Irvine Valley College Top Questions

What should every freshman at Irvine Valley College know before they start?

Valerie

I actually graduated high school early as a Junior, and since freshman year of high school I was taking college courses at Irvine Valley College. So when I did graduate high school early, I was aleady a sophmore in college. Thinking back, if I did not take college courses already, the most important advice I could ever give myself was to work hard and excel at everything. I would tell myself that in the end it all pays off. College is not a hard transition. In fact, it is very easy, as long as you work hard. I would explain to myself that no matter what I do, to never give up. The only thing that can ever hurt me, is giving up non myself. As long as I strive to be my best then I will succeed in whatever I want to do. To this day I use this advice.

Alec

Honestly, if I were able to talk to myself in High School, most of my advice would be social in nature. When I started High School I was shy; a short littel kid with a bullying older brother who was far too defensive. I would tell myself to strive harder to get along with more people and make friends, so that all four years could have been as enjoyable as the last two I spent there, when I was far more popular. That, and I would tell myself to study more in Biology and practice rolling my Rs in Spanish 2, I am still usatissfied with the Cs i got in those clases.

Bryan

Hey, Renzy! It's me, I mean you! Look I don't have much time, but I am your future-self so listen up. First thing, break up with your girlfriend -- trust me. Second, college isn't a waste of time so please don't be discouraged. I know you're more concerned with making money right now, and that saving up for a new car sounds ideal, but don't drop out of college. You screwed up by not applying to any colleges, but there's still plenty of ways to getting your degree in architecture. Girls will distract you from your priorities and you need to be strong enough to push through with your studies. Trust your future self, there's plenty of time to gain experience in regards to the opposite sex. Because you slipped, you wont be getting back to college until you tunr 24... that's a long time until you start something you should've already finished. Focus, and you'll realize that college isn't like high school. College challenges your way of thinking so embrace it and don't let it scare you. Accomplish this and you'll be even more unstoppable!

Julianne

Hey high school Julie, Just to prepare yourself, know that as soon as you get to college none of the things that seem important in high school will be important in anymore. College is no longer about struggling to fit in, to be considered "cool," or to even be noticed by that boy you think is cute. It's about standing out, finding yourself, and doing things you never thought possible. You know how you've been planning to go to Europe as soon as you graduate with your bachelor's degree? Well guess what, you do that after completing your first year of college, and you do it all by yourself. You're going to make friends all over the world, you're going to be on the Dean's list, in the honors program as well as several other honors societies. You just need to focus, and hang in there. You know that jock boy that you always had a crush on even though he was mean to you? Well guess what, he peeked in high school. But that's not you, you're just starting.

Cynthia

Just go ahead and do it! Stop procrastinating! Whether it's talking to unpopular kids who sit alone during lunch, taking more AP classes, or standing up for the things that only you believe in, you should get out of your comfort zone and take the first step. You should stop worrying about what others would think about you. None of it matters. You are missing out on an opportunity that you might never have again. Peer pressure is a force that does not need to control you. Who cares if people think you're weird or different because you're friends with the disabled kids or because you decided to go against the decisions of the crowd? And what if you and other people don't think that you can be successful in AP classes? Taking advantage of the opportunity to get ahead while still in high school would have made the transition to college easier. Do not forget that only you can take charge of your life. The things other people think don't have to guide you. College isn't like high school. It's when you have to make decisions, set your goals, and be independent.

Michael

Invest in community colleges. Dont be impatient and pick any ol' cal state that will take you. Get ur GE's done cost effectively then go to UCLA because you can and you will. Take your work seriously and don't get distracted. Your GPA and extra curriculars will not only get you in great schools but they will be the envy of most people who never toook school seriously and are stuck in there current situations. Always strive to out-do yourself and push ur limits while your young.

Kelsie

I would have to start off by saying that you are your own person. Your parents don't have to know your grades or when you have test or if you have even studied for them, it's your responsibility. When you are in high school teachers don't stress to you about getting assignments in on time. They want you to pass so that you can move on, but once you get to college, they dont accept anything late. You either turn it in on the day it's due or its a zero. You have to go on your own and find tutoring for that class. In high school teachers concentrate on the wrong aspects of what college will be. It's not something to be scared of but college shouldnt be taken lightly. Worry about yourself and your future, dont worry about everybody else around you.

Erin

If I could go back I would tell myself that although it may be hard, I will get through community college. I would encourage myself to work hard and perservere when school got tough. Although I had trying times, my time so far at college has been a huge growing experience and I would not want to lose what I have found in this time.

Erin

If I were to go back in time with the knowledge I had now, I would advise myself to stay away from California public schools and know what four-year school I am planning on transferring to so I can take the necessary courses for my program of study there. I would want to insist that I be more aware of what schools I plan on transferring to so I can effectively plan my college career. I would also like to be more active in the student clubs and organizations on campus. These social activities provide an outstanding opportunity to get to know other students on campus from all walks of life. I would have liked to be more active socially on campus than I have been, and also perhaps get the opportunity to study abroad in my major and visit other countries. This amazing opportunity would give me insight into how other people live their lives and would help me broaden my horizons. It woul also aid me in becoming a more successful, knowledgeable, and well-rounded teacher education student.

Hasnu

My biggest insecurity in life was probably actually becoming independent and facing the world alone. My whole life I had depended on my parents. Coming to college and living on campus put me in forcible situations where I really had no one to look to other than myself. Whether it was doing laundry or figuring out my school's transit system, I learned to be quick, aware, and proactive. Aside from my attempt to master the art of independence, it was mostly the little things that made a big difference in my experience. Meeting all kinds of people from around the world, being part of an enthusiastic community, and creating long-lasting memories is what college has given me. I have also learned about the goodness of people that is still quite prevalent in the world. Being a freshman, I did not own a car, and living a country away from my parents did not make things any easier. But I never noticed the hardships that came with not having that essential because of the kindness shown by my friends. The most important lesson that I have learned is that learning does not need to be confined to a classroom.