California Lutheran University Top Questions

Nickole, take time to breathe. From your very first day of college, it will feel like your hours are minutes, and your minutes are seconds. These are the best years of your life and they will be gone before you know it. So, take time to get to know the people around you. Take time to enjoy the beauty of every moment. Take time to truly absorb and appreciate everything you learn. Find the courage to go outside of your comfort zone and try new things and meet new people because life is so short, because these four years are so short. Try a little bit of everything because you will be pleasantly surprised. And most importantly, take time to be with your loved ones and let them share in all of your amazing experiences at college.

I would tell myself to get involved with clubs and other activites right away. During my freshman year at college, I was very homesick and my school work suffered. However, half way through that year I became very involved with on-campus groups and my morale was instantly improved. Also, this year I learned how much having an unorftunate roommate can effect your outlook and your schoolwork. During my freshman and sophomore year, I lived with girls who I did not get along with. They didn't care about their classes as much as I did, and they wanted to drink and break other campus rules. I would tell my high school self to not feel bad for wanting to find new roommates. If I would have gotten out of that situation sooner, it would have saved me a lot of agony. (Also, none of the girls I lived with my first year of school continued their education as far as I did... so I guess not partying paid off)

I would tell myself that college is not like high school at all. College is a different learning experience and that I will have challenges that I never had to face before. I would tell myself to prepare to be one of the only people in my class of color. I would tell myself that just because I am African American doesn't mean I am any less than the students here who are caucasian. I would tell myself that I can make it here even if I can't afford college. I would remind myself that I worked hard to go to college and I should take my financial challenges head on. I would remind myself not to put work over my grades because I can't afford tuition. I would always tell myself to stay strong and appreciate the opportunity to go to college whether it's expensive or not.

If I could go back to tell to talk to myself In high school. I would tell myself that it's not easy like I thought. Also do everything that you need to get done to be successful. For example talking to your advisors at school, do research for the college that you want to go to, see how much school Is going to cost, and make sure right now you start getting those grades up In school. Also the most important thing Is do more to get scholarships. I know that you try to get some and you still never got any, but don't give up on trying. Because someone Is going to give you a chance for a scholarship, and you when you get It justs shows they believe In you. Just like you believe In yourself, and as always keep working on you goal to be a journalist.

I would start the conversation by saying that college is different from high school and the unknowns make most high school seniors anxious, but that's normal. Because college is such a worthwhile learning opportunity, it is worth working through the uncomfortable feelings. To prepare for success in academics, I would make sure to learn about advocating for yourself. Choose your class schedule wisely so you get off to a good start. If a course is challenging , find out what resources are available and seek help right away. Professors want to help you, but they also want to see that you are the one going to them. Also, I'd tell myself to do things outside my comfort zone because it helps broaden your interests, and have opportunities to meet new people and have new experiences. Because I attended a high school for kids with learning differences, I know what it feels like to be different. With that in mind, I would tell myself to believe in your self and appreciate your unique qualities. You will find yourself surrounded by others who value you too. College is such a great chance to grow and get to know yourself better.

If I were to talk to myself as a highschool senior I think I would tell myself to work on my relationship with my parents before leaving for school, because since coming here my mom's health has not been the best and the stress of trying to spend time with her has been really hard. I would also tell myself to be more financially aware my freshman year because times would get hard later on. In regards to my studies I would definately tell myself to let go of some of the friends I came with from home to focus more on my studies, and to learn to relax so that what life had planed for me wouldn't affect me as hard as it did; and to pay extremely close attention to myGPA, and to my courses to make sure my GPA didn't slip like I accidently did, because I know I could easily have handled the work if I hadn't let my home life stresses get the best of me.

Knowing more about the the college life and making the transition, there is only one big key advice I would give myself as a highschool senior. The only advice that I would give myself would be to stay calm through the entire transition. Throughout the entire college transition I was a worried freak. Since , I signed up to live on campus I was completly terrified knowing who my rommates were going to be. Luckly, my University did an excellent job in matching me with three other girls that later became my three best friends. I added stress that did not need to be added. I should have not have worried about it , since everything worked out for the best. I was also terrified on taking my first college test. Being nervous about the first test was not beneficial at all , because this made me have careless mistakes which cost me a whole letter grade. If I would have stayed calm I would done far beyond better on my first couple of test. Although , I did learn from my mistakes and stayed calm after. Overall, staying calm throughout the college transition would be my biggest key advice.

I would advise myself of the pace and responsibility of college. College prepares you for the rest of your life. I would advise to get out of my comfort zone, meet people, and try things. This made college life easier. Doing this was difficult. I dreaded and feared it. I wasn’t sure how it was going to turn out. I am thankful I did. It can have many positive outcomes. Meeting people is a good trait and resource to have. It provides good opportunities throughout your life. Without trying there are things in life that you will not be able to experience and regret. With a different viewpoint you can be open to new things. The dorm experience provides the chance to meet many different people. One of my roommates was from Norway. Living with three other girls was hard enough, but know meeting someone from another country, was life changing. With things changing all around us, we need to adapt. It is nice to understand there are many different types of people in the world. Freshman activities are a learning experience with socialization mixed in. Without trying new things you will be missing out on a lot.

I would tell myself to keep my head up through everything. I have had a rough life already and nothing should be able to stop me now. Set goals for yourself some long term, and some short term. Things will get complicated at times but that's no reason to give up because there are those who are behind you and believe in you. Apply for as many scholarships as you can even if it means that you don't have time for other things, there will be a time and place for everything, you just gotta keep your head help up high. Don't forget that this isn't only for you, but for your parents, who have sacrificed everything to give you what you need to succeed. When things don't go your way, find another way, but never ever give up on your dreams.

My advice to my high school senior self would be to create good study habits. High school is a time to start making habits or ways to study so that once you get to college, you already have the process perfected. College takes so much more study time than high school does and if you don't have good study habits coming into college, you may find yourself overwhelmed, especially the first semester. Also, don't be afraidto talk to new people! It's easy to become nervous around new people thinking that they're going to judge you, but the truth is that everyone is looking for new friends, just like you will be! You don't need to be afraid about sticking to how you acted in high school, because almost no one will know you from high school. Focus on making good friends now because everyone else is looking for good friends too!