Upper Iowa University Top Questions

Considering I graduated from high school twenty-one years ago, I would tell myself, knowing what I know now, to take that leap of Faith, and not to be scared or intimidated. I was so fearful of school, in general. I did not get good grades in high school, but not because I was not smart, because I really did not have that drive, or desire that a lot of people have. I was very shy, intimidated easily, and really did not think that people cared about what I had to say, or that what I was going to say was going to be accepted. I have extreme anxiety in classroom situations, and I think going to school online has given me that confidence that I know I have. Even though everything you write can be seen by everyone in your class, I have received wonderful feedback from what I have written. I now have a 4.0 GPA and I never, in a million years, thought I would ever say that.

If I could go back and give advice to myself, I would encourage going to college earlier. I didn't start college classes until I was 25. I don't mind having an unusual college experience (online courses while working full-time), but if I had gotten my degree earlier I could have entered the military as an officer. I had no idea what kind of career I wanted until eight years after I graduated high school when I started taking classes. I would reassure myself that it's okay to be unsure of a career path because I could explore my interests while taking classes for my associate's degree. I would tell myself it's okay to have student loans for a little while because the job I get after my degree will be able to pay for it. Most importantly, I would tell myself to have confidence in my academics.

College life is extremely different then what I thought it was going to be. First, do not be afraid of change. Your family will always be there, you do not have to see them everyday or live within a hour from them. Second, change your whole outlook on studying! It will not work for you in college. You need to have a social life, but with limits. I need to make sure I workout because it will relieve a lot of stress dealing with homework etc. Do not work fulltime as you do now, you want a life. Apply for more scholarships then what you had. You need to be focused on your overall career goal not just the moment. Make sure you make friends even if you are a commuter, they will help you with studying and notes if you miss class. Also, make sure you stand out to your professors. They can give awards to deserving students. Volunteer more and get involved with more extra-curricular activites. Lastly, enjoy your experience. Do not get caught up just academically, there is more to college then then just learning in your classes.

If I could go back and tell my "high school self," what the transition what like I would tell her not to scared, there are a lot of people on staff that are their to guide you through and on to the right track, you do not have to feel like you are alone just because you're not close to your family. I would say to get involved, there are a lot of great and fun programs to help you meet people and keep you from getting homesick as well as to help with homework if need be. I would also tell myself to go to Upper Iowa University.

Don't be afraid to ask for help. That is what I would tell myself if I could go back in time. One of the things I have learned in my first two months of college is that sometimes you just have to buckle down and ask someone for help. It isn't the easiest thing to do, I know from experience. You don't want to, because you're supposed to be a college student, a grown-up capable of making your own decisions. That you're supposed to have all the answers and you know what to do when something unexpected happens. It doesn't always work like that though, we are all only human, we don't always have the answers to everything, even as an adult. We'll never have all the answers to everything, that's why it's so important to learn to ask for help. Learning to ask for help is a learning experience just like everything else. At some point in your life you're going to need to ask for help, it's just part of being human. We have to learn to accept that we are flawed humans.

The advice that I would give my high school self would be to sit down and pay attention in class. The opportunity available will affect the rest of my life. Nearly ten years after high school I just finished my Bachelor’s. I could’ve done so much more in a far less amount of time by actually focusing on school and athletics to give myself the best chance to succeed in life. Although I was able to obtain my Bachelor’s and am in pursuit of a MBA, the results would have been much different had I fully applied myself in high school to be the best student possible and live up to the potential that I’ve proven I have based on my drive and determination.

I would tell myself to get better grades so i can get a bigger scholarship my UIU. I would say to never give up on paying for college. To get a job and save money for college. Go visit the campus more then once.

The first time I went to college I got nothing out of it and really screwed myself by not attending class and being lazy. Six years later, I am getting good grades and pushing myself to be a better person academically. I look forward to graduating and becoming an Upper Iowa Alumni.

I only took one semester and failed my classes..... sounds bad huh? But after the semester was over i went to work at a farm 70 hrs a week for 8.00/hr then in a palletizing company.. I met allot of people that asked why im not in school and working there with them when i have a great opportunity (they only spoke spanish some didnt even no how to read) to be someone with a great career... During the time that i have been away from college I have realized that i have taken everything that my mom has done for me for granted. So i would like another Chance to actually do my best in school so that i wont have to work at a low paying job. So i have decided that I would like be an elementary teacher to motivate and push young students to future success. I know that this isn't about my college experience but i really didnt have one because i made a mistake and let a great opportunity get past me. Thanks for the opportunity

I've haven't really expreienced the "college experience" because of the type of situation I've been in for the last 3 years. My mother passed away 3 years ago and I had to step up and help my father take care of my younger brother. So I haven't really experienced college like I wish I could. But attending college was something I knew I was going to do since I was 12. What really motivated me was seeing my older brother make the wrong decisions and take the wrong path and I knew I didn't want to live like him but not just him but also seeing my family suffer. Half of my cousins have children already and haven't even graduated high school yet. So I want to be the one in my family to succeed and go far. I want to be a good role model for my younger brother and make my mother proud.