Warner Pacific College Top Questions

Dear Aaron, First off I know there are a lot of people out there talking to you about college and everything surrounding college, but listen to me for a minute. I just finished my first semseter of college, and I didnt die. Lots of friends and family are probably telling you how difficult and how scary college is. Listen to them, cause it is big and it is scary and at times you are challanged. Thats what its all about though. Its about growing and stretching yourself further then you thought you could ever go. If my first semester was nothing but a breeze I highly doubt I would have learned anything. One thing I really learned about college is not only is college about learning educationaly but you also learn a lot about yourself. Ive never grown so much as I have here at school. A couple exra things that help before you come to college is start your financial aid as soon as possible. There is so much aid out there if you get it first. Also dont be scared of college, you can do it. Belive in yourself and come in with an open mind.

I would tell myself that; You need to be prepared. Proffessors do not baby you like high school teachers do. You get it done when it's said to get it done. Also, study! It helps. Learn to be creative with your studying and study in groups or however best fits you. Sleep at night, because sleeping in class is frowned apon. Your body and immune system will love you more for it too. Also, make to do lists and check them off when things are complete and try to get them completed before the last minute. It gives you time to hang out with your friends and have fun. Enjoy, and explore what this college has for you. Go to every event it hold and if you don't like then don't go back, but try it first. Make new friends, because they can help you study and they can help be support when you need it the most. Also, call home at least once a week. Parents, for some reason, like to hear how your doing. Remember to enjoy life and be fun and creative with things and situations. Makes life worth living in college!

Recognize that college and high school are very different in the academic sense, but very similar in the social sense. It's not going to be easy, so don't pile things on in a hurry to get it done. When you are finished, it will be worth it. So keep at it, ask for help when you need it, and get your homework done before going out. It will save you a lot of stress and worry.

If I were to travel back to my senior year of high school, I would mainly tell myself to be more concerned with finances. As a working adult, I am learning how difficult money management is in your twenties. Unfortunately, I went to a very expensive college before enrolling at my current school. Because of this, I have lost funds that could have helped me enrich my life in a more reasonable fashion. While I do believe education is of utmost importance, I also believe in looking for reasonable tuition expenses that are commensurate with the product you are recieving. I also would tell myself to try out lots of different courses because while you may think you know what you want at 18, you truly do not!

I would encourage myself to travel before buckling down at a 4 year university. Experiencing other cultures and areas of the world is not only beneficial for me because it expands my worldview, it also helps prepare me for new situations within American culture. It helps me learn to look on the bright side and not to complain and encourages me to value the opportunity that I have to receive a college education because not very many people in this world receive that chance. I would also encourage myself not to be anxious about the college experience because as long as I make an effort, there is a wealth of people at college and I can choose to be friends with just about any group of people.

In high school, I was a completely different person. I recieved low marks on school work, never did homework, and was more dedicated to my social life than I was to my academic life. I would tell myself not to worry about the high school/college transition. It will completely change ever aspect of my life for the better. Warner is the perfect school for you. You will find the best friends you could ever ask for and professors who care about your future. The biggest thing that I would tell myself would be to be open to the changes that are about to happen, be completely honest to your new friends (they will greatly appreciate it), and to stop holding on to unhealthy relationships in the path, because God will lead me in the right direction if I let Him.

Start looking for money and help to pay for college. Be open to what the school offers and take advatage of it. Call your mom every week just to keep her updated because when your so far from home, to keep that conection open with her you need to be willing to talk. Do not go to college to find your future, go to college to find yourself and to be yourself and understand where your future could be going.

Make sure you feel compfortable in the setting you will be involved with for at least 3 years.

Research the colleges. Ask alumni about their experience. Make sure Financial aid fits your budget and needs. Make sure that the classes will work within your time constraints. Is there a work study program? The size of the library and the hours? Does the library allow you to access other databases at other colleges or libraries ? For research that is very important. Is the College supported by any other organizations ? Is there career placement?

Warner is a great school and I love it. But it's not for everyone. Make sure you have a good idea what you want in a school. The setting is almost as important as the academic programs that you plan to participate in. If you hate the place you live it is much harder to be academically sucessful. Find out what services the school offers and talk with current students to get a good idea what the atmosphere is really like. Once you have chosen your school have a positive attidude about it. Walk on campus with the intention of making friends right away, especially with your roomates and don't be afraid to ask professors for help. In fact, going to their offices and meeting with them during the first week is a great way to start the term off right. College is an adventure, enjoy it!