Lawrence University Top Questions

As a high school senior, I’d tell myself not to be afraid. I was nervous to start college. I felt well prepared, academically, but not socially. I wasn’t sure that I’d make friends and that I’d feel like I found a place I belonged, but college has taught me that I’m not alone in feeling like this. I’ve had some wonderful conversations with my friends here about how they felt before college and it turns out—they felt the same way! College has allowed me to gain a much better sense of the human condition; there are people who think in similar ways as I do and who have relatable experiences. If when I was a high school senior I knew that my hesitations about change were common among most students, that could have eliminated a few nightmares about not fitting in at college and not succeeding. Fear is a powerful tool in our society; many intolerances stem from fear and to know that I no longer fear change is incredibly empowering.

I would tell my high school senior self to slow down and enjoy the moment. I would encourage her to consider Harper for a couple years in order to save some money and really consider what her dream career would be. Knowing myself at that age, I would have rolled my eyes at myself and done what I wanted. But, I would explain to myself that college is an amazing opportunity to learn about the world around you. I would also offer the advice to be kind to everyone and don't wear pajamas to class every day. I would encourage then me to keep reading for leisure and avoid coffee, tanning, cigarettes and sleeping with make up on your face. Finally, I would tell myself to be extra kind and patient with myself. Don't be in such a hurry to grow old, instead grow into the person you desire to be. I would encourage myself to keep with therapy and I would encourage myself to journal telling myself it's such a great time to really evolve and grow. Best of luck high school me!

Dear Chelsee, Right now, I know times are very stressfull with work and school and trying to decided what college is right for you, if you can afford it and what you should major in. But it all works out. You decided to start off small and go to a community college and get your generals because of the price but you find out what your passionate about and what school you want to go to! And now you have new dreams and accomplishments. Go on, remember to love yourself and your family and be careful who you trust. Life will go on even when you think it cant get any worse with family deaths and the hardship of life. Love, Your future self

All I would say is, "Live your life. Have no fears. Have no regrets. Be who you are and don't let anyone stop you from reaching your highest dreams."

Lawrence University has been essential to me discovering who I am - what I value, what I need from my life and the people in it, what my strengths and weaknesses are and how to best live life with them and despite them. I have also learned how to rely on other people and not just myself; in life it is a must, you cannot live this life (very well, anyway) alone. In addition I have learned how to better prepare for academic and artistic events, how to balance my social life with my academic life with my music life. That has been the most valuable lesson for me: learning how to balance and staying healthy all the while.

If I could go back and talk to myself I would definitely tell myself to work harder, be creative and get involved in more campus activities. I would also encourage myself to become a better writer,learn new vocabulary and frequently practice to write essay's. At Lawrence the conservatory is really important due to this I would suggest to myself that I start to re play the piano. This is very important as it is a creative way to express personal thoughts, it is also a very positive release from the studies. I would also advice myself to focus more on understanding and comprehending the knowledge that I learn in class instead of relying on the textbook. One important thing that I have learned that I would really say is important in college is to always spend the time that you have wisely. The most important piece of advise that I would give myself is to know what I want and ensure that I stick to it and work towards that goal. Also to know that studying is not all and being able to communicate well may be the difference between an great college experience or a terrible one.

If i could go back in time to talk to myself. The only advice I would have given myself is to stay on top of my loan applications and such because that is the only reason I'm not currently attending. I would tell myself to make sure everything is covered from top to bottom, to keep on the lookout for available scholarships and grants. That way I wouldn't have to worry about whether I would be covered. I would also tell myself to keep focused in the classes and get a goodnights rest and to study every chance I get because the classes are incredibly interesting and deserve my full attention.

I would tell myself to relax, and not worry so much about impressing other people. Very few people care to know anything about you beyond the superficial--everyone is caught up in their own little world, anyway. Instead of stressing over performance for others, give more attention to your own needs and causes. Be authentic, be honest, be genuine. Don't get caught up in meaningless fads and popularity contests. Such social stress adds up to nothing in the broad scheme of one's life.

I would talk to myself about handling the work load. Although I have done ok in college this far, it was hard for me to concentrate on my studies my first term. Also I would tell myself to visit college campuses before choosing one. When i was a senior I did not do this and I wish I had compared other schools campuses with the one I am on now.

Starting college is an exciting and sometimes overwhelming new experience. My friends all spent their first night at school getting to know each other and playing games. I ended up spending my first night of college falling asleep while watching a movie in my mother?s hotel room. More than a year later, my roommate still doesn?t let me live it down. I was so concentrated on not letting go of my pre-college years, that I missed out on what would have been a memorable beginning to my college life. I have found that we regret the opportunities that we don?t take more than the ones we do. If I could go back in time, I would advise myself, and any current freshman, to always live in the present. The four years of college go by faster than any others. Take as many opportunities as possible and don?t be distracted by fantasies or fears of the past and future. It would be a shame to get to graduation and realize you missed out on the last four years.