Estrella Mountain Community College Top Questions

Till this day I remember how I felt at my graduation. As my principal spoke “Congratulations class of 2014” , I just remember feeling like a looser. When I was younger I was known as the smart one. That was my identity, Tiara the smart one. When I entered high school everything changed. I made choices that I’m not proud of and there I sat on graduation day feeling awful because I could not get into ASU. My choices hindered that. Today as an 18 year old, almost done with my first year at a community college I wish I could go back and tell my senior self that things will be ok. I need to stop hating myself for the mistakes I had made, and start loving myself for the future I was going to build for myself. I am now determined, a 4.0 student, and I am happier than ever. I wish I knew then I was not a looser, I was capable of so much more. I just needed the right resources around me.

If I had the amazing opportunity to go back in time, and give advice to myself , I would tell myself to grab a chair, and listen carefully. I would tell myself the following: Education is one of the most important things you can do for yourself, family, and the future ahead. You have to understand that sometimes things seem hard, but do not let things deter you from moving forward, and finishing your education. Most importantly you have to be able to have a burning desire to get through every semester. It will be your obligation to make sure you apply for a great deal of scholarships, financial aid, and apply for a job on campus. Do a extensive research on how to become a better student, and how to use your time properly at all times. Finally, have confidence that you can achieve anything in life, and remember do no quit.

It would not really make much difference going back to talk to myself as a high school senior about college because I spent most of my senior year already in college. Of course, there was still a transition going from high school student to full-time college student, and I would tell myself that there was (almost) nothing to worry about. The transition has been fairly smooth for the most part. Although, if I could talk to myself from before I actually started taking college classes, I would probably give the advice not to be worried about what to expect because everyone I have met has been helpful. I have done well in this school and had a good time doing it and there are not many things I would want to change.

If I could go back in time I would let myself know to take school much more seriously. Sadly, I was caught up with the wrong friends in high school and never applied myself with the fear of being labeled as a "nerd." Unfortunately, that thought process carried over to my first year of college which put me behind a little in my degree and has definitely had a negative impact on my GPA. Once I realized that all my high school "friends" who would make fun of me for being successful were purposely bringing me down, I chose to move on, take my future more seriously as I should, and cut loose any negative people in my life who did not support and encourage me. I always knew I was intelligent and capable of accomplishing many things, but I did what a lot do and gave in to peer pressure. If I knew what I know now when I was in high school I would have straightened up much earlier, even if it meant me graduating high school with no friends at all.

Doc has just finished building the DeLorean and we are hanging out at the Twin Pine Mall. I ask him,"Hey Doc. Can I ask you a favor?" "Anything," he replies. I tell him the date and...ZOOM! I am off to May 29, 2009. I found myself walking the baseball field were the graduation ceremony was held. "Jess!" I yell out, "Wait! I am you from the future. I need to talk to you." Finally, I convince my past self that I am really her and we find ourselves sitting in the dugout. "What do you need to talk to me about?", my past self asks. "School," I tell her," There is some advice I need to give you. I know you are planning on going to the community college, which is a great plan, but be careful on where you transfer. Consult your counselor on the classes you need, especially if it is out of state. Some of the schools don't accept the classes you are taking. Contact the school's counselors for guidance. You don't want to take unnecessary classes or repeat classes. Counselors are your best friends in college; utilize their talent and knowledge."

If I had the opportunity to go back into time and talk to myself a year ago, I would have told myself to study a little harder and prepare for the placement test so I could score higher. I scored a couple points away from going into the next classes so I feel like I could have prepared for that. I would also tell myself to take another class because I am kind of bored right now with four classes and they are easy. I want more, I want challenging. I would give myself tips to succeed and tell myself that I’m doing fine right now and to keep on my track because I’m doing very well

When a high school senior is in their graduation they assume that life in college will be an easy to complete. These were my exact thoughts about life after high school. I continued seeing college as high school and wouldn't take college seriously. I would complete my homework but I wouldn't study enough for tests. During my first semester in college, I wouldn't look at my grades that often to check if I had missed an assignment which led to chaos. This took effect when taking a psychology class my first semester. It occurred when I noticed a missing test grade that I took in class. I messaged the professor and she told me it's your responsibility to keep track of your grades and I received an F for the class. I suddenly realized that it's not high school anymore where teachers will notify a student when an assignment was missing. After that moment I was promt which replaced the F for an A in psychology. My advice to graduating high school seniors is that having responsibility, dedication and being independent is crucial to survive through the hard and studious years for a college student.

If I can go back in time and give myself advice about the college life, I would tell myself to not waste any time. Unfortunately, I found myself taking more classes than I can handle, in order to graduate on time. I would also tell myself to not procrastinate because in college, teachers are strict with due dates and when it comes to procrastinating, I find myself working on multiple assignments at the same time. Lastly, I would tell myself to focus more on my career goal and to not give up. With all of the distractions and other events in my personal life, it is easy to stray away from focusing on the future and only worrying about the present.

If I could go back and talk to myself there are various things I would love to say. First of all, I would start of by advising myself to go straight to college because I have no time to waste considering the career that I am currently going for. Another important notice I would tell myself is to immediately do the research to decide what I truly wanted to be in life so that way I could have been more passionate and motivated about my future. Life passes by you way to swiftly to let any moment of possible progression go by. Every day counts so if I wanted to be the best in my field I would have to study and be determined like the best in the field. I would address the importance of staring college right away do to my extended career path of going from wanting to be a police officer to pursuing a career as a physical therapists. Being a fist generation child in college I would tell myself at that moment that it is possible to pursue my ultimate dream I would just have to learn how to do so.

If I had the opportunity to go back in time and talk to myself while a Senior in high school the first thing I would say is don’t focus so much on the school work. College is more than just learning the academics. Go out and meet new people, see new things and have new experiences. See the world around you and take it all in. Go ahead and get a job and make a little extra money but remember to have fun too. Take lots of different classes in different areas, find out exactly what you are interested in and really enjoy. Don’t take the easy route; don’t trust that your friend from high school will always be there. It doesn’t work out that way. But, most of all, follow your heart and do what you feel is right. It does eventually all work out for the best.