Western Oregon University Top Questions

It was not until high school that I realized the importance of mantaining an active student life. I would definitively encourage myself to be more outgoing and involved with student life activities and the student body. Most of high school students sign up for clubs because they think it will look good on college applications, but they never attend meetings. I have been as active as possible at the Community college I am attending and it not only looks good on my application, but I have developed my professional and leadership skills at the same time I have met people from all over California. I would also advice myself to mantain a close and strong relationship with faculty members. Professors are helpful when needing someone to advocate for you when transcripts are not enough. Sometimes letters of recomndation could favor in a scholarship or applicaiton. Last, but not least I would advice myself to use online sources to apply to as many scholarships as possible because even a $100 or $200 is extremely helpful in college.

Coming out of high school, I thought I was invincible and took things for granted. My parents had always told me school would be expensive and I ignored them; figuring it wouldn’t matter and it would work out. Instead of staying at their house, I moved out and got a job while going to school my first two years (which were paid for by a scholarship). Now that I am wanting to return for my bachelors degree (and now that I have had some time to grow older and learn how the world works), I realize how much I took my childhood for granted. If I could go back, I would tell myself to take things slow! Look into all of your options. Apply for every scholarship you can. Don’t be afraid to turn down community college for a four year opportunity. Most importantly, I would tell myself to keep your eyes on your goal. Don’t take time off from school, keep pushing through so that you can get to the end sooner. Life is only as happy as you make it, you might as well make your dream come true and enjoy it.

If I could go back in time and give myself advice during my senior year of high school, I would tell myself many things. First of all, get started on applying for scholarships and colleges early, because time will definitely sneak up on you quickly. Second of all, I would tell myself to enjoy the time I have being at home. Once you're off to college, you suddenly realize what you took for granted at home and how "easy" you had it. And lastly, don't stress out about maintaining and fighting for friendships that were produced during your freshman year of high school. Once you're in college, you gain the most meaningful and longlasting friendships you could ever ask for. Oh... and HAVE FUN!

I would tell myself to learn how to communicate with the people you are living with better. Because when you are living with someone you don't even know, communication is key. They don't know who you are or what your personality is, So, learn how to be open with people, and show them how you feel. It definitely helps build a good living environment. I would also tell myself that not everyone knows you at college, and to not feel bad when you can’t find a solid group of friends until you have been in school for a while.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would advise myself to join more clubs and organizations sooner than I did. I would explain to myself that forcing myself out of my shell eventually helped to make my college experience so much better and introduced me to people that have become amazing friends, that I would not have met without forcing myself to push my comfort level of meeting new people. I would also tell myself to make sure I would learn better study techniques earlier than I did. My grades were not as high as I like to see them my first term, and if I had learned better study techniques a little earlier, I could have prevented that.

i would of told myself to work harder .

Don't be afraid to do something different. Everyone else is going off to a four year school, but if you're not ready, don't feel bad about it. There is nothing wrong with the community college life. You'll figure out what you want to do sooner or later, but try to start looking into that stuff right now. Seriously, it will save you a lot of stress down the road. Stop being so afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Life isn't meant to be lived in a little box. Put yourself out there, because if you don't, you'll never know what you're missing. College is about exploration and finding out who you are, so put on a brave face, get out in the world and have a blast. Study hard, make good friends, meet new people, and try new things. Stop worrying so much about the things you can't control and open yourself up to new possibilities. College is hard work, but it's also an adventure, so give it your all everyday, and do it with a smile on your face.

The advise that I would get to my adolesent self would be to stay in school and go to college, therefore, we would have already had our doctorine in biopsychology. I would explain how attaining college classes are not as difficult and all I would need is devotion to wanting to obtain each degree. I would explain the devotion involves taking notes from each class, asking questions, and researching the classroom material that way I would get a better understanding of what the teacher is teaching me and I will better prepare me to pass all me exams. I would also explain there are going to be classes that are easy and there are going to be classes which are difficult, but as long as I do the assigned work and ask questions I will pass the class. Finally, I would try to make myself understand that without an education I will never be able to provide stabilty in my live and I will have to live from pay check to pay check, therefore going to college would be the best thing I could do to avoid dealing with those situations.

You’ve signed the forms, scheduled your classes, taken the tours, and read the brochures. Take a deep breath, work hard this summer, and get ready for a rollercoaster ride in the Fall. You probably think you know what to expect, and in many ways you do, but be ready to also be surprised with some turns and loops. College will surprise you. Your biggest challenge may not be that chemistry class you’ve worried about…it may be juggling your laundry, sleep, and studying schedule with your less than flexible new roommate! Remember that compromise truly means a “giving” on both sides and that eating the same thing two nights in a row is really ok. Schedule your time so that you feel in control of your life and know what’s coming up. Managing your time is key and not always as easy as it sounds. Stay connected with your family and friends at home. They’ve been with you a long time and often have just the advice you need. Remember that you’ve prepared for college as best as you can, and have the confidence and flexibility to make the “surprises” learning experiences and new adventures.

Since I am coming up on my 10 year high school reunion, I realize how different I am now. You could say I went through my path in life completely backwards. I've worked in a few different career fields exploring what I wanted to do, got married, have three amazing children, and have worked as a state government employee for the past five and a half years. After all of these experiences, I finally decided to go to college this past year. Honestly, I wouldn't tell my "high school self" to do things any differently. Yes, it would be easier to work and attend college full-time without a husband and three children, but I also don't believe I would be as motivated or successful if I didn't have them in my life. The transition into college wasn't very difficult, since being the organizer of my family has already prepared me to keep track of everything, manage our finances, keep appointments, and be able to handle little amounts of sleep. I would tell myself to learn from every experience between high school and college and never stop trying to better yourself.