Winona State University Top Questions

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a senior in high school, I'd tell myself to take things slow, not to rush anything, and look for opportunities. One of the biggest mistakes I made going into college was that I thought I was ready. I thought I could handle taking a lot of courses, because it seemed like it was going to be just like high school. But when push came to shove and finals were around the corner, I had to cram in many hours of studying, because I didn’t understand anything from my classes; in the end, things were pretty ugly. Another thing that I didn’t think about thoroughly was how was I going to pay for all these classes. Of course financial aid helped with some, but not all, and because I had taken so many classes, in the end my family had to help pay the extra, because I didn’t have a job to pay for it myself. If I had known these things ahead of time, I would of done things so much differently, and I would of looked for a job ahead of time also.

The first bit of advice I would give is to take easier classes in the spring because when the weather gets nicer, it is harder to concentrate. On a more specific note, I would tell myself to really focus and prepare for tests. Studying the night before and cramming is not the most efficient way to study. Study for a bit every night to lessen the load in the future. As for making the transitions, attend a club fair and join something that really intrigues you. Clubs are where you find people with the same interests as you. Volunteering is very important because you feel that you are contributing to the public wellbeing. You will feel more connected with your college community if you give back. Some personal advice is to be outgoing. Everyone is starting new and you are not alone. On a big campus, there is always someone feeling like you or liking something you like. College is what you put into it.

If I had to go back to myself and give myself advice on my future I’d have so many things to say. The first would be to not stress out so much. College is a scary new experience, yes, but I am perfectly capable of taking care of myself. To go along with the stress factor, don’t worry about making friends, you can make friends and good ones at that. The next piece of advice that I would give myself is that college is different, a lot different, so going to the library doesn’t make you a nerd. That means use it a lot because it’s one of the most valuable places you could study. After that would come the lecture on if something seems to easy, you’re wrong and you need to work harder. That means studying when you don’t have homework for that class. The last piece of advice that I would give related to school is to not be afraid to talk to your professors. After all that is what they are there for. The final piece of advice I would give would be to have fun, its good for you.

Not everything in life is easy - sometimes you just need to get through the tough stuff so that you can move on to what really interests you. There is no easy easy way to get through the hard times, you just need to keep your head held high and jump in. You have the foundation you need to move forward: remember that your family is behind you one-hundred percent, your friends will like you for who you are, you have a good Christian up-bringing that will remind you to always remember to treat others with respect and dignity - like you want others to treat you. These are the most important things in your life, and remembering them will help you get through the tough times, hard classes, and in dealing with teachers (or bosses) you may not really like at all. You have all the resources you need at your fingertips, all you need is the strength to ask for help when you need it and it will be there.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself I would tell myself to not be so stressed about college. I would let myself know that I had been given all the tools necessary to make the transition smoothly. I would tell myself to take the dual credit math class that I ended up not taking and I would fill out more scholarship applications. I would tell myself that even though you're scared and doubting yourself, you can do this. Everything is going to be okay and things will work out. I would tell myself to come out of my shell more and start preparing to meet new people by getting used to introducing yourself to others and meeting new people now while still in high school. I would tell myself to continue studying hard and making an effort to be kind to others. I would tell myself that it is important that you feel confident in your abilities so that you will be ready to take on a new challenge.

That during my first semester at college I should be more open to making friends and go to all the on-campus events to meet new people. Work hard and you can graduate in three years.

I would begin by telling myself not to freak out. Simply because everything works out. You do not need to go in with a mapped out plan of what you want to do with your life and how to get there. The first year of college is what helped me determine my life goals. Also, do not be afraid to ask for help. Everyone is way more friendly than you think. You will make friends whether you decide to live on or off-campus. Another tidbit you should know is to make a schedule that works for you. You are granted tons more freedom in college than high school. Now here's a big one... save money! You want to focus on your school work and academics, not money issues. You certainly do not have to be a poor college student. Most universities offer financial aid services as well. Get to know your options. Last but not least, STUDY HARD AND HAVE FUN!

Beforo college I was a mess, I was in the wrong direction. But when I decided to star college, I became more aware of what life really is. In my experience, I have met so many diferent people and so many different cultures. This opened my mind to start finding out more abour the world. Traveling around so I can see the world and learn about every single person I meet. College has given me responsibility and leadership to take my group to competitions. I have waken up my social awareness because of all the different events going on. And of course it has given me all of the elements that I need to continue my education and become a respected and honest profesional. It has been very valuable to attend college, because it has brought my life to order and now I see that there is future and I can change my own destiny. It just takes some effort.

I mad e alot of friends, learned about being on my own and gained a soli education that has given me a career that I have been gainfully employeed in since graudation.

College has been a great experience! It’s definitely challenging at the beginning, but there are many resources available to help me succeed. I have matured, being on my own, taking on more responsibilities like; managing money and time, appointments with professors or advisors, even the clinic etc. I definitely have a higher level of respect for my parents and everything they have done for me. It was a great decision for me to move away from my hometown, because I have the chance to make my own mistakes and learn from them, making me stronger, plus I don’t rely on my parents as much. It has benefited me, because I have met a lot of new people, I have also grown out of my shell, becoming more outspoken and my views aren’t tailored to everyone else’s. Being at college, is a new beginning, because there’s limitless freedom, students just need to be smart about what they do with that freedom. We also don’t need our parent’s permission to drive to the next town or stay out late every weekend. It’s our time to shine, learning from our mistakes.