Berkshire Community College Top Questions

What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

Jessica

We all remember the pounding heart, sweaty palms, rapid breathing and unfilitered emotions that came with waking down the corrider of our high school knowing we made it, we were finally seniors! But if I could go back in time, I would give myself a lot of adivce. First and most importantly, I would express the importance of procrasintation. College does not wait for anyone, with mulitple classes and students, college professors are not as flexible as high school teachers. They will not wait for you to retype a paper your "dog ate". I would express the importance of obtaining a part time job also, becuase books and expenses are not cheap. Saving up for unforseen costs during the summer after high school is extremely important. But, the most important thing I could tell my senior self, is to never give up on my dreams. There is and always will be teachers and students who are wishing for your downfall, but rising above the doubter is what will get you where you want to be in life. Life is too short, go after what you want. Time will pass no matter what, make it worth while!

Shai

"Take the wonderful opportunity college provides, and make an effort to meet others, regardless of your first impression." These are the words I would have liked to hear before entering college, and words that I tell my friends completing high school. Entering a campus and environment that fosters high expectations and a rich community of friendships is a gift. Education is one of the best ways to change your life and make it your own. Learning to laugh, studying till the wee hours of the morning, and discussing the modern forms of evaluation have given me exciting topics for thought and writings. I wish I had opened my heart more, had given myself more of the opportunity to explore the activities and people on campus, and to enjoy the beautiful surroundings. And yet, everyone student has a learning curve, and eventually, we are given the option of changing ourselves for future experiences, or waiting passively to see what life will bring to us. I say, "Make your decisions actively! Take the power of adulthood and create what you want to see in the world, starting with your prospective and communication with those around you."

Shai

"No matter what happens, don’t give up!” These are the words that I want to tell every student who graduates high school and is waiting anxiously for the college experience to begin. Education is meant to help us think as individuals, find something fulfilling to do in our lives, and eventually contribute to changing the world. It is nearly impossible to help something move forward if we are afraid of change, either in the environment or in ourselves. As a college student, you have the opportunity to be accountable for your actions, and to participate in activities that are meaningful. Don't let others tell you what is important. Make that decision for yourself, and take with you those who care and think alike. By finding other unsure and interested students, and forming a collaboration with a diverse group of students, you will all become stronger. Not only will you be helping others, but forming your own support network and feeling more secure within yourself. As Dr. Seuss once said, “Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind.”

Samuel.B.Akumfi

Early bird catches the worm.College is not a new world its just a stage of the educational life where you can improve and learn about adulthood and the working world.Let us make sure we are able to manage our time very well because if you know what time to play and what time to work , everything should go well.study hard work hard and God bless. Thank you

Wendy

I would tell myself to embrace college life and not to be afraid of it. That you will meet new friends and great professors that help guide you through one of the most memorable moments in your life. Not to let non-serious students influence and misguide you from your real reason for college. Work hard and show your true educational strengths because it will pay off in the end. Not to settle for second best, go all the way and get a Masters degree. If you get knocked down get back up, brush yourself off, and keep your head held high. Keep in mind how your education is the key to your success and future. Always keep moving forward with a positive attitude. Be patient, kind, and compassionate because without these traits who are you. To set your goals high and always strive to acheive them because the only way to get there from here is through hard work and perseverance. Treat people the way you want to be treated with honesty, respect, and integrity. Always look to better yourself through education and take the risk to be all that you can be. Only you can make your destiny.

Amber

I don't know that i would go back in time and talk to myself as a sinior in high school because the experiences that i had helped me figure out what i wanted to do with my profession. However if i chose to i would tell myself first to make sure i keep my grades up because a high GPA is important if you want to transfer. It can also open many opportunities for things like internships and scholorships. Secondly i would tell myself to make sure i go to all my classes every day. It is really easy to feel like you don't need to show up to class when there are so many students in a class. Simply being in a room with other students hearing someone talk about a subject makes studying easier and less time consuming. I also learned that note taking helps students remember the content better. I began at a big university that i had to leave because it was unaffordable, which led me to a community college and eventually on the carrier path i am on now. I am giong to UMASS amherst next semester to study wildlife biology.