Bridgewater State University Top Questions

If I were to go back to my senior year of high school, I would tell myself to live in the moment, and to enjoy the time I had with my friends. I would tell myself to appreciate the memories more, and to soak in every moment with my friends. I would also tell myself to start to save up money for school, and for spending money once I got to college.

If I could go back to when I was a senior in high school, I would give myself one message: to relax. College is so different from high school, and you have to be prepared to adapt to different class settings and different types of people. You need to relax, and enjoy the process, because you are never going to get it back. You need to focus to get good grades, but stillenjoy the experience.

I know this sounds cliche, but BE OPEN MINDED. Going into college I looked at myself as a very open minded person, but once I got there I feel like I closed myself off from others and wasn't open to new ideas, new people and new situations. I had a plan to join clubs/organizations meet people on my floor and do all the quitisential things a first year college student does, but when I got there my room situation wasn't as expected and I just didn't engage myself. I would stay in my room and never met many people. So I would tell myself to not let the little things ruin everything. Be open to different types of people who aren't like me and just try to make the best of any situation.

I would tell myself to always leave room for error. It is important to not set any plans in stone because the course of a college education rarely goes as planned. There are always bumps to conquer along the way and therefore, an alternate plan needs to be considered. I had planned on becoming a music teacher, but went to a school that ruined that idea for me. Three schools later, I have explored the field of education, but am now majoring in history and preparing myself for law school. Most students I know have had a change of heart at least once in the course of their college careers. Transitions are another big area needed to conquer. College is not just about academia. There is a social aspect as well. Before deciding to attend a "party school," it is important to evaluate how you would function in such an environment. Is it possible to keep up with the school work? Can you adjust to living with a roommate or would you rather commute? There are many decisions to make and a lot of the college experience comes from trial and error. Always be prepared to make necessary changes.

Dear Andrea, Go with your gut feeling. This is the school you have wanted to go to since seventh grade. You will not be disappointed. You will be making the correct choice. APPLY FOR SCHOLORSHIPS! College is expensive and loans are not fun. Once you get there, try and open up to more people than your roommate and your friends from high school. Get involved sooner! Join the hip hop team even if you have second thoughts. It?s a good exercise and a great way to meet new friends. Stick it out through the Winter Dance rehearsals. They won?t be as horrible as you think. Don?t be afraid to be yourself, and don?t change to please anyone. Go to the events on campus, even if it is something silly like a gingerbread house contest, or Wednesday night bingo. One huge piece of advice I can offer is to NEVER PROCRASTINATE! It will only hinder you in the long run. But most of all, the biggest piece of advice I can give you, is to enjoy every second of it because it goes by in the blink of an eye. Love your Future self, Andrea

First of all, just breathe. I know it's a lot to deal with and get used to. I know it's hard to be on your own but you can and will do it. Sometimes the work gets hard but pace yourself. Make sure you have a planner and write everything down. Don't wait until last minute to study for a test or write a paper. Try to get enough sleep even though that is impossible. But most importantly, never lose sight of your dreams. Never forget why you are there and what you want to do. Keep those dreams fresh in your mind and remember you will get there. Don't ever give up because in the end it will all be worth it and you will have made some of your best memories of your life.

Looking back on my senior year in high school, I would tell myself to be more involved in campus life from the start and to not be afraid to be myself and talk to other people. I have always had a problem with getting up the courage to talk to new people or make new friends so I had a lot of anxiety the whole summer leading up to my first semester in college. Because of that anxiety, I also found that I was hessitant to join a lot of clubs and therefore missed out on those opportunities. I also had a hard time adjusting to college life because I commute to college so I am never able to be focused fully on college and friends because I have to also worry about my home life. I know my senior year I was very nervous about my ability to adjust to college life and if I could go back to my senior year in high school, I would just tell myself to relax a little more about the desicions I had to make and to keep and open mind about every opportunity that I may come across at college.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself there are quite a few things I would want to say to myself. First of all I would tell myself to work harder because I am capable of doing so much more then the bare minimum that I have been doing so far in my life. I would make sure that I understood that in order to help people the way I've always wanted to, the choice that I make relating to the school I choose would directly affect that. Additionally I would tell myself to relax, that everything would be fine as long as I remembered to get involved. Finally I would beg myself to not room with a friend from home because that will result in me not making as many friends as I could because I will be clinging to the past and what I know when I should be looking towards the future.

Dear Steph, Right off the bat, you're going to do great! College is an amazing experience, and take it from me, one you'll absolutely love. Since you're a senior you're pretty much done with the whole high school scene. But enjoy it while it lasts. College is a whole new ball game and a part of you is going to miss this place. But let's get down to business. College isn't a game. It's a lot of work with a lot of down time. I think that's what shocked me the most. Professors care but at the same time, don't care. If you show up to class, put in the time and effort you'll do great. But skipping class and assignments add up. It's your choices that influence your future. However, I think the most important thing is to stay "you". College is certainly overwhelming; there are so many new people to meet. But don't get swept up. You know you, Steph. Make friends, know your limits, and take as many opportunities that come your way. College is what you make of it. Just be you. Love, You!

It has been 12 years now that I graduated high school, I have learned so much since then. I would love to have the opportunity to go back to my younger self with the knowledge I have now. I would tell myself to enjoy college life, to get the most out of the opportunity and to not be afraid of the transition, it will be the best four years of your life. You will learn a lot about yourself and about others, but don't let other people get you down. You are a good person and deserve to have fun while you study hard. Please, finish your second major, that will help you in the future when you change careers. In the end, have confidence in your self, you are going to do great out there.