University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Top Questions

Knowing what I know now about college life, and making the transition, there is one major piece of advice I would give myself. The wisdom I would impart is to, as soon as you arrive, find the clubs, groups, or organizations that do things you enjoy, and have people with whom you can relate. Finding these people with similar interests and goals really just makes the transition much easier. The people you meet serve as your family, prevent loneliness, and overall, just keep you true to yourself, and can become some of your best lifelong friends. Although this advice is given often, I honestly believe that the best thing you can do while heading to college, is to find the people who love the things you love, and you will find yourself in a familiar atmosphere, therefore making the college transition much easier.

Dear High School Graduate, Congratulations! You made it through high school, believe me I know it was difficult. I?m writing this letter as a guide to help you to transition into college. I want to inform you that these next two years will be the hardest time of your life. No matter what happens, you must stay positive. You'll have money troubles, like everyone else, but just remember to save your money and only treat yourself every once in a while. You will also have family problems that will force you to move out on your own, but don't worry because it will give you life's experiences and you will learn from your mistakes. When you do fall off the horse, get back on and use some duct tape to prevent it the next time. Just remember to keep believing in yourself. Don?t lose sight of your dreams for the future. I am so proud of you. Everything will fall into place soon enough. By the time you catch up with me, you will have already found your knight in shining armor. I wish you the best of luck. Sincerely, Someone Who Cares

Knowing what I knew back in high school was to take school much more seriously. I have no strong regrets of my past. Two regards that would have better me post-graduation. First, was that I should have gotten a job during my junior/senior years to handle more responsibilities and manage work/study habits. And secondly, to have taken a stronger approach in my future degree in the Culinary Arts. Had I known this career path to be my true passion, I would have taken the initiative of joining other programs and associations that would help younger audiences interested in this field and ultimately provide scholarships to the cooking school I am currently attending; 'The Art Institute of Atlanta.'

After only one semester of college, I realized that it isn't nearly as difficult of a transition from high school to college life as I convinced myself it would be. I am still new to the college experience so I understand exactly how terrifying it can be for some people. I was really nervous about finding my way around campus and meeting new people too, but once you're there, you'll realize it's not so bad at all. However, there are a lot of changes such as finals, picking courses, dorm life, and study time that can be more challenging to get used to. You are expected to study two hours for every hour of class to keep up with the materials, so plan out a time each day where you can just sit down and review materials. You also have advisors for your major who help you pick courses you need and get you your final exam schedules, but most questions can be easily found on the school's webpage. Lastly, get involved in the dorm's floor activities to meet people who may be your friends for the rest of your life. Enjoy it!!

If I could go back in time to talk to myself as a high school senior, the only piece of advice I would give myself is to save money! I tutored elementary school students and also worked at a clothing store in the mall during my senior year of high school and saved up money from those two jobs but that was not enough. I did not have any other savings. I recieve financial aid (grants and loans) and am currently working at my campus cafeteria; my only worry is having to pay back my loans six months after I graduate. I wish I knew how important it is to save money for college. Living in a household with nine children is tough and I did not expect much financial help from my parents nor did I want them to help. In times today, it seems as though adolescents take everything for granted, they live at home and their parents pay for most of their needs but it is the opposite in college. Looking back, I wish I had started a savings account in high school and saved more money for college.

The plain and simple avice I would give myself is to make friends because they are the ones who help my get through the toughest part of every day. Making the transition from having friends to making new friends can be tough for some, but making friends is the best way to branch out.

I would tell myself not to change my original academic intentions, because following them will ultimately lead me to where I am today. I would not forewarn myself that I would transfer twice--it would probably scare the daylights out of me. I would encourage myself adamantly to not be as much of a recluse, because that is always easier, and social interaction is more rewarding. Finally, regarding to academics, I would tell myself that we are capable of anything a professor throws at us. I would tell myself to trust my judgment and complete assignments according to that that specific professor's preferences and requirements (however not sacrificing my creative ability). I would give this advice to myself and deliberately withhold many details, because there have been several lessons that cannot simply be described.

If I could go back in time and give myself advice, the most important things I would tell myself is to be organized and get college applications out by the new year. The reason I say this is so things are done early and u'd be on top of your education. One thing you cannot do is wait until the last minute if you want to get into a 4 year college. You should start thinking about college once you get to your senior year. Taking your SAT's early is a plus so that you have something to rely on if your grades aren't the best; and if you need to retake them you have enough time to send the new scores in by the college application deadline. Colleges like people who are prepared for new education. They see potintial in students that are eager to start their life after high school. Now that I have graduated, I understand that it is nothing like what I would be getting myself into in a college environment. Being prepared and organized is a plus and takes a huge burden off your shoulder when it's done promptly.

I have put much thought into giving my high school senior advice over the years. I would travel back in time to 1987! "Jody, you think YOU have it all planned out?" First, accept that you need support and guidance in planning for your education. Your guidance counselor is to do more than show you how to fill out your financial aid forms. Your parents do not have the experience with secondary education, the value or the financial responsibility; however, they will need to be involved in your future. There are teachers at this high school that can help you. Do not be afraid to ask for help. This is your future. It is very important to remember if you are not satisfied with how your plans are turning out, review, reflect, and renew your goals. Seek the support for your education goals. In any circumstance, do not lose hope in attending college because of financial circumstances. Keep your eyes on your goals. Keep true to yourself and believe in yourself! You are completing your education for you and the many you will work with and meet in the future! The future isn't so far away.

In seeing all that has transpired since my time in highschool I have realized that I could have done quite a few things differently in order to make the transition process smoother. The most obvious of which to myself is how truly important the types of people who you should make your freinds in the first few weeks of college are. Of course you should still be freindly and nice to everyone you meet; however if your newfound friends do not share the same academic goals as yourself then the following semester you may find yourself freindless once again since your first semester friends have all failed out on account of partying too hard. The temptation to go out drinking on weeknights must be avoided since the only thing that will come of it is a morning headache and increased difficulty in your studies. There will be plently of time to party in college, only of course if you properly balance the time spent studying, socalizing, and working effectively. This time managment was something I recieved a crash course in almost too late in my first semester after realizing the pathway I and my new freinds were headed down.