California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo Top Questions

If I could go back in time knowing that I'd have the chance to see myself face to face, I'd tell myself not to focus on the outside world and what they had to say about my character or my actions. I'd make sure I remained focused on my education instead of trying to fit in the "it" crowd. Knowing what I know now, I'd make sure that I would have made straight A's if not B's. I'd also tell myself, that the path I was on wouldn't set my future up for success but for failure. I'd let myself know that now at 25 years old, I've attended college more than four times and that the reason I never stayed in college was because my family would praise me for the positive things so I thought that was too good, so I allowed myself to fall short. I'd also make sure if I didn't get a good education for my family, I'd do it for myself and my future.

If I had the chance to give my high school self some advice I would say: hold your head up high, don’t hold back, and never let other people make your own decisions. As a high school student, I was always going back and forth, trying to decide what I wanted to do with my life. I just kept letting other people decide for me. “Dannie, you should go into the medical field” or “Dannie, go to art school.” Although I was very studious, I was still confused about myself. Always second guessing myself; always wondering if my decisions would disappoint my parents. It was that type of thinking that made me hold back on things that I really wanted to do. Now that I am more comfortable with myself, I know that as long as I am happy and successful, my parents will be proud of me no matter what. I should have never held back because now that I am older, I’m doing the things I missed out on and I am so much more happier. I should have always held my head up high because everything wasn’t as hard as it seemed.

Education has been essential for students. Through education, students can get the knowledege and pursue their career in their choice of major. The first step in higher education starts in high school. If I look back to high school and see myself as a senior again, I would have been better choices. I would have been committed to studying and doing my homeowork, besides watching television and hanging out with my friends. If I had not made a mistake, I would have went to a university thana community college. I would not have to fight my way through waitlisted classes to get offically register. I would have got the actual feel of real college life and vigourous college studying. Not that community colleges don't offer, but I don't get challenged often my classes. I would I could have gone back and told myself to get rid of the lazy Sonia and be a confident and work hard. I would have told her, Sonia, that this is not the time to play around. I would have told my old myself that going to college is a whole new step, like stepping into a alien world.

I believe the path I chose to take during my senior year in high school was the correct path. I was exposed to many things, some very heinous; however I believe that without those experiences I would not be as "cultured" as I feel today. It has given me the necessary confidence to succeed at Cal Poly and provoked me to further explore the things I have been learning while in school, particularly the study of the earth and the trend of climate change. Any advice that I would give my senior year persona would be limited to "do what you're already doing."

Be prepared for the experience of a lifetime.

Alison, I know a three and a half hour drive seems close, but please resist the urge to go home every weekend. I know you have an amazing boyfriend back home, but think about your priorities. Every time you go home, you lose the chance to accept Cal Poly as your new home. The people you meet in college will be fantastic; I'm sure they'll love you. You are spending the next four years in San Luis Obispo, that's a long time, you could make so many friends in that amount of time. Just give Cal Poly a chance, there are so many opportunities awaiting you, Alison, don't waste them by sitting on the Amtrak train for six hours just to see your boyfriend for one day. Hey, San Luis Obispo is a beautiful area, you've got beaches, wine country, agriculture, hiking trails, and a college campus, go explore everything. The next time I see you, I want you to be able to tell me that you've done everything that was available to you. One more thing, if someone happens to offer you a job to sell chocolate your sophomore year, say yes.

Girl, I know you already have this small idea of what college is going to be like, but future me is going to give you a little "Reality-Check-Pinch." First, GO TO CLASS, EVERDAY. It makes a bigger impact than you realize. Your professor will recognize this, regardless of whether they voice it or not. If they see you making an effort to put yourself forth, they'll be more willing to put the effort back when you have a question or need help on homework. Also, take advantage of any and all resources provided! Some colleges provide awesome resources that help you bump that B into an A. For an example, Austin Community College offers a Learning Lab where professors are there around the clock to tutor you in every course, for free! You'd be ridiculous to not take advantage of that. I know sometimes life happens and it seems like the end of the world, but don't let it affect your grades or attendance! The classroom can and will be your escape from life's drama. Let yourself get lost in it and most of all have fun with your learning and education.

Do not only apply to one college, even if you know where you want to go. Applying to more than one college gives you leverage in gaining financial aid. Apply for a ton of scholarships, because money can end up being the biggest stresser in college. When choosing a college, visit the campus and talk to students in the major you are looking at. Look for a school that offers more than just academics and sports. There is so much out there to be discovered! Always keep an open mind when choosing a major and a career path. College will give you the opportunity to discover what you really want to do with the rest of your life. Most importantly, focus on school and extracurricular activities when you start college. You will meet people with the same interests as you, and they will become your life-long friends. Your social life will follow if you focus on the reason you are attending college. Placing too much focus on a social life often leads to academic probation, dismissal from the school, and an end to your academic and social life at that school.

I would say do yourself a favor and get explore the town in your free time. There are lots of things to see and plenty of places to volunteer or work at if you look in the right places. Also don't be afraid to make friends. Its your first year and everyone else is just as nervous and excited as you are.

My college experience has been very different from what I expected. I knew it was going to be hard work, but I didn't realize how much work has to be put into each class. So far, I have managed to get good grades and I have fallen in love with both my school and town. Being in the college atmosphere has motivated me to achieve and attempt the career I am really passionate about which is teaching. The school I am at lets me take classes in which I am able to have hands on experience in teaching and being in the classroom. I am only a freshman and already have experience working with children and being in a 1st grade classroom. This experience has been very valuable because now I am positive this is the career I want. Being at college has erased all my doubts and now the only thing I have to worry about is being able to pay for the rest of my college experience. I love being at my school and I love what each class has to offer and how much I am learning.