California Institute of Integral Studies Top Questions

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

Keng

Make the time to relax and don't be so hard on yourself. Working hard is great, but this is really about you being able to shine and grow the next couple of years. You're really smart, don't ever let anyone tell you differently. Learn to be humble, no one likes someone who is arrogant. When you do speak, speak with integrity, compassion, and humilty. Learn how to listen when other talk; often they are telling you more behind their words so learn how to pick up those messages; don't over analyze either. Be honest, when someone is mistreating you or someone else call them out on it and hold them accountable. People have their annoying habits and quirks learn to look past it and see them for who they are on the inside. Being gay is awesome and you'll find friends here and make a new family for yourself because you're an awesome person. People come in go in our lives; those who leave, be in gratitude of your time with them that's why we have memories and picutres, but the ones who do stay are the ones you want to keep around.

Jessica

When I was a high school senoir I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. I enrolled at the local Junior College and registered for general education classes. Three semesters into this I still didn't know what I wanted to do. I felt that I should be in college, but I had no direction, and no drive. Was I taking classes just because I felt like I had to? Twenty years later I am now a Registered Nurse. It took me a while to get to this place, but the path I took led me here. Returning to school after a break has solidified my life and career goals. If I could go back in time and tell my high school self about transitioning into college I would give myself a world of advice. I would tell myself that it is okay to not know what you want. The world is large and there is a lot of opportunity. I would encourage myself to enroll in semesters abroad to get out and to see that world while geting an education, as you may never get another chance.