Lane Community College Top Questions

If I went back in time, I would tell myself that I need to save money, keep on speaking terms with the rents (for emotional support--college is stressful), accept grants (and work study and deviate from loans), study hard (including reading ALL assigned reading and taking notes as well as studying alone and in study group), and get to know my classmates and teachers on a personal level (This makes the support needed easier to get). I would tell myself look at all the possible schools (in and out of state), apply for scholarships, grants, and financial aid much earlier.

I would have advised myself to visit the campus of the college and study the curriculum offered. I would have sat in on some of the classes offered so that I could gain a better understanding of the lecture style of the teachers. I would also have spent time on campus getting to know the different departments and programs offered to allow me a comfortable transition. I would also have spoke with faculty in the department of my major course of study to gain a clear understanding of what I could expect.

It's so difficult to pinpoint, or to know, exactly what I could have done differently to make things 'easier' on myself. But I think, if I were to make a list, time management would be at the top of it. There are, understandably, any number of things besides homework that a college student wants to be doing and experiencing. In order for the college experience to be ultimately fulfilling however, one must successfully balance academia with this craving for life experience. There are a plethera of ways an individual might go about scheduling their time wisely, but the most important, for me, is spreading the work out over the entire length of any assignment. This allows me to stay focused on what I'm doing and get the work done on time, while also affording me time to spend doing other things and pursuing other interests.

If I knew as a high school senior what I know now, I would tell myself to go a little easier and take general education courses before picking a major. I would tell myself to go, first, to Lane Community College to figure out my course of study before transferring to the University of Oregon. I would tell me to be true to myself and to try not to feel pressured by the hopes and aspirations that others had for me, that I am the only one who can plot my true course, and I am the only one who can determine what is best for me in my life.

Wow, this is the BEST question I have ever been asked in the course of a scholarship application!! As a non-traditional student, returning to college 12 years out of school, as a wife and mother of two, I would have SO MUCH to say to myself at 18 years of age!! I would tell myself to respect myself, my choices of activities, my chance at an education, my youth, my freedom, and my body. I would tell myself to associate myself with people who did the same. I would tell myself that an education is such a precious gift, and something to put my heart and soul into. I would tell myself that being "cool" isn't everything. Being popular won't put food on the table for the babies I would have in the future. I would be sure that I knew that fun won't be something for my mother to be proud of, and that mistakes cannot be forgotten or undone. I would tell myself that physical beauty is only skin deep, that it is temporary and it won't make the world a better place. Lastly, I would tell me to always love myself unconditionally.

The advice I would give myself, if I could talk to myself as a high school senior, would be to let myself know about all the opportunities for grants and scholorships are out there to get help in paying for the my college experience. I would show myself how to find the resources and walk me through it. I would tell myself that it isn't that hard once you get the hang of looking for these grants and scholarships, and that if I had these opportunities I could concentrate on my educational and career goals. Also, I make sure that I knew that college is attainable with the help of these outside resources, so I could be the great me of my dreams. That would be my advice to myself.

I would tell myself to stay focused on school because the world is a really big place and it doesn't end once highschool is over. In fact it really will be just the beginning to a life long journey that will bring you to new places, new friends, children, and career decisions that we you will not be able to foresee from your current viewpoint. Broaden you mind and expand your horizons early so that as the transition into college and life takes places you will have the wisdom and experience to make solid decisions with positive outcomes. Life can and will be challenging but the more prepared you are now the better chance of success you will have once you enter into college. Don't be swayed by other people and short term outlooks. Look the future and always aim high. Never sell your self short and take risks. Rise to all challenges and be a good person. Francois Boulanger 32

Well, as a senior i thought that the best thing I could do for myself was to take a year off school, so thats what I did. And now as a college freshman, iI know tht if I would have gone right out of college it would have ben an easier trasition. If you want to retain information and knowledge in your mind then you need to recall it on a daily basis. During my year off I never tryed to keep up on school work so all my retained information slowly slipped away. The best descision I ever made for myself was to go back to college and now I'm doig a great job where I'm at. So I guess my advice would be, don't wait, get your goals on course as fast as you can, and don't procrastinate.

Dear Sam, It's me. You, four years in the future. Weird, I know. Stay calm. This letter won't change your future or anything. I just thought I'd give you some advice about what's coming up. I know you're scared about college. I've been there, remember? So here's my advice: Don't be scared. It's not that bad. In fact, once you extricate yourself from the paperwork and figure out how to pay for it, it's rather enjoyable. Yes, there will be classes you don't enjoy, subjects you can't quite wrap your head around, even (heaven forbid) a lower GPA. That's okay. It means you're learning, growing, and being challenged. Manage your time well, study hard, do your best. Mainly, relax. You have a tendency to take things seriously. That can work to your advantage, but don't let it control you. Work hard, but have fun too. It's all about balance. Remember that college is the means to an end, and, as Mark Twain said, ?Never let [your] schooling interfere with [your] education.? You'll do great. Best of luck, Sam