California State University-Channel Islands Top Questions

Do this thought experiment with me Nick. Tomorrow morning, when you step out of your car and walk over to your girlfriend feeling held back and tired of her, remember what I'm about to say. You are not going to find what you're looking for here as fast as you think you are. It's not going to be found in the shape or form you think, quite the opposite actually. Which is why it's important for you not to crush this girl's heart. At least not the way I did. I get it man, you're sick of being in a relationship, but try to leave the earth better than you found it. That whole spiel about "you're young, you'll make mistakes", it's not gonna fix the hole inside you. I'm not asking you to live a different life or act on what I think I know, because I'm still 19, and not exactly in a position to give you advice. But just walk up to her, look her straight in the face, and decide if that's the mark you want to leave on your hometown.

Don't stress. It will be alright. Stick to it in community college because when you transfer you will be on the right road. There are so many opportunities and experiences ahead of you. Have fun but take classes seriously. You only get to live this time once so why waste it?

If I could go back in time and give my high school self advise about college, I think I would have a whole book on advice. I am a first generation college student. Since my parents didn’t attend college I had to figure this whole thing out on my own. As much as they wanted to, my parents were unable to guide me through the path of college. Trying to decide what to major in and which school to attend is very difficult, especially doing it solo. On top of that my parents didn't make enough money for me to attend college in the first place. I had to also figure out how I was going to pay for my education. The first advice I would give to myself would be that there is financial aid! Start community college right after high school because I would be able to afford it now. The next advice I would give would be to seek out help from counselors. That way I wouldn’t have to figure everything out alone. If I would have gone to counselors as soon as I started community college I probably would have graduated already!

I would tell myself as a high school senior to take class seriously and its a big difference from high school. In college they don't give alot of busy work to help you recieve a higher grade. For example a class could consist of you writing blogs on a website, a midterm and a final. With only having those assisgnments in the class it can help make you get an A or break you to recieve a D, so work hard and study hard. Also, remember to listen to your father's advice which was stay away from sociology because its a hard class. If you do take it please study hard for the test in the class. And, please go to the advising center to grab your major requirement paper and take the classes you need. Try to take 18 units for your second semester as a freshman because you want to try to graduate in four. After second semester keep taking 18 units until you don't have too. I know its going to be hard but you can do with the help of your family, friends and religion. If you do get stress out go exercise.

Throught out my high school year I was motivated to go to college; I had the top ten colleges that I wanted to apply to. But the top ten listed colleges that I wanted to go to was torn up in my face. My Parents wanted me to go a Junior College for my first two years and then transfer when I am in my Junior year. Being the Obediant daughter that I am, I let them persuade me into thinking a four year university wasnt for me. I sat back and watched others get ready to apply for their top ten colleges that they wanted to go to. All I could think about was that I was ready for a four year university. I did what I thought was best and applied to only my top two choices which were CSU Channel Islands and Wiley college. When I got both acceptance letters from both colleges I was thrilled. Now that im in college I realized it is not High school anymore. Knowing what I know now I would advise to myself that I can not go through college like I did with high school.

Study hard at school, because it helps you later in college. Everything you don't learn in school you have to catch up in college.

Study a little bit more and better for some exams and looks for scholarships before so I can pay my studies in arquitecture.

Dear myself: I know you are experiencing a lot of pressure to get in to an "Ivy League" school, and competing with all of your friends. I know you feel that you should go to a "big name" school out of pressure of hearing everyone else name drop all of the big names: Harvard, Yale, Princeton, etc. But in the long run, you will do better at a school that fits YOU, not at a school that has the most show-offy name. You will feel happier going to a school that fits you as opposed to a school that sounds impressive on paper. Make sure you look at the majors offered at the schools you are considering so you can see if the school has majors that fit your interests. Take a tour of all of the schools you are considering so that you can get a good feel of the campus and what campus life is really like. Ask too many questions. Join a lot of clubs and get really involved on campus. You will meet people that will forever change your life. Good luck! Love, future me.

Future Self: Hello Samantha Past Self: Hi Do I know You? Future Self: Not right now but you will soon(smiling) Past Self:(Confused) I don't understand Future Self:Well Samantha I know you might not believe this but I am you from the future Past Self:What? Are you crazy? Future Self:No I'm not but I've come back to give you advice about your/our future and the transition into college life Past Self:Okay I'll play along whats your advice? Future Self:My advice to you...well me..well us...well you know what I mean, is to just be yourself there will be a lot of people who will try to convince you to be like them. Wear what they wear, say what they say think how they think. But I want you to remain true to who you are. You will grow into the woman you are meant to be but only if you follow your own mind Past Self:Thanks that sounds like great advice. We sound like we will do great in the future Future Self:(Smiling) We Will Bye Samantha Past Self:(Waving) Bye Samantha See you Soon

Dear Bree, This is future Bree speaking. Do not worry about the transition from your private high school to Channel Islands because all the AP and honor classes that you slaved in will truly pay off when you go to college. The workload at CI is manageable, but I need you to pay close attention to the advice that "future and more wise Bree" is going to give you. I know how highly motivated you are and how much you enjoy learning. I also know that you will need to get a part-time job to pay for school. The classes at CI may seem easier than what you endured in high school, but do not let that become an excuse for you to give any less than your best in all you do! Keep giving your 100 {4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} best, and enjoy learning! I know you can thrive, so do not let your job distract you from being the best student you can be. Being a student is the most important thing right now. And since you are double majoring and minoring, I know it will be a stretch for you, but I know you can do it! Sincerely, Future Bree