Central Washington University Top Questions

If I could go back to when I was a senior in high school (last year), I would have a lot of comments and advice about college. I would tell myself to be outgoing and energetic starting the first week of college. The first week is when there are literally hundreds of activites and programs to participate in. Attending those activities are vital to meeting potential friends and study buddies. I wasn't very outgoing my first week of school. I was homesick and missed my boyfriend. I felt like an outcast because I didn't know anyone. If I could go back, I would definitely advise myself to get out of my shell, attend programs, and make new friends, rather than stay cooped up in my dorm. While studying is extremely important, having a social life is also crucial to happiness in college.

If I were to go back in time and give myself advice after already making the transition into college, I would tell myself not to stress the small things in life. I would let myself know that teachers are not always gonna like you and care about when your sick or hurt, college work is your responsibility and nobody else's. I would also tell myself to study and really study that first year of college and not to act like it's no big deal since now I'm having to make up for my screw ups. I would tell myself about how much easier it would have been for me to do great in classes from the beginning. I would warn myself about college partying cause it really does affect your class work and is not worth it. However, I would deffinitely let myself know it will be ok. I am graduating with my associates and moving on to get my Bachelor's in Nursing next year. To know for sure I would be successful would have really helped when I was a senior.

First of all, you are in a new place so you can instantly start talking to people on just about any topic. As long as you attend class, you will do well in class. If you get stuck, go ask for help because professors WANT to help you. Some roommates may not be your "dream" buddy, but you have to get used to it. There's different kinds of people here and there are some people who you'll get along with and who you might not get along with. So probably the best thing would be is to be yourself and enjoy every moment of your college life.

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself no to be a procrastinator. I have learned in my few months of college, that procrastination is not accepted if you are wanting to have good grades. I have done better about that because I want to excel and graduate soon. I would tell myself to write down all assignments and deadlines. By doing this, I will prevent myself from being overwhelmed. It will also help me to remember what is needed to be turned in the next class session. Making this new transition into college life has brought reality to my life. The reason is because I did not take it as seriously as I should have in high school. My grades were great but I felt as if I could have earned more scholarships. If I knew all of these things when I was a high school senior then I would have been more on task. As a college student, I look back on my life as a high school senior and I am satisfied with my progress, but I could have done better and not trying to get by.

What I believe to be one of the hardest things about transitioning to college is not the workload or getting lost within the campus but the fact that you a great responsibility to be able to do things on your own. That includes communicating with a teacher, getting study aid, obtaining information about clubs and student resources, and even getting to class on time. In high school, you are guided by reminders from your counselor to meet deadlines and get documents in, but in college it is up to you to check your e-mail yourself and know what is required for class or what is required for your major. There is always someone there to help you on campus; however, you have to take the step to confront them and admit you need aid. One of the other hard things is admitting that you need help when you keep telling yourself you can do it yourself. Taking on these responsibilities in college is very overwhelming, and the people waiting to help students are waiting for you to come to them. It's their job, and it's completely available to you.

If I could go back to 1997 to give myself some advice, it would be simply "Straighten Up!!!" I was on a no good path and wasn't taking school seriously. Had I done that when the opportunity was readily available I wouldn't be a 30 something single mother attempting to work full time to care for my 3 children AND going to school to achive my desire to become a nurse. Had I known that the path I was traveling would lead to many years of factory life I would tell myself to do so many things different. "Listen to your parents, they know quite a bit." "Boys are not more important than your education, they usually won't stay around anyway." If I had the chance to do it all over again, I'd apply myself to my fullest ability, take the chance to volunteer and better your community, and work harder to be a more level headed teenager.

"But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint" -Isaiah 40:31 Never give in, you can't and should not try and please everyone. Pursue your dream, and you will be given wings of an eagles.

Wow this a good question, I ask myself all the time. I say that I should of kept on going, I dropped out of school 3 months before I graduated high school. Now I do regret it, I didn't realize back then, but now I realize that at some point in the future a person has to be able to support themselves, so why not get the education and career, at a young age. But I said it's better late than never. It has been very tough transitioning back into school, I always tell myself that it is well worth it. So here I am moving forward, getting my education, and making the right decissions.

If I could go back to my senior year and give advice to myself I would say that college is not as hard as I thought it was going to be. You have to do more work and be more dedicated to your classes but most of the time they are classes you enjoy and do not mind doing. Friends are very hard to leave behind but you are going to make many more friends that you are going to be in contact every day with in college, your friends back home will always be your friends but be open to new friendships. Have a lot of fun but be safe about it, it is a one in a life time opportuniy so just enjoy it to the fullest. Study hard and your college career will be a very memerable one.

College is a wonderful time in your life to really get to know your true self. My suggestion to any first year college student is to step out of your comfort zone. It's an exerpience unlike high school in that the social hierarchy and certain 'cliques' are thrown out the window. Its your time to shine. Challenge yourself beyond whatever you think you could possibly ever handle. This includes a physical challenge as well as an emotional challenge. Emotional challenges require you to make a conscious decision to do your absolute best and not be concerned about what others may think. Try new hobbies, get involved in your school and community, build your resume up as much as possible and most importantly, never do work that is less than your absolute best!