Seattle Pacific University Top Questions

don't worry! it all works out in the end :)

After starting college and having to pay for it alone, i've learned how truly difficult it is to work and be a full-time student. I now know how precious free time is and often wish there was more. Through my first year I have aready unlocked just a small piece of knowledge cmpared to what is awaiting me. In would say in so many words: Enjoy seeing your family and friends every weekend and living so close because it won't always be that simple. Keep putting God first in everything you do, no matter what. Sometimes we go through seasons, just know that a brighter day is coming even if it feels dark and overwhelming. Read your Bible, you actually don't know very much, there is so much more to learn.Talk to your professors, they really care and will help you during this transition. Dont stress about your major God will lead your path. If things start to feel like they aren't going as planned, stay calm, rest and know that God is in control. If at first something doesnt work out, it's not a failure, just a closed door, so be greatful.

Know that I am merely graduated, I would advise my high school self to not put a heavy emphasis on myself and serve others. In my life I survived poverty, middle class, and upper middle class. Also, I experienced discrimination being the minority against the majority in both the Latino world and the American world. In addition, I survived a broken household that dealt with verbal abuse, physical abuse, purgatory, adultery, cancer, anorexia, and suicidal attempts. While my other siblings were unable to survive our broken household, education provided my escape. As a student I desired to attend a University so that I can become a teacher not for the benefit of others but for my only personal gain. How selfish was I? It was after I experienced death in college that my perspective changed. I realized that in the end when we die, we die. However, the lives of those we influenced will forever remain. Thus I realize that whether as a teacher, a friend, or a mere citizen of Seattle, what I do should be driven by the purpose to serve and better the life of another.

"Wise men don't need advice. Fools won't take it."

Dear Katherine, Be aware. There are many challenges up ahead but you can accomplish anything as long as you do it with your heart. Don't let fear hold you back, don't let anything hold you back. Okay now for the official stuff. Don't miss out in highschool. Its worth the experience. Get involved in musicals, play an instrument, practice more golf, talk to your teachers, and become a leader. I know you like ot challenge yourself, so still strive hard to make your A's. However, balance is essential because in college and the workplace they like well rounded people. Oh of course, don't forget, NO PROCRASTINATION. Its a killer. Overall, I trust you'll do the right thing. You may regret some things, but there are memories you will treasure forever. So don't be afraid of not knowing what to do. Enjoy life and the experience it blesses you with. Like I said wherever your heart is, is where you will succeed.

Dear Ashley, Even though you don't think it's very important to try your best in high school it helps you out so much in college. Taking classes in high school that will transfer as a college credit helps you get ahead in college. I know that you didn't think it was a big deal to apply for scholarships in high school but it would have made a big difference. By the time your in your third year at Klamath Community College your going to be worrying about how you'll pay your tuition when you start going to Southern Oregon University. Your going to start looking for scholarships and many of them will require that your a high school senior so it may seem like your limited to very few scholarships. Take my advice before it's too late. Look in to available scholarships and apply for them. You really have nothing to lose. And when you begin college try your hardest and in the end it will be so worth it. Love, Your 20 Year Old Self

Dear naive and stressed out high school senior, PLEASE, calm down and relax! I know you are being told that it is time to plan out your future; it is time to plan out the start that will lead to the rest of your life. While this is partly true, there is no need to worry. I know there are a lot of options out there, which is why it is important to finish out your senior year with a good work ethic and high grades so you are able to get into the college of your dreams. There are various elements to consider when looking at colleges but there is one that is most important. Find out what you personally are trying to get out of college; this could be a great education or a social experience, either way go to the location that fits your needs. Some colleges are expensive and will cause you to get into debt, but realize, throughout your life you will have bills so one more will not kill you. There are financial options to take and even one year of college will be well worth the money paid. Go ahead, take the leap.

First off, spend time with the family. I wish I'd shown my family with my companionship how much they mean to me. It's a lot harder be close to your family when they're in a different state. Friends are incredibly important too. I realized the day after graduating high school, that I would no longer see many of my close friends five days a week, and many of them I haven't connected with once since that day. I forgot to keep in contact with friends that I may never see again. There's a lot of free time to be consumed over the summer between high school and college. Spend as much of that time as possible with friends and family. When that isn't available, work and read. Worrking, you'll make a few extra dollars to put toward books, tuition or even snack food. I didn't read nearly as much as I could have, that presented a challenge when I began college. I had a hard time getting used to the reading workload. Had I read during the previous months I would have found the transition much easier.

I decided to go to school 1100 miles from home. The toughest part of going to school that far was saying goodbye to my friends and family knowing it would be several months before I would see them again. I am not able to meet them somewhere to hang out, or go to my uncle’s house for dinner anymore. I have to wait for a holiday, or a special occasion in order to come home since plane tickets are so expensive nowadays, I cannot come every weekend. If I could go back, and give myself advice during my senior year, it would be to spend more time with my friends and family while I had the chance. Even though I would be traveling home every once and awhile and I could call them to talk to them, it is always important to spend time with your friends and family, because one day they will be out of your life for good.

As important as high school seems now, I encourage you to consider the fact that in 9 short months you will find yourself in completely different circumstances. You will be around new people, in new places and dealing with much harder subjects. I encourage you to make the most of your time in high school, but remember that what happens to you and what you do now does not define you. While it will always be a part of you it does not make you, you. Study hard, even if you don't need to you'll need those skills to cope with the rigorous coursework in college. Remember the people you love and take good care of those relationships, your friends and family wil become your best means of support and dealing with loneliness and/or homesickness. While college is fun and independent and all the glamorous things you imagine, it is hard work. Relish the free time you have now and don't will away your time. You can never go back and you will miss it.