Pasadena City College Top Questions

If I could go back in time, I would tell my senior self “college is going to be the place where you grow the most.” As I mentioned before, I rejected the offer of four-year universities to attend a community college. I didn’t know what I wanted to do nor did I have a solid foundation about what it meant to pursue a higher education. Sure, I was in honors and AP courses but I had no thorough understanding of who I was as an individual. In addition to my senior year being a time of confusion, my older brother died due to his heroine addiction; I found him dead on the bathroom floor. During this time of uncertainty and instability, I found reading and writing to be passions of mine. Once I entered college, little did I know that the world of literary magic and wisdom was going to mend my pain and allow me to see the world in a new interpretative light. As a high school student, I thought I had the world figured out, but life changes. I would advise my senior self that when one enters into the inqusitive realm, they'll grow.

If I could go back in time to give myself advice, I would tell myself to just go for it. Be that person who is the only one raising her hand out of the whole class. Be that person who turned in an application for the associated body students. Be someone who you want to be. It's better to take chances and to move out of your comfort zone because that is how you will grow as a student. Even though this is my first year as a college student, I have learned that no one is going to judge what you do. College has taught me to be bold and to do what I think is best for myself. I am no longer afraid of raising my hand in chances of giving a wrong answer because I know that I tried and I am learning in the process. You have so much more opportunites to meet new people and to get more involved with the campus if you just take the risk. If something doesn't go the way you want to, then just try again or work on a way on how you can achieve that goal.

There are many lessons I would like to impart to my past self, knowing what I know now about attending college. This is especially true because I've experienced both sides of the college experience. When I first attended college after graduating from high school, I had a lot of fun but neglected the academic side of things, to my own detriment. Now that I'm returning to school to complete my education, I see the college experience for what it truly is - an opportunity to work hard and invest in oneself with the reward of increased opportunities for the future. I would advise my past self to figure out the most effective way to study. I would let him know that it's possible to make strong, lasting friendships in college, like he's never known before - but those friendships shouldn't let him lose sight of his ultimate goal, to come away with a degree. Most of all, I would emphasize that he'll take from the college experience exactly what he puts into it. If he dedicates himself to working harder than he ever though possible, then his future opportunities will be truly splendid and almost limitless.

During my senior year in high school meeting new was my kyptonite. When it came time to talking to people I was the type of person who wouldn't like to express my feelings. So in other words I would tell myself to start networking now, so when I do go to college I would have a web of support for college. It's important to have people who you can rely on in college and who can be there for you when you need them. For example when i got to college had an opportunity to work with Pathways a program that helps student transition from high school to college. While in pathways networking was one of the things they tried to emphasize due to this that's exacly what I did. I got out of my comfort zone and started networking. If i had known in high school how important and fun this would be this would have happen much sooner in my high school career. Overall telling myself to network as a senior would have brought me a long way.

If I could go back in time to high school, I would tell my naïve, youthful self to plan exactly what I am going to take for college. A month before summer classes start I just started planning what I will take. I took two classes with a huge break between the two which was a stupid decision. I would let my future self to not chew more than I can handle. By planning a year ahead, I would have allowed myself to adjust anytime it was necessary. In fact I could’ve started taking classes during high school to familiarize myself with the school and transfer programs. The first day of my summer semester I was lost and confused. If my high school self was better prepared for college, then I would have an easier and efficient school year than I am experience now.

If I could go back and offer advice to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to try to save as much money as I can while at a community college so that I can make an easier transition into an University. In addition, I would advise myself to logically consider my education path and choose one that I am both passionate about and will provide an excellent job market. Furthermore, I would warn myself that because my parents will not support me financially in going to a University, I must learn to be independent as quickly as possible and pursue my goals by my own will.

I will tell myself to study harder to go directly to an University!

If i could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would telll myself take action and try harder in school, and to take advantage of the free education that I was offered. I would tell myself that in college, you are 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} responsible for your education and it is totally up to you and no one is going to be behind your back to force you to do something and if you have questions you have to ask for help yourself and no one is going to hold your hand and take you where you want to go. I would also tell myself to quit my job and to focus 100 {4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} on school work because a minimum wage job cannot compare to a college education.

If i had the oportunity to talk to my self in high school i would avice my self to take school seriously, high school in not the time to fool around, since high school is the foundation on how well you will do in college. I would advice my self to serve more in my communitty such as volunteer work. Join more clubs, and to challenge my self my self with higher classes such as advancement placement classes. going the extra mile never hurts any one any high schol would be the perfect time, so take advantage of it. learn to listen to your professors, learn to take awesome notes, and do your homework.

If I could go back, I would tell myself that now it's time to get serious. If you go away to school your're not going to have your parents there to talk to teachers and counselors, or looking over your shoulder to make sure you did all your work. Now is a time where claiming to be an adult and acting like one must connect. Responibilities all fall on you, keeping your dorm neat, getting enough sleep, studying and homework, getting up for classes to be on time, laundry, bathing, eating. It's alot but thats why you must be time manageable. There is no problem with setting out a weekly schedule so everyday you know what you have to do. It's going to feel uncomfortable at times being away from home and friends for so long, but always remember you can write, call, text, or video chat to see how everything is going. Staying focused will be the most important thing you can do lots of students go away and they have a good time drinking and partying every night. Stay focused on school and getting your degree, playing sports and you'll do just fine.