Western Washington University Top Questions

Knowing what I know now about college life, the advice I would give myself would be to not consider money as an obstacle to reach higher education because there are a variety of financial help. Moreover, to not stress and rush on deciding what major to choose, because while taking classes you will learn more and discover new interests. Additionally, to make sure to keep yourself busy by becoming involved in clubs and organizations and to not be afraid to try new things because college opens many doors for great opportunities that can change your life. It is essential to always set yourself high goals, work hard, and never give up and to always think optimistically. It is crucial to keep in mind that college is not just about books, but also about networking, building friendships, and having a social life as well. If you continue being what you are then you won?t become what you should be. So don?t let fear or doubt get in the way of taking a leadership role or undertake something new. Plus, it?s a great way to grow and mature into a more positive person.

Robin, now that you are about ready to graduate, I see that you avoided classes that would help you go to college. No math? No foreign language? (How on earth did you get away with that??) That?s okay, when you are about 30, you?ll see the light after being passed over for deserved promotions due to a lack of college education. Later, go to a local community college and catch up on those subjects you didn?t think were important. The class sizes are small; your professors? love teaching; your classmates come from all walks of life, making for a rich classroom experience. When you decide it?s time for college, make sure to see an advisor this time to help you select classes. If you still don?t know what direction to go, your advisor can also help you choose from specialized certificates or degrees such as automotive, nursing, culinary arts; or from academic paths leading to a bachelor?s degree in any number of fields. You won?t regret it either way because you?ll finally explore and exercise your potential! (Not to mention opening career advancement opportunities by finally having a degree!)

If I could go back, I would tell myself not to worry. I would convince myself to try harder to make friends and to not be shy. And I would tell myself that everything I do and every decision that I make has to be for me, not for anyone else. Because of this, I didn't gain very many friends straight off and I spent alot of time alone. I'm attending college for me. I'm here to make lifelong friendships and discover who I am. If I live to please everyone, like I have my whole life, then what is the point? Being what you think others want you to be takes way too much effort. I've learned that being yourself is effortless, and much more attractive to others. And that's how a friendship should be. I don't need the approval of others to be who I really am. And the people that I want to surround myself with are the ones that enjoy being with me. If I had started this way of thinking earlier, then I definitely would have made more friends and I would've had a way better freshmen year.

Were I able to go back and talk to myself as a High School Senior, I would have encouraged myself to work harder at managing my time while I still had the security net of being at home. In college time management is so important because your teachers aren't going to breathe down your neck about turning in assignments. What grade you get is based on what effort you put in. Some classes require more effort than others. I'd have told myself to stay in the AP Statistics class and take the test so I'd have at least one GUR out of the way. Also, I'd have told myself to keep the second job up until the week I left. Money is so tight now, and evem just the two extra paychecks would have helped. Still, I think as a highschooler, I thought pretty far ahead, and have no major regrets. I am the sum of all my experiences and choices. I am who I chose to make myself.

Dear David , High school is almost over. Good work! And now your off to college next year. I know that you are more reserved than some people but college is the place to change that. Being involved in different activites is a great way to meet new people. Go to all of the activities that you can, without sacrificing your scholastics, no matter how lame you think that the activity may be. I didn't attend many events my first year and now I'm learning just how much I missed. I have attended considerably more events this year and I have been having so much more fun. Take the initiative to go to programs regardless of whether or not you have a friend with you; you will meet someone friendly there. When in doubt, just go- you won't regret anything. Have fun next year. Sincerely, Your later self

Don't worry so much about what other people think because people are really only concerned with their own problems. Stand out and don't be afraid to say what you mean. You have a mind of your own, show it and don't hide in the crowd. Life will be a lot more interesting!

Without question I would try my to take care of my undergraduate requirements at a community college.

Choose a general area of study and work towards it as soon as possible! You can always switch directions later, but it is always good to be working towards something. Alos, AP classes and college equivalent classes are so beneficial in the transition - you know what to expect and you can complete some of the grad requirements while you're working through a nice and easy transition.

When I was a senior in high school, I was completely ready to take advantage of life in college and to pursue what I really wanted to do in life. Unlike most high school seniors, I found out what I wanted to do during that year, and I was determined to achieve it, but even though I was ready to move on from high school I still was holding on to one thing- a long distance relationship. This boyfriend held me down so much during my first year of college. Not only with my social life, but also with my school work. The effort to keep the relationship together was not worth it. This may seem like a strange thing to talk about for a scholarship application, but I really wish I could of thoroughly enjoyed that year without a boyfriend. That is what I would of told myself before I came to college- "Let him go, it's not worth it". I missed out on alot of stuff last year, but now I can finally let go and just take care of myself, because that's why I came to college.

In high school I was a bit of a dreamer and my goals were highly unrealistic. After attending a little more than a year of college, reality sunk in and I realized that I have to make more concrete decisions in my life in order to succeed in the future. Now, I'm going to have to suffer through more years of school because I could not make a decision of what I wanted in high school. So if I could magically go back in time and I come face to face with my high school self I would say choose a path and stick with it. "If you're going through hell, keep going."-Churchill.