Westminster College-Salt Lake City Top Questions

The most beneficial experience I have about my college, is all the opportunities I have been given. I have met so many interesting people from different states even countries! There are so many things to do out here I have not been bored once! Our school is constantly funding fun activities to keep us out of trouble, and we are super close to a lot of great trails and out door activites I have always loved nature but I have never been able to experience it the way I have been here, everything is so beautiful it is breath taking. I have never seen mountains let alone hiked them! The college provides so many opportunities as well. I have met so many cool people and learned more about myself and how to appreciate the little things in life.

Before attending college, I was sceptical towards the entire concept. I didn't see how it would help me, other than by "giving" me a piece of paper that would grant me access to a career and a stable income. I spent three years after high school working for a major corporation, sitting behind a desk answering phone calls. The idea of writing essays, participating in debates, discussions, lectures, projects, and everything in between consistantly pervaded my consciousness. I was consumed with boredom in my daily life, I has a deep, yearning flame within me - beckoning me to return to the world of academia. So, three years later, here I am. After my first year at Westminster, I have learned that a degree is not something that someone just "gives" you. It is something that you earn, and earning one requires three things: pride, dedication, and desire. I believe I am an amicable model of those three qualities, and I have Westminster to thank for challenging me to realize this potential.

I have gotten great experiences out of my college career so far, such as good professors, athletics, and meeting friends that I will have for a life-time. I am majoring in Environmental Science, so I have found all of the staff and labs are in great condition because a whole new science building was built this year. I am also on the Snowboard Team at Westminster College and it has been very fun to get to know a great group of people and to be part of a team. I will have all of those friends forever and made a lot of friends through classes and the dorms. Overall, if a beautiful medium-sized campus with nice and friendly people, then Westminster College is a great place to go to school.

If I had the chance to go back to myself as a high school senior I would tell my self many things. Starting with the most important thing which is to get the most out of my remaining time in high school. Such as, taking advatage of my teachers who are there for us to learn, I worried too much about my grades in my classes and not about all the material I could learn. Coming to college I felt like I could have worked a bit harder in school so that I would have more knowledge. Also, I came from a very small community and now that I am at college I have realized how much I was sheltered. Life is alot different in places that you dont call home and I wish that I tryed harder to gain knowlege of other places in the country and not just my surroundings. Because I did not do this I had a huge transition ahead of me. But overall I would tell myself that college is the way to go and to never second guess it. I have learned so much in the past few months not just eduacational but social.

College is hard but hand in there because it will all be worth it. There will be times when you want to give up but have no fear, you are a strong individual and will make friends easily who will be there to support you through those hard times. The first couple of semesters are the hardest so just take it on a day by day basis and you will make it through just fine.

I learned many lessons within the first few months of college that i wish i could have told myself senior year. First of all, never judge a book by its cover. By this i mean, the ever scary roommate. You move in, you shake hands and you think to yourself, "wow, she is weird. I'm not going to get along with her." A few weeks go by and you find yourself becoming best friends. Second lesson, don't expect the same grades as high school. College is very different in terms of work load and responsibility. You actually have to read the text book in order to get a good grade. Third lesson, life will go on without your parents. College for most people is when you leave the "nest" and become very independent. Don't be scared, but rather embrace your freedom. You can actually stay up past one in the morning and not get yelled at. And lastly, be grateful that you actually are in college and earning a degree. Many people will not get this opportunity. I hope that i can continue to learn these life lessons as i continue my college experience.

Congrats!! You're a senior, about to graduate!! Take it from *yourself* these will be some of the most exciting years of your life. As the person that probably knows you best, and knows the journey you are about to partake on, I have some advice, please, listen carefully. Don't throw your GPA down the toilet the first semester of college. Yes, I know that the boys are new and cute and that it's WAY easier to go hang out with all your shiney new friends, but you will spend the rest of your college career trying to make up those mistakes. Be careful! Second, be a friend before committing to a relationship. It is much easier to get to know someone if you take it slow in the beginning, and be patient. Don't rush into anything, and date around, figure out what you like for yourself, don't let someone else tell you what to like, or what to do. Rest assured, you don't gain the "freshman fifteen," at least, not as a freshman. Take care of yourself, you're all you've got. Have fun!! Good luck!!

If i could go back in time and give advice to myself back in highschool i would say to get involved with as many activities as you can. There are so many opportunities college has with sports, clubs, volunteering, intermurals, recreation, and classes. I got involved in a few things in the first two years of college, but i wish i would have got involved with more clubs and volunteering. Also, there are so many amazing people to meet and to take advantage of help from your professors

If I had the opportunity to speak to myself with the knowledge of already being in college I would tell me tons of information. For starters to save money never buy textbooks at the college book store, if there is a list of novels required for a class wait tell they are assigned to read, and check your health insurance converge. For personal advice; set boundaries with roommate on day 1, go to the container store for dorm room, by a robe when walking down a coed hallway to the shower, buy a mini flashlight so you can find your bed if roommate goes to bed early, learn how to skim read efficiently, and budget well on your meal plan. Though the most important one of all, be yourself, and know that you are going somewhere with a clean slate.

If I could go back in time, I would tell myself it is acceptable if the college I choose is far away from home because this new location will help you learn about diversity, culture, and values. Moving away from home is a great way to experience something new and learn from other people. I would tell myself to volunteer more to help the lives of people that are in need. Instead of hanging out with friends at the mall, invest your time in a club or organization that values making a difference in people's lives. Making new friends in college is important and developing a relationship where community is the foundation will help your friendship grow into a long lasting commitment to make the world a better place. I would also tell myself it is all right to make risks in life because it will help you grow from your mistakes and successes in life. Becoming part of a student government program is also important because it will help you voice your opinions and develop a community where everyone feels welcomed. Overall, I would encourage myself to explore a new environment and make meaningful connections with people.