Portland State University Top Questions

Do not take out student loans. pick a degree that would have best rot.

Hey! You know what? Get off your heinie and do something with yourself! What do you mean who am I? I'm you, but like two years in the future. Yeah. I know, I got really good looking. It's all about those oats and squats. You're not too bad your- wait, hold on. I need to give you advice! Okay, I only have a few seconds here. Let me see what I can - no I have no idea how I got here - well, considering where you are now, take everything seriously, and for serious ask her out to prom. She's totally into you. What else, what else... Start running? Join clubs, in the first year! I know, but they're only lame in their introductions! Also study! Like seriously study! When they say study an hour for each hour of class they really mean it! Also take time for yourself, but don't make all the time for yourself! Only a few words left, so invest in Bitcoin and bail out in like 2013 you'll thank me later. Also the Seahawks are going to win next year. Yeah, I know right?

I would tell myself a few things. One, to finish the courses you start. Dropping classes mid term repeatedly, just because it's hard or you think you might change majors, doesn't look good on transcripts , can hurt your GPA, and wastes money. Talk to an advisor about any questions on majors, and most colleges have free tutors available in all subjects; asking for help is never a bad thing. The next thing would be to keep an eye on finances. With scholarships and loans it can be easy to see "money growing on trees". It doesn't, so make sure you're not spending more than you bring in. The last thing I would want my younger self to know is that the college experience is just that, an experience. Yes, grades are important, but if you only spend your time alone and studying you miss out on a lot of great opportunities and the chance to make new friends. By participating in student activities and/or groups you will enjoy a much more well rounded life during your college years.

Since the thing I struggled with most as a senior was deciding what my career path in college would be, I would encourage my past self to think about going into pharmacy, since that is what I ended up choosing. I would tell myself to look into what graduate programs expect and to get started on pre-requisites early. I did two years at a community college, but looking back there are classes that I have to take now at the university that I could have taken at the community college at a much cheaper price. I would also encourage my past self to look into volunteer opportunities and to think about joining some clubs and doing more extracurriculars in my first year of college. I would put the most emphasis on telling myself to start looking in to scholarships early though. I could have avoided the debt that I have been building up had I started applying earlier.

Over ten years ago I left high school as a sophmore, with no diploma and no support from family or counselors. I don't blame anyone other than myself for how high school ended for me. It took ten years for me to get my life back together after that, and find the courage and discipline to return to school, and I have often thought about what I would do differently if I could go back in time, or what advice I would give my past self. If I could go back to mentor myself as a high school student, I don't know what I would tell myself. I don't have any stark words of wisdom, or warnings to give myself. What I do know is that my high school self would have a lot to say, and I would lend an ear. Some times, when life is rough, we don't need someone's advice on how to make it better; knowing that your problems are worth hearing, and that you aren't alone can make all the difference in the world, especially to a struggling high school student.

Stop procrastinating, it's a really bad habit. Make an appointment with your counselor and ask all those questions you've been dying to ask. Stop following the crowd, don't be afraid to be yourself. And that boy you're so worried about isn't going to be there in the next two years. Truth is, everything that seems important now won't be when you're in college. Shift your focus and change your perspective. School is more than an obligation, it's a privilege. It is the steering wheel to your dream destination so treasure it. College is different, it's hard. You will spend many hours in the library actually reading the material. You will have to move out of your comfort zone and start meeting new people. You will have to prioritize, be punctual, and be well informed. You have to want to be there in order to excel. Don't give up. You are going to face many challenges in your educational career but I promise you that it will all be worth it. You will gain so much more knowledge, experience, and new insights. Your life will never be the same.

The most important thing you can remember is to make college an adventure, you're not in high school anymore so take advantage of being independent. The first few weeks of college can be the most difficult as far as finding a social sphere. Don't worry about it! The best thing you can do is keep your dorm room door open, introduce yourself to your neighbours, and go to the club fairs in the park blocks. Plus, as soon as classes start you will find your niche because you will be with very outgoing people who are interested in the same things you are! On the same note, network as much as possible. Exchange phone numbers, friend people on Facebook, arrange study groups, etc. all of which will help you find friends and access help for homework questions. Because PSU is on the quarter system exams come up fast. Therefore, always be reviewing the material you are learning and make good use of the library for study groups and tutors. The last thing you should do is take advantage of the recreation center and the outdoor program. Both places have great opportunities available to meet people and stay active.

Don't take anything for granted. Hard work is mandatory to succeed. Stay focused, but don't let yourself become alienated. And, above everything else: Its ok if you don't get through life in the same way as everyone else. There are no rules saying "when" you have to go to college - just keep on track and don't allow yourself to feel less than others . You will go to gcollege when it is right for you!

Dear High School Self- Find something you're passionate about and beleive in yourself enough that you can accomplish it. School is hard work, so make sure you ask your teachers and your peers for advice. The answers are not always ight in front of you. Don't be shy and dont be afraid to voice your own opinion. Chances are the majority of the room will agree with you. Even if they dont, you are thoughtful and respectful enough in your answers that you will most likely give them something new to think about. Take classes both in and out of your comfort zone and give them everything you got. Dont give up. Even when you really, really want to. Keep your head up and be nothing less than successful.

I would tell myself to get as involved with campus activities as possible--clubs, student unions, volunteer causes in the city--so I could leave university not only having graduated with admirable grades but also having grown individually. Looking back on my time in school, my biggest regret is that I never was able to prioritize that part of my education. Between working full time, coaching a sports team at a high school in my area, and studying (often at more than full time status), I thought that it was not necessary to add one more task to the mountain of things I did each week. But from my vantage point now, with the benefit of hindsight being 20/20, I know that I would have relished the opportunities to contribute to something I had passion for and to have really achieved something within my city's community by the end of my undergraduate career.