Kalamazoo College Top Questions

What i have gotten out of my college experience so far, is learning the meaning of hard work. College is quite different than High school. There is more work due in less time. I have learned that time managment is a great skill for one to know. I think its caluable to attend college because continuing your education can only help you in a world like ours. With layoffs and high unemployment, having a degree or certificate, you have a leg up on the other canidates. I want to feel when i graduate college that I will have an advantage over the others. i want to know and learn everything there is to know about costume design, my career path choice. The experince of only on semester of college that I have completed thus far hasn't impacted me too much but I know the rest of my college experience will end up being a good one.

Thus far, college has taught me that every learning experience is a chance to grow oneself. In the beginning I slacked off and had the "just getting by" attitude. Over time I made decent grades and had fun in school but didn't really apply myself full force. After 3 years in community college I left school for a life of adventure and ended up with a wife and child. Since then, I have discovered how much school really meant to me and the wave of "what if" has come rushing over me. I now attend Everest Institute for the Electrician Trade and have decided to continue on to get a Electrical Engineering Degree. I have discovered through my very helpful instructors that education isn't a one-time thing. For my son's sake I want to continue to grow myself in order to teach him through my actions that education is not all work, but fun and rewarding as well. That by continuing your education you can accomplish anything you want. For this father who thought his dreams went out the window when he started a family, can say that education will lead to far more adventures.

Kalamazoo College has bashed me around academically and even socially at times - but I would be lying if I said I didn't make the right choice in attending 'K'. The relationships I have formed with my peers and professors go far beyond just the classroom - they have become a part of my very identity. I came into college dispassionate about the political system and the sight of numbers made me queasy; however, I have now given a speech about the importance of voting, help conduct a voter registration drive, and am now an Economics major. In high school, I loathed the 40 hour community service requirement for graduation. Now, I am constantly engaged in community outreach through tutoring underprivileged children and working with Habitat for Humanity. In fact, I plan to pursue a career in public service after I attend law school. Though cliché, it would not be an exaggeration to say that I am who I am today because of coming here, and I couldn't be happier about the decision. I am not only a much more educated and well-rounded individual - I am happier, kinder, and a better person because of attending Kalamazoo College.

Let's see; college life and transitioning. As a senior, I would tell myself to be adventurous and to not hold back. I would let myself know that the only way to comfortably transition is to get out of the dorm and try new things. Be bold enough to try different clubs and go to organized events to get involved in the community. Also, I would tell myself to try a variety of classes to expand my horizons and meet new people with different interests. The hardest part about transitioning from high school into college will be separation from close friends and having to start all over again with making new friends. So, be fearless and try new classes and activities. For instance, play an intramural sport or try out for the school play. These are great ways to be involved and make friends. Another thing; pursue the friendships you make. If you want close friends you will have to make an effort to get together with people. Remember, be a good friend as well. You can't rely on others to take all the initiative. This will take you out of your comfort zone but you can do it.

If I could send the girl I was six months ago a message it would be, in the immortal words of Timon & Pumbaa, "put your past behind you". The first days of college I was suffocating in the constricting corset of distance dating. Suffering under the societally encouraged delusion of true love, I allowed myself to skip valuable opportunities the first few weekends in order to spend weekends with my John. In most other aspects I adjusted quite well to college--I wan't nervous, stressed, or perpetually drunk--but I had trouble letting go of my high school life. When I did finally pull in my anchor that kept me stuck in Midland while going to college three hours away I felt so much more free to focus on my studies. In fact, I learned so much from my seminar on local food that when I went home over Christmas break I felt more compelled to spend my time organizing a community garden project that will be launched this spring rather than lazing around with John like I did in high school. It has been so liberating to rediscover the individual beneath the girlfriend I'd become: haquna matata.

Self, Don't play around wasting time it will not be beneficial to you in the long run. Try new things and explore different clubs activities, & and classes. You are smart you made it this far it is only a few more years to go with school. Your family will be proud of you don't let them down they have always been your biggest cheerleaders in all that you do. College will not be easy but you can do it anything that you set your mind to do you will accomplish with flying colors. Money will be not easy to come by so apply for grants and scholarships often and don't give up. If you have not all ready done so begin taking any pretesting for entry to some colleges such as SAT, or ACT to name a few. Make friends with your counslors & use all resources available to you. The world is yours for the taking by going to college it opens more doors of oppertunity and more $ which we both know that you love to have more of. This is your first real adult change in life so, go get it done girl!

If I could go back in time I would tell myself: Relax everything will work out for the best. Just keep an open mind and be receptive to new ideas. Be open to trying new things but be safe, and above all THINK. When put into a new world with more independence than you have ever had, there are a lot more choices and decisions that can affect you for the rest of you life. Think through the decisions that are put in front of you instead of acting on your impulses. And if you maintain an open mind you will complete freshman year with a much broader perspective of the world.

Do what you did before. Get experience in a wide range of areas. Stay focused on your strengths - athletics, academics. Enjly your life.

Be open to new experiences. Don't expect that everyone you meet will be your friend - or enemy. Give everyone a chance, but rely on your gut instincts about them. Don't write people off just because of their hobbies. Take classes you're interested in even if they don't fit in with your current plans for life. Find time to take joy in the small things every day. Your mother is correct in that the squeaky wheel gets the grease, so speak up when you have something to say - you WILL be heard. Overall: let yourself have fun! The education in college is not all entirely classroom-based, after all (not to say that the education part isn't fun, too!).

If I could go back in time and give advice to my younger self, I would say to treasure the last year of high school. I would mention that while college is a rewarding and worthwile experience, I shouldn't take the last year of school for granted. I should take the time to enjoy the free education, free books, even the free school lunches, because in college, I will have to pay for everything. I would go back and thank my mother for every thing she ever bought or paid for. I would suggest to myself to take the time to get to know some of the freshmen so I still maintain a connection to my high school. I would show my teachers how much I appreciate all of their hard work for the last four years, and finally thank them for bringing me this far. Finally, I would telly myself to enjoy my friends and the close camarderie of marching band because I will have to start over again after I arrive college.