Seattle University Top Questions

If I went back in time to tell myself about my college experience thus far, the first thing I would say is how difficult it is living away from home. I did not realize how difficult it would actually be. Coming from Hawaii, it was more than just leaving my family, I was leaving everything I had ever known. I would convince myself that even with the difficulties, I would get through them. I would talk about the great friends I made and the many things I have done that I would not have had the chance if I stayed home for college. I would talk about the trips down to Oregon, snowboarding, and bonding with my family living in Seattle. And finally, that this is all a big learning experience; in the classroom, living on my own, and the discovery of myself. Looking back to how I was as a high school senior, living away from home forced me to grow up and mature. The last thing I would say is, despite all the challenges, I will get through them and become a stronger person.

If I could go back to my senior year of high school, I tell myself to enroll into a running start program to take college credits. Optimally, this would mean time and tuition savings. The average college student does not have enough time to explore all the available possibilities for majors, and neither did I; that is why it makes sense to get core classes out of the way. Another important idea is to spend quality time pondering my major, other academic interests, and ultimately my career. Also, writing out a four year plan, setting out my goals and how to go about achieving them, would top my list. I would then choose the best college that would prepare me for my specific field. College is a time to transition from high school to a career, which allows one to grow and defines character. The point of my advice is that I am concerned that the average college student does not have enough time to explore different fields. After all, college is about personal exploration so taking your basic credits at a much lower price makes prudential sense.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would change a few of things. First, I would tell myself to take my school work more seriously. I received good grades but, I know if I applied more hard work I would have received excellent grades to achieve an academic scholarship. Second, I would tell myself to join more clubs and participate in community service. I worked part time and was on the cheerleading team so; there was not much time for anything. I wish someone would have stressed to me how important it is to have some leadership experience and community service for college applications. However, I think if I managed my time better I would have been able to join more clubs and extracurricular activities. Third, I would have started a saving account just for college. College is very expensive and if I prepared myself better I would not be struggling to pay for text books. There are a lot of things that I would have done differently during my senior year from being more active in school events to starting a college savings account.

If I could go back in time talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to plan everything carefully to not waste time. I would tell myself to take all the tough classes at my running start college because tough classes are even tougher at a university. Instead of working, I would tell myself to there are many loans available and money would not be a big issue. Lastly, I would tell myself that the transition to a university will be tough, but perseverance and time management is needed to endure through it.

I would want to make sure I was completely sure about where I wanted to go, despite where other people I would be graduating with were going and despite the cost of the school. Both of those factors impacted my decision greatly, but looking at it now I have come to realize that I came to higher education for just that--education. Peoples motives for going to a university are going to vary, and I just wish I would have assessed exactly what mine were about before commiting to go somewhere.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to relax and have fun because the next four years will be very tough. I would tell myself to find my passion and stick with it because that is where you will find joy during the rest of your life. Another thing I would tell myself to do is to focus on getting better time management skills. As an athlete, managing classes, practices, travelling, and still trying to have at least somewhat of a social life is one of the hardest things to do. The most important thing is to have fun and try new things because time goes by very quickly, and sooner than you think, high school and college will be over and it will be time to step into the real world and start the rest of your life.

If I were to go back in time to talk to myself as a senior in high school I would begin to research more about independent living. I became a fully independent student once I left for college, I had to start college with no support from my family while starting something new and exciting in a completely different state. I also would have visited the colleges before I chose which one to attend. This was difficult for me to do because of financial restrictions in high school but it would have changed the entire move in process and new student experience. i would also warn myself not to become "overly involved" in extracurricular activites that take away from my studies. I would encourage myself to continue the programs that meant the most to me and that gave back to the community.

I would tell myself to make the most of the time I have in college because I can only do it once. Join more clubs, study harder, make more friends, and enjoy myself because the working world is nothing like the college world!!

Jump in as soon as you get the chance. You're going to have to get out of that comfort zone because keep in mind that you're going to be a long way from home. Keep focused, you're going to college to study and finish your degree first and foremost, that is your priority. But, don't stress, find the time to do something you like, take a walk or go see a play or concert. The city is your campus, don't limit yourself to official campus boundires, expand your horizons! Remember who you are!

Much of our education not only belongs in the classroom but also from life experiences outside of the class. The oppurtunity to pack up and leave your own comfortable environment and venture off into the unknown is an experience that one should take no matter how scary it sounds. College helps us through that process of helping us leave a known environment into something more that will help us become a better person and understand the world a little more each day. Taking a risks is part of the college experience. Take a chance and prove to yourself what you can do because not taking that risk will only limit your abilities. College prepares us for the future and it is okay to be uncertain of what the future holds because that is part of living. Life is an adventure and always seize the moment to surpass your current limitations.