Western Washington University Top Questions

The advice I would give myself is to not be afraid. While I was very excited for school, I also was afraid of being in such a big place without my family and that the professors wouldn't care about me. Well, first of all, the professors at Western are a group of amazing people who really do care about your work, your mind, and your well-being. Second, a university may be much larger than the small town I was used to, but by taking risks you can create your own small community. Join clubs, talk to people you don't know, and leave your dorm room because there are almost an infinite amount of opportunities on your campus that will help you build that community. Don't be afraid to do what you love either. If your heart is in the theatre then go audition even though you're a freshman! It's okay to fail! In fact, you will fail! You will learn from it, and you will meet life-changing people along the way.

Dear High-School-Hilary, The next few years of your life will be like none other in your lifetime. The world will look beautiful, everything will seem remarkably new, and you will discover things about yourself and others that seem unfathomable now. Embrace every feeling, there will be many of them. There will be monumental ups and downs. You will be inspired, and you will be deeply disappointed, and this is all part of the process of becoming yourself. Take risks and make mistakes knowing that Post-College-Hilary regrets none of the heartache, the finacial misfortunes, or the deep, cutting, heartbreaking losses to come. Trust your gut and listen to your parents. Be honest with yourself and your friends. Try to use that gym membership that comes with your tuition (I already know you won't, but try). Finally, in November of your Freshman year you will pick up a bottle of cranberry juice sitting on your windowsill and take a huge swig without looking at the contents first. DON'T DO THIS. The juice is moldy, and this will ruin a perfectly good beverage for you for the rest of your adult life. All my love, Future Hilary

I'd tell myself to chill. People in college generally don't cae about what you're wearing. They're generally nice people, even if their apperance makes you think otherwise. And, by the way, it's really hypocritical you don't want people to judge you based on your apperance, but judge others based on their apperance. Also, pretty much everything high school said about college is wrong. MLA format isn't the format you'll use in all of your classes, Jane Schaffer's organization style is HATED among professors, your prefessors want you to succeed and will do everything to help you do so, and the first two years of college are exactly like high school; it's the last two that are so much better. It's okay to not know your major. Many students don't until they have finished quite a few of the general education requirements. That's what those requirements are there for.

Hello Danielle, you have been thinking about the Navy's Construction Battalion: go for it! It wil shine light on who you are, who you were, and who you want to be. Once you get out you will have the freedom and benefit of the GI Bill you've earned to explore classes that interest you, until you discover your passion in the subject that brings meaning to your life. After the Navy, college life will be a unique and character-defining experience. In college you can choose the classes that interest you, and challenge yourself to find all kinds of new skills you didn't know you had. Take too many classes and get in over your head, use that stress to push yourself further than you ever have. Test your mental and physical limits and let your insatiable curiosity guide you to the things you love like a compass. Your professors have worked in the laboratories of your dreams and can give you relevant career advise, so always ask the questions on your mind. Life is a journey, college is a whirlwind of new people and life lessons, plan for the future you want and never stop smiling!

As a senior in high school I was itching to get out of my small, hometown and live independently. If I could go back after my college experience and talk to my high school self I would have this advice to give. All that independence and adventure, it’s coming. You’re going to be living on your own in a new place and have the opportunity to do the things that you feel like you can’t do now. This is going to be a great time in your life, but you’ll want to start thinking of what you want to get out of this experience. Think about your parents’ lives, they’ve been going to work every day at the same job for years- after college this is likely where you’re headed, too. Think carefully about what you want your working life, your life after college to look like. How do you want to spend the majority of your days? If you begin planning now and can marry this plan with a career path, you’ll not only enter college ahead of the game, you’ll exit college, an event that is very real, with purpose.

I would tell myself a couple of things. First, I would take applying for scholarships more seriously. Then I would tell myself to step out of my comfort zone sooner. It took me about a year and a half to start making friends on my own will. I'm really shy.

Hi Daniel, I know that now you are in Running Start Program. University is exact same as what you are study for now. It's not gonna be hard, so don't be afraid or do not give up. You are doing great job, because you came to us only 3 years ago and you are studing 3 times then regular American students!! I am really proud of you. You might get hard time or sturuggle with something while you are in college, but you will be okay. Make sure that keep your faith to God and pray to him whenever you want to tell God something or when you are having a hard time. I am so proud of you. I love you myself, Daniel. Good Luck!

Tuition is a lot of money and you should be applying to scholarships during your free time than doing something else.

If I could go back in time to talk to myself, I would jump on that opportunity. I would like to tell myself to prepare more for college. Aim higher than you think you can actually achieve. College came up scarily quick, so do more whilst in high school in order to be more prepared. More scholarships so you don't have to stress about money and more research so you know more about what you're getting into. Not that I don't enjoy what I've gotten myself into, but high school to college is a big jump, and once I opened my eyes to check I made it across successfully, I was still slightly shaken. I could have used that advice from myself, to ensure that it would be a jump I would survive.

There is a lot of advice I would tell myself; starting with packing. I would tell myself that I won’t need to bring all of my workout clothes; there is not enough room and I do not go to the gym as much as I expected. Then for move-in day I would tell myself that I don’t need to worry, people help me move in my big boxes. I would tell myself to not have an 8 AM class, it’s hard enough getting up for the 9AM ones. And while it is nice to have meals cooked for you, I should lower my expectations, the food isn’t the same as what my mom makes. It is probably a good idea to start study for tests a week in advance, and do the readings! Just accept the fact that you will be tired a lot, and that naps are acceptable. Lastly, to just have fun and enjoy the time with my friends! I have made some amazing friends in my first year, and I need to relax and understand that all things will work out.

After being exposed to the dreadlocked, mason jar toting, pierced "Bellinghamsters" that attend my school, I would have to tell myself to chop off my hair and pierce my septum sooner. For the duration of high school, and especially as a senior, I felt the need to fit in with my peers and in doing so, repressed my interests and personality. Since arriving at Western Washington University, I have had such a weight lifted off of my shoulders and now work to only meet my own expectations for how I portray myself. I feel much more like myself and am more comfortable in my own skin because of this release from the expectations of my peers. I no longer strive to please others; I am not quite sure if the weight has been lifted off of my shoulders because of this, or because I cut off my long locks as a farewell to high school. I think it may be a bit more of the latter.

Never allow yourself to feel totally comfortable. Comfort is a sign that you're doing something wrong, that you're missing an opportunity to enrich yourself. On that thought, enrich yourself out of curiosity and interest, not some abstract moral compulsion you feel. Your instincts are trustworthy, and you're right to think that you won't become "corrupted," whatever that word means. You are your only judge. It's a delicate line to walk, following what you love and want, but never staying comfortable. It means letting your friends talk you in to going dancing, doing horribly, and going back next week because you had a good time. It means kissing the girl, getting shoved away, and laughing it off. It means crying, yes, you can do it. Remember when you and Dad joked about how shoveling the drive or doing miserable things build character. This is your last chance to build yourself before you're out in the world, and it won't be miserable, but it won't be comfortable. You've been good at being safe and warm. Now go get a little frost bite. And love it all the while.

Realize that every little thing matters. But don't just realize that, realize why. The smallest tasks all lead up to two large benefits: one, you showcase yourself as a skilled individual by your positive results, and two, you are a more skilled individual because of the challenges you took on a conquered. On that note, do not shrink away from challenges. Do not be afraid of what you can't do, be afraid of thinking that there is something you cannot accomplish. Don't sell yourself short, and expect greatness. The greatest enemy lying between you and the goal is you. If you can break free from your underwhelming preconceptions of yourself, if you can push yourself beyond comfort, and try yourself in the flames, you might be surprised by what you find and by what you become. The crucible of academia is priceless and powerful beyond words, able to turn a fool into a scholar and coward into a brave young man, able to face the world and all its challenges.

Dear High School Zellie, This is where your life begins. There are several things that you will have to do on your own, but you were always independent, so I believe in you. At first, you'll miss home, but by the end of the year, you'll never want to leave. First things first, exercise. Why? Because the dining hall is open to you 24 hours a day, and the "Freshman 15" is real. Enough said. Second of all, shift your focus from thinking about boys to putting in work. When I say work, I mean 5-7 hours into studying. I know how you value sleep, but staying up will be worth your perfect scores on those quizzes/exams. Lastly, and most importantly, don't forget who you are, and whose you are. You are God's beautiful creation. God made you a light for the darkness. Not only are you there to be educated, but you were made to build and change your community. Hold on to your faith, because there is nothing greater than your relationship with the ultimate provider. Other than that, you will be just fine. I think the world of you. Good luck.

Hey babe, I know you think you're ready for college and in reality, you are. You did everything everyone tells you to do; took all the honors classes and got straight A's. Academically speaking, you're on top of the college world. There's one thing all those people forget to tell you though. Once you get to college and you're settled in with all your books and classes, make sure you make connections. College can get pretty lonely if all you have is your studies for company. The courses and homework are important but they won't mean a thing if you are so unhappy you feel like you can't make it through the day. Take it from someone who knows; a dorm room is a pretty tiny place to stay all day. So don't make the same mistakes I did. Instead, make friends and enjoy the world around you. Ask yourself if you're really happy doing whatever it is you're up to. Of course, study your heart out and be the amazing scholar I know you are. Just make sure you remember how many people in the world love you too.

There are many things I would say to my high school self. I would tell her that things get better. The awkwardness of adolescence fades and is replaced with experience, wisdom, and above all, increased confidence. I came from an economically disadvantaged family. Education was not emphasized. We were not pushed to achieve and poor grades were rarely punished if acknowledged at all. Likewise, we were rarely rewarded for good grades or accomplishment. This lack of inspiration made the pressures of high school more difficult. I wanted to do well for fear of being shamed by peers and disappointing teachers, but I didn’t have any support at home. I was plagued by a lack of confidence. I never felt smart. I found assignments daunting and had anxiety about doing the work. I didn’t begin college until I was in my mid-twenties and at thirty four I’m still working toward my first degree, but I will accomplish my goal. If I could speak to that young, awkward, insecure girl I was in high school, I would tell her she IS smart. She CAN accomplish goals. She WILL achieve. She will simply do it at her own pace.

Computer science is your destiny, don’t switch majors four times before coming back to CS. Don’t waste your time on community college; your credits will be useless. Go straight to university. Don’t go to Christian school. You’re going to have a lot of relatives die. It’s okay, it happens to everyone and it has to happen someday, you will get over it. You’re going to have your heart broken by several girls, and you’re going to break a girl’s heart. You will think that life is ending and you’ll never love again and you’ll never be able to forgive yourself for hurting, but it’s okay. You will pick yourself up dust yourself off, and learn from it. You weren’t meant to marry her. Love will come again and when you meet her, you’ll know. You will be engaged by 2014. Study more. Party less. When you apply yourself you are capable of so much more than you can possibly imagine right now. Learn. Grow. Don’t stress out too much (even though I know you will) and don’t forget to stop and smell the flowers.

I spent high school trying to blend in. Standing out was scary. I was not ready. I was not "standing out" material. So I put myself into a box. I was me only with my close friends. The rest of the world saw the safe and quiet and reserved Emma. Not that I was a wooden post. Sometimes sarcasm and laughter would emerge, but often, funny comments went unsaid. I hid my quirky sense of fashion. Quirky attracts attention. I would always be the one who would watch the action, but would never be in on the action. And I was selling myself short. I had stuffed my soul into a box all by myself. And there is such a bigger plan for me. One which involves boldness and love and laughter and grace. So this is me telling my high school self, who’s trying to just blend in; don't do it. Remember that you are beautifully unique. Stuffing yourself into a box will only hide this from a world that desperately needs daring individuals to share some love and grace. So laugh loudly, wear those funky shoes, and hold that head up high. Let’s be brave.

There is one thing I’d like to go back and pound into my high school self’s thick, stubborn head. BE PROACTIVE. In every way. Apply for admission early, apply for scholarships and financial aid early, apply for housing early…apply for everything EARLY. This time last year, I was under the impression that I had more money for school this year that I actually did, and by the time I realized I was wrong it was less than a month before move-in and the deadlines for scholarships and such for this year had all long since passed. I hadn’t applied for very many scholarships; I didn’t think I needed to. My parents and I are paying for that now, quite literally. I also made the mistake of not registering for fall quarter in the summer. I got all the classes I wanted, but…all the used textbooks had been sold by the time I knew what classes I was taking so I had to buy all new ones. Again, being proactive would have let me avoid spending $500 on books I’ll probably never look at again. So basically, DO EVERYTHING AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE.

Do not get married at this age. Graduate with your class. I know that your home life is extremely painful and unhappy, but I will help you to leave. You can come stay with me to finish, without finishing this will follow you and affect you by convincing yourself that you do not have the ability to commit to finishing something you have started. You must belive that you are stronger than you believe. You are an intelligent individual, and you will find what you need. I know a few more months seems like an eternity to you, but you will survive. Do not despair.