Purdue University-Calumet Campus Top Questions

I would tell myself that in order to succeed, you have to be completely and utterly focused on your future. In high school, all I focused on was school work and that got me a $46,000 scholarship to Valparaiso University, my dream school. When I finally got to college and experienced freedom of choice for the first time, I was overwhelmed and didn't focus on school. I ended up failing my classes and dropping out second semester. I've always been academically successful and had the chance to go to my ideal school, but I wasn't focused. After losing my scholarship, I had to find a school that wasn't to my "standards" but cheap enough for me to attend. I'm going to Purdue Cal in order to rebuild what I lost at Valpo. I know now that I have to commit to school, go to class, and plan ahead. I wish I could go back and tell myself this prior to making one of the biggest mistakes of my life, but as we all know, mistakes are a learning experience; and I've learned alot.

Dear Jacklyn in 2007, things are extremely different now, but you should be proud of yourself. All of the work you did in high school has helped prepare you for many things in college. Knowing how we both like a little bit of a surprise in life, I'm not going to tell you the minor details (you can enjoy those on your own), I'm going to tell you the major ones! First, always have your financial aid figured out on time, even if it means you have to wait in line for three hours. Second, don't forget to order your books within the first week of classes, and make sure you consistently have a pen, and paper with you. Lastly, be on time for all of your classes, a wise woman that you will meet soon has a favorite quote that I respect very much: "You snooze, you lose." Good Luck, and don't worry, you will do great things! Sincerely, Jacklyn from 2010

I would instruct myself to participate in more activities, seek and apply for scholarships, and develop my study habits. During high school I was an active member of the army Junior Reserve and Officer Training Corps (JROTC). Through this program I was able to participate on the armed drill team. I gained much experience and memories as I traveled to different cities and states competing for exhibition and regulation victories. JROTC also volunteered at places such as funerals, senior citizen homes, and schools. I did not realize the value of extracurricular activities until I was in college. Participating in sports and other organizations in high school can prepare you to lead those same societies in college. It may be known that scholarships are free money for college, but how to find them are not as obvious. Many scholarships are offered to students in high school through their counselor?s office. These scholarships range from local to state. Other scholarships are found via internet or awarded from the government or the college itself. Most importantly, I would tell myself to develop good study habits. After entering college, I understood that learning was a lot of studying and led to good grades.

I would remind myself of the goals that I have for my life. I would focus on completing my degree by staying focused and not allowing myself to get distracted by my social life. I would plan wisely of how I studied and spent my time. I would seek tutoring without embarrassment. I would only take out loans that was needed and apply for more scholarships. I would seek a college close to home to avoid unrelated costs and loss of support by my family. I would find a major that would give me joy to do until I retired. I would apply myself to the fullest extent.

I would definitely tell myself not to take senior year for granted. Knowing what I now know, I definitely could've given my last year of high school a better effort. I didn't do bad, but I definitely could've done better. In essence it would've prepared me for what was to come in my honors English class that I had to take freshman year. I thought that maybe I could get away with some of the things that I did in high school, but I was wrong. There was no coming to class late, even if there was a good reason. I would also say pay extra close attention to your surroundings, because everything you come across is not always for the best.

i would first kick myself good and hard. i would tell meself that i cant do it alone and to stop thnking that i can. sometimes everyone include myself needs help. i would say get as many scholarships as you can because your going to need them school isnt cheap and nor is supplies. and finally i would have to say dont ever give up, if things get rough and you feel like your going to fail, just email your teachers or your friends form school and ask them for help because they all will in a heartbeat.

I would say to stick with the studying! The first couple of years, I slacked off and took for granted the fact that school usually came pretty easy for me. College is a whole different game. But you have what it takes, so just stay focused, don't get distracted, and keep your chin up. You're going into a field that you love, and you will have lots of opportunities once you are finished. Just stay happy and confident, and everything will work out for the best. Never give up, and never take your brain for granted. Things come easy for you, but that's not how it is for everyone. Be grateful, and use that brain to advance yourself, and eventually your world.

I f I could go back and talk to my self as a high school senior knowing what I know now , i would let my self and friends know the importance of getting good grades while in high school. Like me since most of my friends are not rich I would just stress the fact that college is not easy to pay for and strive to acheive some sort of scholarship to help pay for school. It does not matter if it is a partial or full scholarship anything helps because you do not want to pay for school. Paying for school and taking out loans is the worst thing ever because you have to pay it back and theres nothing better than free MONEY! But really the most important thing is to take school as serious as job that you need to survive because once you get put out you have to deal with the real world problems you parents have to deal with and for the most part no one is ready to deal with that coming out of high school.

If I was able to go back in time I would give myself encouraging words. I would tell myself that I have what it takes to succeed in school and the world and not to let anything or anyone hold me back. I would tell myself to relax and to focus. In high school I spent so much time worrying about situations that all worked out in the end. I think that if I knew everything would end up okay in high school I coculd have had a better time there. I would also tell myself to study hard, join a club and take more chances. I wish now that I would have studied harder in order to achieve the grades I needed to receive funding for college. I also wish I would have participated more in school activities and functions. If I would have known how rewarding it is to help out and voluteer then as I do now I would have been much happier.

If I could go back in time to talk to myself as a senior, I would tell myself to take advantage of my counselors and advisors that can help me and give me the best advice for my future. Had I talked to somebody about what I really wanted to do in life, I would have been more determined and dead set on my career choice. I would also remind myself of the competition in the work world and how competitive it can be when it comes to getting picked for a job. With this advice I would have worked harder to be the best student I can be. I would also tell myself to appreciate my challenges as a student because it would make me a better and more successful person. It is better to accept those challenges and be more determined and focused on what I would make out of my future. I would also have told myself to be more involved with school and extra-curricular activities and get to know other students and staff so that there will always be an open door and oppurtunity to possibly seek advocacy if needed.