Clackamas Community College Top Questions

I highly recommend starting at a community college when making the transition from high school to college. Some people have felt overwhelmed when they have gone from a small high school to large college campus. Typically a community college will offer a nice alternative, while classes are bigger than what they where in high school they aren't so large that the instructor doesn't know you name. I also recommend a community college right out of high school to take the general education classes, as more times then not they are less expensive then the same class that may be offered at a university. By saving money a student is more opt to focus on their grades and education then the financial burden higher education has.

Keep track of important due dates, such as for scholarships, FAFSA, and other school-related applications that take time and thoughtful consideration; however, don't stress over things that are out of your control. Breathe through everything! No matter how hard things might get, you’ll get through them (try not to take 18 credits per term… that might help). Don’t limit yourself just because you come from a different state and don’t know anyone. Stay in contact with the people you left in California, but don’t let doing so get in the way of your making [new] friends in Oregon. Do everything you can to be social, make friends, and enjoy the time that you’re at Clackamas CC because you’ll be there for two years. Jump at the chance to study abroad, even if the idea scares you-- at least you’ll be able to say that you tried! Jump at every opportunity you get. Go to more poetry readings, express yourself and your feelings; write more, read more, do everything related to English more: you love it, so do more of it! Just work hard, have fun, and make the most of everything!

First thing you need to do right now is buy a roller bag. I can assure it will change your entire college experience. You see, I was once like you, naïve to the wonders of a backpack on wheels. I spent my entire first year of college carrying around the burden of education on my back, feeling the weight of responsibility, and dreading the bill from my chiropractor. Till one day I went to Costco and saw this glorious roller bag. It was small, yet powerful and I could almost feel the weight lifting off my shoulders…literally! I couldn’t resist, so I bought it. The following day at school my perspective was transformed. Instead of the constant reminder of how much I had to do weighing down on me, I was free to explore the diversity that college brings, both in my classes and in my community. Now, a roller bag is just a roller bag, and it by itself will not change your college experience. College is still a challenge, but understand that you are entering into an environment where you can take control of what it is you love and, well, roll with it.

Susana I know you are afraid and excited at the same time. You need to remember that you are going to have more responsibilities. College is going to be a scary place, just remember to never give up. Everyone will look at you differently because you won’t fit in. Do as you always have done. Head up, shoulders back and be kind. A lot of people have different dreams and I know you’ve always wanted to do something in the science field but that is just not for you. You will fall in love with the idea of working in the radio and helping people in the community. So don’t waste your time just go into communications. You will love it! YouTube is going to be huge so start doing your videos now. Daddy is still going to be blind and Mom will open her childcare so make sure you balance everything. Money will be a struggle but don’t let that bring you down because you will succeed.

If I could go back in time knowing what I know now I would give this advise to my younger self. I would encourage myself to take the classes that I are interesting to me, even a little bit. Education is never wasted and a broad range of exposure to many areas help shape the person you will eventually become. I would also tell myself to go out and get experiences in the world. Branch out from my comfort zone., take the bus to downtown and people watch, explore the world, make friends, make connections, and learn to solve problems.

If I could go back and talk to myself as a college senior I'd need to have a good, long chat. Hopefully I'd be catching myself at the begining of my senior year and not the end. I'd need to know that my academic advisor didn't have my best interests at heart and that neither did my mother. I would make sure I understand that, when I apply to the California College of Arts and my mother tells me the scholarship won't be enough, I need to call the university and speak with someone who knows what they're talking about. If I still don't go to that school, that will be a choice I can make but no matter where I go, when things go wrong partying is not the answer. I have people in my life that want to support me, and the younger me really needs to let them. There are also people who don't really support me, and the younger me should know who they are before its too late. I'd also warn myself about the dangers of credit cards and student loan debt.

I just started college, so I can't say I have pearls of wisdom. What I can say is procrastinating isn't something that fits into a college scene.

I spent what would be my senior year of high school attending my first year of College, through Bill Gate's the Gateway to College program hosted by Clackamas Community College. Although I was doing fairly well with grades in school and my social life was full, I wish I could go back and warn myself that college truly is more challenging than high school. College is focused more on oneself, though like most movement in life, working with others is important to keep progressing. College professors tend to be less lenient, and first impressions really count. I would also advise myself to talk more with others about their experiences and stress and how to deal with it all. College life is interesting and concept building; I get more enthused with each class registration.

If I could go back I would tell myself not to worry. It's not as scary as every one says it is. Learn to study and to be proud of what you choose to do with your life. Your family is there to support you and help you along the way. Make mistakes, but never make mistakes without learning from them. Take time for yourself, it can be about you every once in a while. You only have to make one person happy with EVERY decision that you make. Have as many friends as possible and smile at every one you see. Shake hands with people, it shows that you are honest, not that you are just a country kid. Relax, but don't stop taking school seriously. Do homework and THEN go have fun. But don't put off having fun until it's too late. Take every opportunity that you can get socially, academically, and financially. And never ever think that you aren't good enough for anything, especially other people. And never think that you are better than anyone else. This is going to be the best time of your life.

I would prepare myself to have not been so ignorant about following my dream job that would leave me with no job in the future due to the state of our country is with their finances. I would have signed up for college credits to Mt. Hood CC from my high school classes and had them transferred to Clackamas CC. I would tell myself that it is ok that I am not going to the school everyone else is going to because everyone splits after high school. The real friends still stick to you even though they are miles away. There are more people you'll meet in life and most of the time, they become those you call your friends and sometimes good friends. I would have researched more on deadlines and know when I need to apply for admission and registration so I could be on top of the list to get classes if things filled up. Most of all, I would tell myself college is going to be fun and to enjoy the last summer with everyone in town before we start to mold ourselves into grown ups.