Portland State University Top Questions

Go to a school with dorms and quads. You can do alot with a laundry basket. A bottle of hot sauce makes everything taste better. Beware of the thirty-something who lives off campus and never graduated. It's better not to drink beverages named after sex acts. Take out a bigger loan and follow everyone else to spring break. Go sit in all your classes - it makes everything so much easier. Wear your pajamas every chance you get. It's o.k. to miss your siblings-they'll be surprised, too. You don't need bells and whistles, you really do have everything. You can sacrifice one weekend to keep track of your sister when she visits. Boyfriends are not usually for marrying. Going to church helps and it's more fun when you don't have to. Nobody else knows what they're doing either. Your self-respect really is ALL that you have. Trek across Europe as soon as you possibly can. You can always change your major. It's better not to tell your parents too much. Do something you're terrible at. Say 'thank you' alot. I have faith in you.

Life isn't a laughing matter. Take life seriously for it is too short. Your father will be diagnosed with the most difficult cancer to overcome, Pancreatic cancer. Take your final months here in Redding to show him how much you appreciate him and spend more time with him. There's no telling how much more time you will be able to have. Also, spend more time in the GYM! You are too scrawny right now for anyone to take you seriously at what you do best, football. Get focused and show your dedication to the sport and to your team by being the leader that you are. Take your leadership to Division 1 football and show them that a small town boy like yourself can bring your heart and passion to the program. Never give up, never back down and work hard till you pass out. Love ya young me...get it done son.

I would tell myself that it doesn't matter what you want to do in life. College, fresh from high school, is truly your one real chance to learn as much about yourself , your likes, or your dislikes, without the stress of a family, full time job, and other responsibilities that come with age. As hard as the transition is, and as positive as you are of the path you are on, listen to your parents and allow them guide you as they do know how scary it can be to head out into the world on their own. They can be a true source of support both emotionally and financially that you may not have the opportunity to use later in life. Remember to thank them and not take them for granted as well. They help you get to the point of launching out into the world and do want to see you succeed. Your choices are your own, but they still want to know where your life is taking you and feel they have some influence in your choices. Also, don't forget that a relationship with God will always be important.

Oh my! I wish I could! I would assure myself that hard work DOES pay off, but never be afraid to ask for help. Learn to stop procrastinating and always put your school work at the forefront. I would tell myself that just because no one else in your family went to school, does NOT mean you cannot be successful and DON'T beat yourself up because you are the first and they may have harsh words regarding your endeavours. Since you are the first to go to college, be sure you seek advice--visit an advisor to get a plan, do NOT let them belittle you, and take advantage of professors' office hours. Seek advice from your professors and show them that you're trying hard because it makes a difference not only when they decide your grade, but they could also be a huge help in getting to your next step after college. Remember that they are people, too, and they enjoy watching students succeed. Most of all, again and again, I cannot stress enough--ASK for help when you need it and never feel bad about it.

If I were to go back in time to give myself advice about going to college, I know that there is one big thing that I would definately address. I remember never worrying about money because I was planning on going to an in-state school at first, but by the time I knew I was going to go to Portland State, I still had no excuse. After struggling to pay for my first quarter at school, I would tell my high school self to seek more financial aid. I would warn myself that I would be living on a very strict budget otherwise, since I didn't have much savings. Besides that, I would tell myself to pace myself for the commute, and to enjoy being in the city.

Do not be afraid to take every opportunity that presents itself to you in the future. Where you are from, what you have heard, and who you are now are small factors compared to where you will be in four years, what you will learn, and who you will grow to be. College life is a new milestone that you are just about to step on, far different than anything you have ever experienced. You will face course registration frustrations, sleep deprivation, and several group projects. But you will also attend classes and meet people who will push your intellectual boundaries and who will open your eyes to other lifestyles and beliefs. You will also meet new best friends, find mentors, and look learning opportunities. Every choice you have made in the past and every decision you make in the future will help mold you further into the individual you are meant to become. College is merely one of the few, but great molding stations of life, take it seriously, but do not forget to have fun while you are there.

Forget about any regrets/hesitations you may have; the important thing is that you find those small groups in which you feel like you really belong. Try out different organizations and clubs, and stick with them. School isn't all about classes, homework, and your GPA. School is like another hub where you can find people who are interested in the same things you are. You have to forge those bonds and build those bridges, and you never know who you'll meet down the road who ends up walking with you. It's not a bad thing if you don't finish your degree requirements within 4 years. So long as you remain interested in what you're studying, and find yourself excited about what you're learning, then you'll know that you made the right choice. Don't forget about your high school friends either: you'll find that seeing them is one of the things you'll look forward to the most during your time in college. Keep busy. Stress yourself out (though not too much!). You'll feel better, more accomplished and better prepared once you come out of it.

If I went back in time and talked to myself as a high school senior about college life, I would tell myself to keep an open mind, keep good study habits, make many friends but choose them wisely, and have responsible fun so that I do not get stressed out and live college life to the fullest.

Thiking back to my Senior year in high school, it's not a time I'm particularly proud of. If I could go back in time and share a few words with myself I would emphasize the point that it's not absolutely necessary to go to a University right away if it's not something you're ready for. I would also make a point that partying with friends at other universities shouldn't be a higher priority than getting good or decent grades. After my first term of school , and receiving a 4 point GPA, I realized that there are more important things than a social life. Grades are one of the most important parts of school, especially college and without good grades, the future of one's educational career doesn't often turn out well. I would also reccommend getting involved in campus life. Whether that's joining a club or taking part in an intramural sport, anything to get involved in one's school makes a stronger connection to that atmosphere and leads to a better overall experience.

If I had the chance to go back in time to talk to myself, I would definitely give myself advice I wished I would have taken advantage of as a high school senior. One major advice I would have given myself is to volunteer more, become more active. Even if I was not prepared to obtain a paying job yet, gaining experience in working would have definitely boost my resume, as well as gaining the sense that I am a valuable asset to the community. Another point I would make is that scholarships are harder to come by after high school graduation, so make the most of what is available. Currently, I regret not applying to several scholarships, and would love to have extra FREE money I do not need to pay back. More scholarships would have me more focused on studying, rather than focusing on how I am suppose to pay for my tuition. Overall, I would like to tell myself to just be positive, and to not worry about any future mishaps or problems that may occur. By focusing on my education, and making the most of the opportunities provided, there is nothing to worry about.