Gonzaga University Top Questions

go to college it will help you to better understand and get a better job

Endurance, All the work that you have put into this point is nothing short of amazing. Hard work, perseverance and pressure from mom and dad were needed to fashion you into the person you have become at this point. College is right around the corner and with that is another world as well as another chapter in the book of your life. Trust me when I say this, college is the best time of your life. You know with all the things going on in your life, you should enjoy the time you have because when you get here to the other side of this letter you will understand why diligence is key. Look all the dreams that you have… never let anyone say you are not good enough to make it come true. The truth is that once you get to another plain of excellence one must take their talent above and beyond their limits and the expectations of others to not only succeed but the surpass the achievement of excellence. So I’m telling you now, from here on out no matter how hard it gets, “KEEP CHASING YOUR DREAMS BECAUSE THEY’LL RUN OUT OF BREATH EVENTUALLY”

The advice I would give myself is to plan ahead. The majority of the mistakes I have made, as well as observed, have been due to a lack of foresight that I have thankfully developed over my years at Gonzaga. Responsibility has been the key component of my academic success in college and in my professional career, and I have matured greatly since I have entered college, challenging myself in both the size and intellectual quality of my workload and hobbies. By planning ahead more, I feel like my transition from high school into college would have been eased by my expectation of absorbing essentially all responsibility for my success and well-being from then on. If I had been more knowledgable of the differences in demographic and socio-economic status that Gonzaga attracts due to it's high price, I would hope that I could have been better prepared for the shock I experienced when I initially entered Gonzaga. My last piece of advice to myself is to expect discouragement, but not let it ruin my experiece. Depression is a powerful emotion, but by refusing to let it impress upon my life, I could've improved it infinitely more.

Join things your are interested in, because one of the best ways to meet people and make the most of your college experience is to play an active role on your campus and in the surrounding neighborhood. It is important to focus on studying and getting good grades since school is expensive and you are there to get a degree. However, don’t study too hard! Participate in athletics, because there is no feeling in the world like going to a collegiate rowing national championship. Participate in volunteering because it is something you have done your whole life and the experience of working in the emergency room is priceless when studying nursing. Get a part time job in order to work on time management and to have some extra spending money. Dabble in as many interests as possible, but remember to leave yourself some down time in order to stay healthy. There are way too many awesome activities you can choose to participate in. It is important to find a balance that will not interfere with your studies, but will help you feel fulfilled after your four-year experience as a Gonzaga student.

To my high school senior self, I would give the following advice: "Just because high school is ending doesn't mean that your life is ending. Yes, the past year has been really fun and you've accomplished a lot. You have come a long way from that timid, nerdy kid in middle school. Now, however, it seems like all that you've accomplished is ending. That sweet little niche you've carved is falling apart. Don't worry. From your experiences in high school you've learned and developed much moral, mental, and physical strength. Take this and use it in the coming year. College is much different from high school, but you will still be yourself. Nothing can change that. As you go through the semester remember not to get bogged down by the drama, the work, the schoolwork, and the family problems. You will make it through like always. Rely on God even if it's difficult to. Call your friends from back home. It's always nice to hear their voices. Don't try to fly solo. The people who care about you don't want you to fail. This I promise. Good Luck!"

James, this is future James here to share a little insight into your next 15 years. You are still going to get to fly but it will be in the Army instead of the Air Force so dont beat yourself up over not getting an appointment to the Air Force Academy. On an academic note I need to strongly recommend that you dont rush into a 4 year program. Your high school has not prepared you for the math and science challenges ahead. You should go to the junior college to beef up in these fields and give yourself a little time to feel out your true calling in life; health and fitness. Once you have strengthed your science skills you should still attend Gonzaga but be sure to major in sports medicine or exercise science instead of Biology which will pay dividends later. From a life experience view point you should bypass Division I baseball and trying to get into the Knights. These programs are not a fit for you and only waste valuable time. Your athletic passions will be crew and triathlons so join the swim team now so you can learn the right way to swim.

Academically, I did very well, and socially I've always been very outgoing and have had no trouble making friends throughout my life. The one thing I could tell past-me is to not worry at all, everything will turn out just fine. I was nervous as to what I could expect from college, what if the classes are too hard, am I really good enought to go to this university, etc. STOP. They accepted you didn't they? Yes, your GPA wasn't as high as some of your friends, but you're darn smart! You worked your butt off in high school and you should be proud of what you've accomplished. You're a smart cookie and you'll be fine. Grades aside, God blessed you with the gift of being able to make friends wherever you go, you love meeting new people, so what's to worry about? You were made for the college social scene, people are going to love you and just be yourself and keep working hard and trust me, you'll have not a single problem in college. Take that to the bank.

If I had a crystal ball in my hands as a senior in high school, I would have seen what I thought was a sure-footed confident freshman in college. As the ball changed, the realization of the metamorphism that I was going through to witness would have stunned and bewildered me. I was immersed in a different culture, meeting so many different people. I soon came to have new friends and enjoy the different interests and food they brought. I was extremely proud of myself for stepping out of my comfort zone and opening a new window to my world. I would tell that confident high school senior whose grades came easy, that balancing her course load and social life in college will not be as easy and will need some structure and priorities must take preference. Freedom of college life can be rewarding or it can be a dark whole that can consume you. I would tell her the most important thing is to surround yourself with good people and like her parents would tell her, make good choices. I would tell myself to always reach for the stars and make great memories.

The thing that most surprised me about college is that it is now "cool" to be smart and socially aware. I would advise my high school self to stop worrying about the judgement I may receive for being myself. I would say, "Studying is a good thing! It pays off, I promise."

I would tell myself not to worry about the money situation, because college is about the experience and financial aid is out there for those who look for it. Remember that most freshmen are in my situation and that I am not singled out as poor or strange or different. Keep family close and do not forget friends from back home. Get used to eating campus food, and relish Mom's cooking when you go home. Be true to yourself and you will find others who are like you; there is no need to change yourself in order to make friends, because those people are not your friends.