Salem State University Top Questions

I got everything I ever wanted from a college education and more - and for half as much as what students pay in other colleges/universities in Massachusetts. I got a job offer one year prior to graduating, by Ernst & Young in Boston, a firm that interned with in my junior year. I have no regrets- My professors helped me become all that I could be and encouraged me to rise above average.

I have loved the theater program - most of all rehearsing and performing in various shows. I have enjoyed some of my classes, I like my advisor, and especially some of the older, more serious theater/tech/directing students. I always love learning more about performance, and improving. I have learned what kind of person i dont want to be - by my contact and observation of other students. While i very much look forward to performing in several upcoming plays and musicals, I feel like I have gotten most of what is available in class work and courses available for my major. Some of my teachers have been great to me, and I have learned some, maybe more than I think. I have learned how much i desire to really study this craft, and how hungry I am to learn more, and I have learned more about who I am, and who/ or what kind of person i do not want to be.

I attended Salem State College after transferring from a local community college. The transition was made easier by the intimate class sizes and the availability of good career counseling. At the time, this was also an extremely affordable endeavor, so I was able to graduate from college with no debt. I was unsure of my future plans when I left community college, and my self-esteem was fragile. I was fearful of making life choices and living independent of my family of origin. Because this was a local college, I was initially able to commute from my home with friends I was comfortable with. As I became more involved in the academic community, I also began to broaden my group of friends and interests. Soon, I met new friends I would share an apartment with, and thus began my move towards independant living. I attribute my transition to becoming a successful young adult and elementary school teacher to the importance my college placed on realizing the individual needs of their student population, and nurturing them towards their goals. I have internalized this philosophy and have used this as a motivating factor in all my personal and work relationships.

My college experience has been a very good one for me. Leaving my home and being able to live away and by myself has been an awesome experience. Meeting new people and experiencing new things has helped me to grow and develop as an adult. The school that I am attending is very good and I have learned alot from my professors and my new friends. I would not trade this experience for the world and I cannot wait to continue my education next year and experience all of the things that college still has to offer me.

I would tell myself to explore more options. I decided to attend a close, safe college instead of venturing out into the world. It is impossible to reach your goals in life without taking chances. I would also tell myself to take school work more seriously and give every class my best effort. I got through high school with modest grades, but I plan to give everytign my all in college. Finally, I would tell myself to aim high and to never settle. Every person has the ability to change the world and make a difference. I plan to be a part of that difference in the future.

I would tell my Senior self not to let a break up get in the way of being social and not to let it interfer with school work. Make sure to read and re-read all of my finicial aide information. Apply for ever scholorship under the sun. Don't take that semester off, just find away. Go right for the art program, don't let the thought you might not make it ever cross your mind. Apply to more than two schools. Find a way to fund your first choice, just getting in really isn't enough. Put yourself out there socially and don't worry so much what people think about you, you will find your place. Be yourself 110{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} Most of the people here don't know you or what you did in high School. This is a new slate and nothing before it matters. Do what you have to do to get where you want to go, don't let anything hold you back.

I believe the best advice I could give to myself in regards to what I know now about college and making the transition from High school is telling myself to stay focus in my academics, get good grades, and apply for scholarships. Those were some of the biggest faults I made when I was a High school student. I would also tell myself to speak up and ask questions, I found myself as a High school student afraid to talk to teachers and guidance councilors for the fear of looking stupid. Now I realize how much support and advice I missed from my High school that I could have taken advantage of.

If i could go back to when I was a high school senior, I would tell myself to always be true to myself and to always be humble. Going to college can definitely change who you are, who you hang out with, and who you really consider you're friends. Don't get caught up in all the drama or social issues that may occur because it can and will affect who you are and how well you will do academically. I would also tell myself to just do the best I possibly can. Don't let others judge you and your decisions to do what you want; not just fellow classmates but parents and friends. Your parents might want you to become a doctor or a lawyer, but follow your heart and do what you want to do. Do something you love because you're going to be doing it for the rest of your life, so enjoy it and believe in yourself. College can be very stressful, but make sure you enjoy your time with your friends as well. We all need our breaks from all that studying.

When I applied to college, I applied as a Nursing major. My family was incredibly proud of me, and after being accepted by my first choice, I was quite excited myself. During orientation, I went to the major introduction meeting with high hopes and left realizing I had made the wrong decision. Nursing is an incredible major, however I knew my emotions would get in the way of my career. I was terrified to tell my mom I wanted to switch my major to another passion of mine - Music. My mom was so proud of me becoming a nurse. It killed me to think I might disappoint her. However, I gathered up my courage and told her my decision. She was disappointed, but only because I'd worried so much and didn't feel I could tell her. Today, I'm an incredibly happy Music major and my mom has never been prouder. She's happy I decided to follow my heart. I wish I could go back to my high school and tell myself not to have felt pressured by expectations and to have followed my dreams. Though it took some time, I'm on the right path now.

I would say "Give it all you got." Don't waste your mind on the mundane. Stay focused and continue with your education until you earn your Phd. You can do it. Don't worry if you aren't sure about which field you want to build a career in....just begin the journey and follow the path that appeals to you as you work your way through college. You WILL figure it out. A lot of the things you worry about now will seem silly in a few years...trust me on that. You need to do this for you...no one can do it for you. It's time to step up and take care of yourself...to be responsible for your future. Don't waste your time doubting your abilities. Resist the temptation to look at how much must be completed before you earn your degree(s). Instead, focus on the task at hand. Nothing is particularly difficult if you break it down into small pieces. May sound cliche, but slow and steady definitely wins the race. Before you know it, you will be looking back...degree in hand...wondering how it all flew by so quickly.