GateWay Community College-Phoenix Top Questions

Going back to the fututre and talking to my high school self would involve me saying to her to go out and get some more hands-on, real world experience in something you think you "might" be interested in. Go volunteer, talk to people in that profession...don't just make a decision on what you think you know about a career field or what seems right to someone else. A four year university is not for everyone, but if that's the route you need to take to reach your goal, do it now while you're young; and even when you get tired and want to take a break, don't! Keep on chugging along...it will be worth it in the end.

In the late 70's, when I was finishing highschool, there were fewer resources available. Finding money for college was just not something I considered. In my mind, only rich kids went to college. I had heard about scholarships and grants and financial aid but I really didn't think I had a chance at getting any. It's easier to say, "I can't have that" than it is to go after it. In my mind, I was supposed to find a boyfriend, get married and have a bunch of kids. Everything would be wonderful. How I would just love to sit that foolish girl down and explain the opportunity that was passing. I would tell her, "An education is accessible to everyone. How do you support a family if you don't even have a career and the knowledge and confidence that goes with it?" If I'd gone into my field back in those days, I'd be enjoying my retirement right now instead of going back to school with the dream I should have had back then. I thought I had all kinds of time. Life is too short to waste.

Focus in school is your last year. Join as many clubs as you can. Enjoy yourself as much as you can. The homework is super easy compared to the one in college. Don't have any realtionships. Join sports, you might suck but is a great for your health. Make sure someone checks your essay for college. Study more for the ACT or SAT. Keep working hard because this is only the beginning.

From my entrance into college, being introverted and keeping to myself, I have “evolved” into a much more well rounded and active student on and off campus. I have been Treasurer, Vice President, and President of the Black Student Union. I have also become a part of Student Government, serving as both a senator and a Director. I have been a Program Board Intern and gone on many school trips as a student. I also have been privileged to join the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. I have served my school in many different positions and departments on campus, transitioning from Student Worker to Temp Staff, to a permanent position. I have been able to experience and do that which I am most passionate about: helping people and making a difference in their lives, academically, socially, professionally, and spiritually. I look forward to doing many more such things to help make life on campus more enjoyable for students as well as a nice place to come and earn an education; and also to help facilitate the bringing in of more high school students who are undecided about attending my school or furthering their education elsewhere.

My college has much to offer. They have many available resources for the students that help out with homework, counseling and financial aid. The classroom sizes are not too big, but not too small so there is enough input and interaction from the students. Professors make sure to explain the material in a way that is understandable to everyone. The diversity is great; there is a wide variety of heritages attending the college. Gateway Community has allowed me to transition from high school to college by making everything so easy and providing all the help needed in order to make me feel comfortable and ready to learn.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would give myself a lot of much needed advice to help with the big transition to college. I would tell myself to apply to all the Universities in Arizona and try to get into one of them so that I wouldn't have any regrets later on in life. I would also tell myself to apply to all the scholarships that were available to me so that I wouldn't occur so much school loans after graduation. I would warn myself that college is going to be hard, but don't quit or take a break, that will just make life harder. I will advise myself to study hard as school does not come easy for me. My final words of wisdom for myself would be to stay home for as long as possible, I will tell myself that there is still plenty of time to be a grown up, but if you can stand it stay home and enjoy the free rent and home cooked meals!

If I were able to travel backward in time and talk to myself as a highschool senior, I would tell myself to apply for every scholarship I could possibly find so that I could get some money to pay for school, because there is no way in hell I would ever be able to do it on my own. If it weren't for the support of my parents I wouldn't even be in school right now because of my financial situation. I would also tell myself to go to a community college for my first two years to save even more money. That way I would be able to get my basic courses out of the way for a lot less money than I could at any university. Other than the money advice, I would tell myself to be confident and have fun, because you only live once and that's what the college life is all about. Have a blast, but don't disregard your educaton either. And always remember where you came from and how you got here; your past is what made you what you are today.

I was afraid and intimidated about furthering education, once I left high school, I went immediately into the work force. My idea's of college was that it was time consuming and intimidating, this I am finding to not be true. I wish now I would have been more open to the idea, investigating further into higher education, as oposed to being closed to the idea. After 35 years out of school I am finding this to be a pleasant experience, and really enjoy learning, I look forward to attending school along with the challenges it brings.

The most important advice I would give to myself is to save money while you are still in high school. Use all the saved money for your schooling; like books, tuition, or school supplies. You are going to need as much money as you can. Having no money in college is not as fun because you need money to go places. Also don?t rely on people to tell you to do things. Learn how to discipline yourself to do things on your own. Mom and dad won?t be there to tell you to do this and do that. You have to think on your own. It?s not as hard once you get the hang of talking to people and asking questions. The most important is not to stress out over homework. Take everything step-by-step. Don?t rush yourself and pace yourself and don?t wear yourself out. Also get enough rest. Sleep will recharge you for the next day. Make sure you do all your homework and go to every class. Trust me it will all add up in the end. Be prepared for situations that put your education in jeopardy. Have fun!

If I could go back in time and tell myself something I know now, I would have to tell myself to be prepared for how difficult it really is to go out on your own and join the adult life. I would tell myself to be ready for college being a little more stressful, and to just take it one step at a time.