University of Southern Maine Top Questions

I would tell myself on simple thing, be you. I feel I have failed and conqurred, which has been the best experience.

If I could go back in time and advise myself when I was a high school senior, I would tell myself not to worry so much about the small things. I never had to worry about the small things, like getting off to college or worrying if I would meet people there. I would tell myself that everything works out like it should, and I would not change any specific events. I would just want to let myself know that college goes great, you will meet a bunch of friends that are exactly like you, and you will get a girlfriend. I would not want to change any events because then I may not have met certain people, and I have met people since going to college that I will be friends with for life, and I would never want to change that.

I would say to that young impressionable self to take a year, maybe even two off away from school to learn more about yourself before diving right in. I'd say that college will be waiting and there is no reason to rush even if all your friends are going. When the time came to go I'd say not to worry about which classes might be the best fit and instead try some you might not normally. I'd say explore as many academic options as possible but also remember to have fun. Join the dram club, and the school chorus and stop worrying all the time about academic achievement. Hang out with people who make you laugh, dare to go into the local cities surrounding the campus and go to music clubs and restaurants. Finally see that you get some rest now and then. It's not crucial that you attend every party or go out drinking with your friends every friday night. Learn to make time for yourself so that you can sit and reflect on how things are going and whether you're having a good time at school.

Dear young, impressionable high school self: Here are some words of wisdom to help you transition into college life. Take classes seriously, show up on time, and pay attention because the grades you earn Freshman year of college will affect your GPA all the way to graduation. Talk to the students in your classes and form study groups, it will seriously cut down on your study time! Go out and meet new people, join a club that interests you, and get involved in extra-curricular activities because college will be boring and lonely if you do not participate in campus events and find friends to share your college experience with. Form a relationship with your advisor so you can stay on track with the classes you need to be taking and what career opportunites might be available for you in the future. Choose one day every week to relax, unwind, and clear your head. And most importanty, stay motivated, and keep studying and pushing through even when you are burnt out because it will be so worth it in the end when you are holding your diploma!

Unfortunately, I don't feel as though my collegiate experience challenged me academically, or pushed me to my full potential. Regardless of these feelings, I think the overall value and experience of attending college are priceless. I have made what I consider, life-long friends, and have grown leaps and bounds as a person. The most valuable lesson I have taken away from my college experience is that it is never to late to change your situation. I think we often trap ourselves as students, and convince ourselves that we have to want one path, and one path only. We associate a lot of fear and disappointment with changing our educational plan. I graduated from a 4-year program and realized I wasn't happy, my experience encouraged me to continue with my eduation and find what truly makes me happy. Had I not had this experience, I may have settled for a career path I wasn't passionate about.

I have gained valuable life, long friends. These friends have helped me through some rough patches in my life. For instance, they helped me through some relationship issues last springs. My friends and I have memorable experiences such as this winter's Christmas Party. We played, Uno and had Chinese food for dinner. College has given a whole different perspective on life by meeting all sorts of different people.

My college experience thus far has been so rich. College has taught me so much more than academics, it's taught me how to learn. I'm now at the point in my college career that I know what I want out of my education. These are the most productive and influential years of my life thus far as I have finally learned how to get the most out of my classes and professors. I have experimented with multiple ways to absorb information and have picked up so many life skills on the way. Not only have I learned how to support myself independently but also how to balance a demanding internship along with my studies in a productive way. College has taught me to respect and take value in the process of education, how to think critically under pressure, and how to stay organized. The entire experience has brought me through lots of trial and error, but that is what the college years are for, learning to learn.

The most I have gotten out of my college experience is independence and responsibility. I no longer have my mother there to wake me up for class but at the same time she is not there to tell me when to go to bed. I feel like I am growing into my own person and this place has given me a lot of space to grow. Athletics has brought me closer to the community and I feel more obliged to help out than I had before.

I would tell my self that everything will be okay there are times you will cry and miss your family but thats ok because you roomates feeling the same way. ALso dont go home everyweekend because then you miss out when you could be having fun . ALos study hard and recieve good grades for that is why you come to college but also remember to have fun employers look for well rounded students so get involved. overall dont stress have fun you'll have plenty of time later to worry about bills when you have to start paying back your loans so be a kid but remember you still at times have to be an adult.

Because I had to work full time and commute two hours a day throughout my undergrad, I would tell myself as a senior to slow down and enjoy college more. Unlike most of my peers, I didn't spend much time partying or hanging out; I worked tirelessly at my academics and my multiple part time jobs in order to survive. While that was beneficial, I should have gone to all of the lectures and events that I was interested in, joined clubs, studied abroad, and just done whatever I could to make the most of that time in life in which one has so many opportunities to explore and stretch one's self. I'm glad I didn't waste time, but I wish I had been less focused on getting by and more focused on making the most of the experience.