Bellevue University Top Questions

Just look at high school senior Jabari, casually opening his locker. Observe the way he nonchalantly pulls out his worn-out textbooks. There was something cavalier about his presence as he stood at his locker that day, four years ago. Today he, I, am 20 years old, and had I had the opportunity to approach him at that moment I would say: First off, when you invest in a school book for any college, community or university, you are dear to it as if it were related to you by blood. The books cost you several hundred dollars at your expense, not to mention tuition and fees, and potentially room and board. No more free lunches. Next, ditching class (though you were never fond of it) is an option, but with it comes critical time and financial investment. Don’t waste either! There aren’t many teacher-student relationships, so try to get involved with as many campus organizations as possible. Study more than you need to. Well because, you’ll need to. In one year, almost everything about the way you perceive getting an education will change. Why not let your attitude factor into that equation as well? ; )

I would tell myself to take a look at your dreams and go for them. There is so much that you can do and so much that you can achieve. Continue down the track that you have in your mind, because it ends up in a very good place. If I could warn against anything I would say that you should avoid credit cards like the plague, because even though you wont over do it to the point of maxing them out, you will find out how long it takes to pay for some bad decisions. Bottom line if you dont absolutely need it, dont buy it. Also, continue waiting for the right girl, because you will find her, marry her, and have a beautiful daughter with her. Life is good for you in the future!!!

The opportunity to attend college or gain any education should never be taken for granted. You may think you have plenty of time to complete your degree but in reality, life moves much too quickly. Education plans are always the first to get pushed aside. The best time to go to college is RIGHT NOW, regardless of your age but most especially as you leave high school. Some think high school graduation is 'the end' or that they are 'done' with education. In reality, it is just the beginning. Regardless of how popular you were or what your grade point average was in high school, life really does not care. Once you graduate, you are an adult and the world does not discriminate based on the number of clubs you were in, whether you were in sports, etc. You have to meet life on lifes terms. In order to do that, you have to complete your education. The world expects you to have higher education. Get that degree now while you have the time and energy! Tring to fit education in while working full time, begin married and rasing children is extremely difficult! High school graduation is just the beginning!

I would tell myself to take school more seriously. I did not consider myself to be a very good student at that time. I would also tell myself that going to college immediately after high school would have probably been a good idea, instead of waiting many years. Although I am a much better student now. In high school, you should get involved in as many activities and community projects that you can. This will greatly expand your knowledge of areas you may want to focus your education on. Be respectful to everyone, you never know who you may run into later in life.

I would tell my high school self to SLOW DOWN! Stop trying to be an adult while you are still a child. Being an adult isn't everything it appears to be. Go straight to college after high school, dont skip out on the opportunity to achieve all your dreams!

Attending college will be a stepping stone, an investment in my future; it will be the beginning of a lifelong journey, one that will shape and determine my future choices, decisions and purposes. I know I don’t have to pick a major my first year; I can wait until I’ve taken a few courses so I can decide on a major that will prepare me for great career fields, like criminal justice, social work, business, or nursing. College will enhance my technical skills, and expand my intellect. I will learn the independence of living on my own, and the fact that I will finally be making the first major foundation for the rest of my life. College will give me the skills, ideas, and knowledge I need to pursue my career with confidence and good judgment. College will give me exposure to a wider culture and will broaden my knowledge of other cultures by experiencing them. I can also join academic groups like, volunteer organizations, fraternities, social groups, or even student government. Not only are these groups a way to meet new people, it's also something employers look for in many fields other than a high GPA.

I would simply tell myself to be prepared and organized. I believe in college these skills are one of the two most important because they will for sure carry on outside of college when you graduate. Money management would be explained to the younger me as well, but in general I would explain all the important life skills that you will need for college and after college, these are just the few that stick out pertaining to my experience.

Dear peer pressured self, I would like to remind you that there is more in life than school. That there is more to this world than books and tests. Don't just rush off to university because all your friends are, and don't bury your head in your books because that's what everyone else is doing. The world does a splendid job of making your college choice seem like the biggest thing you shall ever face. Yet, in reality you will face much bigger things later on. Get some life experience, travel, and seek the wisdom of those you trust about where to go next in life. A good education is one of the best things you can obtain in life, but education without joy is drudery. Until you have greater revelation of who you are and what you were created to be you cannot truly succeed. Travel, live, learn, and then look to others. So that you may influence for the better and not be influenced for the worse.

Dear Debbie, As you approach graduation, I want you think hard about enrolling in college, even it starts out as community college. Here I am at 55 pursuing a Masters Degree. Don't get me wrong, I've enjoyed studying and certainly think my life experiences have provided valuable insight into the course material. But, looking back, I think I missed out on the unique experience of attending college right out of high school. The excitement of going away to school, meeting new people, and making life long friends is something I wish I had pursued. I wonder what I would be doing today if I had finished college in my 20s instead of my 50s? Don't wonder, do it. Have fun and learn while you are young. You never know what doors it will open and what opportunities you will have for the future unless you take a chance! Good luck!

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would advise myself to stay in college and focus on the importance of obtaining my degree. Now that I am 28 years old I have found it difficult to advance in my career without a degree. Now that I am returning to school I have realized that if I would have completed my degree right after high school I would be farther in my career and had more opportunities available to me. I also know that I would not have struggled as much as I have to make ends meet. I am proud of what I have accomplished in my life however; I will be more proud once I have my degree in hand. Then I can say I DID IT!!