St. Mary’s University Top Questions

What should every freshman at St. Mary’s University know before they start?

Jesse

Assuming going back in time and meeting myself doesn't cause a hole in the time-space continuum, I would tell myself to follow my dreams, and to worry less about what other people think. I wanted to be a writer from the time I was 12, and I lost my way because I listened to people who told me to do something more "useful." I foundered and did poorly in school because I was pursuring an education I didn't want, and I was miserable. It took 15 years and a stint in the military for me to get back on track, but I'm more passionate than ever. I performly badly in school before, but I recently graduated with my Associate's degree earning a 4.0 gpa, and have, thus far, kept that average at St. Mary's Univerity. I would tell my younger self to be open-minded and adventurous, to study abroad, and read everything I could get my hands on. I would tell my younger self to love deeply, to take no one for granted (especially not myself), and to know that I can achieve anything I set my mind to.

Kristina

I would tell myself to graduate with my class. College is amazing, but I graduated 2 years early when I was 16 so I came to college really young. I see my old friends who are bearly graduating this year and all the senior things they are doing that I'm missing out on. I really do love this school. It's a perfect fit for me and anyone who wants to succeed. As the first in my family to attend college, St. Mary's has made the transition easy. I wish I could've retaken the SAT to get a higher score and get more financial aid. Since my graduation was a sudden choice I didn't have enough time.

Yadira

I would tell myself not to stress and not worry about the "what if's." I was really worried and stressed when I moved into college before classes started. During orientation I learned I was overreacting and that there was a lot of people I could count on for help. They made me feel welcomed. I was in my second home and got the feeling that I really belonged here. The sense that I was part of their community - now mine also - was everywhere present. I had nothing to worry about because faculty and staff are more than willing to assist you with anything, be it academic or not. They care for us as individuals. I would also to say to my high school senior self: "Keep up with the good grades! You are almost there! Enjoy your free time because you will not have much after classes start. College it is going to be a crazy, stressful, but very fun (not party fun, but random fun) ride."

Andrea

I would tell myself to not sweat the little things and to actually appreciate the little things in life. I would tell myself to take dual credit courses, they may be a bit harder but prove to get things done faster when you are in college. Challenge yourself. Do better! If you put that extra effort in a certain class, it won't have to come back to bite you in the butt when you are tested on that subject during college. Be who you want to be, not who people want you to be. You're a senior, and you're practically an adult in a few months. Take some responsibility and get a job, it'll do wonders for the years to come. Rather now than later. Don't let fear dictate your life. Take fear of not knowing into your own hands and achieve greatness. You're going to go far, kid. Keep your chin up, and always do 110{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c}. It's your last year of being a teenager. Have fun while it lasts, but remember to do good!

Lauren

The first and formost advice I would give to my senior self would be to do what I want to do and not listen to anyone else but myself. I remember getting criticized for my choice of school. I wanted to go to UT Austin because my family wanted me to. But I decided that St. Mary's was the right choice for me and it took me forever to realize that. I would also tell myself to take it seriously. College can be fun, but when it comes down to it, your grades and performance are what matter the most. If I could I would go back and make sure I knew that. Also telling myself not to be afraid to speak up. The school is very open minded and I am a very shy person, so attending St. Mary's has given me the oppurtunity to open up.

Joshua

When applying for colleges, apply for as many as you can. Talk to counselors who know about scholarships, because they can help you pay for school and get rid of most, if not all, your financial problems. You have got to be more open to meeting new people. The numerous people that you will meet can change your life forever in a way that can't easily be described in words. Another thing you should do is to not be afraid to take chances. Take the philosophy that it is better to try and fail than to not try at all. You can miss out on so many wonderful opportunities if you let fear take control of your life. You were given a gift to spread joy and hope to people and you shouldn't limit yourself because you are afraid for failure. Don't let any negativity hold you back what you were born to do, and that is to live with love and hope. I promise you, that life won't be easy, but with a little bit of faith and great friends, you'll make it through somehow.

Nicolas

If i was able to go back in time to my senior year of highschool, I would advice myself to be more focus and serious about college. I would advice myself to put effort in every application i sent back then with the belief that i will get accepted. I would also advice myself to give up most of my social life so i would be able to dedicate that energy towards my courses and applications. I would also change my attitude towards college completly by being more serious about it and not just blowing it off. I would advice myself not to be timid or embarrassed to finding helping or reaching out in moment in need. To realize that there is a lot of opportunities out there that i just have to make the effort for them.

Sophia

I would tell myself to think deeply about what I want to do in the future and that every decision counts. Research and participate more in order to find out what it is I'm good at and whether I enjoy it or not. Start taking action by your own account because there is so much you are capable of and many doors you can also open for yourself. Don't take your future for granted. Don't worry about the social aspects of college life and be involved academically.

David

If I could go back in time the very first thing i would tell myself would to make sure i stay proactive with my school work. once you fall behind or put yourself in a whole it is very hard and stressful to make up for it. the second thing i would tell myslef would to be kmore involved with the community because little did i know making ofther peoples life better was what you end up loving! the third thing would be to help other peers when they needed or in other words lose the whole lone wolf attitude and become a leader amoungst others. i saw to many students and friends that i just sat and watched waste money and their life away in a couple of months and ii wish i could go back anf change that. and last but noit least i would tell myself to stop being LAZY and do scholarships!!! there is no reason to put yourslef and family in an economic bind when there are oppurtunities to do scholarships! a simple survery questions and a small essay could change your life!

Andrea

If I could go back in time and tell myself what I know about college now, I would clearly say three words: piece of cake. Other than the cost of attendence, everything is perfect in my eyes at St. Mary's University. Back in high school, I was 'the nerd' and I really didn't enjoy high school because I was too focused trying to have the perfect grades just so I could get into my dream school. And now, looking back, I would tell myself how easy college has been because of everything I did back in high school. And that I did not waste one single hour of extra studying because it clearly payed off. People say to enjoy high school, that college is where you get serious, but knowing what I know now, I would tell myself, "Do not waste one day of doing what you want to do, because at the end of the day, it is you who will suffer or succeed. Do what you think is best and don't let anyone tell you otherwise. College is what you made high school out of."