University of Portland Top Questions

The mean girls do not go away. They will remain, in their same cliquey bunches, fighting over the same boys and talking the same trash. The responsibilities do not go away. Taking out the trash, doing the dishes, taking the time to study, these things do not vanish once you move out. But you're sense of perpetual boredom and frustration with the limitations and drama of your small town, these things will all go away when you make the transition into adulthood. Suddenly, you will understand the insecurities behind the mean girls, and you will understand how to surround yourself with the right people. You will want to keep your living area clean, and you will understand how to take pride in the person you have become. Your fear of the future will never dissapear, but it will be replaced by a confidence that comes with purpose and responsibility. College has more to offer than high school ever did, and with that in mind you can leave the mean girls behind.

If I could describe senior year in a few words it would be: an emotional whirlwind. Looking back on the experience or any experience, there are often things you wish you could change. First of all, research! Throughout the process of applying, actually research schools; hone in on your interests, find schools with good programs, and not only research their field but see what else they have to offer. Study abroad, scholarships, weekend excursions, volunteer opportunities, class size, and much more! Next, be excited! Yes, rejections are difficult. Often times, what makes it much more difficult is when your friends or peers get accepted and there you are with a rejection letter. Don’t get hung up on it. Allow yourself an hour to be mad at the world and upset; but then look over your own achievements, look at your acceptances, be proud, and get excited for the bright future you have to come. Lastly, know how you study. Groups? Individually? Flashcards? Talking it out? Find the study habits that work best for YOU. Pay attention to what works best because it is really imperative to your success in college.

I would tell myself to take better care of myself. To be the best person I can be, you need to make sure that you are healthy and happy in order to become a better person. I would say that assignments can be turned in late, if you cannot stay awake, if you have not eaten, or if you are on the verge of having a breakdown. It is okay to put the homework down for a second and relax. I would remind myself that school is not everything. In order to continue doing well in classes and life, you have to take some time to take care of you. School work does not take precedence over your wellbeing. The most important part about being a success person in life that you need to remember is that you are a person that needs to think about your hunger, sleep schedule, and emotions.

The main advice I would give to myself is to not worry about it. It all works out in the end, one way or another so don't freak out or be nervous. I would also advise myself to make as many friends as possible and not focus on a few because sometimes those dont work out and then you are out of luck for a while.

If I had the opportunity to give myself advice, now that I know about college life and making the transition, I would not give myself any advice. I would not give myself any advice because, now that I look back, struggling through the transition and getting accustomed to college life was important and it would hurt me if I did not struggle. It is also very important to not be comfortable and not know what is going to happen because that is what is going to happen in life a lot. If I told myself what to look for and what to do, I would have cheated myself out of a valuable experience. The fact that I figured out what people to talk to, how I should plan my day, and where I should eat means that I was able to learn on my feet. This is a skill that is vital in life because so much of life is not planned and the ability to adjust is essential in life. I loved that I had the opportunity to improve my improv skills and if I had been told what to do, it just would have hurt me.

Experience and learn. In our Western society that, that is the beautiful theme of college.With that in mind listen here, going to Michigan is not the best option you have in your pocket right now. Rather you should stay in Arizona and become a part of the great outdoor community that is around you. Love the people of Phoenix well, and learn a lot from the community college, learn as much as you can! After community college go to the University of Portland with great scholarships! Don't just memorize those vocabulary words soak them up. There are over 3 billion women whom would do anything to get the unhindered education that you are about to receive. If you don't take any of the advice above, that is fine, because you will learn and experience SO MUCH regardless of the route you take. Just keep caring.

Follow your heart. When I was in high school, I was a captain on the cross country and track teams, I was a peer tutor, I took all A.P. classes - I was involved in a lot. Because I was successful I thought so many people were counting on me so I participated in activities that I didn't enjoy because I was afraid to disappoint someone. I didn't take the time to find activities I was truly passionate about. College is the place to start fresh. College is the place where people find out who they are. College is a place for experimentation and play; the place where a person can try new things and decide to hate them or love them. I spent many years trying to please others. I've made so many decisions - for myself - that I never would have in high school and I've loved every one! Try things that seem strange! Learn how to say no! Listen to your heart, and trust your gut. That combination will lead you down an unbeaten path, full of treasures and adventures. Do what makes you happy first and foremost, it is, in fact, your life.

High school self, Your life right now is going to make you feel like you need to have it all figured out. You will be told you need to choose a major, choose a college that has a great program for that major and then you will always be told your grades and SAT scores aren’t good enough. Stop. Breath. The turmoil that the stress brought isn’t worth the arguments with your parents. They are the best people in your life right now. They are excited for you, they want to help you, even though you think they are forcing you to make these huge life decisions. You are special, you know who you are and have started college off right. You turned down the drugs, alcohol and sex to stay true to your own values. Be proud that you stick out in high school because in college you are the person that has their head screwed on right. You have to learn to accept that being different and “old-fashion” in high school isn’t a bad thing; don’t let others make you feel bad about yourself. You are special. You are loved. Always be you.

I would tell myself to do more community service. It'll help me relate to the people around me and be more compassionate. I would also tell myself that it's okay to not know and be a little uncertain in myself, because anyone who learned anything had a point where they didn't know. All of the people starting college with me had times where they were in the same place as I was, and I would even know more than others and be able to help them. I would also tell myself not to worry so much about money or friends or things that could be out of my control. In the end, what will be will be, and the best thing I could have learned would be to make the best of each and every thing that happened to or around me.

Coming into college can be a stressful adventure full of mistakes, new ideas and opportunities, learning, happiness and yes, maybe even a couple tears here and there. Getting ready for such a big step in life is exciting but making the transition is a little scary. You may not know how your roommates, professors and other students are going to be like, how big (or small) your class may be, or how much work you may have to put into each class. You may not know how to study in a college setting, how to make friends, how to manage a schedule, or how to get around campus or town. But keep this in mind; all the freshmen are dealing with some or all of the same things that you are dealing with. You have to be open to new opportunities, meeting new people, being open with others; communicate, compromise and be outgoing. You have to be able to ask for help, go see your professors as needed, introduce yourself with confidence and kindness, know when to say yes, when to say no. Ask questions. The people around you are there to help. Do not be afraid to feel uncomfortable.