Washtenaw Community College Top Questions

What should every freshman at Washtenaw Community College know before they start?

Maverick

I would tell myself to apply to the University of Michigan, and other colleges. You are going to do great this year but you should see what is possible and follow your dreams, even if they may be what you can't afford.

Megan

Don't be scared Megan. There is no need to be nervous or anxious for the life you are headed toward. All those nights of worry can be filled with happiness. College life is amazing! High School is filled with cliques and people who don't care. In College, students are more mature and actually want to be in school. You nee to be in College where you are respected and rewarded for your achievements. While you will miss the atmosphere of being with your friends all the time, in college you can schedule your classes on your own time. Those seven-hour days of being in school will be behind you. You can schedule morning classes and have the rest of the days to yourself or do things that are almost impossible for you right now. You will even have opportunities to serve your Community. There is so much more to life than being stuck in High School. You will have many opportunites that come your way. You will even get a job, that at first made you nervous, but now you love and never want to leave. Furthering your education was the best decision you will ever make.

Chloe

As a high school senior, I think I severely underestimated the power of throwing yourself into an environment whole heartedly. I would like to go back and tell myself to let some of my shyness and hesitation go so that I can fully experience all aspects of my education. In high school and college alike, it is most important to value the knowledge you're recieving rather than solely getting good grades. However, another important part of this stage of life is to meet new people, expand your mind to include new views and backgrounds, and discover more of your interests and talents. I'm glad to realize this early on in my college education, so that I can carry these lessons with me as I move on through my academic career. Though it may not come naturally to me, letting go of my fear of new situations and people will ultimately serve me well all the way through the rest of my adult life as a build a career and have a family.

Davon

I would tell myself how important it is to strive for an “A” in every class. I would also tell myself not to stress over high school girls. The truth is everything you know in high school is only temporary. Now I’ve learned by consequence that my GPA was worth more than entertaining my friends and chasing girls. I was the class clown of every class in high school and I played sports which made getting girls easier but now I regret my previous priorities. I’ve learned that a high GPA can take you beyond state. I have the burden of graduating from high school with a 2.96 GPA after making the honor roll every semester after my sophomore year. Goofing off in my first two years of high school cost me many opportunities that were available to 3.0 or higher GPA students. In the state of South Carolina benefits include books and tuition completely paid for while having stipend for housing. Maintaining my own housing was a struggle after high school. Talking to my former self would be nostalgic because it would be a repeat of all the principals my parents stressed to me.

Jillian

Graduating high school comes with lots of fear, and lots of excitement. This fear and excitement both stem from change. Unfortunately, for me, the fear overpowered the excitement. It’s important to know that change is both unavoidable and crucial. Without change, you miss the opportunity to learn more about the person you see in the mirror every morning. No one cares who you were in high school. Figure out who you want to be, and be that person. As you go through a transition, remember that it’s not easy, but you are not alone. Find people to help you through the difficult times; we all feel similar emotions. The people you surround yourself with will have a big influence over who you become so choose wisely. With the stress of grades, self-discovery, and finances weighing you down tell yourself it will all be worth it, because it will. Reaching dreams takes a lot of hard work and dedication. Believe in what you are capable of achieving because you are the only one in charge of your direction. Life is full of positive and negative experiences, and working through them allows you to grow and reach your destination.

Janet

College has made me more rounded in knowledge. I look forward to getting out of work and going to class even if I am exhausted. I cannot wait to go to nursing school officially. I look forward to getting off the waiting list.

Emily

To the self that was a highschool senior, feel free to day dream. The year after high school seems so crucial to the rest of your life and the feeling that the universe will cease to exist if you dont make the right choice is terrible. The best thing to do is to get excited, imagine what it will be like at college,and all the cool people you will meet. After all its an exciting time. Then try and think about the things you will have to do with your new independance, and learn some of them before the big move. Tasks such as cooking, cleaning, money managment, and laundry are good tools to work on to make the transition alot smoother. Also, there is nothing that can prepare you for living with roomates, but open communication makes a big difference. Setting personal boundaries and goals is also important for school and social interactions. Learning can be exciting and even though college is a big step up from high school, the best way to deal with the new challenge is to stay organized. Remember that there are no mistakes, only room for improvement, and feel free to day dream.

Rachel

If I could go back in time and give myself advise there are so many things that I would tell myself. The most important thing that I would advise myself of is not to be swayed by others. I would tell myself that my life is my own and a person needs to do what is right for them not what is right for another person. Don't change your life for others; it only brings you regret. The second thing that I would tell myself is to dream big. When things are hard, just remember the words of Dori from Finding Nemo, "just keep swimming". Never give up and you will accomplish even the biggest of dreams. Also, I would tell myself to follow my heart and make sure that I am happy, that I take every opportunity that is given to me, and to do my best not to have regrets. Life is too precious a thing to waste on regrets and unhappiness. Finally I would tell myself that it is okay to mess up as long as I've done my best. Mistakes are part of learning and they only make you stronger.

Darlene

What is one of the things that keeps us going? Dreams. We've all heard the popular saying "Follow your dreams". But what does it mean? It means that no matter what you want to achieve it's possible. You want to be a famous rock star? Start taking those guitar and vocal lessons! Dreams give us the strength and the will power to do what we do. Start making plans to reach them, follow it and never look back! It takes hard work, determination, and humility. You won't be able to travel to the moon in a day, but you can in a lifetime. There will be setbacks , but overcoming them makes you a stronger person. Dreams give us something to look forward to and proud of when you reach them. Don't let you or things get in your way of achieving them. Anyone that tells you not to dream is probably upset because they didn't achieve theirs. Nothing is better than a dreamer. A dreamer is that positive person that knows the sky's the limit. When your dreaming remember one key thing: All things are possible. And never let yourself forget it.

Sarah

Prior to registering for classes, make sure you check class requirements for the different degrees you are considering. Since you may not know or may change your mind on your profession, you should begin with taking the basic required classes to make efficient use of your time at school. After taking your required courses, you may have a more specific idea of which field you would like to enter. Make sure you plan out your class schedule prior to registering as well so you can ensure you get your classes and have a convenient schedule Also, make sure you know your personal habits. If you are not a morning person, do not sign up for early classes. If you have financial issues, maybe you should start at a community college to save money on credits to transfer to a university. If you have time, you may also want to check out online opinions on teachers or ask to sit in on classes to see if the teacher's style works for you. Finally, only buy your books after your teacher confirms you need them, and try to order online.