Front Range Community College Top Questions

Dear 18 year-old Stacy, I wish I could tell you that college is THE singular most imporant thing you need to focus on right now. Remember when you were a little girl and you spent all your summers watching earth nature documentaries and spent hours in the library reading Paleontology books meant for grown-ups? Even photocopying articles? There was a reason for that, YOU were meant to study paleontology, meant to help in the discovery of Earth's past. But, life changed, you became distracted when you went to school at 18, we had some drama, and you didn't finish. And 15 years later, you regret it. At 32 you will know what you want to do with your life and hope it isn't too late to persue the dream you always knew you had. You need to do more research, apply for the right financial aid, delve deeper into doing research on what classes to take, what advisors to talk to, and be more proactive at seeking out guidance. One day you will know what you want to do and I will do what it takes to achieve it.

My advice to my high school self would be to research jobs before you decide so you aren't changing your mind a few times because you didn't know there was so many options you could choose from. I would also tell myself to take the time to study and really learn the material instead of just trying to get by, and to remember to always breathe. College is only one part of your life, it makes no sense to get yourself all stressed out for no reason.

I would tell myself that everything is going to be okay. That I do not need to stress so much over money and completely freak out over the thought of college. I would tell myself to try harder on the ACT, make more memorable friends, have a good time, and take college course at highschool. But mostly I would emphazie that going to a community college is not a dumb, or silly thing to do. It has been the best decision I have ever made. I have loved every minute of my experience here ane the people I have met are amazing. I got a job on campus and it continues to amaze me how caring and loving all the people I work with are and I would tell anyone anywhere that community college is the way to go. I would tell high school senior self that everything is going to be okay and that no matter what nothing is ever as bad as I make it out to be and that community college will be the best decison I ever make.

If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to slow down and figure out what I really want. I would tell myself to take the advice of other people, but to ultimately trust myself and listen to my own instincts. I would tell myself to put my pride aside and ask for help, and to apply for those scholarships!! I would tell myself that relationships can be wonderful but to keep in mind that they should not be the determining factors in my life decisions. If they matter that much or if they are truly right, then they will fit into your plans. I'd tell myself to use my spare time to get involved or start something, instead of sitting on the couch or making excuses. And most of all, I'd tell myself to breathe, to enjoy my youth, and to live every day to the fullest because it will never be the same.

Don't make that first cut. If I could relive that dismal, snowy day - January 6, 2010 - I would stand by my former self, kneel in front of her and pry the cold steel out of her numbed fingers. I would look her in the eyes and tell her of the pain this would cause the people who care the most about her. Falling for a friend from high school, this person that you convince yourself you belong with and whom you want so badly. The pain and devastation he will cause you is immeasurable. Look at your arms now and what you have done. No one is worth the anguish you feel. Step away. Walk away from the edge, stop looking down. Your future is better than this. I know you don't see it now, but five years from now you still won't have a degree. You will be searching for meaning and rebuilding yourself from this damage. Finish what you start. Never give up on your hopes and dreams just because they are challenging. You are strong; you are capable; you are beautiful. Stick with your passions. And promise me that you will never give up.

Looking at you in hindsight, I see a dedicated and determined girl who desperately wants to be somebody but who is finding difficulty in just being who she is. A trip to Washington D.C. without your parents to compete as a finalist in the National History Day Competition is actually more frightening than exciting. But there's only one way to break the wall of fear, and it has to come from within. That competition you're thinking about - do it. So what if you're ashamed of your cheap instrument and how awful you sound on it. Boldness won't come without practice. Don't worry about what they think - you're playing for the joy of it, and someday maybe that new violin will come. Until then, let music be exciting. Work hard, push yourself and love the life you've been given. Stop and think just for a moment about what your parents, ambitious younger sister, older brothers and even your teachers have told you more than once: "You're eighteen - live a little! Life is the dress rehearsal and the concert wrapped up in one world-premire of yourself." And there's only one performance.

1) Don't let people look down on you just because you're going to community college. Embrace your decision, because it's a lot smarter than what some of your classmates are doing. You'll even see some of them transfer from a university to FRCC! So don't get caught up in the hype of going to a university right out of high school. 2) Use this time wisely. Get the necessary credits out of the way as soon as you can. Look at other universities and programs to see what classes you can take at Front Range that will transfer. 3) Don't overwork yourself. By itself, eighteen credit hours seems manageable. However, you also work and would like to save that little piece of time you put aside for a social life instead of homework. 4) QUIT PROCRASTINATING! Seriously. It will be your downfall. 5) Hang in there, kid. You're moving on to bigger and better things after this, just you wait.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would remind myself of the importance of going to college directly after high school graduation. I would tell myself to fight through the struggles of being a young single parent, because I would have been a better example to my own children. I would tell myself that starting over again at the age of 39 is way more difficult, and intimidating. I would tell myself that I could do anything I set my mind to, and that there are people to help students like me struggling financially raising a daughter on my own. I have made some seriously terrible choices in my life, but I learned through those decisions, fighting through difficulties, teaches amazing things. I am a stronger person because of those struggles. I believe had I fought through college at a younger age, it would have prevented some of the other choices I made. I would recommend to my younger self, ask for help. Tell people you your needs are not being met and find other ways to meet them, besides giving up. Never give up.

The advice I would give myself is to pick a career I would enjoy working in but also make sure it pays well and has room for advancement. I originally picked a career I enjoyed, but it however did not pay well and had limited advancement. Due to the lack of finances I had to work two jobs and I did not stay in my chosen field for long. When the opportunity to take a higher paying job presented itself I took it and changed careers. However it was not a job I enjoyed. Now I am back in college and I have a second chance to pick a career I enjoy and one that pays well.

Keep up with your friends from high school, and make sure to have an activity outside of school that is important to you. You may think you will be too busy, but having more on your plate will actually force you to have better time management. Also, make it a point to remind yourself of what you hope to accomplish with your degree. It's great to have the "college experience" and enjoy learning for learning's sake, but don't become discouraged when college doesn't measure up to those expectations because they aren't why you're there.