Western Washington University Top Questions

If I could go back in time and give myself advise about college, there are several things I would tell myself. First off, be comfortable with yourself and reach out to make new friends. There are unlimited possibilities to what you can do to pass time. Find things that make you happy and do not worry about what others think, because if you think it is enjoyable, you are guaranteed to find people on campus that will enjoy it as much as you do. Second, get into a major that you will enjoy! Do not just do something because you are good at it or others think you are, because at some point it will no longer be easy and you will not be happy to struggle through something that you are not committed to in the first place. If you pick something that you are passionate about, when it gets tough you will not mind persevering through it. Third, save your money. College is not cheap. External costs such as gas money are overlooked; you will be asking yourself where all the money went, and where are you going to get more so you can continue your schooling?

Grades are important in high school in order to create a good study ethics. But, do all you can to remember the good times. Times with favorite teachers, friends and activities is what you will remember the most. Through doing this you will know who you are as a person and what you admire in others . College will not only be graded on A's and B's, but your ability to make friends and connections. For success is not only measured by good grades, but by freindships and hapiness as well. Stress is an ever present part of life, therefore learn to embrace the fact that you are stressed because you want to suceed. Failures will happen so know that it is normal, but learn to bounce back. The eight years of high school and college will be a time in your life that you will allways remember no matter what your grades were. Be friendly and positive at all times and you will be successful because people will want to be with you when you need them the most. High school will come and go faster than you realize it could, so embrace it.

I would definitely tell myself to live with a random roommate in the dorms instead of my best friend. I learned the hard way that we were not compatible to live together and after a few months she moved out without so much as a goodbye. It was hard to lose such a good friend, but I was very grateful for the new roommate I got soon after. I would also tell myself that you can?t procrastinate in college and get away with it like I was able to do in high school. In all of the classes that I?ve taken in college, I always do better on tests and quizzes when I study a little every day rather than cram the last few days before the test. But most importantly, I would tell myself to exercise, relax, and have fun.

Dear Kayanna, I know this year has been hard, but somehow you did it. You?ll go on to do some great things and learn some valuable life lessons. Though it takes you longer than the average to get back to school you do and you do well. If I were to have gone to college right out of high school I don?t think I would have been ready I didn?t have a clear education goals and paying for school myself has made me value my education and my time. I wouldn?t change anything I?ve done because I am proud of the person I am and am going to be. I am disappointed that I wasn?t diagnose with a learning disability until the end of my Jr. year of collage but, on the other hand go me for making it that far!

Be ready for inconsistency. Be ready for change. The beginning of college life can be hectic; dorm life, challenging classes, club recruitment, creating new social networks, independence interlaced with new responsibilities, more homework, and brand new challenges. It can be hard to know who you will be friends with, what you should get involved with, or even figure out what you want to major in! All of these choices are important; but what?s more important is to know that each person can, and will, create a unique path for themselves; including you! Don't be afraid to create that path for yourself. Allow yourself to change your mind, change your views, and change yourself. Friends and acquaintances with come and go, but you will always be with yourself. Also, find those great professors and take their classes (specifically professor Margaritis). Take each course with the intention of gaining new knowledge and a fresh prospective, and don't worry about the grades. Concern yourself more with your own learning and growth; rewire your brain to feel rewarded for knowledge rather than a high score on a test. Challenge yourself, have fun, and always know that everything will be all right.

Apply sooner! I realize WWU was/is your last choice, but there's really only one place that is 'the' place to be for on-campus housing: the Nash/Mathes complex! People everywhere are nice, but applying later is going to get you put in your last choice for housing, and in your case, that did not turn out to be the optimum housing/first-year experience! Also, give clubs more of a chance that just one or two meetings...that is not enough time to really get to know people for who they really are to be able to fully enjoy the club experience! Be sure to participate in language classes more than you think is necessary, too, because the professors are extremely harsh in that area of grading. All in all, just use common sense and get involved; everyone in Bellingham is friendly. Oh, and if you decide to go to Warm Cookie Night (or a special meal), make sure to arrive atleast 15 minutes early at the dining hall to line up!

Okay Misty, where does your mind want to go? You are in control of your destiny and you can call out what you want and achieve any thing you apply yourself to. You are powerful and capable and deserve to cherish information and challenge norms. Follow through with your ideas. Write or draw every day even if your life is full of busy. Stay open and vulnerable but assert your worth and take up space. Don't step on anyone or let someone step on you or those around you. Keep your passion central to informing where to put your energy. Tell someone in your own words about what you are learning every day. Collaborate and network because people thrive off of eachother. Keep the promises you make to yourself and believe your words. Be present, life goes by fast. Balance is always a good answer. Be the first to believe you can do something you wouldn't have ever tried, and do it!

I would tell myself not to worry about other people. Instead of trying to make everyone happy I would encourage myself to be "selfish" and just go in focusing on my classes and my ultimate goals. People come and go in our lives, so it is important to keep your goals foremost in your mind because without those you can't get anywhere. You can get places without having to have everyone in your life pleased.

The biggest piece of advice I can give is to NOT settle for anything less than what you are looking for. As a college student you are PAYING for your education, that means the staff, school and all affiliates of the university is being paid from your tuition money. That means that you are entitled to make sure you are succeeding in your education and receiving the proper accommodations for whatever you are pursuing. Push yourself and make every opportuniy important. Take risks and profit from them. And above all-realize that this is the time in your life to be selifsh make bold choices and have time to figure out what you need to make you happy and successful.

It's a big change, but it'll be okay. All the freshmen are new to college, and some of the returners are really nice. Your RA is a great resource, and it's important to make friends in college, not just finish all your homework early so you can doublecheck it. Also, Western's a great place for you, so don't be disappointed it's a state school, it's just right for you.