University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Top Questions

I would tell myself to spend more time in the library, that it would not be the end of the world if I had to stay in one weekend to make sure I get a better then decent grade on my tests. I would tell myself to apply for on campus jobs in advance, and not wait until the last minute because then they are already filled. I would also tell myself to apply for more scholarships, because my mother works very hard to support two children on her own, and does not have all the money in the world to keep sending me money every month for non school related expenses.

If I could speak to my high school self, I would tell her to not be afraid when she finally leaves home. I was so scared when I got to Eau Claire because I knew no one. I mostly stayed shut up in my room, hiding from the world, asking myself why I even came to college. This culture shock was really getting to me, until classes started. Although I was not great at meeting people, I excelled in the classroom. Through classes, I started to meet many people. I realized that everyone was in the same situation as me, and I decided to take a leap of faith. After the first few weeks, I finally broke from my room and started going to campus events and clubs, where I met even more amazing people. Now, I am constantly meeting new people and think of it as an adventure. It is always nice having a familiar face in the crowd, but when there are none, I learned that it is time to make one. I would tell my past self to go and greet the world because if I do not, then how will I ever truly know it?

I would tell myself that everything gets easier. The first week being away from home is the harderst for everyone, even people who think they don't get homesick. I would encourage myself that no matter how hard it may be, to push myself outside of my comfort zone, get to know new people and get involved on campus. I would also suggest (no matter what my new friends are doing) not to go home for at least two months. Time will fly by and the sooner I get to know my new campus and surrounding community, the sooner I will be able to feel at home in this new place. A final piece of advice I would offer to myself is that although the social aspects are important, remember to make time to concentrate on my studies. Doing all these things will ensure a great experience in my new environment.

I would tell myself to apply for every scholarship that I can. I would also tell myself to not be worried because everything isn't as scary and impossible as it may seem.

If I could travel back in time and give myself advice as a high school senior, I would have so much to say about the new and exciting period of time I would be about to enter. I would tell myself to not worry so much, because I tend to be a big worrier. I feel like I have grown so much in the few years that I have been attending my university. I would tell myself that college does not just stress hard work and dedication but can teach me some of the most important lessons in life. It has taught me both things specific to my major (Education and Spanish), like how important it is to work hands on in areas that interest you, and things that can help you in daily living, like how important it is to contribute to your community and how big of a difference you can make on others. I feel that I had no idea during my senior year of high school how relevant and intriguing college life can be. It would have been comforting for me to know then how wonderfully college life fits me.

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself that all the stress involved in the college application process is worth it. The ACTs, the numerous college applications, and the scholarship deadlines are overwhelming at first, but in the end college is so worth it. Unlike high school, it's a place where you can be completely independent and not have to worry about what other people think. The ability to be yourself is the greatest reward.

The first thing I'd tell myself is to take every advantage of a situation that would allow me to learn. I might have taken this for granted in the past. Now I know how important it is to learn something new each and every day. I plan on doing this the rest of my life. The next thing I'd tell myself is to seek out leadership roles in school and volunteer organizations. I have done this over the past two years and the experiences have proven to be truly rewarding. I have benefited by developing leadership skills and I have helped others in need. It's truly rewarding to see appreciation on the faces of those less fortunate and to know I might have played a small role in helping someone's day be a little better. I have also benefited by meeting several new people and expanding my circle. This has exposed me to new ideas, cultures and value systems making me well-rounded. I've found it extremely helpful to listen to other points of view. It helps me understand the big picture.

"Well look who showed up," I imagine I'd hear my past-self say with a pompous look plastered on her face. However confident I appeared when concerning my future departure to college, I can't really fool myself. I know underneath that tough exterior I was frightened at the thought of leaving my home, friends, and family to join a mass of underage-drinkers, pretentious brainiacs, and then the curious people like myself. "Look at me now," I'd say to my past-self. "Look at how far you will come! Making the dean's list, declaring an art major--who knew you could make such a big decision?! Don't fret now about the future; take each day as it comes to you. Yes, you will have moments of extreme stress, but look at those times as opportunities to overcome the challenges that life sets before you. Trust me, this valuable skill may be the only thing you learn in college that will apply to life thereafter." If I knew then, what I know now...I wouldn't have had the exciting challenge of adapting to new people, new surroundings...a whole new stage in life.

Prior to attending college, I was all about trying to get a high paying job and attend college to please my parents. Throughout my experience here I have learned more about myself than I ever did in my eighteen years prior. I have learned what my beliefs are in humanity, politics, race, gender and other areas that involve such intellectual depth. I now have changed my goals of college not to just get a diploma that reserves my rights to a well paid occupation, but to develope myself to become the best person I become. I have become a person that does not care so much about pleasing my parents, but about how I can find an area of expertise that truly makes me happy. I want to find an area that I can recieve self-gratification, not just a pay check. For all of this, I have UW- Eau Claire to thank.

The most that I have gotten out of my college experience is a feeling of accomplishment. Also, my substituting teaching job that makes me be proud of myself. I like how students admire me because I feel special. Moreover, a feeling of security at my work place because I have Bachelor degree. Furthermore, I can use the skills that I learned at college to tutor youth at schools. I am enjoying volunteering and helping younger students in successful learning. I am proud that my major is mathematics because I feel needed at schools where I tutor and teach. I am confident that I will achieve my goals as long as I work hard. It is not only been valuable to me that attend college, but is also valuable to diverse students that I can inspire. Youth see me as a role model and it helps them to believe in themselves. Diverse students have a proof that they can make their dreams come true as long as they accept their differences and work through struggles.