Northeastern University Top Questions

I would tell myself to enjoy every minute and not stress when things do not go my way at first. I would remind myself that all my hard work will pay off and I will have the career I love. I would tell myself to also enjoy all the school has to offer and put myself out there more often. It is important to make a big school small by finding things I enjoy and making a difference. For anyone picking a school there are many things that should be considered and finding an environment thats best for you is critical. As an incoming student I would advise visiting the school prior to accepting to see first hand where I will be learning. For graduate school I wanted to be in a city and althought my program requires a lot of hard work I would tell myself to ensure I enjoy all the events going on outside of the school and in the city of Boston itself.

As high as college debt is, even if you are paying loans back yourself, it will benefit you to be involved in research and volunteer in your areas of interest than to work at a cafe or other job for 20-40 hours per week. It is good to keep a minimal job, but commit fully to at least one organization a semester and make it to all the meetings. Limit your work to allow you to be involved or else quit if it is not flexible. Travel, but ask early about chances to earn course credit while doing it. Many science courses won't transfer. Triple check anything any advisor says. Often, rules change across departments so one advisor may not be able to guarantee you anything. Take courses that challenge you, interest you, and be an active member of that course so, not only will you learn, but also gain understanding and professor acknowledgement-very beneficial later for recommendations. No matter what you decide to pursue, understand that you are not commiting yourself for life. You are not marrying your career. There are more options than you know about in your field. Relax. Take naps. Balance yourself.

If I could travel in time to talk to myself before graduating from high school, I would stress the importance of exploration in undergraduate years. As it happened, I did not decide to pursue a career in criminal justice after graduating from college, however, it was only through exploring this potential path that I discovered what I like and don't like in a career. I would explain that higher education is very different than the education in primary and high school. Learning more about the topics that interest you is both fun and empowering and while there may be some required classes that you have less interest in, it is generally easier to do well when you are truly invested in the subject matter. I would also tell my younger self that it is okay to make mistakes but it is crucial that you learn from them, that it is better to abandon previously held notions when faced with evidence of opposing truths than to cling to traditions, and that above all, question everything. The most importand and all-encompassing lesson that I would wish to empart would be that knowledge truly is power.

Follow your interests and your heart. You will naturally fall into the relationships and activities you love, I know, because I did. One piece of advice I would give, is practice reminding yourself that you are much smarter than you give yourself credit for, and you sometimes expect too much of people. It's all right if some can't follow you or do not agree with you... they're trying. Help when you can, ask questions when in doubt. And always practice the most important four phrases in the English language: "I'm sorry, I don't know, I was wrong and I love you."

Before making a final decision on a college/university, be sure to visit the campus for a second time. Making sure it feels right to you since you will it be home to you for the next four years.

If I could go back and talk to my high school self, I would say don't worry about the pressures of college. Don't worry about making friends, you'll find the right people when you do what you love. The same goes for the pressures surrounding choosing a major and worrying about post-grad employment. If you're making money but hate what you do, it won't be worth it. The same goes for being successful without anybody you love to share it with. Join clubs, lots of them, and let time tell you which ones are worth sticking with. This will reward you with an interest you're developing, and meeting people who share that interest. Try everything and don't be afraid to fail. The more things you discover that aren't right for you means you're that much closer to finding what is right for you. Don't worry about keeping a 4.0, worry about learning. Learn material for your own knowledge, not to get a good grade. You'll keep the knowledge for the rest of your life, but as soon as you get your first job, people forget your GPA.

Talk to as many people in the careers you are considering prior to declaring your major. It is okay to be undecided in the begining. I initially thought I knew what I wanted out of my college career and did the best I could with my resources to gain experience and eventually land a job in my field of study. I knew quickly that it was not where I wanted to be. Stretch your comfort zone and get out there. College is the time to discover yourself, make great friends, and learn more than you ever thought you were capable of. Don't take the easy way out by majoring in something just to get your degree. The job market is tough and even if you are considering going to graduate school after, you need to maintain a very high GPA. Work and get internships while in school. Keep yourself busy. Stay active and remember to call mom and dad every once in awhile!

I would tell my high school self to not be nervous about the transition. I would advise myself go into college and join more extracurricular activities in my first semester rather than waiting until second semester to start doing things other than working and focusing on school work.

I would tell myself to not worry so much. Honestly, I was one of the biggest scaredy-cats when it came to college. In fact, I would do anything to avoid the subject. Now after a year in college, I have found that it was just an amazing experience. Finding friends is as easy as everyone says it is and you can always try something new. There's no need to fret about the transition, although it is an immense one, because everyone is going through the same big step you are. It's just such a great atmosphere and you get to meet people that you would have never had the chance to meet otherwise. It's important to continue to keep up a good work ethic and try not to let that bad case of "senioritis" linger. In essence, the advice I would give myself is to relax and just continue striving for the best. After all, a whole new exciting chapter of my life is just about to start.

Relax! You are going to make it through the next few years and have a great time as long as you enjoy the road and all the pit stops along the way. Don’t be so focused on the future and what comes next. Follow what you love and not where the money is- I know it’s cheesy but you will save a lot of tuition money that way! And don’t worry, nothing you do will disappoint mom or dad- they are so tremendously proud of you and that will only grow (even if you do change your major a few times). Don’t be afraid to go out and meet people. I know you’re still shy, but once you do you will not regret it. Be that silly you that you are when no one is looking. I’m serious; everyone will love her! Accept yourself completely because it will make everything easier. You are a smart and beautiful women who will do great things if you let yourself. Do not sell yourself short. It’s always been a bumpy road, but that’s what makes it fun. Things will get better!