University of St Thomas-Saint Paul Top Questions

Knowing what I know now as a college student, I wish I would have been more involved in extra curricular activities and volunteer ing right as I started college.

I would tell myself that college really is hard like people say. I had always been a smart kid that never had to try hard to succeed and I think it hindered my ability to work really hard now. I would have made my schedule harder to challenge myelf to get ready for college. This way I would have created good study skills and I would have been more prepared for the workload associated with college.

If I could go back and talk to myself as a highschool senior and give myself advice about college life, now that I know, I would. I would tell myself to take every moment in high school seriously and to always pay attention. I would tell myself to create a proper studying routine because in college you will need to utilize a steady schedule for studying. Also I would tell myself to get involved because in college it is beneficial to get involved. You can meet a lot of great friends as well as learn when getting involved. I would tell myself to volunteer and get involved with the community. Not only does it look good on your r?sum? but volunteering is also fun. When you volunteer for an organization, you can make connections and use them later during your college career by being an intern for example. Also it is such a wonderful feeling when you get the chance to volunteer with people who need help, and you get to see the look of joy on their faces as you help them. Lastly, I would tell myself to never give up and stay focused on your goals.

I would tell myself to take a deep breathe and that it will get easier. I hated college my first semester and cried the entire way back second semester, but then something clicked. Sudenly everything was okay. It is normal to feel sad, lonely and out of place. Today my firends and I joke about how awkward we were as freshmen just tring to find a group to fit in. It definately took sometime, but now I found my niche. I thought about transfering, and I am so glad I didn't. I would tell myself to be patient. It takes a lot of adjustment and getting used to going from friends you have had for the last 18 years of your life to not knowing one person. I think being more patient and remaining positive were to things I could have done better. Finally, I would tell myself to just sit back and enjoy the time I have in college. Four years will fly by and I want to have the best time I can.

I would say that the decision of the which college to go I made a good choice but to take on less of a course load.

If I were able to go back in time and give myself advice, I would encourage myself to be as open as possible. Moving away from home and learning to take care of yourself is a challenge that takes up a lot of your time and energy in your first year. Staying open is the way that you are able to create another family for yourself at school an embrace your new home and community. I have joined many clubs and organizations that represent my many different passions and it is at those meetings that I have met some of my best friends who have some of the same passions that I do. I would encourage myself to be an active member in the college community, and truly take it by storm as much as I can. Take advantage of every opportunity that is given to you, voice your opinions, and encourage others to do the same and take the same leap of faith. College is truly a unique experience, but one has to be willing to be open enough to receive it. If you do, you will not be disappointed in all that it has to offer.

College academic work is a big change from what school work was like in highschool. You should practice better study habits and keep up with your school work daily. One of the things I've learned is helpful in my college studies is to look back over your notes for each class throughout the week. This way when a test is coming up you wont have to cram for the test and it will be much easier to study. This will also take down your stress level when class work gets busy during finals and midterms. Get involved on campus and right when moving in you should go around to your neighbors and introduce yourself. Building a relationship with other kids on your floor or dorm will really help give you a more positive and enjoyable time in your college years. Although school work is important, its also important to stay connected with the campus and your friends.

Pick a 4 year college to start from and stick with it till you graduate. I'm a transfer student and transitioning into a 4-year college was not entirely easy, though i had enough help from the college staff and faculty.

I would give my past self the advice to always be an individual. No matter the pressure and opportunity there is available, always remember where you came from, and to always remember the values that have been engrained in your head. Family, friends, and your personal well being should always follow in that respective order on your priorities list. Altruism and selflessness are some of the most important things one can strive to fully have in their personality. Helping others to become the happiest they can be, will always put a smile on your face.

If I was about to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, there is so much I would want to say. First, I would want to make sure that I knew that high school is not the best part of life, it is only a fraction of life. I would also want to know that you can not change overnight. I grew up in a small town with a very tight community. That is something I should have been looking for in a college. I would also want to tell myself that it is okay to be homesick when you leave. It's normal. I still enjoy going home. However, coming back to school and being with my new 'family' is wonderful too!