Seattle Pacific University Top Questions

Everything is going to be okay. Stop worrying. Those are the words I would tell my high school self if I could go back into time. Yes the whole idea of being away from your parents, friends, and home is a very scary and almost terrifying thought, but once you get settled into the groove of your fabulous school and you begin to venture out and meet new, better friends and discover the world through your own eyes and experiences, you will forget the reason why you were every scared at something as simple as college. At times, college can even be easier than high school ever was; except when it comes to midterms and finals week. But that is only one week of your life! One week is nothing compared to the other 51 weeks in the year. Just breathe, slow down, take a deep, long breath, and be excited. Not scared. There is nothing to be scared, nervous, or terrified of!

My advice would be to really proactive. If you want anything in college, you have to for it. You can't just wait for opportunities to fall into your lap. The people who got the coolest jobs, were accepted to awesome study abroad programs, and who got involved with the great things going on on campus worked ahead and pursued the things they wanted before everyone else. If you want to do something in college, go for it! Don't wait! Also, it's really important to be proactive with your schoolwork. I know it's been said a thousand times, but it's really important not procrastinate on schoolwork. If you have free time, start on that essay because who knows, your friends might invite you to go do something really cool on the night before your paper is due and you will have to say no. Your best work isn't done at the last second. Procrastinating is stressful and you don't need to add more stress to your life. Be the controller of your own destiny! A little hard work ahead of time will really pay off in the end.

Start early on scholarships and financial aid. College is hard to pay for and anything helps. Ask your family memebers how they managed, utilize your financial aid counselor, and most of all don't be lazy! Really put the time in. Also you will see a direct financial pay out for good grades so work hard to get them, even if that means sacrificing a few things, like a social life. Talk to all your professors immediately, make sure they know your name and face, they will be the greatest help to you. Appreciate everything that happens to you , get involved on the campus. Tough stuff will come along, but smile the whole way through it, let it make you stronger. there will be people you don't like, they probably don't like you either so just let it be. Focus on the ones you do like and enjoy their company. Love what you are doing at your school, if you don't love it change it. There is always something new to try, so try it.

You've been so worried the past four years about getting the best grades possible in order to get into the best school possible. You've worked hard and it will pay off, but take a second to stop and think about what college is all about. College is a time of discovery. Your freshman year of college one of the biggest transitional years of your life. You leave home, you become more independent, you completely start over. You get to reinvent yourself and discover who you truly are. When it's all said and done, it doesn't matter what college you end up at. Nobody cares what you got on the SAT or what your GPA was. They want to know where you're from, what your interests are, and what you want to do with your life. Who you are is what matters. Spend a little less time worrying about your test scores and more time on discovering who you are and who you want to be. The most important part of college isn't your major or GPA, it's about what you discover and how you become the person you're meant to be.

I would tell myself to not be afraid to let down my guard and be myslef. Too much time got wasted, especially in high school, trying to fit into the mold of what other people wanted me to be. Come freshmen year of college I didn't know who I was and was too scared to let myself find out. I look back now and wonder how differently my college life would have played out, now entering my senior year, if I hadn't let fear stop me from coming into my own sooner, and letting my personality shine. I would also tell myself, that it is okay not to have everything figured out, not to stress when I get to college and have to change my major/career aspirations 5 or more times. I would make sure to tell myself to enjoy life and the people who are important. College may be about academics, but it is the people who make the place worth staying in. Study hard, play hard, enjoy every second.

That this upcoming year will be very rough and overwhelming, but that you have the ability and support to get through it. Don't be afraid of new ideas and trying new things. Every season that you go through you go through for a reason and everything, no matter what the changes are, will work out. Things may get to the point of feeling utterly unbearable, but it WILL work out.

The funny thing about cliches is that they often speak more truth than any other collection of words can. That being said, I would tell myself as a high school senior, "Be true to yourself." Listen to the shoulds, the musts, the need tos, and the have tos--I should go to this party, I must study for twelve hours instead of sleeping, I need to be perfect, I have to graduate in four years-- but only translate those to wills that fit for you. I will do this, I will do that. Make choices that bring fulfillment to you and others. From self-help books to advice columns to the wisdom of friends and family, there are many voices; however, ultimately, these do not outweigh your own. Embrace who you are, love yourself, and make college your own.

Hello to my senior self!There is so much advice that I have for you.First off ,take a little time off between high school and college,not too much though, I would suggest about a year. Get yourself a job and have a little fun.Plan out your future for it is so important.Think about what career you will enjoy before you jump into something that might not fit your lifestyle in the future.What do you truly see yourself doing?Will you have children and get married?You must consider all of this when you are deciding your future.When you start school, be prepared.It is all up to you at this piont.You might struggle a little with finances,it will be ok though,just work as nuch as you can and it is ok to take out a few loans it will pay for itself if you stay comitted to your future.Pay attention in class,listen to what your professors have to say,take thier advice,use the tutors that are offered, don't be afraid to ask for help.Most importantly do your homework,this is where you will learn the most.

First and foremost, I would tell myself that I needed to step out and get involved. I would tell myself to take on every single opportunity presented to me that I found even semi-interesting. Otherwise, they might end up bored and would have more difficulty finding a crowd to fit into. The beginning months of college can definitely be lonely. And I'd warn them that their first friends at college would probably not be the ones they stayed with throughout their college years; I spent time with all sorts of people throughout my first few months at college and finally found my niche during my winter quarter. I'd tell them to be sure to study hard, but not to stress out because freshman year doesn't throw too many curveballs. Another thing I'd tell myself is too apply for scholarships non-stop. The full expense of college doesn't really hit home at first, especially when you have your first year covered financially. Lastly, I'd tell them to make sure to have fun; to pursue their interests, to seize chances to get involved, to play intramural sports, and to enjoy the experience of college.

Krista, Your life has changed so much in the last year. You successfully completed your first year of college while your family life fell apart around you because of your parents' divorce. I want you to remember that you are a strong young woman with great things ahead of you! Here is my advice to you: don't be so scared of college; it's seriously the best thing ever. I cried like a baby on move-in day, but this year has actually been the best year of my life, despite all of the sorrow at home. Don't let fear guide you! Make intentional decisions that challenge you, but don't make big decisions based on needless pressure you give yourself (You don't need to do a study abroad right away! You have three more years; take your time.). Finally, when you open up to others, they open up to you, and those are some of the most special moments. The friendships that you are going to create are important, and need nurturing to grow. They grow by sharing, so don't be afraid to share your story. You'll love college, Krista! Love, Future Krista