Boise State University Top Questions

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

jose

i would tell myself to keep my head in the game and never give up. do more activities and find scholerships earlier. its bigger that you expect but it will be worth it at the end. its a new beggining in college and you start with a new slate

Jarom

If I had a chance right now to talk to the high school senior version of myself, I'd tell myself to take study much more seriously. In high school, there was no study required, but that's not how it works in college. The classes move much quicker, and without the time spent absorbing that information out of class, you fall behind quickly. I'd also remind myself of the need to speak up and be heard. Too many misunderstandings are perpetuated and aggravated because one person didn't talk about it with the other. Finally, I'd just tell myself to keep the chin up. Things are never as bad as they seem, and it always works out for the best. There's no situation so bad that adding stress to it won't make worse.

Lynette

I would tell myself to take as many dual college credits as I could. That would help me get used to the work load a lot quicker than I was able to.

christiana

In an old west african proverb, it is said that "the knowledge that one has determines how many societal problems they would solve." High school was a rushing phase for me and i just wanted to jump on to college not knowing that no knowledge is a waste. However, i was priviledged to graduate and to be celebrated ; Now in college, i really wish i could go back to high school so i could build my attentiuveness skills more. I would concentrate on my math and sciences , listen to the lecture , copy good notes and keep them for college preparation. Unfortunately, i tore my books when i graduated. Also, good orientation is necessary for college as people and classmates have different career patterns to follow. on would have asked many questions about their desired carreer, considered the job market and not rushed out of the house at 18 years old. I would have lived with my parents to be accountable for good school work. i would have made good and serious friends so we could all apply for college scholarships than pay high on school fees. I would have buried my head and focus on studying Math and sciences most.

Rachel

I would advise myself to look at the degrees that are offered by that specific university and compare those requirements to other schools. I would tell myself to plan out homework time when i get to college, and to try summer school in order to graduate sooner. The last piece of advice i would give myself would be to save every penny I recieved from work because you never know when you will need extra money to fix a car, or pay for extra supplies you would need at school. Time management and organization is key in college, and I would want to prepare myself for it.

Elizabeth

I would tell myself to try a little bit harder. Push myself to do more because college requires alot of your time. I would tell myself to take more dual credit classes to get them out of the way. I would tell myself to never give up, that everything is possible if you apply yourself. Im telling myself these things now and I'm succeeding.

karissa

The most essential advice I would give my self is time managent, and don't procrastinate. My first semester here, the hybrid classes were new to me (half online and half in class). I missed a lot of assignments because I didn't check on when assignments were due. I finally brought a planner and started marking what homework I need to do, and when it was due. I saw a huge difference in my effieciency after that. It's also very difficult to get big projects done the night before it's due like I would do in high school. It's important to do a little everyday. Lastly, I'd advise to absolutely not take early morning classes. Living in dorms, it impossible to get to bed early because of all the rowdy, loud people. I had a 7:40 AM class my first semester, and it did not go so well.

Lauran

If I could go back in time and give myself advice as a high school senior I would prepare myself for the reality of life ahead. I would tell myself that "yeah it is going to be a rough road, but you can do it". I would tell myself not to procrastinate because that would be my curse, and not to worry so much about being successful when hard work will bring me that success. I would remind myself that even though I love my family very much, I need the chance to go out on my own and become independant. I would also reassure myself that even though more is expected of me in college I can conquer my obstacles and stay determined, and motivated enough to get my degree when the time comes. I am smarter than I think and stronger than I could have ever expected emotionally. Finally, I would let myself know that going through college will be one of the best experiences of my life.

grace

If i was given the opportunity to go back in time and could give myself advice, i would tell myself to concentrate more. I would tell myself to always look ahead and never think that i can not do anything. I would let myself know that there is always a chance for me and there is always a door open, i just have to find it. If I could, I would tell myself that no matter what the situation and no matter what the circomstances, always have faith and always believe in myself and my abilities. I would make sure that i know that college is one of the biggest steps in my life and should be taken seriously. I should not go into this thinking lightly of this. I would let myself know that high school is just the end of the beginning, that the next chapter of my life will not only be important, but forever.

Kathryn

The advice I would give to my high school senior self is this: don't assume that the high school experience is anything like college. Don't put off enrolling to reduce the chances of seeing your not-so-friendly neighborhood bullies sitting at the desk next to you; it will be over a decade before you can get back on track with what you were only supposed to be taking a year off from. You will be exposed to so many people who are completely different from everything you have known up until this point. You will learn as much - or more - from them as you will from any textbook.

Christine Joy

If I were a senior today, I would tell myself to enjoy the boring and painful days in high school and don't countdown the days until graduation or when you leave for college. That's the huge mistake I made; I counted each day until I left the wonderful island of Maui and dieregarded everything in-between. I was so concentrated on leaving, I missed out on all the fun. I cannot say that I regret that I was happy for leaving because we can't live with regrets, but I really do wish I could go back in time and spend as much time with my friends and family. Leaving the island only hit me at the worst when I'm at the airport because since I live so far away, I can only come back every 6 months, and the fact that I didn't have enough time for everyone saddens me because all those moments could've been happy and fun moments I would always remember. Note to self when living as a senior in high school again: ENJOY TIME WITH EVERYBODY!

Jenae

So far I have gotten a world full of experience out of my time at collede. I have met so many new friends, taken so many amazing classes, and learned so many new and exciting things about life. The people I have met in college whether they are friends, classmates, or acquaintances are so nice and helpful that I can't help but appreciate everyone I meet even if it's just for a few minutes. The classes have opened my eyes to how education can, and should, be with helpful teachers and classmates who are committed to learning and bettering themselves. Many of my classes have had students who not only want to be there, they want to learn and make a difference in their life with that material that they've learned. I have learned so many things that are going to get me to where I want to be and what I want to do, and I'm not just talking about classroom material. I have learned life lessons while in college, lessons I will never forget,lessons that will stay with me my entire life in order to make me the person I want to be.

Hsin

Atteneding college is definetely one step closer to entering the reality and work fields. It gave me a more realitic views on the society, and how I should prepare myself for this information-booming era.

Tyler

I have not yet completed my college experience, it actually just started. but in the short time that i have been attending, i have learned a few valuable things. The most important of all though is commnication. With out it, it is difficult to work in teams or groups to solve a problem, or even to talk to your teacher/professor. It is also extremely valued in the real world where you need to be able to communicate with your boss and other employees.

Reanna

The reason I go to college is for the knowledge. I am passionate about learning, and I very may well go to college for many many years. College is a life experience that you cannot mimick, I learn things that Icouldn't learn ANYWHERE else. It's a head rush.

Shaila

In my first semester at Boise State, I have gotten more out of the experience than most students will in all the four years they spend getting their degree. I have recieved the chance to be an active member of the community, as well as an informed and involved student on campus. I have had the change to work with my peers on committees and in the classroom and work with administration on campus about matters concerning student life. I think the most valuable part of the college experience is making the most of your time outside of classes. If it weren't for my determination to make a difference and get involved on campus, I never would have been introduced to University President, Bob Kustra as "Freshmen of the Year."

Cody

My college experience has been very eye opening and motivating. Not only have Iearned to live on my own but I have learned about many different types of people and stepped into their reality. I have had a lot of fun watching our football team and felt the energy from all the other students as they won. The Boise State campus has a captivating view of the mountains and a peaceful aroma. It has been valuable to attend simply because I don't only have fun but the teachers are phenomenal. Because of them students are eager to learn. I have grown both socially and intellectually because of Boise State. Any other college experience would not of been as fulfilling.

Lynn

From my college experience at BSU, I have learned that I want to expand my horizons and always take in more knowledge. It has been instilled in me from my university, that sense some things are not readily available, I must research and learn to attain them for myself. College in general has been a great value in the life lessons and experiences I have had. I have learned self reliance, and through a few fantastic professors, I have learned a great deal about people and the relationships that help us build our lives in a forward and upward direction. I cannot say that I regreat my experiences at BSU, only that I will strive to achieve new experiences and continue to better myself through education. College is more than books and exams, it is a way for young adults to learn, not just about their future profession, but how they want to live the rest of their lives.

Nathan

I have learnded many new skills from my college experiences. Amoung those skills that I have learned, I found time management to be the most important. Time management does not only help me in college but can and will help me in day to day life. Attending college is important because it does not just give me the knowledge I need to start a carreer, college also has taught me life skills that I think will be very important as I continue in life. I believe that my experiences in college will start me on the right path in my life.

Chantel

Extraordinary, unique and eye opening are all words that I would use to describe my college experience thus far. Growing up, as a first generation college student, I was told that I must go to college. I knew that this was true if I wanted to “get an education” and “earn money.” However, I was unaware of the fact that my college experience would include far more than just learning in a classroom. It is astonishing how much I have learned not only academically but also about myself in just one short year at Boise State University. It was a concern that I would have to change myself to “fit in” to the college crowd. It was surprising to come across such diversity. I was not expected to change but rather to grow in a population where acceptance is so highly respected. I have had the ability to explore a number of different career opportunities and I am not ashamed to say that I have changed my major about ten different times! I really appreciate the fact that this college encourages trial and error until the correct path is found. I am proud to say that I attend Boise State!

Alexandra

I have gotten a very good start on my four year plan towards my Biology-Zoology major. I have had the chance to meet my fellow suitemates in the dorm and spend time getting to know them. I have received the college experience that I never would have if I had stayed living at home and drove to school everyday. I have learned how to study effectively, when to say No to an activity on campus, how to live the 'college lifestyle' and succeed in everything I have done so far. I am receiving an education that will help me in my future, and lead me towards my dream of becoming a successful Biologist in the Zoology field. I have also learned to take advantage of the people that stop by the Honors College (my dorm building) and learn valuable information or get help on a subject. I have learned how to contact advisors when I'm struggling with future planning and also fellow students that have experience in my major. Last, and most importantly, I have learned responsibility for my grades, for my life, and for my future. I owe that to college.

Laura

As a senior transfer student, I've been able to experience many different schools (traditional as well as non-traditional), and I believe it has been of value in many different ways. Number one, it has provided me with academic success and progress - definitely the biggest priority! Number two, it has allowed me to interact with a vast array of people; people from different races, cultures, social statuses, etc., which without school I most likely would have never worked with or even met. Lastly, I have been lucky enough to experience the "new-student-who-is-single" side of college (fraternity/sorority parties, etc.) as well as the "hard-core-academic-student-who-is-married-with-a-family" side (study groups, tutoring, etc.); both sides have given me experiences that I will never forget!

Deven

my college experience has brought me a life time of friendship and love. i have met so many amazing individuals while attending and i have also met the love of my life. i will always remember college. the athletics here have taught me many valuable life lessons and made me a better man. i wouldn't change anything i have done or the school i go to. it's perfect.

Leigha

I've gotten a lot of frustration from this school due to the lack of art classes, afterall I am an art major and I still have not taken the required classes for my major. But despite all that I think that BSU is a wonderful college for those who are business and economics majors and that if they want a college experience they'll definitely get that here at Boise State.

carolina

As a daughter of an immigrant, who knew little of the rigors and constant demands of college, I had no guidance and was left on my own to determine my fate. I thought I was stuck. I returned to BSU in 2007 determined to make it at any cost. A year later in the spring of 2008 I joined the McNair Scholars Program on the recommendation of my Sociology professor, who saw my potential as a scholar. I was accepted and embarked upon 3 semesters of intensive preparatory work for graduate studies. I deferred my graduation, was granted a $2800 fellowship to carry out summer research, and worked closely with faculty mentor Dr. Bob McCarl of the Sociology Department. Today, thanks for my determined spirit, and my vigilant professors, I write to you as a graduate student from the same institution which gave me the tools, and the chance to succeed.

Adriana

I was the President of the Spanish club at Boise State University and I found out that a lot of American student want to learn my language, I felt proud of hear them trying to speak Spanish. My way of viewing the American culture change I always thought that Americans will never accept immigrants because they believe we came to steal their jobs. Is good to know that the new generations do not see immigrants as enemies, but as friends. I was so happy to know that they care about my culture and that not all of them are racist. Now that I am not the president of the Spanish club I decide to create a new club a Spanish and English conversation club. It is different of the Spanish club. In this club we have more fun we play to be actors. We do scenarios of real life experience per example last week meeting was about a employee that always gets late to work and the manager need it to talk to him to explain him the company procedures, but this employee does not speak English so the manager has to explain in Spanish, and we change roles.

Jared

What have I taken away from college you ask? Well, I would have to say a lot of things. To start off with, I took a semester long speech class where you had to speak in front of other people (keep in mind I work at Wal-Mart), but during this class I increased my professional attentiveness when speaking with customers; and my palms no longer sweat when I get into a long discussion with a customer. The second thing I enjoyed was working with classmates on week long projects to build a semi-professional outlook for working with other employees on the job. The last item I enjoyed from attending college was constructive criticism from my instructors to better myself, and my talents. Sincerely, Jared Gingerich

Jolene

Being able to finish my double major in General Business and Human Resources has allowed me to know I can accomplish anything I set my mind to. I have always wanted to help others and I look forward to taking what I have learned in my education so far and applying to my future studies as I get ready to work on my Master's degree in Occupational Therapy which will allow me to help others learn to become more independent, active, healthy and have a higher quality of life. I feel for the first time in my life I am in a great position to achieve my dreams and help others on their path as they discover their dreams and accomplish their goals.

Ashley

My college experience has given me the ability to get to know myself and how far I can push myself. I've learned how to manage my time to get my homework done, even after working 30 hours a week and taking care of myself and my responsibilities. I've been presented with my strengths and my weaknesses and an array of supporters who are willing to help me improve. I haven't had a lot of college time to experience, but if I continue to grow as a person as I have been, I think that the value is immeasurable.

Paul

I've gotten to educate myself inlife as how we function in society. The world cant evolve if we as people dont contribute to being a prductive person in society. education is the key to our future and well being of our country.

Kristen

Out of my college experience I have learned a lot about myself. I have learned not to trust everyone I meet and college is basically the same thing as high school. Freshman year of college can be a complete waste if you go out and party every night, or it can be a great experience if you get out and join a club or the Greek life. One thing I would change about my first semester, I would have joined a sorority, to be more involved in campus activites.

Rachel

I have learned that not all colleges are created equal. Sometimes you can get quite a lot out of a small, blue-collar school that is not found in the academic portion of the campus.

Cynthia

I am almost fifty years of age; and have successfully completed my Associate's Degree at Carrington College. Now, I am shooting for the stars; and have been accepted into the pre-med program at Boise State University. I must admit, my former college taught me many valuable lessons. The first thing is to never let anyone make you feel embarassed by calling you an "overachiever." Secondly, I've had to learn to get back into the school mode after being out of the loop for thirty years. My age has bothered me in the past, but does not any more. I feel with my life experiences; combined with my military training and Associate's Degree, the more confident I have become. I am skilled at what I do, and my former instructors have always told me to reach for the stars; so I am. I feel Boise State is going to be an entirely new set of challenges, and know that this was the correct choice for me; I want to be somebody; and make a difference in the world. I know it's within my grasp.

Katie

Attending Black Hawk College East I have gained so much real world experience. Majoring in the Equestrian Program it has opened a world of opprtunities for me. I worked on an internship in California with Sharon Camarillo, a world reknowned Barrel Racer, that of which opened many job opportunities. I also had the opportuity and knowledge to run for the title of Miss Rodeo Illinois 2010, and I won. Holding this title has been an unbelievable ride and I do not regret a single moment of it. I am currently vying for the title of Miss Rodeo America 2011 which will take place in Las Vegas in November. Attending Black Hawk I realized that I wanted to further my education in Agriculture. I want to be able to help a student recieve the same opportunities that I have been given. This is why I am transfering into the Agriculture Education Program at Illinois State University. I have been truly blessed attending a small junior college and I am proud to say that I am Black Hawk College.

Ashley

I'm a sophmore in college and so far, I love it. I have always liked school, but college has given me a different perspective on life. My school has small class sizes, so I'm able to actually meet and interact with all of my classmates of different backgrounds. I feel being around people of different religions and cultures helps me learn because I can see how and why people act as they do, but also learn more about different parts of the country. College has also helped me grow into my own person, I'm faced with different situations and problems and I have to develop a solution on my own, without the help of my parents. I belong to the Phi Theta Kappa chapter at my school, being in this group I'm also able to intearct with different people through the volunteer work we complete. I like helping people and making a difference so PTK is a great expierence for me. I feel education is a valuable part of my life. With our economy today, without an education it is hard to find a good job that one can actually live off of.

Sarah

Through my college education I have learned that personal drive is an important key to success. Learning happens outside of the classroom just as much as within and it is important to take advantage of all growing opportunities, even when you must seek them out yourself. My time in college has allowed me to meet individuals with talents and interest like my own, but more importantly has given me a platform to learn how my own interests may be applied and combined with those of others. Through this I have developed a stronger respect for the ideas and talents of others as well as a broadened spectrum of what may be possible in my own career.

Natacha

i have not yet attend college, but i do plan to start in october 2010. i hope that my learning experiences are exquisite and enjoyable.

Megan

I have really gotten involved in my school and in the community, I have learned better study and learning techniques and I have met amazing people that I now call my friends that I wouldn't have been able to meet anywhere else in the world!!

Artie

I have learned how to communicate a little better and have learned to appreciate the things around me and the little things in life.

Leah

College was the place where I developed as an independent person. I no longer had my parents or my family nearby to run to if I needed help with food, money, schoolwork, etc. I was completely on my own and learned the most about what life is all about. I enjoyed college, in particular Boise State, and am certain that if I had chosen not to go to college I would have missed out on a vital life learning experience. I graduated with a BS in Sociology which basically means I have a degree that is not specific to any one type of job. However, being able to write on resumes that I have a bachelors degree has opened many doors for me that I beleive would have remained shut otherwise. I am attempting to get a teachers certification to be a secondary school teacher and be a positvie part of teenagers learning experiences and hopefully a helpful resource when it is their time to decide whether or not to attend college.

Weston

I have gained an understanding of who I am and what I can accomplish. The community that I have become a part of has allowed me to come out of my shell and be the best friend that I can. In my time at Boise State I not only learned from class materials but from the jobs that I had while attending school. It helped me use the concepts taught in the classroom and gave me a better knowledge of how they work in the working world.

Sam

The past two years of my life have been dedicated to being a college student. At first, I felt overwhelmed by the new experience of college homework and projects that were required. However, once I realized that this was what was required of me in order to pursue my dreams and do better for myself, I found the strength to push forward and complete the tasks given to me. College has also taught me how to become more open-minded to the the thoughts and values of others who have come from different walks of life while never losing sight of my own values and ideals. The knowledge I have gained from my proffesors has helped to direct me in the path I have chosen to follow. I believe we are put here for a purpose, and I know that my purpose requires me to obtain a college degree that will allow me to make a difference in this world.

Michaelyn

College has given me the opportunity to not only strengthen my sense of independence but exercise it every day. College is so much more than going to class and meeting people, for me it's about discovering yourself and finding out the things that work for you. I value my college experience because it will ,for one thing, always be a memory that I will never forget due to the life lessons I learned there. I know now that everything I do, regardless of time,place, or circumstance, I am the person I can rely on the most. College has showed me that if I want something I have to be the person to take that first step. It may seem like a simple concept, one that I thought I was excericising in highschool, but I never fully realized until now. I know now that college is just the door to endless possibilities and it's up to me to open it.

Brittany

I believe it is valuable to attend college so that you can better your life. College betters your life because it gives you the oppourtunity to get a better job than someone who does not have a college education. A better job leads to more money and when you have more money it tends to make life a little bit easier. Getting a college education is also valuable to me because I want to enter into the healthcare field and become a nurse so that I can help people. You can not get hired at a hospital or doctors office as a nurse without having a least a two year degree in nursing from a college. This is why college is valuable to me.

Jace

Attending Boise State University has allowed me to stay in my home town and become a firefighter. I am getting my undergraduate degree in psychology and am currently a senior. I have had opportunities in working in a DNA lab in the biology department and working within the University Housing. I have been able to be a positive influence to freshman and continuing students here at Boise State. I have had opportunities to practice leadership skills that will help me in my career. Attending Boise State University will help me to enter into the military as an officer and will help me persue a career as a police officer in the future as well. Boise State University has provided me with volunteer opportunities to help me continue to keep a civic duty and passion.

Liz

A college experience is best thing that could happen to anyone because nowdays is very necessary to attend college because of the competition worldwide and to be better prepared for the United States workforce. Currently this is my second year in school and i learn a lot that makes me happy. I feel capable of expressing my ideas to people and share the knowledge that i acquired. However; is not easy it takes sacrificy to be successfull in college but the rewards are very good. I am still working to obtain a bachelors degree in International business. It has been valuable to attend college because i understand the things that are happening around me, that affect us directly or inderectly and i am aware of those things such as politics, economy, and how we react to the changes and situations that we have to comfront. On my experience with this economic crisis i had to resign from my job because they were doing things that don't go with my work ethics and it is valuable to go to college to be better prepared for life.

William

This is the second college I have attended and the first 4 year university, but through both schools I have been able to learn in a broad spectrum of things, rather than just my area of interest. During this time I have also learned so much about myself and my family because of the challenges that face you as a college student. I have been able to work on study habits, time management, and learning methods. It has been such a great blessing to attend school thus far as no one in my family or my wife's side has ever received a bachelor's degree, and it will be an honor to be the first. I also see myself as needing to set the example to all of my syblings as one's education is one of the most important things that anyone can obtain in their life because it can open many opportunities for a career in the future, allow to help others on the way and no one can ever take away your knowledge.

Justin

My college experience thus far has done a lot for me. I have made tons of friends, have had many experiences, and learned a lot academically and about myself. Those things make the experience worth it, even without the degree at the end of the tunnel. The degree in athletic training is going to help me out in life but the experiences are going to be worth the same amount.

Brahim

What I have gotten out of my college experience so far is more than I could dream of. I just started attending the Art institute of California and I am majoring in culinary arts. Just from the time I have been there I have learned so much I didn?t know, not only just about cooking but team work and learning to compromise with others. Every time I go to class I learn and get built up into the chef I want to become. Not only does my passion get fulfilled but my dreams get closer. The reason why this is so valuable is because for once I feel accepted and honored for doing what I want to do, Without being judged and criticized and instead being congratulated and praised.

Niki

I learned how to have patience with the slow process of administrators. I learned to concentrate while chaos rules. I also learned a great deal about myself and what my personal values and goals are. College taught me how to think, not necessarly what to think. That is a valuable skill that I will take forward with me and use no matter what I do or where I go. I also have a degree, something my mother never achieved. Regardless of what else happens in my life I will carry the knowledge that I worked hard and earned my degree. No one can take that away from me. I now feel like I can take on challenges that before I would have avoided. My confidence in myself and my abilities has increased and I believe that it was attending college that gave my this boost.