California Lutheran University Top Questions

The advice I would give myself as a High School Senior would be to stay focused and don't let senioritis allow me to slack off. I would encourage myself to obtain the best grades possible because the payoff is better then the activities I would be attending by blowing off school. California Lutheran University has taught me that working hard and staying focused allows for a greater reward in the end whether it is achieving success in your chosen career path or moving up in your career faster then you would have expected.

Focus more on what scholarship oppertunities are out there, any money will help. Also make more contacts where you will be attending schools to workout oppertunities to reduce your tuition prices and book fees. Your study habits are good and they will carry over, just be more confident when looking at scholarship (no scholarship is too large for you to contend with).

I would definitely tell myself to take a chance and go somewhere new. Don't stay in your town (like I initially thought I wanted to) and not even the same state. You have at least FOUR years to go live somewhere you never thought you could live until now. At least if you go and don't like it, you can still come back home after and not look like a giant failure. If you were to move after college, there's more stress riding on your move (where will you live?, for what reason are you moving?, how will you get loans for living? where will you work? etc.) College is an easy excuse to experience a new culture, meet new friends, build a network. I would also tell myself to not let a bad college experience get you down. You must remember that YOU are paying THEM, and not the other way around. You have the CHOICE to leave if you don't like it. That is something to never forget. And P.S. Strive to LIVE, and not just EXIST. You are never truly living until you step outside of your comfort zone.

As a kid I dreamt of college and the experience; I envisioned living on campus, participating in clubs and activities, socializing, and most importantly studying harder than ever in order to get to a place in life that I would be forever happy. However, the reality turned out to be the complete opposite. I left high school unsure of what I wanted to do career wise. College came too quickly and I was forced to attend a community college because I could not afford to attend a University. I have three jobs; I babysit, work at Jc Penney's, and work at a dental office while also attending school full time. I am not actively involved in any clubs, I do not socialize in school with the other students, and I am not living the life I expected. Here is my advice to myself in high school: volunteer, discover what you want, attend a University immediately, and avoid work. The more focused you are on school, your future career, and networking, the easier it'll be to find your dream career. Invest in yourself!

I would tell my old self that college is a place to experince many things and to find out who you are and who you want to be. You dont have to know your exact path right when you graduate high school. Experience life and its ok to change your mind even a few times on what you want to do with the rest of your life. Dont go a certain path because others tell you or want you to but because thats what makes you happy. Its your life and your the one who has to live it. Also, transferring from schools seems like it will be scary but be your self and be open to meeting new people. College is just another adventure like high school was so dont worry, have fun and work hard. Everything will come together. Enjoy!

- College is a privilege, not an obligation- Educate yourself about deadlines to apply for financial aid and scholarships- Make it your job to find internship opportunities and scholarships- Apply to EVERY University you're interested in, and research EVERY one you get in to- Read the real student reviews online- Be aware of the deadlines to drop a class and the schools grade change and course repeat policies- When picking a major research what kinds of career paths it's likely to lead to- Make a plan to assure that the classes you're taking, and paying for, are essential for your major, and will work towards fulfilling your undergrad course requirements- Find good people to study with, and set up times to meet with them- Before classes start, have a go to person for each class you think will be particularly challenging for you- Make a graduation plan and checklist- Get registered for your classes as soon as you're allowed to- Consider working at your school, and see what benefits come with the jobs available - Never miss the first day of class, and on the first day, exchange phone numbers and emails with a few classmates

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a senior in high school about college life, the best advice I would give to myself would be to never give up on school. In high school I was very shy and didn’t care too much about my academics; at the time I just wanted to survive school and graduate! When I was in high school I was more concerned with what my fellow class mates thought about me rather than my grades. This way of thinking distracted me from reaching my full potential in school. When I entered community college my motivation for school and achieving good grades was still absent. It took me a couple years to finally realize how important college was and from then on, until this very day, I have learned to really enjoy school. I have to say now I’m glad I didn’t give up on school because I love learning. This year I am transferring from community college with an A.A. degree in Psychology and I am very proud. I'm ready and motivated to continue my education and reach my next goal, a bachelor’s degree!

Be very independent, know when to say no, always strive for a better grade in the class, and never give up.

Nothing is impossible with the right attitude and passion. Pursue what you want with your whole heart, work hard for it, and you will not be disappointed.

Addison, Listen to your mom when she tells you that college will be easier if you pay attention in high school. The extra-curricular activities you are a part of now will open many doors for you in college. Also, your GPA will be a great factor in helping win scholarships. Your high school career is a job, as you will have a "pay-off" in the end. Your GPA is worth cash in the form of financial aid. Your friends in high school will NOT be your friends for life. Make your college decisions based on where you want to be in the future. The experiences you have now will determine the experiences you will have in college, which will in turn help you forge your future. Most of all, always remember that your thoughts determine your words; your words determine your actions; and, your actions determine your future. Regards, Yourself

Actually, I have gone back and talked to some high school seniors about college life and what I have advised them about is to go to a college for the college education and experience. Do not go based on a sports scholarship where you might play or you might not play. Make sure that if you didn't get to play the sport at this college, that you would still want to attend there. I have also advised those who are stuck on just going to a UC or State college to consider smaller private colleges where you are going to get classes and be guaranteed a 4 year graduation date. Instead on going to the most popular college for 5 years and paying for 5 years you can go to a private school for a small increase in price but in the end it all weighs out the same because you will be done in a shorter amount of time. If you get home sick easily, stay close enough to drive every other weekend or once a month. You are still far enough away to have that college experience but close enough to go get some home cooked meals.

If I could speak with my former self as a high school senior, I would emphasize the importance of personal responsibility and accountability as I enter college. In high school, you have parents or teachers pushing you to get things done. In college, it becomes your own responsibility to do things like attend classes, fix meals for yourself, balance a budget, etc. In addition to advising myself to expect new responsibilities, I would tell myself that it is natural to feel homesick but that it will go away if you are patient, outgoing and involved. I felt very lonely during my first week in college because I didn't know anyone, and I was too shy to go to club meetings or to get involved. If I could go back, I would tell myself to be extraverted and outgoing and to get involved to meet people! Transitions are always uncomfortable at first, especially if you don't know anyone, but if you're patient and willing to be outgoing, you will find yourself feeling comfortable in no time. I would tell myself to be excited for this transition instead of feaful - these will be the best years of your life!

Senior year? I see you're having time of your life at the moment. It will surely be just a moment in time as you are about to experience major changes. You will lose friends and also make new ones. You will go through bad times but also good times. Make sure you take full advantage of college and study what your heart desires and not what others think you should study or want you to be. What your study will open further doors and possibilities in life. If you fall, pick yourself up. There will be times when you think things are too difficult but dont despair. These are very valuable years of your life that you will truly not want to go to waste. Stay positive and focused, for the world can be a cold place but surround yourself with people who care about you. For they are the ones who will be truly proud of you. Most importantly, do something so that you're proud of yourself in the end and not have any regrets. Good luck to you, because I wish I had that chance again.

I think back to the life I lived when I was seventeen and consider it a massive loss that I did not see my senior year due to dropping out. However, after enduring these past two years of blood sweat and tears in college, I realize that I had to hit rock bottom in order to approach my education seriously. As a result, I can proudly speak of my GPA (3.91!!!)--because this accomplishment would truly be a surprise to my younger self--along with my pursuit of a mathematics major. I'm not the "sharpest tool in the shed," but I honestly try my best. I would tell my younger self : Beware the friends you choose and visit your mother a bit more. If ever you find yourself in a dark place filled with self doubt, just remember that with each day you meet new potential and with the passage of time you have the potential to redefine yourself and prove to yourself the person you can be.

I would remind myself to keep working hard with my academics and also athletics. Since, I got off to a fast start my first semester of college, but ended the semester with a GPA that was not acceptable, I would tell myself not to get complacent with my grades. The thing that I believe would be most important is to not allow my social life to disrupt my academic life and keep academics as a number one priority. I think I did pretty well transitioning and handling college, the only thing is that my grades slipped at the end of the semester; other than that I think I was well prepared for college.

If I could go back I would warn myself that it was going to be a lot harder than I could imagine. I would warn myself of how much I would miss my family but I would also suggest ways to keep in contact with them to make it less hard, things such as skype, handwritten letters and weekly phone calls. I would also tell myself to stay focused on me and that although I would be living with three other people I shouldn't let my mothering instict take place. I would need to worry about me and not what is going on with others. Also, I would make sure to remind myself that reading is key to passing classes. And also that skim reading isn't going to help but that I would have to really sit down and take time to focus on what I was reading. Ultimately, if I could give myself any advice it would be to not let dorm life get the best of me.

Going to college will inevitably create changes in your life. It doesn't matter if you decide to go to a community college, small university, vocational school, large university and it doesn't matter if you live on campus, off campus or commute from home, pursuing a higher education will create some kind of change in your life. Don't be scared of the change. Embrace it. Take advantage of all the opportunities these changes will bring. Don't spend time worrying over how you'll deal with all these changes. Instead, spend time thinking about how many new doors are opening with all these upcoming changes.

If I could go back in time, I would study more and would pay more attention to my teachers. To me high school, was not very challenging and I some how mananged to get good grades even if I didn't pay attention. I never realized how important was all that my teachers would say. I would hear them lecture about college life and I would sometimes think they were crazy and that they were exagerating. Now I realize that they were not exagerating and that they wanted all their student to be prepared. I would have taken advantage of my teachers knowledge and would have visited them during their office hours and have taken the time to really learn the material they were teaching us. I wish I could go back and pick up some good studying habits and some reading tips.

Time management is more important that you think it is. High school really was a preparation for college and you should try to use high school to make mistakes, not in college. Once you have applied to colleges keep doing well, especially in AP classes because passing the AP tests can possibly lower your coursework for your pre-requisites and save some money. In addition, take summer classes at a community college so you can get into your major classes as soon as you can. When enrolled in college, even though you are gaining all this new freedom do not let it get you distracted from the main reason you are at school, which is to get an education. There will be plenty of time to make friends so stay focused on bettering yourself in school. I would tell myself that just because I got good grades in high school, that does not reflect how I will do in college. It is real life, and you need to get your act together because everything counts in college and grades are strictly from tests, not homework. College is not what television portrays it to be, it is time to grow up.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to simply experience life. I need to stop worrying about having to know exactly what I want to do with my life. I am young, and I have many future experiences that will shape who I become. I may think I know what it is that I want to do, but this will change as I meet new people who change my outlook on life and inspire me to do more than I ever imagined possible. I would let myself know that in my first three years of college I will go through many changes and while my high school self might not agree, I will become a very different person. I would tell my high school self that college is much better than high school and to keep in mind that I am a strong person. I would tell my high school self to be prepared for a wonderful journey of self-discovery filled with much joy and some sadness and to go with what life brings my way. I would say "do not stress."

I would tell my high school senior self to stay focused and not to give up. Great opportunities lie ahead. I would encourage myself not to be afraid, to ask questions and to not run from the unknown because this is new to everyone first entering college. College is full of opportunities to learn about life, to meet passionate motivated people who want to provide foundations to prepare you for life and to build life-long friendships. College teaches responsibility, provides freedom to make decisions and is where you build your reputation. Transitioning to college provides the opportunity to explore a new place, make new friends, learn new things, and set your own priorities. You’ll face a lot of exciting and challenging changes in a short time so give yourself the opportunity to adjust gradually. Balance your course load with challenging classes and others that are less intense. Make smart decisions; buy only what you can afford and don’t misuse credit cards. College has many resources — professors, tutors, counselors and advisers; use all resources and file all paperwork accurately and on time. If possible, study abroad to educate yourself about the world you live in.

Breathe deep, but don't cry when I say everything is going to change. Prepare yourself mentally and emotionally for heartbreak, academic challenges, and friendships gone wrong, but also look forward to the better life that follows such hardships. The first few weeks of college are difficult. You do not know how to balance socializing, studying, spending time with family, and sleeping. Know that you will live through it all and don't feel so pressured to make friends right away. Freshman orientation will not last forever. Do not flirt with the weird guys. They will only continue to follow you through every device known to man and you will have to break a dozen hearts. You can make life easier by forgetting your ex boyfriend from Michigan and deleting him from your contacts. He will only hurt you. There are a lot of attractive and smart men in college, but do not think starting a relationship with them will be as simple as batting your eyelashes. You are smart and will do well if you stay focused on your goals, but remember to have fun. Finally, know that you always have the support of your true friends and family.

Knowing about college like and making the transistion I would tell my high school self to trust that the situation will be okay. I would tell her that living on campus is a great opportunity and even though family is back at home you have to remember they support you and want you to suceed. I would also tell her to stick to her core values because if she does then she will meet friends that are the same as her. I would tell her to be open, nice, and not closed off because if she is she wil feel alone and will not experience the ultimate college life. I would also to tell her to always be thinking about what she wants to achieve in life and stay focused. Being in college is a great experience and a great way to get a new start after high school. Embrace it!

Making sure that I took the College courses that was offer. Spending more time on homeowrk. Enjoying the time in high school. I wish that I would have listen more like I do now in classes in college. I work a lot harder now knowing what I need to do in life. I would not take back my high school years for anything. I has given me the chance to learn right from wrong. I had the best of my years in high school just like in college. Meeting new people. Working with others all the time on homeowrk, class project.

Courtney, it is going to be ok. Take everything one step at a time and always remember to breath. You are going to go through some rough times but they will serve to highlight some of the most joyous ones. Know that you will cry, be frustrated and wonder at times if this is really what you want. However, never forget that you will also be exponetially happy and attain some of the best memories and experiences that no amount of work can tarnish. So enjoy yourself and try not to procrastinate too much along the way.

DO NOT SKIP CLASS. That would be the first thing I would tell myself. College professors dont care if you miss class or not, they arent receiving the fail. If I had known not to skip class I wouldnt be failing 2/3 of my courses. Also.. this is something high school seniors should already know, but I would tell myself to NEVER PROCRASTINATE. You can get away with it in high school, but it procrastination literally kills you in college. In a few days, you find yourself with huge bags under your eyes, and your body feels like a 90 year old cripple. Pulling allnighters to study and makeup work you failed to do puts such an unhealthy strain on your body... just dont do it. The body you are developing now is the one you have to live for for the rest of your life, so treat as well as possible on college. You may not beable to reverse the damage later in life. Last thing I would tell myself is.. Do not choose a school just because they gave you the most financial aid. Choose a school you genuinely love and that will make you happy.

Don't take it all so seriously. That look, music and career that are so important to you are going to change so much in the next couple of years. You honestly wouldn't even recognize yourself today! Also don't sell yourself short. Right now you are thinking just graduating high school is so much better than your parents or anyone else you know has ever done, how much more could you want right? Well right now we are getting a masters degree and getting ready to go to Europe! Can you believe it? It probably wouldn't have taken so long if someone had told us then that we actually had the potential to get this far and further. You are going to do some amazing things with your life and really change the world (but you knew that one.) You also become a pretty dang cool person. So enjoy it! Smile more and don't be so miserable because it gets so much better. See you soon.

If I could talk to myself as a senior, I would tell myself to take more AP or concurrent enrollment classes. By doing what I did, I knocked out a year of college, but I could have always done more! I would also tell myself to attend a college where I can move out and live in the dorms. I am not a huge fan of still having to live at home and having restrictions while all my friends are in dorms and can do whatever they like. I would also tell myself to apply for as many scholarships as I possibly can.

College is not as scary as everyone describes it in high school. While you are starting on a new path in life and the transition might be hard at times, college life truly is a wonderful experience. Also, you may feel pressure to act like the stereo-typical college student - you know the person who parties all the time then stays up late to finish the homework and drinks hundreds of cups of coffee. I want you to stay true to who you are and know that you do not have to fall prey to peer pressure. College life offers you a variety of people to become friends with and you will find the friends that will make you feel comfortable being you and will not force you to be some body that you are not.

I would advise myself to be more open, willing and put forth a greater effort to meet other people. Being part of the women's soccer team, I would see my teammates every day, hours at a time, thus we all formed close friendships with one another, and the need to meet other people did not seem as important as it should have. In addition, I found it easier to use soccer as an excuse to not become involved in clubs and other organizations on campus, which is a great opportunity to meet others, because I thought it was big time and energy commitment. However, just like any other aspect of life, if no energy or time is put into what you want to acheive, you will never find reward or success, and that is what happened to me. I wanted to meet new people and make new friends, yet I did not put in the time and energy to become involved and take that extra step. In no manner do I regret what I have done at CLU, but if given the opportunity, I would tell myself to become more involved on campus to meet others.

I would tell myself to make it happen no matter what else is going on in your life; it’s too important to put off - for any reason. During the time I was supposed to be planning my college experience, my parents went through an awful, nasty divorce - they were focused on that instead of helping me plan for college. Looking back, I wish I knew I was strong enough to do it on my own, but I didn't know the first thing about it. After working for a company for the last 4 years, thinking I would be able to work my way up and it not happening, I realized that I needed to finish school. This is something that I always knew I would do, it was just a matter of figuring out how to make it happen. I am paying for my education by myself - I don't have the luxury of having it paid for by my parents like my older sisters did when our family was still together. The divorce and subsequent financial and emotional instability has hindered my opportunity to complete my education but I'm not letting it stop me any longer!

I would tell myself to be more outgoing and not be scared to make new friends. Also, to make sure that whatever major you choose is the one your heart is really in to. You don't want to have a career that you hate. I would also tell myself that it's okay to make mistakes because they help you learn. Involve yourself in extracurricular activities and clubs.

Hey Phil, I know that you're in a tight spot in applying for different colleges and stuff. I just want to let you know that you are good. Just be prepared to get rejctions and not to get into the schools you were hoping for. However, the school you do get in to is a great one where you'll meet many amazing friends and people you'll know and be friends with for life. Make sure you keep lifting weights and get stronger because you'll be playing rugby instead of football. Its better for you, trust me. Keep up the good work in your senior year. Its one of the best times of your life. Make sure to brush up on your chemistry over the summer and try really hard to kick that procrastination habit. I'm still trying (working on it tomorrow.) Also chemistry is a blast. Its so much more than I expected and I'm having a great time. You picked the right major! Well I hope the rest of your senior year is a good one! Love, Phil

As early as possible I would recommend going to great lengths to get a job in the industry I was planning to pursue, even if this meant donating my time. This would give a working knowledge of the business, clientele, and industry-specific terminology. In so doing, I would have a better understanding of my future career and confirming my enjoyment of it. It’s better to know ahead of time versus graduating and learning that it was not what I expected. I would also suggest using all resources my high school has to offer. There are many avenues: counselors, college planning seminars and clubs on campus. There is an enormous amount of help and information on campus. Explore and conquer all options. Last, I would become involved in my community. It offers many opportunities to contribute time and talents to causes that give life-long learning experiences. It is a time to explore skills and talents and try new ones. This is also a great way to get to know people in your community of all ages. Being involved in mixed generational activities allows plenty of opportunities to glean wisdom from those who have much more knowledge and experience.

I would tell myself, that while college is serious, go out and have fun. Meet people and try new things (legal of course) and don't be afraid of failure. I can be a very shy and timid person and sometimes it just gets in the way of fun and new experiences. I would also tell myself to study hard and have set goals and to have them written out to remind myself daily of what they are. Relax and to realize that I won't like everyone I come across. I would tell my senior self that as part of college it is not always about meeting people you like. You can still learn from people that you don't like. You can also find out things about yourself. College is a huge learning experience and to never take a single moment for granted. Live life and never look back at your mistakes, learn from them and move on. One of my favorite quotes, "I don't live in the past, the past lives in me." -Author Unknown. The point of the quote is don't beat yourself up after a mistake, learn from it and move on.

I would tell my senior self that I needed to focus more, that college isn't about slacking just like I did my senior year. I would tell myself that I need to start really caring about my education because college is harder than high school. All in all I would just tell my senior self that college is completely different than high school and that I would need to change my study and note taking habits to prepare myself for what is to come in college.

Know what I know now I would advise myself to take harder classes so I can prepare for the college work load. My senior year in high school was just a coast year. I had all my required credits in order to graduate by the end of my first semester. My second semester I went half a day and took meaning less classes. I hardely had any homework. I would also take college classes during my senior year so I could get ahead but I was not thinking about that I was only thinking about my current situation and how I just wanted to live my last two semesters of high school up. Some more advise I would give myself would be to apply to multiple colleges and apply for multiple scholarships. I had the idea that the money would come to me and my dad would pay for my college. Boy was I wrong and was going to get a rude awakening come about two weeks before my first semester of college started.

Dear Highschool Self, I know you think you have your whole life figured out, but believe me when I say that you will change your mind a thousand times in the next three years. Your interests will change and you will have new opportunities and experiences that will draw you in new directions. Be prepared and ready for change and open to new ideas and opportunities. Get involved in everything you can. Take advantage of free events and trips on campus so that you can meet new people and get a taste of something different. Also, don't work too hard. Push yourself academically, yes, but you have sixty years ahead of you to worry about your bank account. Study abroad, take travel seminars, join student groups! It doesn't matter that your friends don't want to do those things, be independent. What's more important, know that college is nothing like high school. I know you felt like you were mediocre. You tried so hard to be the best, but always felt like you fell short. Start fresh and create yourself! Love, Three Years Later P.S. - Guys don't automatically mature with a diploma. Proceed with caution.

If I could go back in time, I would tell myself that college isn't as terrifying as it seems. The professors are very willing to make appointments with students who do not understand criteria so I wouldn't have to worry about falling behind in class. I would also tell myself that not living on campus may make it hard for me to participate in some of the school events, but it doesn't mean I won't make friends. When the time comes for orientation, I will tell myself that its actually really fun and not to miss out on any of the activities because that's where to make new friends who could potentially be life long friends.

If I could go back in time and tell myself what i know now about college. I would say STUDY!!! Yes there is lots of free time and nobody is nagging you to study and do homework, but it is more important now to study and not just try to get by. Also not room with friends from high school. High school drama will follow you to college and it is more important to focus on the present rather than the past and high school. Also not rooming with people you know allows you to meet more people in different backgrounds and you become more social rather than hanging on to what you know from high school. Lastly I would say to do what you love. Play Water Polo, join clubs, go to parties, and have a blast and do not dwell on what happened in the past. Make the most of your freshman year and the years to come because they only come once.

Make sure that you stay focued but maybe not take yourself as seriously or make yourself as stressed as you always do because in the end yes you get everything done but you make yourself sick over it. Just trust your insticts and believe in yourself. You are smart and strong and can get through anything college throws at you. Make sure to have fun and do not be shy. That doesn't mean go crazy though, yes going to parties are cool but not everyday or when you have a final the next day. Be open, yes moving is hard and scary, but as long as you are open you will realize that it is easy making friends and adjusting to college life. Take that random class that has nothing to do with your major because it is college, but make sure to stay focused and not get distracted. Lastly remember, life is not about how many breathes you take, but how many moments take your breath away, so live life to the fullest.

If I were able to go back in time and give myself a few words of advice, I'd tell myself two things: Mothers are ALWAYS right and not everyone is going to like you. In high school, my mom set rules for my sister and I so that we could do well in schoool and make responsible descisions once we were on our own. I, however, did not agree with some of my restrictions. Once I went away to college, I took too much advantage of my freedom--staying out late, putting my priorities behind and focusing more on the social aspect of school rather than my studies. I then realized that my mom only set those boundaries for me so that I could be successful, and once I came to that realization, I appreciated what she did for me even more. Another thing I came to experience was that not everyone will like me. This means that despite my kindness, helpfulness, and sincerity, there will still be someone who will dislike me. But regardless of their opinions, I would tell myself to continue being a great friend and to never doubt myself.

If I could talk to myself as I high school senior there are many points of advice I would give. I would tell myself to dedicate time to research for my future, including where I want to go to college and scholarships that are available. I would tell myself to remember to save every cent I could spare. I would tell myself to mentally prepare for the changes that were to come, but most of all I would tell myself to enjoy the last year of high school. Graduation was the close of a chapter in my life, but the stepping stone to the remaining story and I feel I may have worried to much about what was to come and not enough about the present. Though senior year is critical to making decisions and starting your life, it is also a teenagers last chance to truly embrace their inner child. Senior year is a time of still living under the roof of a parent, the time of not having excess financial decisions, and still having a constant guiding hand. I would tell myself to embrace those small things and live one last year as a kid.

Be yourself, but at the same time, don't be afraid to step out of your confort zone and try new things. Get involved on campus, and find the right group of friends early on, because it isn't always that easy to switch groups later on in the years. Go to the events on campus (sports, art shows, lectures, concerts, plays). Don't be afraid to approch your professors, they really are there to help you. You're paying good money to go to this school, so make sure to use all of the available resources, such as counseling, tutoring, career assessments and placements, and writing and math centers. Always stop to smell the roses, or take a look at the stars. They bring everything into perspective.

My experiences at California Lutheran University have helped me to adulthood, as they compose the final pages of my bildungsroman. The conclusion of this chapter in my life was not shaped by the opportunities that this college could provide financially, but rather, by the people who create the character of this campus. My story is defined by the people who helped me through my first few years at this university During freshman year my friend attempted to commit suicide by overdosing. I found her hardly alert, and worked with her roommate to call an ambulance and keep her awake until they arrived. She survived. A few days later my sister committed suicide. I found myself unable to forgive my friend or my sister for their actions needless to say I was in a very dark place. As the weeks rolled on I did not attend class and was in danger of losing my much needed scholarships. My faculty advisor noticed my absences and helped me; he had class due dates extended, set up free appointments with the school psychologist, and pushed me back on my educational feet. It was here that I learned about resiliency and forgiveness....biology, and literature.

When I came to Cal Lutheran I really got invovled in alot. I got really invloved in Student Government. This week I just got elected the President of the Student Body and memeber of the university Governing Board. I will be the first junior to perform these tasks in the Universities History. The first semester I studied abroad in Prague, Czech Republic. I am also really involved in clubs and and academics. I am a double major in political science and religion. Because the class sizes are so small, you get to know every professor on a personal level. Cal Lutheran has really shaped me into a great person.

I planned on attending the University of Washingto in the fall of 2010, but when my parents moved to California in August, I realaized I wasn't ready to be two states away. I packed up my things and relocated to California with them, and was forced to start at a community college nearby before applying to schools in California. What I have found so far is that the sixty semester units of general education that are required of every student can often be based on subjects the student has no interest in whatsoever. For me, some of these have been pleasantly enjoyable despite that, and some have been dreadful trying to push through. I haven't reeped the benefits of attending college in terms of a job, but my horizons have been widened, I have learned countless new things, and I have gotten to experience a variety of teaching styles. College has without-a-doubt introduced me to the "real world," and I have gotten a taste of what lies in my future. I hope to get more out of my college experience as I transfer schools and as I focus more on my major and my interests.

My college experience has been great. While in high school I was always the shy and dependent person but with living on college I met new people and I have become more opened. I have also learned to be more indepent because I live on campus. I have grown so much in my first semester here at California Lutheran University. I figured out what kind of career path I want to go into and what kind of major I want to pursue and get a degree in. I believe college is where a person learns more about themselves and what kind of person they want to be. It shapes them into the person they are and that is why it is important and valuable for students to attend college to continue their education.

At the beginning of my college experience I began by going to community college where I found myself longing for a more well-rounded experience filled with opportunities for community service, making new friends, and gaining an education of a life time. It was a decision I struggled with from the beginning of my senior year in high school because of financial issues. I was worried about the burden that I would carry once I graduated and had to pay back loans that I would have to take out in order to attend the school of my dreams. I wanted an education that would challenge my thinking and provide me with the skills I need to be successful as well as happy. Deep down I knew I had to do what was best for my future and what would provide me with the greatest sense of accomplishment. I believe I have made the best life decision for myself by attending a four year University because I have provided myself with the opportunity to be the best I can be.

I am grateful that I have had the opportunity to attend college and although I am older than the average college student I know now I have made the right decision to be persistant. When I was nineteen I could barely sit through a two hour lecture but with persistance on my part and the opportunity to take eye opening classes such as Astronomy, Graphic Design, and Behavioral Neuroscience I realized school actually had something to offer me and I loved it. I used to be the individual that had no role models and no motivation to learn; now, I am the person who can look at myself and say "I know who I am and who I want to become, I know what impact I want to make on the world." The professors I have had proved to me that there is hope for this world, and every stressful day working and paying bills is worth the time spent learning with and from professors who are the best role models I have ever had.