University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Top Questions

You don't want to be a nurse. Just stop worrying about what everyone will think when you tell them your dreams have changed, and go to school for what you love; horticulture. You can still go to UWO to save some money, but get accepted to a different school as early as possible, otherwise you'll end up doing things last minute, and it's no fun. You also need to take an acedemic skills course. It sounds boring, but it's really useful, because it turns out, highschool doesn't prepare you for college at all. Don't buy that biology book your first semester. It costs way too much, and your professor doesn't use it anyways. Save that money, get a job, and start signing up for scholarships, otherwise you'll just sink in to debt later.

If I could go back and talk to my former self I would tell myself to start saving my money. I always knew tuition would be expensive but I knew that there were grants, loans, and scholarships for that. What I did not know was how much money I would need just to buy my stuff for the dorm. I never really imagined how many new things I would need for the dorms, like twin xl bedding, first aid kits, seating, dishes, laundry supplies and much more. I always just thought that I could take what I had at home. If I can live with the things I have at home why can’t I live with them at the dorm? I thought. But it was not that simple it was a much smaller area so the household items I had needed to be condensed or left behind. Everything I used from living in a house like the washer/dryer and kitchen couldn’t come with me so I had to purchase my own supplies for the ones at school. I struggled to get everything I needed in time for school.

It could be nerve wrecking as a senior in high school thinking about going off to college. To be in a new place of unfamiliar faces, far from home, and to do everything on my own seems unbelievable that it is time to depart from where I used to be. First year of college will be the hardest because of the unfamiliarity to the campus, however, it is also the most thrill and enthusiastic of all because there are so much to explore, new places to be and more people to meet. No matter how far into my education I will always need help and I should not be afraid to ask for help. There will many programs and people to get help from and keep in mind that I am not alone in college. The best way to get involve is to join clubs and organizations which will certainly extend my comfort zone. There will be hardships and uneasy obstacles to overcome but it is because of the intensity and individuality in college that will prepare me for the real world. Once college hits anything can change but always remember that higher education is the key to success.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself when I was in high school the first thing I would tell myself is that you made the correct decision to go to the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. The campus, the education, and the friends you will make in Oshkosh will change your life in the best ways. Although, there will be some hard times from learning to live in a dorm, sharing a shower with multiple people, and learning to spend more time studying you will look back and be happy with all that you have achieved at Oshkosh. Some things that will be useful to know is that the library on campus is packed when it is finals week, To-Go on campus has some great chicken wraps, and you will spend a lot of money on your books for classes. Overall, your experiences and the people you will meet at Oshkosh will stay with you for the rest of your life. Oshkosh will not only help you find who you want to be but will also help you achieve all your academic goals.

I would have advised myself to live in the dorms for at least one year. The social interaction gained from living in the dorms cannot be replicated by any on campus activities.

Travis, you were born just as equal as anyone else on this earth. Do not allow yourself to think that being gay is as awful as the church and media make it seem. You know you have heard this before- "You light up a room," "You're corageous," "You have the ability to make such a positive impact in this world," and of course, "You were born to work with kids." Believe those words. Do not think that they are lieing to you! You know that you want to earn a degree in Elementary Education, so go for it! Set that goal and be that teacher to make a difference in a child's life. Being gay is just like you having brown hair, it's another quality about you. No one cares that you have brown hair and in college no one cares that you're gay. They care about Travis, not just a part of you but instead you as a whole. So use your entire self, all of Travis, to get involved, introduce yourself to people, and stay active on campus. The reward will be a school year of happiness rather than a school year of disappointments.

If I could go back and give myself some advice, I think I would say something along the lines of, “Don’t stress and just enjoy your time in college.” I had to put off my dream college for a little bit while I live at home and attend another university to cut costs and save money. It is possible to save your money in college and still have a blast and enjoy new things. I would advise myself to relax, meet new people and take advantage of the amazing opportunities I do have. I would also advise past self that it’s okay to change your plan as you yourself change. Change can be good. Finally, I would just offer some my high school self some encouragement. Hard work and good habits really pay off. Back when I had just finished high school, I was wondering if I would be able to maintain a good GPA while working about 20 hours a week. I would tell myself to stay strong and keep working hard. I would tell myself that my work ethic and discipline will really help make the transition smooth and to not waste time worrying about it.

Going into college my freshman year I had no idea what to expect and I was shy and didn't really talk to anyone right away in the beggining and when I finally started opening up is when I really decided that I love the school I go to! I wish I just would have done that right at the start because at semester I really thinking about transfering back home but then I met some amazing people that really changed my collge experience at UW-Oshkosh.

Advice to myself as a high school senior is not have such high expectations at first. When heading to college there is this stereotpe of what college is and when that is different than our experiences, we may feel anxiety that we are not living the full college life. Everyone says college is great but also know there there will be disappointments, homesickness and stress as well. Therefore don't try to live up to those expectations. College is how you make it so make it your own.

Dear, Matthew Wake up, High school is not just some manditory institution, it is the beginning of the rest of your life. What you do here will effect the rest of your life, so get your grades up, i know college isnt even a thought in you mind at the moment, but it will be. You will soon find out that the work force is miserable, the money is good but the labor will make you old quick. I know that you want to have fun now and you will, but spend more time in the books instead of on World of Warcraft. Go out for football too, trust me you are good at it and you will regret not playing all of those years. I wish this letter would of reached you sooner. Sincerely, You