California State University-Channel Islands Top Questions

I have to admit that I worked my way through college. I was always a fulltime host/server/cashier at two restaurants and a full time college student. I decided to trust my ability to work rather than to spend time applying for scholarships. My advice number 1 would be: Apply to as many scholarships as you can. My english professor freshmen year told us that nobody would see our grades after graduating college. My second piece of advice: I would tell myself get the best grades you can, becuase after this you are going to want to go into graduate school. My third piece of advice would be: get involved as much as you can. Conferences, workshops, trainings have been very helpful in my selfdevelopment. Fourth, sleep is overrated. Fifth, practice, practice, practice. Sixth, keep your eyes on the prize there is light at the end of the tunnel. Something else that I would advice is to do the best you can to figure out what you want to do for the rest of your life. The sooner you figure that out, the sooner you will be in your path to achieve that goal.

Its simple all I would say is save! College is not cheap! I wish I can just go back into time and save every single penny I had and not spend it on cute clothes. I feell really bad now because I have my parents stressing over how they will pay for my tutition. The economy is not good right now and my parents are not so sercure with jobs. Sometimes I just want to quit college to help out my parents but thanks to their support they always motivate me to stay in college and they say they will earn the money somehow. To conclude this I recommened all high school students to save for college and never say you can't.

I would advise myself to make college a priority in my life, and I also would assure myself that college is an attainable and realistic goal. As a high school senior many students do not have any idea what course of study they want to pursue for their future; I would advise any senior in that perdicament to continue their eucation in a local community college. I highly recommend community college because it is an environment that provides students with a solid foundation in general education, a foundation which is essential for furthering a student's education and also essential for later transferring into a university. In addition to atending community college and transferring, I also would encourage myself to relentlessly search and apply for as many scholarships as possible before even stepping foot on campus. Actively searching for scholarships early on will prevent future stress concerning the financial pressures of college. Also the greatest resource for any student aspiring to attend college is the college councilors; I highly reccomend schedualing a visit with a councilor who will be able to help the student determine which courses need to be taken during freshman year at college

I would definately tell myself this school was an amazing choice for myself. It is close enough to go home in the case of an emergency but far enough to stay over the weekends and get involved with school life. I'd tell myself not to worry and get discouraged when I didn't think I'd make it. There are plenty of professors who care about me and my education to listen to my problems and help me as much as they can. I'd tell myself jump as high as I can and not to be afraid. I will meet plenty of life long friends who are always here to catch me or help me get back on my feet. This campus is amazing and filled with amazing people. I've added myself to it not only to become a better person but to get involved in the university and help others with fears in securites about doing well and making college one of the best experiences by far.

If I was to go back in the future I would advice my self to go for the AP classes even though it was an extra load of work. Since I know the AP scores do matter when you get in college. I would also advice my self to take some extra classes in the community college to get ahead. Also be more involved in school like joining more clubs or being in a sport. That would of helped with being out there. And lastly not to slack off the last few months before getting out and enjoying senior year more by doing more activities.

What I have gotten out of my college experience is satisfaction. I went into CSUCI imaging what my college life would be like. I have gotten all the classes I needed, became really involved in the school, found a good paying, part-time job, and stayed on top of my academics. All while having a great social life and being a member of a philanthropic and academic sorority. Since CSUCI is so new, this experience wouldn't have been able to happen elsewhere. I gained so much important life knowledge and I am proud to have gone and to have been a part of the school while it was still growing. I have been so thankful for my education, my teachers, employers, friends, sisters, and school staff, because without them, honestly I don't think I would have been able to be so successful. Without them, I would have never been able to achieve the satisfaction that I feel when I reflect on my college experience.

In my college experience I have learn to help one another (students) and to help the minorities with support. I also helps incoming freshman so that they won’t be lonely and miss their families that much. I tend to get them involved in clubs or meet friends.

Returning to school has given me empowerment. I've always wanted to finish school, but it was never the right time. I have come recently to realize there is no such thing as the 'right time,' only the 'are you going to do it now or not' time. I chose now. I was wracked with indecision for months about going back to school again. How would I fit it into my busy unpredictable schedule? Answer: online classes. How would my study skills be after all this time? Answer: just fine since I am an avid reader and natural studier. How can I finish before I am too old? Answer: I'm not too old now and won't be in the future either, for me learning never stopped even though the classroom studies did. The agonizing months of indecision disappeared the day I signed my application. I just knew it was right and I haven't looked back since.

CSUCI has helped me to become a positive role model and leader of my campus’ community. I spent my first year dorming on campus and when I moved back home due to financial constraints I became involved with the bike club in Nov’09 to feel attached to the campus. I spent my time training to compete in collegiate road races while becoming deeply in classes. I achieved leadership roles of secretary and vice president within 6 months of joining the club and through persistence & hard work I am the current club president. Timid in high school, my public speaking class, let me embrace a new me. I wanted to find solutions to problems of the campus community and advocate for changes those problems. Since becoming more proactive on campus I've been able to network with faculty to participate in community projects as well as find employment opportunity in the community. I am thankful to attend this 4 year university because it offers so much to its students. Small class sizes, dedicated professors, and supportive friends are what draw me to this campus, and while CI was not my first choice I could not be more pleased withmy choice.

I have gotten so much out of my first year of college here at CSUCI. In highschool I was not invovled at all and hated highschool, but at CSUCI's orientation I was inspired by the faculty and staff to come out of my shell. Now as the year ends I have won numerous awards such as Freshman Leader of the Year and others. This is all due to the staff and faculty here at CSUCI. They put the students first in everything that they do. The thing that has been most valuable experience I have recieved was being a part of the CI family. I felt like a real person like Spencer Keaster here, not a number or statistics like i may have felt like at any other university. I also have learned so many lessons in leadership, I know I will be a great leader in society and help build a very close community where ever I live and work.