Butte College Top Questions

I did not make the transition from high school to college as a senior; I made it as a sophomore. I graduated as a sophomore mainly because I did not like high school. I honestly got really depressed and thought about suicide because I got picked on a lot and didn't really fit in. I would tell myself though, if I could go back, that it is okay to be myself. I would tell myself to not be so afraid of being bullied in college because college is way different from high school. I would let myself know that there are so many different kinds of people in college who make you feel welcomed and loved for you just being yourself. I would let myself know that there is no “having to fit in’ at college and that I don’t have to be afraid of going back to school. I would let myself know that I will be happy in college and I will be thankful for college because saved my life. If I stayed in high school I would not be here now. College saved my life.

If I could back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to get a job and not to stress too much. "Senior year is going to be a breeze, get a job and start saving money for when you go to college. Take care of yourself and when you move to Chico, buy some Chico grown honey to prevent allergies. Trust me, you will thank yourself later."

Everyone has those moments where they wonder about what life would be like if they could go back in time. I believe that everything happens for a reason, but if I had the chance to write a letter to myself before college I would tell myself to take my assessments earlier and start planning for school sooner. Unfortunately, I didn’t take my assessments until the end of June which meant my orientation was scheduled for the 28th of July. As you could imagine, the majority of the classes were already full and I was forced to take classes at inconvenient times in the day. Also, I would tell myself to get a computer before school began; I bought all my school supplies early for school, but I didn’t get my laptop for my school work until two weeks into the semester, so I had trouble accessing the online student resources. Overall, though, I’m glad for the new experiences that college life has brought me. I’ve made new friends and rekindled old friendships. And above all I’ve matured exponentially. College is a learning experience in all aspects, whether it is in life or in education.

The advice that I would tell my high school senior self is very simple: Don't change a thing and don't worry. I spent senior year dividing my time between the yearbook room and the soccer field. Every spare moment I had was put into making the most creative yearbook I could for my fellow seniors. When I wasn't in front of the computer, I was captain of the Varisty Girl's Soccer team. At the time, I was constantly worried about the future. Was I making the right choices? Was I even worrying about the right things? In college, I'm still worried constantly. But I've realized that life is still going to happen no matter what you want. So, do what you want in the moment while you can. And don't change a thing unless it's something you want to change. You only have control over so much so enjoy it. So, seventeen year old me, continue to be the yearbook nerd who happens to play sports. Don't change a thing. And don't worry.

I know that the past four years have been rough. You messed around the past couple years and now that you’re applying for schools, you have to overcome that. It will be okay, don’t stress too much. What you should be focused on is really figuring out what you want to go to school for. Just because you’re good at the accounting classes, if it doesn’t make you happy you don’t have to do it. Just because your counselor told you that you can’t be a teacher, doesn’t mean he is right. Believe in yourself and focus on what makes you happy, not what will make you money. Also, there is nothing wrong with community college. I know there is a stigma around it, but you should ignore it. Not everybody is ready for university straight out of high school. You can go there later, when you are ready, and that is okay too. Stop listening to what others say, or doing things just to prove you can, focus on what is right for you. That is the only thing that matters now and really all that matters long term in life.

Coming out of high school I was too focused on a career path. I spent 30 years building homes before I was injured and lost my career. I loved every moment of it. But that being said, my advice would be: This is a time to explore and discover who and what you want to be. There is no great rush to join the work force right now. Be serious about your studies, but enjoy the time you have with friends and schoolmates. These are the people you will remember forever.

If 10 years ago someone told me what my life would be like, as it is now, I would never have believed them. I am not living the dream life that I thought I would have by this time when I was graduating high school. If I could go back and talk to myself, I would say, "Go straight to college and be surrounded with like minded individuals. College is not scary and you can do it! Your parents will never understand that a higher education is crucial to life success. Dive into the process of enrolling and figuring out what it is all about. You can talk to anyone about anything in college because they all went through the same process too. Everyone is there because they WANT to be. Every bit of effort is worth it to get started and to get a taste of what college is like. You are going to love it!" I think about this often, and it motivates me to make the most of college now that I am finally here.

If I was able to go back and speak to my high school senior self, I would say to start visiting more colleges sooner. I would tell myself to get more involved in the clubs I was in. The best advice would have been to start looking into what I wanted to major in and what programs the different colleges had to offer within different majors. I wish told myself to make sure I got in contact with a counselor before the semester started. Talking with a counselor has helped my education, therefore, I wished I talked to my high school counselor more about majors and what classes to take first. I wish I looked into not only the programs different colleges offered but also just what the college was about. For example, Butte College is very diverse and supportive of the GBLTQ community. I would tell myself to not forget who I am. Not to give up what I believe just to try and make friends in a new community. I would want to tell myself to remember my goals in life, live with compassion and expand my education.

Dear Self, Your career goals are attainable and you have the right intentions for your future. Do not take too many classes at one time, while you are trying to complete your schooling as fast as possible, it unfortunately will be what holds you back. you are smart b ut since you are working and going to school, if you take less classes each semester you will have more time to study for each one, which will allow you to get better grades. Taking too many classes will overwhelm you and make everything very difficult. Sit down and make your academic schedule with a councelor and stick to it. Doing this will in the end help you successfully complete your classes in a more timely manner, allowing you to finish your career program, and also get a job placement in your desired career faster. Life has it's obsticles but you are strong and can handle them. Do not loose sight of what you want, you will achieve it. Congratulations on making it through high school, here comes your next adventure.

I would tell myself to really think about what I want to do in life and plan for it. Don't go to college blind!