Westminster College-Salt Lake City Top Questions

Focus, study hard and enjoy the opportunity you have to be in college.

I would tell my high school senior self to try to take all the concurrent enrollment classes now while still in high school. Its much cheaper and you have a longer amount of time to accomplish the assignments. I would also let myself know that college isn't a cake walk, you have to work for a grade and truly read the book. Most students don't think they have to read the book. I would also tell myself to not procrastinate, procrastination is your enemy! Another thing I would tell myself is to become organized, either use a planner or your phone calendar or whatever works best for you and write down all your assignments and their due dates that way you can keep on top of everything!

Having never met anyone whose high school experience is regret-free, I know that I thrive in plentiful company on the matter. As a high school senior, I made mistakes which could easily have been avoided if, when faced with challenges, I had possessed the knowledge and understanding that I have since gained. However, within every regret is hidden the gift of a lesson with potential to be learned. If I had not committed the wrongs I did, it is doubtful that I would possess the knowledge I do now. Such consequences would thoroughly defy the purpose of the trials of life. If presented with the opportunity to counsel my high school senior self, I would not attempt to lead myself toward a problem-free path away the mistakes I was destined to make. Rather, I would help my younger self to better understand how much I had grown and matured as a result of previous errors; upon the achievement of this understanding, I would certainly have been better equipped to recognize the learning experiences provided by the current trials against which I battled.

It was my senior year and I was still trying to decide what I want to do with my life. Was I going to follow my passion for English, creative writing, and art? Or was I going to chase my dream and go into science? Or perhaps I would persue a secret love of mine, medical science? I was still unsure of which path to take. But, one thing scared me above eveyrthing else: the idea of commitment and responsibility. During my junior year, I made up my mind that I was going to join the US Navy, go active duty, and travel the world. I was so set on this drema that I often neglected searching for scholarships, doing my homework, etc. If I could go back in time, I'd tell myself that the military can wait, or a compromise could be met. (Join the military and have them pay for some of my school). I would tell myself that higher education is important and worth it. I would let my senior self know that not only is college worth the time because of future doors opening, but it's also unbelievablly fun.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a senior in high school I would be sure to tell myself to venture out from Montana, which is what I did. I would tell myself to stop all of the worrying and stressing about which college to go to and to do what my heart says- explore life. I may not enjoy Salt Lake City as much as what I thought I would now, but I would always be asking myself "what it would have been like" if I did not go. I would also tell myself to apply for as many scholarships as I can, and when I think there is none left to apply for to push through and keep searching. I would tell myself to breathe and to stop beating myself up for the past and not getting straight A's every semester because I cannot go back to change it. Lastly, I would tell myself to enjoy the ride and to make sure I see my mom as much as possible because the one year really does fly by and I will miss her tremendously.

I would tell myself that I should not stress so hard about getting into college and going through the school years. I would advise that I learn stress techniques and remember it's okay to take some time to be social and have fun.

I would tell myself to first stop attempting to please my parents and start thinking about what I really want for myself out of life. I would tell myself that when I get older I am going to develope a love and understanding of business in such a way that it would be a wise decision to decide to be a business major instead of going for dentistry. I would also tell myself that I need to not get intimidated by the first university I go to because it will make things much harder. I would say to live in the dorms my freshman year, which I did not do, because I will give me a sense of identity within the university which would prevent me from going through the hardships that I actually ended up going through. Last, I would tell myself to not worry too much because everything turns out well and I will be happy.

Dear 18 year old, confident, independent, fearless me- Your life is about to change forever. College is going to open you to things you never knew about yourself, your abilities, your failures, and the world. I know you are confident about surviving school because everything you accomplished in high school was from your own drive, but you’re about to be lost. Don’t get muddled in the confusions of not knowing where you want to go. Instead spend your time interacting with others and being involved in groups and activities. This will allow you to make friends, discover yourself on a far deeper level, and fill the void you are currently struggling against. Learn to embrace the chaos of life. Remember that a single grade doesn’t determine your future and that each day you live is another day gone. Most importantly SAVE YOUR MONEY!!! I know this is difficult to grasp as that new electrical device is sooo insanely incredible and you would die without it but you will regret it later. Outside of high school your life is an intense struggle of survival, confusion, responsibility, change, ambition, competition, compassion, dedication, & Success. Welcome to the world of discombobulation.

College is not to be feared. It's hard to make such a big transition and let go of things you've known for so long but it gets better. Family will always be there for you, friendships that are important will withstand time and distance, you will always have all the wonderful memories of high school, and all the bad ones won't mean as much anymore. College is a place for opportunities. A chance to shape your life the way you want it to be. There is no need to fear being a failure or making the wrong decisions because you decide what success is for you and what your right decisions are. College truly marks the beginning of your life as an individual so don't waste a moment of it being worried or self-conscious. Live every moment and seize every opportunity and you will find yourself living a life of no regrets.

Kept my grades up! I had no plans to attend college. But here I am 17 years later and my gpa comes back to haunt me. Gratefully I kept a B- average. It did cost me a large amount of money. If I had maintained a higher average I could have qualified for more scholarship money.