Central Michigan University Top Questions

I would tell myself to spend more time getting to know people outside of your group. Make friends with everyone you meet, because you might depend on them someday. Make friends with the girl who sits next to you in your science class, or the guy on the computer next to you at the library. Perhaps one day, you'll miss class and the girl in BIO can give you the notes, or the guy in the library might find your cell phone you left behind. Or maybe, these people will become your new friends as you grow and mature. Give them time, and they might just become your close friends. Don't close yourself off and think you don't need to have adventures because you already have your own friends. Make new friends.

If I could have a conversation with 17-year-old me, about to graduate high school and head off to college, I would say, "Listen to that little voice telling you to take a year off and get some experience before starting to work on your degree. Right now you see college as much as the beginning of your studies as your first taste of independence. It's true that it is both of those things, but I'm afraid that if the first time you're out from under your parents' roof is also the first time you sit down in a lecture hall to learn about the subject of your choice, one of those things will seem more exciting than the other and you'll end up bumbling your way from major to major. There's nothing wrong with the non-traditional route, and if I know you (and I like to think I do...) you'll find your way to it eventually, once you develop the confidence to march to the beat of your own drummer. If you think you might be capable of getting a jumpstart on that now, more power to you!"

When choosing a college, choose the school that feels challenging both academically and socially. Challenge is necessary for growth. Consider what kind of environment suits your interests and passions and would allow them to be used most effectively. Look around at the students; do they seem like-minded? Would you feel content, yet not complacent on this campus? Does campus or the surrounding area have a place to which you could retreat? When you get to school, know yourself. Do not be hesitant to speak your mind, as you will find those who agree. Prioritize. Work doesn't always need to take precedence over fun or rest. Be where you are and know where you're going. Make use of your time. Do not be afraid to make a change. Try new things. Help others. Be engaged. Look for what you want and need, and when you find it, do not let it go. And most importantly, remember that life is fleeting. This life is your life; know it while you have it.

Take advantage of all that a university has to offer. You will never be in an environment with so many opportunities again. The most important things I've learned so far are not from my classes - they are from my involvements. The leadership skills I've gained by being involved in the Student Government or being President of a student organization. Those experiences are what are most important. A major doesn't get you a job. You don't have to sell a major - you have to sell yourself. The only way you can sell yourself is if you branch out beyond academics and partying to gain these real-world skills.

I would say to stay busy and meet lots of people but don't spread yourself out so thin that you are stressed all the time

I would tell myself how important it is to look for college scholarships senior year. I would also tell myself that it is imperative for me to attend class regularly and while in class, work hard to get excellent grades. Lastly, I would tell myself how important it is for me not to procrastinate and start on my work when it is assigned instead of waiting until the last day before it is due to start on it.

One of the main points I would give a younger me would be get involved. I was involved with dorm activities as a freshman and sophomore in college, but didn't really get involved with clubs/groups on campus until my junior year. I have met so many more people and aquired valuable connections (for my future career). Another point my younger self would have benefitted from is to focus more and put more time into your studies. My freshman year was definitely a transition year and I didn't spend as much time on my classes and homework as I should have. This dropped my GPA down and if I had spent just a little more time on my classes my cumulative GPA would be better now. I spent a lot of time with friends just "hanging out" and I would tell my younger self that those friends would have still been there even if I hadn't spent as much time with them. I should have broadened my horizons (by on campus involvement) and spent more time on my classes. But as I say all this remember to take some time for fun.

open yourself up, let people come to you. make friends with those you live with, get to know your professor. live on campus. go to the events, even if they seem lame. free food is still food. get involved. join a sport. work out! HAVE FUN.

Honestly, it would be to stop caring so much about what other people think. I was very guarded in high school and wanted to fit in and be cool and every other stereotypical thing that high schoolers want. I would tell myself that what those people thought was not important and wouldn't even matter within a years time. In college, no one cares who you are or how popular you were in high school. Here, you become your own person, grow, and learn so much about yourself. I would tell myself to let my guard down, stop trying so hard, and just have fun. And that that football player, was sooo not that important. Being yourself, and being comfortable in your own skin is what is most important. To treasure it, learn from it, and love it.

I absolutely love college so far. I have been able to plug into a variety of clubs and groups that interest me, and have connected with a number of the faculty on campus. I feel respected and cared for here. I love being responsible for myself and handling my own problems without Mom and Dad constantly looking over my shoulder (although I don't hesitate to ask for advice when I need it). I also really enjoy being on campus and the freedom that comes with being able to hang out with my friends, study, and get involved whenever and wherever I want. I'm being challenged academically and I've learned more in my first semester and a half of college than I learned my entire gradeschool career.