter where you go, you will make the best of your decision.

The transition is difficult and life in college is different. Before deciding on a college right away, take time to compare all the pros and cons of every option. Life in college is going to be different and hard at times, but the rough times will pass and things will work out for the best in the end. Remember your goals and strive to achieve them. Do not let stress or difficult times hold you back. After that first semester you will be so proud of yourself and everything you accomplished. Enjoy life and everything will be okay.

Esther, you were born and raised in Guam for about seventeen years. You lived a fairly comfortable life of convenience with loving friends and families always near and available. Once you leave for college located thousands of miles away from home, your surroundings, situation, and perspective on life will change. Whatever college you choose to go to, you will face many challenges, hardships, and obstacles that will tempt you to give up and feel the desire to return home. At first, you will feel somewhat afraid that there is not a familiar face in sight and that you are now among a completely different surrounding, not the beaches and coconut trees that you grew up with. You will feel lost in where you should go and what you should do; you will feel slightly lonely and that is okay. But Esther, you have to choose to not let these emotions consume you. Choose to adapt and look at your situation as an opportunity to gain new friendships. Choose to learn from your experiences and gain independence. But most of all, choose to be happy. You will be glad you left home and you will appreciate what you have even more.

If I were able to give my high school self one piece of advice, it would be ‘carpe diem’ - seize the day. I would advise myself not to allow my fears or anxieties to limit me from opportunities to learn, grow, and connect outside my comfort zone. As I reminisce about my high school career, I regret not taking part in a greater variety of activities. I still believe my high school self knew a lot about life, but now I realize my high school experience was lacking in school events and community building activities. In contrast, I had a fulfilling first semester in college because I was consciously involved within the community. I became an active member of the Villa Maria Drum Squad, participated in the spur of the moment freshmen invention ‘intergalactic laser tag, and traditional charity events such as the Villa Man Auction. Events similar to these provided living proof that embracing opportunities often yield unexpected benefits that are enhancing my collegiate experience. Consciously deciding to seize the day was the best decision of my first semester because I discovered the blessing of community and the value of seizing what is not within my comfort zone.

In high school my grades were pretty good. I thought high school was very easy and I hardly ever studied. I wish I would have had study skills and time management skills my freshman year of college. My grades suffered so much my first year of college. I wish I could have told myself that you really need to study and study the things you don't know because it will be on the test. Also, take care of yourself and stay healthy. It is very difficult to miss class in college. College is fun if you are responsible!