Western Washington University Top Questions

Since sixth grade I was never the most popular person in school. It wasn't that I was ugly or socially awkward, I simply spent more time studying or playing video games rather than socializing. It didn't help that my entire class consisted of 54 people, or the fact that my school was both a middle and high school combined. Because my reputation was shot since the beginning and followed me for over six years, as a high school senior I vowed to change in college. I vowed to be the complete opposite of the loser I was in middle and high school, to take risks and branch out to people as much as humanly possible. It wasn't until just recently, as a junior in college, that I realized my mistake. Although I have plenty of friends now, I don't connect with any of them on a personal level. It's not that they're terrible friends, I simply wish that they appreciated the company of the introvert in high school who had nothing to hide. It is because of this reason that my advice consists of two simple, powerful, yet somewhat clich? words: "Be Yourself."

One of the hardest things for me to adjust to in college was having enough time for just myself. I did not even think about this before I went, and it did not bother me until about the second quarter, but it was something that I desperately needed. In college, especially for freshmen, there are so many new things to do, people to meet, places to explore, and subjects to study that students can exhaust themselves quite quickly. Although these things are necessary for making new friends and doing well in school, a new freshman could get burnt out very easily if there is not enough time to recharge. The solution which I found was to make time for myself and have a place to go and get away from all the noise. Another word of advice, and it sounds somewhat contradictory, is to get involved in groups that are interesting. This enables a student to exponentially expand their horizons beyond dorm and classroom friendships, and can cement good and lasting relationships for the future. In conclusion, students should be involved, but have time for themselves. That is the biggest piece of advice I can offer.

If I could go back in time to talk to myself when I was a senior in high school, I would tell myself a few things. The first would be to not procrastinate. I waited to long to apply to colleges and for scholarships, I got into the school I wanted, but I still waited too long, and I did not get any scholarships. I would also tell myself that I should save more money. One of the issues I had with trying to find the right college was that I didn?t want to choose the wrong one to go to. And, with that, I would tell myself that Western Washington University was definitely a good school to choose and I didn?t have to worry anymore about if I was going to like it because I truly love this town and this school and I'm very happy with the choice I made.

If I were to travel back in time, I would advise myself to advise myself to enjoy yourself as who you are. My transition from high school to college was one tough transition. I had a hard time accepting the fact that I need to grow apart from my high school friends and make new friends that will open my view on the world. It was especially hard on me because almost all of my friends were accepted into the same college and I was accepted into Western Washington University, which unfortunately my friends decided not to attend. I was also nervous about making new friends at college. I lacked confidence in my abilities to make new friends because I felt comfortable with my old friends, as well as the fact that I was very unwilling to make new friends. Looking back now, I believe that this kind of advice would have saved me a lot of time not worrying about my future. My lack of confidence in my future lead me to believe that making friends would be tough and unlikely. If I were to hear this from my future college self, I would save time and build confidence.

Considering what I now know about college life and the college experience I would love to be able to go back to a young high school self and tell myself to get involved in the activities you love. I personally am ultimatly looking towards a career in law and government and now that I have gotten involved in the student government in college I want to kick myself for not doing it sooner and not being more outspoken. Becoming involved in student government has given me a basis of positive role models and life experience that could not be bought. This involvement has helped me find a role for myself on campus and I have made significant contributions to this university because of it.

Congrats on getting into college, you're doing well. However, we both know we don't want to be at Western Washington. We (you, me, us? who knows) need to be in California where we are meant to be. Trust me, you get into your dream colleges down there, but we can't afford them. You need to start applying for every scholarship out there and start working a lot more. I know you're having fun this year coaching and playing soccer, partying with friends, and school seems easy for you, but we need to think about our life. We can make friends anywhere, we both know it. We can get the grades we want and need (I do love your competitiveness), we both know it. We can play sports wherever we want to, and once again, we both know it. So please, consider where we want to do all this. California. We both know it.

If I could go back in time and give myself advice, I think one of the most important things to do at a university is to get involved. Joining clubs and/or groups allows students to find a goup of people that have the same passion as they do. It allows you to also find a variety of friends. There are a lot of students who go to college from around the world and by joining a club or group, you are most likely going to meet a student who is not from around the area you grew up in. Also, clubs will help you find a variety of genders. In conclusion, clubs will help you find friends who have the same passions as you, a variety of cultures and genders. It is a great way to make life long friends and enhance one's experience at college.

I would have told myself, you should have started 4-year university a lot sooner. I made the mistake of entering the workforce upon graduating high school, and I had even achieved a 2-yr Associates degree already (through Running Start). But the focus at that time was to build sufficient financial resources so that I may afford my tenure at college towards a Bachelor degree; however I ended up working for several years without much saving to show for it. If only I could have told myself back then, to start on the path of university enrollment, to seek finances through FAFSA, and to persevere through the obstacles that might have arisen....I think I might have just taken a different approach to my future where I would have achieved my Bachelor degree in less time and with less struggle than I have at this point.

Knowing what I know now, I would tell my psat self to really consider the choices that I would be about to make. Before, I hadn't really thought about my choice in attending Western. I was put on a waiting list to the school that I actually wanted to attend, but because of the pressure from my parents, I decided to go to Western instead of waiting. At the time, I thought that attending Western would be a good experience, but it turned out to be different than expected. I would tell my past self that even if I had thought it would be a good chance to take, everything doesn't always end well. Dorming here at Western was and still is a terrible expeirence. I would much rather be at home, even if that meant I would have gone to a community college instead. I would tell my past self as a high school senior to not go to this school.

If I were to go back in time and talk to myself as senior in high school I would stress the importance of being open minded during my college experience. College is a time to grow as a person and continue to learn and develop as a young adult. I would suggest stepping outside of my own comfort zone and dive into a new environment by becoming involved in my school and community. I would stress the importance of challenging myself and I would encourage myself to be open to furthering my education beyond the undergraduate degree. As a high school senior I may be exhausted from applying to scholarships, universities, and financial aid but I would stress the importance of continuing to apply for scholarships through out my college years. I would explain how my parents support me in every way they can but I have had the sole responsibility of funding education. I would make sure that I am aware that the only way I can finish school is by applying for loans, working throughout the year, and applying for scholarships like this one. I would encourage myself to continue to work my hardest.