Washington State University Top Questions

Focus and do your homework, kid. College classes are a lot more difficult than high school classes. Oh and it might seem very overwhelming at times but trust me, just keep going. It WILL get better and you WILL make it through the semester. Don't give up! I also highly recommend being cautious when spending money. College is more expensive than you think and every little bit you can save up and not spend on something you don't really need will help you in the long run. And you should probably check in with mom and dad more often. They miss you. One more thing, watch out for the ice on campus. You fall on it one day and really mess up your ankle. But don't worry, a bunch of random people will immediately rush to your side to make sure you're ok because the campus is filled with fantastic individuals!

To speak to myself as a high school senior, I would start with a hug. I would let myself know that all of my hard work and struggling will pay off. I would say that things will only get better from here. The sleepless nights with my son, keeping up intensly with schoolwork, and being abused my boyfriend will stop. I will no longer have to work myself to exaustion and mental breakdowns. I would tell her of all of the amazing people working to help her next year. I would talk about the hours in between classes being spent with the friendliest adults in the writting and math centers. I would speak of the newfound freedom of adulthood and zipling adventures with peers. I would warn of the responcibilities and the prices that come with freedom. She should start practicing time management, study skills, and making latework unacceptable. Most importantly, she needs to know that she's about to become a single mother in a new world she has yet to eperience. Her life will change, but change is exactly what she needs. She will be proud of who she becomes if she can just make this hurdle.

Think about what makes you, you. Sit quietly and reflect upon this. Is it a sport? A hobby? An emotion? Once you're done, continue reading. Chances are you were impacted by those close to you. For instance, who gave you the guts to stand up against bullies, or your love of running? What about your faith in people? It is the actions of others that make you who you are today. Now, you are on the brink of going to college, frightened and forced to meet complete strangers. Yet, what is truly to fear? A great man once told me that life is what you make it. I realize now, however, that he was merely partially right. Who you meet is entirely up to you; you can step outside of your comfort zone or dwell within your claustrophobic bubble. Remember though, it is who you meet that will ultimately shape and forge who you are. They will bring out your wonders. All they need is a simple hello.

I wish I hadn't been ecstatic to leave. The days, even weeks before move-in day I had become home sick; not the kind where I miss being at home but rather, I was diseased by the contagious annoyance of my family. I craved independance and self worth. I was ready, beyond prepared to spread my wings and fly to the great beyond. I could smell wheat fields and brick buildings from across the state, and it enthralled me. I wish now instead that I had slowed down time. It is possible to do that, might I say, to slow down time. All one has to do is appreciate what that person has in that moment. Look around. Look at the people who love you, look at your home, at anything that brings a memory to your lips. I've known this piece of advice, but I very seldom follow it, and not because I choose not to do so; I am forgetful. That is a great flaw of mine. I need to appreciate the bad as well as the good, because now, I really am diseased and with a sickness that can only be cured with love.

If I could go back in time to my senior year I would tell myself that the transition would be tough but that it gets easier as time goes on. I would tell myself to make the most of all the time you have with friends senior year because once college starts everyone moves on with their lives and everything changes. Although making friends in college isn't a problem when you live in a residence hall because everyone is so friendly. Take advantage of all the opportunities presented to you because college only happens once. Remember everyone is in the same shoes, new classes means that not everyone will know each other. It'll be okay.

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself "Go Cougs!" and "Enjoy it" and nothing else. I regret nothing that happened during college and would not change a day of it for anything. Everything that happened during college I learned from and I had a great transition into college. I learned that anyone who attends Washington State University becomes part of an amazing community that looks out for eachother, both students and alumne. Transitioning into college was a great experience and I am glad I picked this university.

Apply to scholarships!!! College can be very expensive coming from a low-income family. You're very smart and talented. You're very attached to your family, are you sure you're ready to move to a small town of a 30k population ? College, isnt like High school. In college, you wont have anyone but yourself to tell you to do your homework, shower, eat etc. you have to know how to manage your time. There is no time to slack off at all! oh you "don't sleep" enough during your senior year? WHAT'S SLEEP in college.? study on your free time instead of watching one of your favorite shows. In college you have to work hard the first 3 weeks as if it were the last 3 weeks of the semester

If you can go in state to a college, it is much cheaper. Fill out as many scholarship applications that you can if you go out of state. Try and find what you really love before college so you dont waste money changing majors and having to stay longer. Keep an open mind college is not high school anymore, its a whole new experience that you need to embrace because it is truly exciting. Get involved because you meet a lot of great people who can help you along the way. Theres always someone to talk to, no matter how stressful it gets you have resources to help you through nearly any situation.

The first thing I would tell myself if I had the opportunity to go back and advise myself would be, to be very open-minded. When entering college you are going to be introduced to so many new things and you should step out of your comfort zone. If you stay secluded from the fun on campus then you are going to stress yourself out by only doing school work. I mean do not get me wrong, focus on your school work but also give yourself some time to have fun. Every great student takes breaks, they are necessary to keep a clear and uncluttered mind. I would also tell myself that stress is going to happen but do not let it over power my life or education. College is now a place where attending should not be dreadful but rather exciting and inviting. A hint I would give myself from the past would be to not be afraid and just be confident. Even though everyone constantly will remind you that it will all be worth it in the end, they are right and you just need to have patience and a positive attitude! GOOD LUCK!!

First, start applying for colleges and scholarships as early as possible. College is rarely affordable without any financial aid, and student debt after graduating college can be a huge issue for some and cuase major setbacks. Some look forward to moving out and becoming independant, but there is a lot to living on your own, even if it's still in a dorm with other people. Buying food, school supplies, textbooks, getting to appointments, doing laundry, and most importantly staying on top of work. Don't expect the transition to be easy, but also don't be afraid to talk to people and ask for help. Thousands of freshman are going through the same thing. Be ready to make new friends, but also try to keep in touch with exisiting friends. It's easy to move on with your life, but the people you spent the past four years of your life with aren't less important than those you will spend the next four with.