Central Washington University Top Questions

It's intersting to think about being able to go back in time and give myself a little cheat-sheet for what college will be like and things to know, but honestly, i woudln't want to tell my high school self anything. I think that coming here with no idea what to expect has been great! It made everything feel completely new and amazing. I feel like having that knowledge prior to coming would make the experience less fulfuilling.

When I graduated high school in 2006, I never knew that my life would become what it is now. It took me three years to return to college after leaving school after one quarter. To my high school senior self, I would advise that starting a relationship right before going to college will be a very tough thing, and that I shouldn't let that interfere with my college experience. I would advise that I may not be ready for college, that I may need time to grow and become more prepared for college life, since in real life, I left college after my first fall quarter in 2006. I would tell myself that even if I did leave college, it wouldn't mean that I am a failure and that I have dissapointed my family amd friends, it just means that I am responsible enough to know that, at that time, I was not prepared nor in the right mind-set to succeed at the university level. I would then tell my younger self that college is a great experience when you are finally ready and that the experiences and friendships you gain are priceless.

be sure to have fun and do your homework.

?Die wege entstehen im gehen.? We find our paths while we are walking. These words, offered to me as I fretted my post-bachelor transition, were spoken by a German-Italian student I formed a close friendship with while studying abroad. Like the transition from high school, the transition from college is stressful: interviews to land, standardized tests to conquer and admissions committees to impress. Essentially, there are decisions and they are life-changing. As a high school student, I often felt pressured to choose my path early and let that decision dictate the consequent direction of my life. Often, I became caught up in choosing my path before I took a single step and prevented myself from putting one foot in front of the other. Over the course of my undergraduate career, I learned to take steps forward by pursuing many interesting activities: internships, part- and full-time employment, new hobbies, and volunteer work. Through climbing, stumbling and climbing again, I discovered that this further exploration of myself, my community and my world helps me to find my way through my career and my life and to be comfortable with the question ?where shall I go from here??

If I could go back in time and give my high school self college advice, I would tell myself to travel the same path that my college self had already traveled. I took 8 years off between high school and college. I not only traveled, but I was also able to identify the person that I am and to find my strengths and weaknesses. I lived a life of fun, diversity and hardships that have turned me into the well rounded person I am today. I was not prepared to enter college out of high school and probably would have failed miserably. I have completed an Associates of Science degree and am currently attending Central Washington University persuing my dream career, helping animals. If I could go back in time and have the opportunity to change my path, I wouldn't.

Making the leap from living at home with your parents to a place hundreds of miles away with a mode of living completely different from what you are used to will require a substantial amount of preparation. Besides the obvious challenge of finances, making a fresh start socially can make or break your college experience. One of the best things you can do is come to college with a positive attitude, ready to handle serious life situations, and meet people of all different backgrounds: treat them with the utmost respect. A flourishing social life will act as a bridge to the adult world, where knowing the right people will not only enhance your career prospects, but will substantially change your life for the better. In addition, scholarships can significantly ease the burden on you and your parents when they are paying for college. While they may have considerable resources already, it never hurts to save that money for future expenses such as post-baccalaureate education, or living expenses during internships which in today's economy are sometimes without pay, but can nevertheless be invaluable to your career path. Finally, never be afraid to try something new right away: plug in!

My High School senior self was single mindedly determined to major in Musical Theatre. Nothing was going to stop her. So the first thing that I would tell myself would be to not waste an entire quarter in the Musical Theatre program because you won't be able to take anything but theatre classes, you'll be in more classes than you can handle, and you'll get so stressed out that the freshman fifteen becomes a weekly experience. Take your time to decide, get your general education classes out of the way, and take a few major specific classes that you're interested in because, you may not believe it now, but you're going to come of this hating Musical Theatre. And then I would tell myself not to room with a friend because that will inevitably turn into a big messy dorm room of drama. And we don't like that.

"Taylor, stay focused!". I often heard these words coming from my parents, teachers, and friends. I always thought "why?! Theres so many other things to do senior year! There's the dances, sporting events, graduation...". Staying focused was not a top priority for me as a senior in high school, and if I could go back in time and talk to myself I would stress the importance of being a focused and motivated student. Instead of planning my outfit for Friday's football game, I would tell myself to be applying for more colleges and scholarships, and taking more trips to become familiar with my future school. Instead of worrying about my prom dress and what shoes go best with my graduation gown, I would tell myself to plan my college classes ahead of time and be familiar with the General Education requirments so I would know EXACTLY what I should expect each quarter. If I could go back, I would make myself realize that college changes my life and I wish I would have been more focused my senior year in high school. Afterall, your real life begins when high school ends.

Mac, leaving home and going to college wont be so bad. You are going to have fun and make plenty of friends. Just make sure you are open to everyone. You never know what relationship you will make. They may be helpful later on down the road. Don't forget to study a lot. These college classes are nothing like high school. You are not going to know you teachers personally anymore. Also, if you are struggling in a class make sure to get some help there are plenty of ways to do that. Never be afraid to ask questions or make a statement in class, everyone is at college to learn, just like you. When you get to finals time use the library, don't go to your room and turn on the tv (not a good idea). This is a life experence go out and make the best of it, be yourself. Have fun!!

Knowing what I know now as a college freshman I would advise myself to prepare for long nights. "Living on your own is a completely different experience," I would explain to my younger self. "Distractions get in your way from sleep. Things like friends, movies, food, and games will easily be more appealing than homework. But remember why you're in school... to get good grades and be the first in the family to graduate college."