Grossmont College Top Questions

You know I actually ask myself that question all the time since whatever answer I come up with is what I tell my 5 children. I would tell myself that even though everybody in my life made me feel like I was stupid and wasn't "college material" that I should have bigger expectations of myself. That I should have at least given college a try and risked failing or not completing, rather than avoiding it all together. College is not just about learning more stuff from books. It is about learning who you are, and it is amazing the things you don't know about yourself. The "normal college" age 18-21 is so important for one to experience, and I as a 29 yr old divorcee mom am just entering that "developmental" stage. I am growing as an adult in ways I should have back then. And in reality I would have if I had convinced myself I could be something more, and encouraged myself to take that step towards a different kind of growth.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself that the sky is the limit and to never give up. I would tell myself that there is a solution to every situation; you just have to go out in the world and find it. I would tell myself to continue talking to more people, such as my teachers, counselors, and high school staff until I was certain I had my questions completely answered. Last, but not least, I would tell myself to grow up into a young woman that instant. To start handling my responsibilites as a sister and student as a mature young adult. Also, to open my eyes and mind to realize that from this point on, I am on my own and no one holds my future but myself. That I am responsible from this point on for what career I will obtain in the future.

If I could talk to myself when I was a high school senior I would have told myself: "Self, listen to me and please listen good. I will tell you right now that these years are more important than you can really imagine. Every decision you make right now, every step you take will shape the rest of your entire life! Of course it is hard to really decide at this moment what you want to be when you grow up , but pay attention to that voice that you can't ignore . The passion for art or human kindness or medical reasearch or animals, or whatever it may be. Do not give up on your dreams - even if you are told that there is no money in that or that you cannnot do it. Hold on to your morals and values and self-respect at all costs. Noone can take that from you, ever. And DO NOT take a break after High school and tell yourself that you will start College after a year or so. Just go and embrace your future. The world needs people like you! "

If I were able to talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself multiple things. One of these things would be to take as many Advanced Placement classes in high school as possible. Having these classes done and getting the credit for them makes college a lot easier because you have a few classes out of the way, you won't have to worry about it, and it is much cheaper. I would also tell myself to not worry about all the other students who continue to brag about the large universities they are going to. With so many of my high school peers attending big name schools, I felt like a failure because I decided to attend a community college even though I was accepted into the schools I applied to. If I could talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself not to feel bad about my decision. Now I realize that in four years, my degree is going to say a university's name on it just like many of my high school peers', however i will have thousands of dollars still in my bank account.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to stop worrying. To stop obsessing. To stop stressing over which program at which school might ensure a successful life. There are countless possible pathways to happiness. Success can be reached anywhere. What matters is not where you go to school, but how you go to school. If I could transport back to Helix High School circa 2006 and look my chubby-faced self in the eyes, I would smile and say, "You're going to be fine. Stop planning, and start living."

I'd tell myself to go to a different community college than I started out, and that distancing myself from high school is the first step to becoming an adult. I'd tell myself to take it slow... but not take it easy. I'd tell myself to believe in my abilities more, because confidence plays a huge part in achieving success. I'd tell myself that while not participating in a social weekend may seem like a huge sacrifice at the time... discovering you've failed the first class of your life, when it matters most, feels so much worse. I'd tell myself to work harder, study harder, and push myself harder. I'd tell myself to see a counselor every semester, without fail. I'd tell myself to wait until I turned eighteen to start college. College is about educating yourself, and becoming a well-rounded, contributing member of adult society. If you wait until you're of age in the eyes of the law, making educational choices for yourself is easier. Last but not least, I'd tell myself to work hard and long to earn my grades... but not to forget the importance of friends.

i would tell my self take better care of my car and just try alittle hard in school and get the collage cradit for that computer class i was taking. and be ready for end of the year and that college is fun but saty buclked down.

"Dang it, why do I have to go to a communtiy college while all my friends get to go to universities? It's not fair that my family is so poor; they will never be able to help me with college. All my friends parents are paying for there school. Oh well, get over it, help yourself by applying to all and every scholarship you can find. Also take the SAT's just in case you are awarded a scholarship and get to go to a university. I also need to start pondering about my future and what I want in life. Hmmmm what do I want to be? I don't want to go to the community college not knowing my career. I also need to set a few goals that I want to accomplish in the next few years after graduation. What school do I want to transfer to after my 2 years of communtiy college? I think I should go over to the community college and talk to a counselor and maybe they can help me with some of my questions. Remember, life is what you make of it. I WILL accomplish my goals. "

If I could go back and talk to myself when I was a high school senior I would tell myself "Forget all your friends at this point, this is your last year to make a difference, do not settle for less and aim for the moon if you miss you land amoungst the stars, never give up on your dreams and always believe in yourself. Do not lose focus in college because thats your ticket to a sucessful life."

Don't slack off on your senior year of high school, apply early for financial aid and scholarships and just relax!