Western Washington University Top Questions

The advice I would give myself is to not be afraid. While I was very excited for school, I also was afraid of being in such a big place without my family and that the professors wouldn't care about me. Well, first of all, the professors at Western are a group of amazing people who really do care about your work, your mind, and your well-being. Second, a university may be much larger than the small town I was used to, but by taking risks you can create your own small community. Join clubs, talk to people you don't know, and leave your dorm room because there are almost an infinite amount of opportunities on your campus that will help you build that community. Don't be afraid to do what you love either. If your heart is in the theatre then go audition even though you're a freshman! It's okay to fail! In fact, you will fail! You will learn from it, and you will meet life-changing people along the way.

Dear High-School-Hilary, The next few years of your life will be like none other in your lifetime. The world will look beautiful, everything will seem remarkably new, and you will discover things about yourself and others that seem unfathomable now. Embrace every feeling, there will be many of them. There will be monumental ups and downs. You will be inspired, and you will be deeply disappointed, and this is all part of the process of becoming yourself. Take risks and make mistakes knowing that Post-College-Hilary regrets none of the heartache, the finacial misfortunes, or the deep, cutting, heartbreaking losses to come. Trust your gut and listen to your parents. Be honest with yourself and your friends. Try to use that gym membership that comes with your tuition (I already know you won't, but try). Finally, in November of your Freshman year you will pick up a bottle of cranberry juice sitting on your windowsill and take a huge swig without looking at the contents first. DON'T DO THIS. The juice is moldy, and this will ruin a perfectly good beverage for you for the rest of your adult life. All my love, Future Hilary

I'd tell myself to chill. People in college generally don't cae about what you're wearing. They're generally nice people, even if their apperance makes you think otherwise. And, by the way, it's really hypocritical you don't want people to judge you based on your apperance, but judge others based on their apperance. Also, pretty much everything high school said about college is wrong. MLA format isn't the format you'll use in all of your classes, Jane Schaffer's organization style is HATED among professors, your prefessors want you to succeed and will do everything to help you do so, and the first two years of college are exactly like high school; it's the last two that are so much better. It's okay to not know your major. Many students don't until they have finished quite a few of the general education requirements. That's what those requirements are there for.

Hello Danielle, you have been thinking about the Navy's Construction Battalion: go for it! It wil shine light on who you are, who you were, and who you want to be. Once you get out you will have the freedom and benefit of the GI Bill you've earned to explore classes that interest you, until you discover your passion in the subject that brings meaning to your life. After the Navy, college life will be a unique and character-defining experience. In college you can choose the classes that interest you, and challenge yourself to find all kinds of new skills you didn't know you had. Take too many classes and get in over your head, use that stress to push yourself further than you ever have. Test your mental and physical limits and let your insatiable curiosity guide you to the things you love like a compass. Your professors have worked in the laboratories of your dreams and can give you relevant career advise, so always ask the questions on your mind. Life is a journey, college is a whirlwind of new people and life lessons, plan for the future you want and never stop smiling!

As a senior in high school I was itching to get out of my small, hometown and live independently. If I could go back after my college experience and talk to my high school self I would have this advice to give. All that independence and adventure, it’s coming. You’re going to be living on your own in a new place and have the opportunity to do the things that you feel like you can’t do now. This is going to be a great time in your life, but you’ll want to start thinking of what you want to get out of this experience. Think about your parents’ lives, they’ve been going to work every day at the same job for years- after college this is likely where you’re headed, too. Think carefully about what you want your working life, your life after college to look like. How do you want to spend the majority of your days? If you begin planning now and can marry this plan with a career path, you’ll not only enter college ahead of the game, you’ll exit college, an event that is very real, with purpose.

I would tell myself a couple of things. First, I would take applying for scholarships more seriously. Then I would tell myself to step out of my comfort zone sooner. It took me about a year and a half to start making friends on my own will. I'm really shy.

Hi Daniel, I know that now you are in Running Start Program. University is exact same as what you are study for now. It's not gonna be hard, so don't be afraid or do not give up. You are doing great job, because you came to us only 3 years ago and you are studing 3 times then regular American students!! I am really proud of you. You might get hard time or sturuggle with something while you are in college, but you will be okay. Make sure that keep your faith to God and pray to him whenever you want to tell God something or when you are having a hard time. I am so proud of you. I love you myself, Daniel. Good Luck!

Tuition is a lot of money and you should be applying to scholarships during your free time than doing something else.

If I could go back in time to talk to myself, I would jump on that opportunity. I would like to tell myself to prepare more for college. Aim higher than you think you can actually achieve. College came up scarily quick, so do more whilst in high school in order to be more prepared. More scholarships so you don't have to stress about money and more research so you know more about what you're getting into. Not that I don't enjoy what I've gotten myself into, but high school to college is a big jump, and once I opened my eyes to check I made it across successfully, I was still slightly shaken. I could have used that advice from myself, to ensure that it would be a jump I would survive.

There is a lot of advice I would tell myself; starting with packing. I would tell myself that I won’t need to bring all of my workout clothes; there is not enough room and I do not go to the gym as much as I expected. Then for move-in day I would tell myself that I don’t need to worry, people help me move in my big boxes. I would tell myself to not have an 8 AM class, it’s hard enough getting up for the 9AM ones. And while it is nice to have meals cooked for you, I should lower my expectations, the food isn’t the same as what my mom makes. It is probably a good idea to start study for tests a week in advance, and do the readings! Just accept the fact that you will be tired a lot, and that naps are acceptable. Lastly, to just have fun and enjoy the time with my friends! I have made some amazing friends in my first year, and I need to relax and understand that all things will work out.