Eastern Oregon University Top Questions

Dear Bonnie- The fact that you have graudated high school despite the challenges you faced was a miracle. But, me your college self has some more information for you. You need to take a step back and realize, you might not of been ready for the shock of college. Take a year off and explore some of the things you want to try because you do not know what you are truly interested in and what is going to lead to your future. Take some time to travel and live life because you have a lot of hard work ahead of you. Don't expect to have all the answers, because there are challeges ahead of you that you could of never prepared for. Don't stress about this, realize that you need to ask for help and enjoy the journey, you are going to learn a lot and its going to be a bit of a transformation from where you are now to where you are now. And be proud of yourself for every accomplishment you make, you beat yourself up so often that you need to cherish who you are and what you accomplish. Love Me

I would encourage myself to ask for help. It does not mean your wrong or unintelligent when you question the material you are given. Yes, at a certain level the work is similar but it is also difficult. By questioning the material shows you are trying to grasp the concept. That alone shows you are dedicated to learning. Do not be discourage if things do not come as easy to understand as they use to. Your in a new world. Like a child growing up its ok to wonder, be curious and ask questions, explore, find what you like, dislike find yourself. Its not going to be easy. But if you put in as much time and effort as I know you are capable of you will have no problem. You do not have the knowledge of the world. Nor do you need that much information. You know your limits see if you can exceed them. Be you and do not give up because you are not a quitter. You only get determined to work harder not back down. You have your family behind you. Most importantly just believe in yourself.

One word sums it up.....STUDY

So far, I have gotten a lot out of my college experience. EOU is very far away from where I grew up in Montana, so this has really forced me to grow up and take responsibility for my own learning. School is also very expensive, so I have been pushed to fill out scholarship applications and budget my own savings to pay for it. The classes are much more difficult than in high school, so that has taken a lot of getting used to, but I have learned that I can push myself to finish assignments and stay on task. Education is extrememly important, and I'm starting to see that without it, I would not be able to find a career that I actually enjoy. College has definitely made me more mature and aware of finances, the importance of education, and responsibility.

I have learned that college is about the experience rather than just the degree. College prepares the person for lifetime success through deductive reasoning and analysis. I can know understand how solve a problem using different point of views. Additionally, college allows a person to understand and be tolerant to different people. My education and experiences have allowed me to meet and build life lasting relationships with people from many different counties and cultures. When I started college I just wanted to get a degree and make money, but I now understand why employers want people with education. Employers want educated people because they know that college graduates are committed, problem solvers and out of the box analytical thinkers.

My college was a place to be fearless and inquisitive, to challenge dogma and find a voice upon which to build for a lifetime. Rather than a static mass of absolutes, my college was a place of beautiful uncertainty, a microcosm of the world outside where knowledge is an illusion that begs to be disproven. Each time I was sure that I'd had an original thought, a little research revealed otherwise. Each time I was proud of an argument well constructed a better case would unfurl my ignorance. To be humble and comfortable in not knowing, these were the most valuable lessons learned. All is in flux, and school is no different. What seems true today may be farce tomorrow. Eastern Oregon University taught me how to learn not what to learn, and that has made all the difference.

Right out of high school I did not attend college because I was unable to pay the expenses. Instead I got a full time job and struggled to support myself with earning minimum wage. It was at that time I realzed how important a college education was. Now I am currently a freshman at Eastern Oregon University. During this time it is my second week of classes and I am already improving in so many ways. Organization, time management, and study skills are just a few techniques I am learning to work on. College has also showed me a more social lifestyle. Here at EOU the staff offers may opportunities to become involved in different activities. With all of the skills I am gaining at EOU I know they are all something that I can take with me for the rest of my life and use each and everyday. And for that I need to thank EOU for what they already instilled in me.

I have recieved an eye opener from attending college because it has shown me that besides a degree aiding that may help me in finding a better career that I will enjoy, it has given me a wider and more in-depth understanding of being an educated intellectual. I have learned that just the most basics of the courses, can help in leading more productive and happy lives outside of your career. Until two years ago, I never wanted to attend a college. I not only felt inaddequet, but not goos enough myself to even be able to understand the teachings of a college. Going to college has given me, not necessarily a second chance, but a better chance to lead a life I will enjoy and be proud to live.

Don't be so concerned with identifying a major; just jump in and take your core classes to get you on track. Throw in some appealing electives, to explore your interests. After a few years, and completion of your basic requirements, begin focusing in on what you like to do and turn that into a major. I would also advise new students to really investigate possible college choices and not limit thier choices to what is local. They should survey several sites before making a decision.

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior I would remind myself that the transition to college is much more than expected in every way. I would tell myself to consider more colleges and not only talk to the faculty at those colleges but students that are currently there. Also I would take a vacation away from my family for a week or two to determine how I felt being far away from them. Knowing what I know now, college classes are much different than high school classes. In order to get good grades, the main thing is to go to class; if you go to class then you are usually guarantee a passing grade. Never procrasinate, talk with your advisor regularly to make sure you are on track, and meet with your professors so that they remember you making sure you sit in the front of their class.