Bellevue University Top Questions

Just look at high school senior Jabari, casually opening his locker. Observe the way he nonchalantly pulls out his worn-out textbooks. There was something cavalier about his presence as he stood at his locker that day, four years ago. Today he, I, am 20 years old, and had I had the opportunity to approach him at that moment I would say: First off, when you invest in a school book for any college, community or university, you are dear to it as if it were related to you by blood. The books cost you several hundred dollars at your expense, not to mention tuition and fees, and potentially room and board. No more free lunches. Next, ditching class (though you were never fond of it) is an option, but with it comes critical time and financial investment. Don’t waste either! There aren’t many teacher-student relationships, so try to get involved with as many campus organizations as possible. Study more than you need to. Well because, you’ll need to. In one year, almost everything about the way you perceive getting an education will change. Why not let your attitude factor into that equation as well? ; )

I would tell myself to take a look at your dreams and go for them. There is so much that you can do and so much that you can achieve. Continue down the track that you have in your mind, because it ends up in a very good place. If I could warn against anything I would say that you should avoid credit cards like the plague, because even though you wont over do it to the point of maxing them out, you will find out how long it takes to pay for some bad decisions. Bottom line if you dont absolutely need it, dont buy it. Also, continue waiting for the right girl, because you will find her, marry her, and have a beautiful daughter with her. Life is good for you in the future!!!

The opportunity to attend college or gain any education should never be taken for granted. You may think you have plenty of time to complete your degree but in reality, life moves much too quickly. Education plans are always the first to get pushed aside. The best time to go to college is RIGHT NOW, regardless of your age but most especially as you leave high school. Some think high school graduation is 'the end' or that they are 'done' with education. In reality, it is just the beginning. Regardless of how popular you were or what your grade point average was in high school, life really does not care. Once you graduate, you are an adult and the world does not discriminate based on the number of clubs you were in, whether you were in sports, etc. You have to meet life on lifes terms. In order to do that, you have to complete your education. The world expects you to have higher education. Get that degree now while you have the time and energy! Tring to fit education in while working full time, begin married and rasing children is extremely difficult! High school graduation is just the beginning!

I would tell myself to take school more seriously. I did not consider myself to be a very good student at that time. I would also tell myself that going to college immediately after high school would have probably been a good idea, instead of waiting many years. Although I am a much better student now. In high school, you should get involved in as many activities and community projects that you can. This will greatly expand your knowledge of areas you may want to focus your education on. Be respectful to everyone, you never know who you may run into later in life.

I would tell my high school self to SLOW DOWN! Stop trying to be an adult while you are still a child. Being an adult isn't everything it appears to be. Go straight to college after high school, dont skip out on the opportunity to achieve all your dreams!

Attending college will be a stepping stone, an investment in my future; it will be the beginning of a lifelong journey, one that will shape and determine my future choices, decisions and purposes. I know I don’t have to pick a major my first year; I can wait until I’ve taken a few courses so I can decide on a major that will prepare me for great career fields, like criminal justice, social work, business, or nursing. College will enhance my technical skills, and expand my intellect. I will learn the independence of living on my own, and the fact that I will finally be making the first major foundation for the rest of my life. College will give me the skills, ideas, and knowledge I need to pursue my career with confidence and good judgment. College will give me exposure to a wider culture and will broaden my knowledge of other cultures by experiencing them. I can also join academic groups like, volunteer organizations, fraternities, social groups, or even student government. Not only are these groups a way to meet new people, it's also something employers look for in many fields other than a high GPA.

I would simply tell myself to be prepared and organized. I believe in college these skills are one of the two most important because they will for sure carry on outside of college when you graduate. Money management would be explained to the younger me as well, but in general I would explain all the important life skills that you will need for college and after college, these are just the few that stick out pertaining to my experience.

Dear peer pressured self, I would like to remind you that there is more in life than school. That there is more to this world than books and tests. Don't just rush off to university because all your friends are, and don't bury your head in your books because that's what everyone else is doing. The world does a splendid job of making your college choice seem like the biggest thing you shall ever face. Yet, in reality you will face much bigger things later on. Get some life experience, travel, and seek the wisdom of those you trust about where to go next in life. A good education is one of the best things you can obtain in life, but education without joy is drudery. Until you have greater revelation of who you are and what you were created to be you cannot truly succeed. Travel, live, learn, and then look to others. So that you may influence for the better and not be influenced for the worse.

Dear Debbie, As you approach graduation, I want you think hard about enrolling in college, even it starts out as community college. Here I am at 55 pursuing a Masters Degree. Don't get me wrong, I've enjoyed studying and certainly think my life experiences have provided valuable insight into the course material. But, looking back, I think I missed out on the unique experience of attending college right out of high school. The excitement of going away to school, meeting new people, and making life long friends is something I wish I had pursued. I wonder what I would be doing today if I had finished college in my 20s instead of my 50s? Don't wonder, do it. Have fun and learn while you are young. You never know what doors it will open and what opportunities you will have for the future unless you take a chance! Good luck!

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would advise myself to stay in college and focus on the importance of obtaining my degree. Now that I am 28 years old I have found it difficult to advance in my career without a degree. Now that I am returning to school I have realized that if I would have completed my degree right after high school I would be farther in my career and had more opportunities available to me. I also know that I would not have struggled as much as I have to make ends meet. I am proud of what I have accomplished in my life however; I will be more proud once I have my degree in hand. Then I can say I DID IT!!

As a high school student you often feel that you do not have to take class very seriously. That may be true and colleges may not even request high school transcripts. However, a lot of what I am learning now I am having an easier time with have studied and taken high school seriously. Work hard, it may seem like college is a lifetime away but it is a lot closer than you think.

I would advise me to really try to get the best grade you can get becuase your GPA really does matter in every situation. I would also advise my self to try to get as much academic scholarships as possible to help with school. I would also suggest finding a school that has teachers that care about your education and care about teaching the material then one that just does it for a living. If you find a teach like that the class room is more exciting and it is easier to learn. The last thing is that I would advise to not play a sport becuase it is so time consuming and it can take away from your education. I think that Your education will take you so much future and since that is the case you should put your time and focus into that.

I would tell the younger me that high school and college are two different ball games and that in order to succeed you need to stay focused and motivated on your goals.

Something that I would do if I could talk to myself as a high school senior is that wasting time and not studying really hurts yourself when you need to get someting do. While you are in college because you have to met stricter deadlines and college professors are not as easy on you when you get to college.

An advice that I would give myself would to be more prepared and take college more seriously. My first year of college I felt I didn't take my courses to serious and it affected my grades a little bit. After my first year I knew what to expect and I buckled down by maintaining good grades and also balancing a sport throughout the entire school year.

All of it is meaningless. Meaningless are all of the temporal things that people in high school worry and care so much about. The clothes, the fads, the cars, the girls and the money, none of it matters in college. Thirty years from now nobody is going to remember the jeans you wore to school or those expensive pair of shoes you showed off at lunch. That type of gratification only lasts a short amount of time and those material possessions eventually get old; they are eventually thrown away and are forgotten about. But what will last longer than any pair of shoes or any car is your performance in school. All that matters in college is grades. Let your academic success speak for you instead of what you wear; let it be the red carpet that goes out in front of you wherever you go while in school. And unlike burning a hole in your pocket trying to buy all the latest gear, in college, just focusing on your grades will save you money and in the long run it guarantees a good return on all the hard work you put into getting them.

The advice that I would give myself is to apply for as many scholarships as possible. I also took advanced placement classes in highschool, but never took the exam to get college credit; that is one thing I would tell myself, "TAKE THE EXAMS"! I would also tell myself to take as many AP classes as possible in order to take exams and get colege credit; it will save time and money. I would have started college right after high school. If I could go back in time, I would have taken the ACT at least three times. There are many things that students can do to make their college life a better transition and experience.

When I was a high school senior I had every intention to go to college and get a degree. I wasn't sure what I was going to major in but I just knew I would go to college. Once I got to college, however, I'm sorry to say that I was bored. I just wasn't into it. So, I joined the Air Force. I absolutely do not regret the Air Force but I do regret not waiting until after I got my degree. My advice to myself would be to take a little time off after high school graduation, regroup and go to college. Most of all, if and when you decide to commit, stick it out and put your all into it. Do not quit.

First and foremost, I would have told myself to start saving my money. I would also tell myself to enjoy my youth and not be in such a hurry to grow up. I would tell myself when I get up to school, to enjoy the time you have with your friends because they are what matter the most. I would tell myself to sit back and enjoy the ride because these are the best years of your life and once they are over, you're going to wish you could get them back. And last and most importantly, I would tell myself to focus on school more those first two years of college because they are probably the most important.

If only I could go back and talk to myself when I was a senior.... I would say to myself: “No matter what, you have to stick it out until you have your degree. College can be so much fun when you are young! There are so many opportunities available when you are younger: clubs to join, studying abroad, fun organizations...not to mention the college parties. Plus, it will feel good, when people ask, to say that ‘I got my Bachelor's in Biology’. There will be a job opportunity that will come along when you are only half way done, and it will seem great, and its just what you want, and you won’t be doing so hot with your grades anyway. Only you will be passed over again and again for promotions, just because you don’t have a degree. You will feel stuck until one day you decide to finish. Now, instead of enjoying a full college experience, you will be balancing a full time job, a family, and school. So, STICK IT OUT!!! Oh, and go with your friends on spring break to Disney Land. You will regret it if you don’t.”

You have the opportunity to learn things in life that are beneficial to your future development. Take the opportunity to learn all that you can, there is going to be a time in your life when you are going to realize that some things are more important than others. So take the opportunity to be all that you can be and live life to the fullest. Make sure that you smile often, laugh louder, and remember that you are in charge of your destiny so take it in your hand and mold it into what you want it to be. For you always want to be proud of you and the legacy that you have created.

The advice I would give my high school self about college would be to apply for more scholarships, take more AP/college credit classes, and to strengthen my time management skills. I have learned that books are very expensive and to search online for great deals on used books. I have also learned that it is very hard to get by without a job or money saved up so I would advise myself to get at least a part time job. Money is more of an issue than I thought it would be. I also would have advised myself to look at the college's finances. The college I originally chose closed a month before classes started. It would have been cheaper if I had more college/AP credits going into college. My life would have also been easier if I learned to manage my time better in high school so that I would not wait for the last minute to finish assignments.

I would tell myself to simply try harder, take advantage of opportunities, and be more involved. When I was in high school, I didn't take into consideration that the more I did then, the better off I would be down the road. But as I started college, I immediately regretted not having participated in more extra curricular activities and not putting forth more effort to get better grades. Had I done that, I would have created an easier path for college life. I didn't have a typical high school experience; I was supporting myself entirely from the beginning of my Senior year and have maintained full time employment since, while adding on the tasks of full time college with honors and single parenthood. Had I applied myself more in high school, I wouldn't struggle as much today. I would tell myself to start college full time right away because it would have been easier to do it then compared to after having a child and starting a demanding career. I would also remind the younger me that the harder we work now, the sooner we can be at our retirement house on the beach!

If I could go back and tell myself anything as a high school senior, I would tell myself that the journey ahead of me is going to be harder than I think it is. I would say to be very prepared and definitally to fill out and apply for as many scholarships I could get my hands on. Also, I would tell myself to always stay focused until the very last day of school because everything still matters in senior year. Stay disiplined also, because no one holds your hand in college like they kind of do in high school.

If I could go back and give myself any advice it would be simply...work harder. Stop messing around and do the work. Once I figured out I was smart enough to get by on whatever was going on in class, I stopped doing my homework, studying and everything else. I would tell myself to step it up and learn more than what I needed to know to get by. It has taken me over 20 years to be ready to take on college because I didn't push myself in high school and wasn't ready to go to college after I graduated. I was very smart, never pushed to reach my potential and regret not doing it then. When the teachers gave up on me, so did I. So many kids are in the same boat I was 20 years ago and it is sad. I failed myself then and the system gave up on me. So IF I could go back and give myself any advice, I would tell myself I need to work hard and get into a good college...and listen to my parents, they knew what they were talking about.

I would tell myself to take high school more serious and pay attention. By paying attention in high school makes college much easier. I would also tell myself to go right from high school to college with no break, because once you get into that care free life style it is very hard to change. I would even push toward dual enrollment. Also that getting good grades and completing all college classes provides for a good future quicker. Once you do start college don't be afraid to accept all the help that is offered. I did not enjoy high school much and used it alot for socializing, the biggest thing I would tell myself is that college is much different. College is amazing it gives you the opportunity to socialize and still be working on school. Remember all these people made it this far and have the same goal in mind.

I would advise to take the school loans and pursue the degree I have always wanted instead of taking the faster cheaper career programs in fields that I do not care for. I managed to pay for my associate degree while working full-time but missed out on the whole college experience (dorms, social groups, etc) and worried extensively about financial issues at the time. It also took me many years to finish. I now am married, have a 2-year old son and a mortgage, and am still working while attending classes; my grades are high but I feel like it would have been a lot easier back when I didn't have so much to worry about.

I would love the opportunity to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior. After the initial shock of seeing myself at age 34, I would learn a great deal. I did not take High School seriously. I had a mentality of just "getting by." I knew in the back of my mind that if I applied myself I could do great things, but somehow the problems of High School life seemed more important. Fast forward to age 33 and I was without a degree and unhappy with a directionless career. I made the decision to go back to school. I started school in January 2011 and in May 2012 I graduated with an Associate's Degree in Accounting. This time, however, I applied myself. I am very proud of the fact that I finished school with a perfect 4.0 Grade Point Average. I would definitely tell my younger self the value of getting a degree. Not having one has limited my opportunities. While I am grateful that I have the chance to better myself today, I wish I would have done more than "just getting by" as a High School student.

If you have the opportunity, apply to as many schools and visit as many schools as possible that you are interested in whether they are in state or out of state colleges/universities. Enjoy your college years and get involved in extra curricular activities and volunteer programs. Be sure to stay focused on the prize and earning your degree.

For me, making the transition to college was a hard decision. I decided not to go to college right out of high school because I was pursuing my career at a bank and was moving up the ranks fast. If I could go back in time and give myself advice the number one piece of advice that I would give myself is not to wait! It's important to continue your education and the longer you wait the harder it gets to go back. Going to school full time and working full time is not an easy task, it takes dedication and hard work. Now that I am getting close to finishing I can see the light at the end of the tunnel and know that it was worth going back. Had I started right out of high school I feel that it would have been easier and I have been done with school years ago. I would tell myself to keep going to school and not take any breaks, going right out of high school will prevent unnecessary pre-requisite courses and will eliminate the need to 'refresh your memory' on the courses that you took in high school.

The advice I would give my high school senior self about college is to take your time deciding what you want to do. College is sold to you as the career you will have for the rest of your life, and while college is easier done in 4 years, however, forever is a long time for a teenager. If you decide to do something else part way through your college experience, that is ok, explore every opportunity and embrace it wholeheartedly. Try to make sure you are doing something that you enjoy and will also help you to be financially secure. Do the absolute best you can do or do not waste the money. Make sure you are ready to embark on higher learning and that you commit to it. College is not for the faint of heart. It is difficult and rewarding at the same time, but you have to be ready to make that commitment.

I would give myself the advice of deciding what I wanted to go to college for and that I wish I would have done it sooner! Do not take time off as it seems harder to get back into the grove of school and homework. It is much easier to get things done and not procrastinate and to try the best you can!

I would tell myself not to be naive towards other people. People make mistakes, it's okay just don't make the same mistake twice. We live and we learn. Also, have your priorities set. Yes, you should live the college life and have fun, but also get your school work finished and your main focus should be that. What you are learning in school will affect the rest of your life. Your goal is to earn your desire career. Also, have good time management. Last, be involved. It is nice to get away from school work and help the school or do community service.

Janet, I recommend you to try to focus in your education, do all your work the teahcer tell you to and stay organized. All of this later on in college will hep you be successful and if you do all the things I'm telling you to you will have no problem with college. College is a lot more different then high school. Teachers won't be telling you what to do and not to do because it's your responisbility to learn how to be responsible. You will learn a lot through out your freshmen year in college and you will notice that with the educationg you get will be needed later in life and your future.

If I could back in time and be a high school senior again I would give myself the advice to go the community college route out of high school. I think community colleges serve as a great transition for students and help make the transition that much easier from high school to college.

I would have to go back and talk to myself as a sophmore as this is the year I dropped out. I would explain how dropping out slowed me down to getting to my goals I would make in the furture. I would have needed to express the need to set those goals in this stage of my life as I did not have any educational goals set let alone career path goals. I would have spoke to how substantial education is the key to opening doors to making the money and having the knowledge desired for the lifestyle I want. How a degree can get you further in employment, finances as well as respect and reputation. Most importantly I would have expressed how much I would learn about myself by going to college, such as, capabilites, resistancy, self determination, self dicsipline and the example I would set for others.

Kellye, now is when you need to consider how serious your life is for the coming future. Remember that without dedication and hard work now you can be rewarded later in life after you have successfully completed college. The interest in a college degree is something that we all should take serious and realize that not only is it a step and foundation to build a professional career but so rewarding to discipline yourself and get your education while meeting individuals who will encourage you along the way to become the successful person that God created you to be. Remember you are only as good as the belief you have in yourself and how you trust that God has given you a wonderful talent that school can only prepare you for.

Make sure you know why you are going to college and make sure you are doing it for you! Set goals each semester for each class and when you reach them, reward yourself. It might be a good idea to take an extra class each semester to get done early and to also leave yourself a leadway in case you need to drop one. All work and no play will get you discouraged so make sure you are doing your best work but also have fun.

I would tell myself to go to a reputable college before I settle down and start a family. I would advise myself to never take a break and to keep on driving until my degree program is completed. I would tell myself that it is much harder to go to school while working full time with three kids at the age of 32. I would tell myself that a family built on the firm foundation of college will be more successful than the family struggling to make ends meet.

Mostly the college has given me training experience I would've had to struggle with or not been able to afford on my own. The college has shown me ways to install, use and administer software on several types of computer systems. This real world experience is valuable in the workplace and sets me apart from other candidates. At the college we are also going to be creating a portfollio that list projects, essay papers, group participation and software examples of what we used in school to show a prospective employer the latest technology at a glance to help aid in the interview process. In addition I've found the interviewing center, job posting research site and resume critiquing a very helpful tool in landing a job interview and has given me a slight edge in the job hiring process.

I have learned what to look for in a college and what not to look for. I definitely won't send my kids to a school that takes more pride in their online courses rather than their on campus programs. I like the idea of having a smaller number class setting but I also think a bigger university is better to put on a resume. I feel the value of the degree is worth more when it is from a larger school rather than a smaller school. My time their was a good learning experience but left me with little to use after college and I am paying for it now as well as many others who have taken a path similar to mine. I made a few good friends in my time at Bellevue. I had an opportunity to become an Assistant to the Sports Information Director and he did everything he could to help me find a job. I worked a lot with all the sports teams and met a lot of good people. Thank you for consideration in my goal to help me further my education.

Being a non-traditional student, it was very important for me to return to school and earn my bachelor's degree. Being a mother of four, it was valuable that Bellevue had online degree programs. The quality of education I received from Bellevue enabled me to go on and earn my PHR certification on the first testing. My degree and my certification have provided me with the ability to obtain a better position. I am know looking forward to returning to Bellevue to earn my Masters degree online.

College has made me a more patient and thoughtful person and being educated I longer feel like I am no different than anyone else when it comes to applying for jobs. I have education and skill. I am able to use this to set myself apart and that makes me feel special and empowered.

I gained alot of knowledge in my college years. I have had the experience of being involved in extra-curricular activities while in college such as Student Government, Human Services Club, Environmental Club, Voices for Success Club and my own club,

Career counseling with the guidance counselor would be a benefit. Visit several colleges and choose one where you could spend four years in the environment. Apply for all scholarships and financial aid early. You are valued, you can do it and you are worth it.

Being a father at age 17 and going on to have 6 more children immediately following (6 girls 1 boy) by the time I was 23 I would only change the path of education and the slow progression to get myself education wise where I am today. I would express the importance of G.P.A and college choice. I would express the implications and importance of being accountable, mature, and graduating at a young age. Transition wise I was already a mature adult having 2 kids by the time I graduated high school and entered college my focus was different. As a high school senior I would emphasize the importance of getting stuff done and not percrastinate no matter how hard things may be. Encourage myself to work harder in school to achieve a higher education to help better my chances in competing in the job market and position myself in a field or major that I love and would always enjoy doing. If you love what you do its not really work.

When in high school, I already knew that going to college straight away was out of the question. First, I couldn't afford it, and secondly I knew that I did not have the motivation to hit the books for four more years. For that, four years of military service instilled the discipline. I am old enough when I recently enrolled that I wish I had taken typing courses (since computers are so prevalent in our society today) and a heavier math program. I would also have been an active participant in school sports.

I would advise myself to attend a 4 year college right after high school. I did not attend college when I graduated from high school. It is much more easy to attend college when you are the child attending and not the parent. When you are a child you do not have the same responsibilities as a 50 year old woman with a home, a job, and children. Do the college degree when you are young and can afford the versitility of youth.

be leader not a flower do what best for me.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior the biggest piece of advice I would give to myself would be to study harder and to try new things. If I could go back I would have definitely studied a lot more than just enough to get by. In college you really have to collect all the knowledge you possibly can. I would have read everything within my reach. Knowledge is the best tool and is such a great part of learning and growing as a person and as a professional in any career field you may choose. I also would have tried harder to find a career path that fit me. It has taken some time for me to realize what path to take. I truly wish I had given it more thought while attending high school. Trying new classes and clubs may have shed a little more light down that path. I definitely believe in trying new things and making the most out of it. Opening new doors can enrich life and help you succeed in all aspects.