University of Portland Top Questions

For some reason, I was inspired to write a poem instead of writing an essay. I enjoyed writing it. So, I’m going to submit it even though it doesn’t fill the criteria. Wait until your mind is primed To find the sublime takes time Want not nor mind For what seems pressing In truth is not distressing But is a blessing not a bind Though there is no sign For the only indicator Must be illuminated later By a happy peaceful mind Thank you

Dear High School Self, When you arrive on campus for Orientation, make every effort to meet as many people as possible and make new friends. Orientation will seem painfully silly and pointless, but attempt to see it as an opportunity to begin forming a new network of friends., rather than as mearly a ridiculous right of passage that you must endure before your university experience actually begins. Secondly, the University of Portland is a wonderful school that provides you with an opportunity to broaden your understanding of the world. Thus, appreciate the core classes that you are required to take. Do not waste the first few fretting that they do not apply to your major. Make the most of every chance to learn and to challenge the beliefs that you have long taken for granted. Finally, I have no need to exhort you to focus on your studies. However, remember to find time for fun. Apply yourself to finding a comfortable balance between work and a social life from the start. The four years you will spend at university are precious, you will have only one chance. Learn all you can, challenge assumptions, and have fun! Sincerely, College Junior Self

I would say choose whichever college you feel is best for you. You will know what the right path is for you in college, and if you want to change, you still have that opportunity. Change is hard, but it is a part of life, and you may lose friends, but you will also make new ones that will last a life time. Enjoy every moment, keep your head up, and look ahead into the bright future that is is waiting for you.

If I could go back in time and talk myself about college I'd say don't wait. Don't three years out of high school to start, start in the fall semester not the spring. Starting college is a lot harder than you would think it is, so sign as soon as possible. You need to make sure you have a good part time job and a denpenable car. If you don't have those it'd get a bit hard to live by yourself. You're much more outgoing though, and that might make it easier to make friends for study groups. Point is get college started asap, life might just go much smoother.

To my younger self, Stay positive. Remember that life is a journey and college is apart of that journey. Everything happens for a reason. All the stress, pressure, and life-altering decisions are not as bad as they seem. You have options and if the one option you choose does not work you always can go to a back up plan. Nothing is over until you have exhausted all possible outcomes. Starting your first year of college is not life and death. You do not need that extra pair of jeans or those five extra pairs of shoes that never seem to be worn. Forget about the small stuff. College is a big, new, and exciting adventure that you should embrace. And do not worry about not knowing anyone. You WILL make new friends! Count on it. You are not the only person going through one of the biggest transitions in your young adult life. Hundreds of kids are. Most of all I would say to you, HAVE FUN and live life to the fullest because you only get one! College is just one stop on the ride of your life and your just swinging on through.

Maggie, Make the most of what you have. Do everything you can during high school and take time to do all the activites you want to do, becuase if you are not accustom to having a busy schedule then you will have a much more difficult time transitioning into the college life. It is busy and stressful most of the time, but it is so worth it. It is the time when you get to figure out who you are and what you want to do with your life, and don't take that forgranted. Go ahead and take the jump full heartly, becuase if you don't invest yourself into your education then you will not get the most you could possibly get out of it. But I know that you will be great. Remember to believe in yourself and don't get scared about the idea of college it is a lot of work, but you will learn how to manage your time and keep your grades up. Love your present self.

If I were to go back as a high school senior I would have told myself to boraden my horizons even more; I thought I had through my volunteer experience, but I really wish i had done more to help the community. I also with I had applied to more schools. I love University of Portland, but I think i should have given myself more options, especially schools on the east coast. this would allow me to be closer to Washington D.C., where I hope to work one day and assist the United States government in its foreign policy towards Latin America.

I would tell myself that it is fine to not always know what I want to do or who I want to be. I have learned over the past year and a half that I am still growing and shaping myself. That is what college is about; it is a time and place where one is able to meet people with many shared interests and who can help one grow. I would advise myself to not think that there is a right or wrong way to do things, but only different ways. Trying different paths is an essential part of being in college, for if one doesn't try new things and go out of one's comfort zone then one will not get the most out of college. Overall, I would advise myself to get everything out of college that is offered; don't focus too much on academics or too much on social things, but have a great blend of learning and being oneself, whatever that may be, with friends outside of class. The main thing that I would recommend is to be myself, for only if I let myself be can I find out who I am.

I would tell all high school seniors it is about finding the school that you feel most comfortable at. As a high school senior I believed I needed to go to the best school I was admitted to and ended up leaving after a semester because it never felt right. I do not think it is as important to figure out what you want to do before you get there because college in general will change your vies and interests. Most importantly, VISIT all schools you think you will like to attend, and if possible stay over night and go to some classes because that is really the only way you will get a feel for the school and will figure out if you truley like it.

Apply to colleges earlier and save up money for college.