Western Michigan University Top Questions

While some high school seniors are fortunate to know their college career plans, I was not one of those when I made the decision to attend Western Michigan University. Not sure which road to take, I took the advice of others stating I would make a great teacher since my passion for kids was always present. Four years later, I graduated from WMU with a Bachelors in Science, a major in Elementary Education, and a proud ego of my accomplishment to do so in four years. Unfortunately, because of rushing through the academic experience, I was not able to radar that elementary education was not for me, even after trying it for three scrutinizing years. Looking forward, as I head back to college for a career change, there is much I wished I would have known about pursuing a career. Perhaps if I could go back in time to deciding my future, I would have looked more into talking to and job shadowing professionals of vast career choices. Most importantly, however, I would tell myself to enjoy the process of learning, to slow down, and to enjoy the every day experiences that lead me to promises of the future.

High school friends you've known forever. Home-cooked meals. Your own bed. Easier classes. Family get-togethers. These are all of the things that college students tend to miss the most when they head off to college on their own for the first time. For me, it wasn't any different. After a few weeks here at Western Michigan University, I began to miss it all. I missed waking up in the morning and hearing my mom making breakfast in the kitchen. I missed my little brothers. I missed real meals for dinner, instead of just Ramman Noodles or Peanut-Butter and Jelly sandwiches all the time. But most of all, I just missed the feeling of being at home. To go back and tell myself to enjoy all of the things I had while I still had them, would be great. But since I can't do that, I tell of my friends that are still in high school to not take these things for granted. They aren't kidding when they say that you don't know what you have until it's taken away from you.

If I could go back in time and give myself advice about college I would tell myself to create good study habits. I never studied in high school because they gave us leadway and let us out easy. Everything we did we could use our notes and cheat sheets and that didn't allow me to create study habits because I took the easy route. In college they don't give us easy routes and I struggled with that my first semester because I didn't know how to study so I had bad grades in the beginning. After a bit of struggling I developed study habits and got my grades up. I would also tell myself that it wouldn't be an easy transition and I have to do this to make myself a better life than the one I had. College is good and I made it.

"Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else." -Judy Garlan In high school, my schedule consisted of school, philharmonic orchestra, dance class, and homework. I left no time in my day social activities. Even though this is true, I was happy with my decisions as a young adult. It wasn't untill my senior year in high school when I started participating more in extra curricular activities and making new friends. I joined spanish club, key club, and was president of the orchestra board. Through all of this, I was pulled into so many friend groups. I had my best friends, my orchesta friends, the people from my AP classes, friends from dance, and then everyone else. By being exposed to so many types of people with different , I was pressured to fit in with everyone. I never thought of being me, come to think of it, I had no clue who "me" was. Looking back on my high school career, I would have told myself to be a first-rate version of myself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else.

If i could go back in time and talk to my self as a high school senior i would have so much advice to give myself. First, i would tell myself that i need to get as many jobs as i can and save as much money as i can because college is beyond expensive and stressing over money is not fun. Second, i would tell myself to spend lots of time with family and friends because not having a car at school makes it very difficult and at first the freedom will feel amazing but before you know it your dieing to see your friends and even your family. Third, i would make sure that i told myself to apply for as many scholarships that i can because every penny helps. Next, i would make sure to tell me self to stick with my beliefs and morals. And to learn that i dont need to give into peer pressure to enjoy college. Fianlly. i would tell myself to relax. College isnt suppose to be all fun but it is suppose to be some of the greatest and most fun times of ones life.

If I were to go back in time and advise myself on college life and the transition from high school, I think my advice would be remarkably short. The best advice my younger self would receive could be summed up by three statements. First, don't get overwhelmed. There's going to be a lot of work and pressure to do well, but panicking will only make things worse. Take things one step at a time and keep a clear head. The second thing I would tell myself is to be ready for long nights and heavy work loads. The third and possibly most important advice I could give my younger self would be to have fun, but don't get distracted from why you're there. Partying and enjoying campus life are important in helping to keep your sanity in college, but keep in mind that the things you learn there will help you for the rest of your life. There are many more things that I could advise my younger self on. However, parts of the college experience are life lessons that no one should miss out on learning first hand.

When looking for the right college to attend, one should consider every single memorable event that happened througout you high school experience, good and bad. One should also consider teachers, sporting events, community services, study areas, social attractions, restaurants, and other things a city might entail because when you select the college you want, it should include all of the above whether your a social bug or a quiet critter. Chances are your going to want a place to study with or without friends, or just to hang out and it would be a real bummer if the college you select doesnt offer the things that you would want. The transition would be very harsh, especially if you wanted to do the things you used to do and you couldnt. Not every student comprehends everything that is taught in the classroom so a good advising and tutoring lab should be well sought after as well. Keeping these things in mind, one should try to select a well balanced school so that when you begin your college life, life wont seem so stressful but rather free flowing and easy going.

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to really get better at time management. I believe that time management is the most important skill to have in college. There is a lot of free time and you have to learn how to use that time effectively. With out time management skills it will be difficult to succeed in college.

I would tell myself that everything that people tell you about college is a smoke screen. The parties aren't as cracked up as everyone says. It's better to focus on classes and making yourself as successful as possible. I would stress that its important not to measure your standards by anyone else, and if you think you need help in something, seek it. College can help you tremendously in reaching your goals later in life. The most important lesson that I would share is to stay focus and be true to yourself.

Coming to college, I had no idea what to expect. I would tell any high school senior to just be yourself and take your time. The begining of my freshman year I thought and felt as though I had to have the rest of my life planned out. I'm now in the middle of my sophomore year and I still do not know exactly what I want to do. The first two years is when you start to find out what you want to do with your life. I had so much pressure to figure it out before I even moved in my freshman year. I do not want incoming freshman to feel this way. I also had pressure when it came to money issues. I'm in a sorority and am struggling to pay for it. My concern for this resulted in my grades slipping. I wish I could tell myself before and any other student that nothing should come between you and your grades. There is a lot more pressure in college, but there are also many solutions for it, which I wish I knew earlier.