Washington & Jefferson College Top Questions

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to realize that I, as a person, am not near complete. I would tell myself to drop my preconceived notions of who I want to be because I do not know, and certainly didn't know then, very much about the world at all. Back then I had it in my head who I wanted to be: the cool college guy that doesn't try hard in classes because he's too busy loving life. I thought I knew everything, and now I realize nearly the opposite is true. I think that is the sign of a successful education. I would tell myself what I want to tell practically all high school seniors and recent graduates, and that is that the single most important thing for you to know, is that you have so infinitely much to learn, and don't take that as a scold, take it as the most beautiful and exciting proposition there is.

Now that I am a senior in college, it is hard to believe that I am the same person I was in high school. Although I am still overly involved in school activities as I was then, I must admit that I am now much more relaxed in nearly every situation. I could not be happier with where my life is right now or my choice to attend W&J, which leads to my piece of advice I would give my high school senior self. That advice would be not to worry about every little detail, like choosing a college, but rather see challenges as new adventures and journeys. Yes, one does need to give thought to his or her decisions, but I have found I enjoy life much more and do better in school whenever I put a positive spin to my challenges. Obviously there is going to be much more school work, and there will be plenty of extra-curricular activities offered, but it is so easy to become overwhelmed once someone begins to really stress over problems. Just see these items as new parts of the journey, and one will find the problems actually become fun.

Hey buddy, yes, this is you... from the future. You're heading to college now, the 'real world,' and there is a lot you need to know. First off, read up on student loans and debt. Understand what you are getting yourself into. Trust me, when you suddenly have 40 thousand dollars in debt and don't understand why or how, you'll thank me for this. Take a step back and look at the job market... It isn't great, huh? They are saying that law school is a bad decision, just because of this lousy market. Maybe you should consider a different path; there is nothing wrong with that though! Try new things, get involved as much as possible, get connected with businesses and build a base of connections to branch from. Learn how to do your own finances, and start to build credit, because when your folks split up after freshman year (spoiler!...) your loans get messed up, bad. But if you are ready in advance, you'll do fine. I promise. But hey, college is about having fun. Go out there, make an impact in your school, in your life, and in your future.

My advice would be to get ready for the real world. When you go to college 3 hours away from your family, you need to prepare yourself to manage your own time management. You get yourself up and into the classrooms as if they are your job. The professors are not like the high school teachers, they will not bother you if you miss a day, it is your own responsibility to get up and go to the class and get the work done on your own. If you have questions you need to step up to the plate on your own and speak up. College is a big adult reality, from doing your studies to doing your own laundry, you are on your own. Be prepared and make sure the college you attend fits your needs and expectations.

It's not like high school. You will have to study harder than you did these eighteen years of your life.

Todd, you need to continue with harder studying more than ever in your senior year. If you study harder it keeps you in the flow of those study habits for college. Most seniors in high school only take the credits needed to graduate and relax their senior year, that is not a good idea, you get relaxed in your studies as well. Keep your mind working, stimulate it with different classes that you may not need but are of interest while it is still free of charge in high school. Keep yourself well rounded. Continue with wrestling in college as your advisor suggests so it keeps you busy and helps you use your skills for time management. Go to the college you feel meets all your needs academically as well as personally fitting in with the students, professors and campus. You will do well in a place fitted for you.

My biggest advice would be to actually pay attention and do well in all of my classes. By paying attention in these classes, I would've had a much easier time in the college courses that I later took. Another helpful advice that I wish I have gotten was to take college courses on the side starting from 9th grade just to get a head start for the General Education requirements.

If I could go back to my senior self, I would tell her to take advantage of all the opportunities the college has to offer starting from freshmen year. Traveling from the island of Maui, Hawaii, to a school in the middle of Western Pennsylvania my adjustment period took a whole year (similar to many freshmen). It took me a year to realize all the opportunities our school just waits for us to take advantage of. Be receptive, read signs, listen to the advice of the upper classmen and seek out classmates that inspire you. What I've learned most in college is that you can become who you want to be; if there is a will, there is a way. In highschool I often felt that money held me back, I felt that my options were limited. After spending three years in college I feel that I am eqipped to seek what I want out of life and the financial aspect will fall into place (without taking out loans) I learned to be creative. This is what I would want to communicate to my high school self. You can shape your future, as long as you seek it out.

If I could go back in time to talk with my high school self, I would have a lot of advice! I would tell myself that moving out of my mom’s house is not very important, and could save me money not to do so! I would tell myself that my part time job is never as important as my studies, and making money can wait. That not all of High School relationships work out, and I deserve more than to be in an abusive relationship. In College, always stay organized and do homework immediately, do not procrastinate! And most importantly, this is a time in your life you look back on fondly, spend time with the people you love and have no regrets, because they may not be around much longer.

If I could go back and talk to high school me I would tell myself that I need to branch out of my comfort zones. I would tell myself to meet people outside of school and re-learn to make ties and friends since I didn't need to throughout high school. Making friends is important, they help you get through tough times and create new and lasting memories. I would tell myself not to slack off and to always work as hard as I can towards my goals. I would remind myself to be determined and strong and to work towards my goals and dreams no matter what obstacles may come in your way, like they will at the end of your senior year. Work through the pain and remember to always keep a positive outlook on life.