California Lutheran University Top Questions

Make sure that you stay focued but maybe not take yourself as seriously or make yourself as stressed as you always do because in the end yes you get everything done but you make yourself sick over it. Just trust your insticts and believe in yourself. You are smart and strong and can get through anything college throws at you. Make sure to have fun and do not be shy. That doesn't mean go crazy though, yes going to parties are cool but not everyday or when you have a final the next day. Be open, yes moving is hard and scary, but as long as you are open you will realize that it is easy making friends and adjusting to college life. Take that random class that has nothing to do with your major because it is college, but make sure to stay focused and not get distracted. Lastly remember, life is not about how many breathes you take, but how many moments take your breath away, so live life to the fullest.

If I were able to go back in time and give myself a few words of advice, I'd tell myself two things: Mothers are ALWAYS right and not everyone is going to like you. In high school, my mom set rules for my sister and I so that we could do well in schoool and make responsible descisions once we were on our own. I, however, did not agree with some of my restrictions. Once I went away to college, I took too much advantage of my freedom--staying out late, putting my priorities behind and focusing more on the social aspect of school rather than my studies. I then realized that my mom only set those boundaries for me so that I could be successful, and once I came to that realization, I appreciated what she did for me even more. Another thing I came to experience was that not everyone will like me. This means that despite my kindness, helpfulness, and sincerity, there will still be someone who will dislike me. But regardless of their opinions, I would tell myself to continue being a great friend and to never doubt myself.

If I could talk to myself as I high school senior there are many points of advice I would give. I would tell myself to dedicate time to research for my future, including where I want to go to college and scholarships that are available. I would tell myself to remember to save every cent I could spare. I would tell myself to mentally prepare for the changes that were to come, but most of all I would tell myself to enjoy the last year of high school. Graduation was the close of a chapter in my life, but the stepping stone to the remaining story and I feel I may have worried to much about what was to come and not enough about the present. Though senior year is critical to making decisions and starting your life, it is also a teenagers last chance to truly embrace their inner child. Senior year is a time of still living under the roof of a parent, the time of not having excess financial decisions, and still having a constant guiding hand. I would tell myself to embrace those small things and live one last year as a kid.

Be yourself, but at the same time, don't be afraid to step out of your confort zone and try new things. Get involved on campus, and find the right group of friends early on, because it isn't always that easy to switch groups later on in the years. Go to the events on campus (sports, art shows, lectures, concerts, plays). Don't be afraid to approch your professors, they really are there to help you. You're paying good money to go to this school, so make sure to use all of the available resources, such as counseling, tutoring, career assessments and placements, and writing and math centers. Always stop to smell the roses, or take a look at the stars. They bring everything into perspective.

My experiences at California Lutheran University have helped me to adulthood, as they compose the final pages of my bildungsroman. The conclusion of this chapter in my life was not shaped by the opportunities that this college could provide financially, but rather, by the people who create the character of this campus. My story is defined by the people who helped me through my first few years at this university During freshman year my friend attempted to commit suicide by overdosing. I found her hardly alert, and worked with her roommate to call an ambulance and keep her awake until they arrived. She survived. A few days later my sister committed suicide. I found myself unable to forgive my friend or my sister for their actions needless to say I was in a very dark place. As the weeks rolled on I did not attend class and was in danger of losing my much needed scholarships. My faculty advisor noticed my absences and helped me; he had class due dates extended, set up free appointments with the school psychologist, and pushed me back on my educational feet. It was here that I learned about resiliency and forgiveness....biology, and literature.

When I came to Cal Lutheran I really got invovled in alot. I got really invloved in Student Government. This week I just got elected the President of the Student Body and memeber of the university Governing Board. I will be the first junior to perform these tasks in the Universities History. The first semester I studied abroad in Prague, Czech Republic. I am also really involved in clubs and and academics. I am a double major in political science and religion. Because the class sizes are so small, you get to know every professor on a personal level. Cal Lutheran has really shaped me into a great person.

I planned on attending the University of Washingto in the fall of 2010, but when my parents moved to California in August, I realaized I wasn't ready to be two states away. I packed up my things and relocated to California with them, and was forced to start at a community college nearby before applying to schools in California. What I have found so far is that the sixty semester units of general education that are required of every student can often be based on subjects the student has no interest in whatsoever. For me, some of these have been pleasantly enjoyable despite that, and some have been dreadful trying to push through. I haven't reeped the benefits of attending college in terms of a job, but my horizons have been widened, I have learned countless new things, and I have gotten to experience a variety of teaching styles. College has without-a-doubt introduced me to the "real world," and I have gotten a taste of what lies in my future. I hope to get more out of my college experience as I transfer schools and as I focus more on my major and my interests.

My college experience has been great. While in high school I was always the shy and dependent person but with living on college I met new people and I have become more opened. I have also learned to be more indepent because I live on campus. I have grown so much in my first semester here at California Lutheran University. I figured out what kind of career path I want to go into and what kind of major I want to pursue and get a degree in. I believe college is where a person learns more about themselves and what kind of person they want to be. It shapes them into the person they are and that is why it is important and valuable for students to attend college to continue their education.

At the beginning of my college experience I began by going to community college where I found myself longing for a more well-rounded experience filled with opportunities for community service, making new friends, and gaining an education of a life time. It was a decision I struggled with from the beginning of my senior year in high school because of financial issues. I was worried about the burden that I would carry once I graduated and had to pay back loans that I would have to take out in order to attend the school of my dreams. I wanted an education that would challenge my thinking and provide me with the skills I need to be successful as well as happy. Deep down I knew I had to do what was best for my future and what would provide me with the greatest sense of accomplishment. I believe I have made the best life decision for myself by attending a four year University because I have provided myself with the opportunity to be the best I can be.

I am grateful that I have had the opportunity to attend college and although I am older than the average college student I know now I have made the right decision to be persistant. When I was nineteen I could barely sit through a two hour lecture but with persistance on my part and the opportunity to take eye opening classes such as Astronomy, Graphic Design, and Behavioral Neuroscience I realized school actually had something to offer me and I loved it. I used to be the individual that had no role models and no motivation to learn; now, I am the person who can look at myself and say "I know who I am and who I want to become, I know what impact I want to make on the world." The professors I have had proved to me that there is hope for this world, and every stressful day working and paying bills is worth the time spent learning with and from professors who are the best role models I have ever had.