Gonzaga University Top Questions

I have never had such an enriching experience as I have at Gonzaga University. The clubs, the people, the sports, and the vast academic life have all offered me opportunities to grow and experience anything I could ever want. Already I have found new avenues of interest that I had never even considered before attending the university. I even have begun to play on the women's Lacrosse Team, and I have never played sports before in my life! History had become a my favorite subject thanks to the fun and interesting professors I have had, and math has never been better. I truly feel like I have become a more interesting person thanks to the people and events that I have been exposed to.

I am attending Motlow State Community College. I enjoy this college because the teachers and advisors really seem to care if the students do well. The thing that has made the biggest difference in me as a person is becoming a member of Phi Theta Kappa. I have started to be more of a leader, now I am the Vice President of the Fayetteville campus. I will be attending the National Convention for the honors socity. Going from high school to Motlow and the planning to attend a four-year college had made the transfer much better.

I think the most underrated and undersold component of the College experience happens to be the best part of attending Gonzaga. While the education in very deep and personalized fields of study here satisfy and create more hunger for learning, the Community we have developed rivals that of any community, college or not, in the United States. The value of my attendence extends, for me, beyond a 4 year job training experience. Instead, the classes I take, the social activities I participate in, and the friends I make all create a sense of personal development and fullfillment. I feel a more well rounded educated, spritiual and ethical person. We as a community have developed a sense of responsibility towards one another that is infectious. Whatever the issue may be, if its environmental, opression based, recession based, religious or personal, we can come together to make a informed and ethical decision that extends beyond the borders of our campus. People who meet GU alumni, I feel, can read our mission statement in our actions. As a member of this community, the value for me is that underlying responsibility for others I have learned and enacted.

The best advice that I could give myself would be not to procrastinate. Throughout much of my life I skated through my classes putting all of my homework off until the night before it was due. When I got to college it turned out that nothing in the real life works like that. You need to be focused and on not get behind on anything or else you will never catch up. Secondly I would tell myself not to sell myself short. I have always been one to doubt myself in situations where I should not, which sometimes hurt me in the long run. Confidence is an essential to have in today's world because it takes confidence to be successful in the world today.

If I could give myself any advice, the first would be financial. Know what your resources are, you qualify for more free money than you know. The knowledge of others can come in handy. Talk to counselors, professors and your parents. They've been there. They know what you're going through. Use their experience as a tool, even though times have changed, the basics of higher education remain. High school schedules were handed to you, College schedules are created by you. Don't over book. Signing up for alot of classes can help, signing up for too many classes can result in a burn out, low GPA, and frustration. And finally, time management. Deadlines can sneak up on you, but not if you make a time schedule, use your planner, and make yourself conscieous of your homework and responsibilities.

Ok, Kate. So high school isn't really your favorite thing in the world. Actually, you pretty much hate it. You want nothing more than to be out of that prison and bask in the freedom that is college. Whatever fond memories your mind may leave you with after you graduate, just remember that the mind is selective. You hate high school with a fiery passion. Sure you have loads of good friends, good grades, and good relationships with your teachers. You're the editor of your award-winning school newspaper and you have an awesome job. You have a lot going for you. But you still want out. My advice to you now: Be patient. I know this is the same advice coming from everyone else right now, but this time it's coming from me (you.) When you finally hit college, it will be more liberating than you ever could have imagined. You love your family, and I promise you that you will miss them going to an out-of-state school. But the knowlege and independence you gain will be irreplaceable. High school may not really be your favorite thing in the world, but college will be.

If I had the opportunity to go back in time and talk to my high school self, I would reassure myself that the transition to college is easier than expected. Homesickness dominates the first couple weeks, but the key is to stay occupied with other activities. It may seem hard to leave your family, friends and home state but it is also surprisingly liberating. The newfound sense of independence is amazing. For the first time in your life, you have complete responsibilty for yourself and your actions. It can seem a little intimidating at first, but will make you realize your own maturity. Keeping an open mind is eseesntial, as you will meet many new people with different opinions and ideas. You should hold off on judgement because sometimes the people who may at first seem most different from you will become your closest friends. College may seem scary as a high schooler, but it will be one of the best times of your life. So don't stress yourself out; just enjoy the change and new experiences.

Dear Kelsey, Going to college is scary, but you are stronger than you think and you are going to be fine. Don't be afraid to look outside the Northwest. Can we say Hawaii? Don't rule someplace out just because it's big. You can adapt more than you think. Don't worry about what the people you're graduating with say about how much money you have for college or how smart you are. They are actually very insecure, and you are one of the most beautiful people here. There are going to be lots of people who are going to pressure you to do things you aren't comfortable with. If you stay true to yourself, you will get through everything just fine, and people will respect you more for respecting yourself. College is going to be hard, and you will be so proud of yourself for getting through. You will make best friends at college, who love you for yourself. Take pictures, play intramurals, stay up way too late at least once. Love, Kelsey P. s. You don't need to take all of your towels from graduation. One will suffice.

If I could go back in time when I was a senior I would change the classes I took and actually take school more seriously because now I know that it affects me a lot , especially with applying for jobs. I would take a business class because they open more doors for you when your applying for management positions, even though I wouldn't have the experience I have the knowledge to help me out. I would also take a spanish class because they also benefit some jobs because some jobs pay extra. I would also look into scholarships so by the time im in college I probably wouldn't have to get a student loan, or if I do it will just be a little. I also would have applied for walmart because they have better job opportunities and they allow you to transfer to another store if you moved. With the money I was get from working I would have put it into my savings account instead of just spending it on useless things. I know that we all mostly learn from our mistakes but these are really big mistakes that caused me to have a slow start.

Being the first to attend college in my family, I did not have any leads on my study in college. However, after being in college for about 2 1/2 years so far, enduring failures and success, depression and delight, friendship and love, I can safely say that if I was to give an advice to the high school senior of me, then I would tell him that he should do what he believes is right, because the future him does not regret anything that he has done.