Western Washington University Top Questions

I would tell myself, how important it is to get a college education and that the quality of life will be much better, if I received a college education. I would further tell myself that I would like college and I would have the opportunity to make many friends in college.

I would advise myself first of all, to calm down. It can be a really stressful time, but you will end up where you need to go. I would also advise my senior-self to apply early. It really makes a difference and you don't have to worry about all those deadlines. In additon, apply for financial aid! You never know what you will get unless you do it, you could be surprised. Finally, visit all of the colleges, hopefully while school is in session. I don't know a better way to figure out if a school is right for you if you never visit. Also, while visiting, don't be afraid to really explore and ask a lot of questions. This could be the place where you are spending the next four years of your life! Enjoy!

Mikayla, I want you to know that it will all be okay. All of the anxiety and fears of the future that you’re having now are silly. You will find your place wherever you end up going to school! Your 4.0 may seem like the most important thing to you right now but once you get to college, nobody is going to care about that and you won’t care as much either. The first month will be the hardest, but when you go home for the weekend you’ll realize that home isn’t the same as it used to be. You’ve made new friends and set up a new life for yourself essentially and while your family will always be your family, suddenly they don’t feel as familiar. You will make new friends who believe the same things that you do and even though you’ve only known them for a short time, you know they’ll be there for you forever. College is fun! There are moments that are hard, but you’ll get over it. Life's a struggle Remember to enjoy every moment because it’s already going too fast.

I would tell myself not to worry so much about the little things, a social life, making connections left and right. I would help myself understand that the people I know in high school, despite all the promising of staying in touch, won't be there for me when times are rough. I will reassure myself that I will find someone to be my rock through the turmoil, and my light through the darkness. There's no need to take on the world by yourself, or to be so guarded. You have to trust yourself and in the world that everything is happening accordingly, and that things will work out. Keep the grades up, you'll be disappointed otherwise. Focus on what's important, but take some time to figure out who it is you really are and what type of life you want to have. Your life doesn't have to abide by anyone's rules but your own, and the things you want years later will shock even the youngest, intellecutal version of yourself. You've got a good head on your shoulders, don't doubt yourself so much, you've got it.

Hey Jared Barr! What’s up! It’s me, Jared Barr, In the Future! So, here’s the thing, life is Not some big videogame, it’s not all about being comfortable. Life is about becoming a better person, a better you, life is about opening up, learning, serving, and spreading your talents with those around you. Do your Homework! Don’t think that somehow you will magically know how to get through life when you don’t know how to get a job. Go to school, learn a skill, pursue a career, start a family. Hard work pays off all the time, no matter what anyone else says.

The advice I would give myself as a high school senior would to be more open to other students when I go to attend WWU. Being more open, friendly, and outgonig would have allowed me to make the the life long connections I have made but make them sooner in my college career. Going in to Western my freshman year I was shy and afraid of taking social risks. It took me several years of constant social interactions to become to outgoing and personable person I want to be in my life. This transition to becoming a more socially outgoing person has been beneficial to my life and I thank the atmosphere at western for helping me make the change to this behavior but I would advise my high school self to begin this process sooner. Another piece of helpful advice i would give myself would be to seek advising help sooner in my college career. Instead of trying to advise myself on which classes I needed to take at specific times in my college career I wish i had sought out faculty advising from the start of my college career.

Choose a random dorm roommate. This serves two purposes. One, if you room with a current friend, you risk the loss of that friendship if you are both not compatible to be roommates. Two, this allows you to meet new people which is key to having success in college. If the random person you are given as a dorm roommate is from a different country or even a different part of the United States that you grew up in, it gives you an opportunity to learn different cultures and ways of life. Thus enhanicng your college experience and helping you understand globalization.

Dear High School Senior Summer, Please enjoy your last year of high school. College is so different and scary and independent and exciting, but so is your senior year. You will get to college eventually but for right now, breathe, and soak it all in. Because you will not talk or see any of these people again. You will have the chance to reinvent yourself and grow up, but please, for now, just be a stupid, naive kid. You won't have to worry about huge responsibilities like living on your own or deciding what you want for dinner. Be close to your senior class and enjoy every last experience, your last football game, your last Cabbage Patch Olympics and go to your Senior Prom. College will be fantastic, but your senior year should be too. Don't lose sight of who you are or who you want to be. Just be a Senior and let things fall way they may. Stop worrying and stressing and just go for it. Love, Western Washington University Summer

Hey high school me. I know you’re really nervous for college but I want you to not be. You will make friends amongst the people who are trying to meet new people. You will get homesick but it won’t be that bad. The people there aren’t big scary people. You will change your major over half way through the year but don’t freak out and be that controlling person quite yet! It will help you learn new things, both with acdemics and knowing what you truly want in life. So don’t freak out knowing that present you isn’t going on the path that you are constructing in your mind now. In fact, most of your future plans will change. With learning about yourself you’ll also know what you want with your relationships in life. It may be shocking but people you are close to now may not be close with you now, but they were holding you back. All this might seem like some major, upsetting news but hey don’t worry. Present you is happy, and is excited for the future. You’ll get here soon.

When i was in highschool i was the type of person that followed what everyone else was doing. As a freshman i was just getting by settling for a passing grade and not really caring. that happened up until my senior year. when i realized i was getting closer to becoming an adult i knew i had to take school seriously. i started working a little harder and not slacking off but i was still settling for just a normal grade. if i could go back and tell myself one thing it would be this: life only gets harder. that way i wouldve prepared myself a lot more for college. tell myself to try hard now so college life isnt so hard for you. so thats why i try to encourage my yonger siblings so they dont have to take the hard route like i did.