California State University-Long Beach Top Questions

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

jessica

My college experience was unlike most other students. There were times when I had taken years off here and there in order to work and support myself. At one point, I had three jobs and a full-time school schedule, which inevitably made it the most difficult time in my life. Often I felt like giving up, however I pushed forward, knowing someday that it would all be worth it in the end. These last few years I have come to realize that my education and the hardships I have gone through to achieve my degree have been priceless. Not only have I gained a vast knowledge in mathematics and chemistry, but I have gained an appreciation for hard work and dedication. The value of my education truly lies in the fact that I enjoy learning and have the opportunity to do so. I do not view my education as a ticket into a good job but I view it as an integral part of myself, and something that has shaped who I am as a person. Whether or not I find a job related to my studies, I treasure all that I have learned over these years.

Victoria

While attending high school, I attended a two year college. While attending both schools, I ran Student Council, was my junior and senior Class President, National Honor Society Vice President, a DECA officer, and participated in 6 other organizations. Many wondered how I managed these activities while I wondered how I managed to stay sane. But now, I know that I have my college experience to thank. Attending a community college taught me various things. I learned how to take the reigns and organize events. I obtained the ability to manage my time wisely and maintain organization through responsibility. Nevertheless, I gained amazing social and business skills. For instance, I matured enough to converse to complete strangers and contact businesses in order to gain needed information. My college experience has allowed me to be more independent and reliable on myself. It has been long, tough, unique, yet amazing; it was worth ever second of my time. Attending a local community college has made me prepared for my future journey. Therefore, it was greatly vital to experience. Because of my college enrollment, I now know I will be prepared for a four-year college and extremely successful in the professional world.

Jermaine

I learned that college is supposed to be a place of growth and learning. The university that I attended primarily acts as a commuter school and students don't get the growth experience they would if they lived on or near campus. Much of this has to do with the students economic situation, but it also has to do with school policy and their lack of choices to implement proper and affordable housing and jobs for students. School is about meeting new people and having new experiences. And I believe that is what colllege is really about.

Kayla

My college experince isn't over yet, but from what I have experienced so far, I have to say that it has certainly been a roller coaster experience. I definitely did not feel like I was fitting in when I first started out. My soul goals were to just get to class, stay awake in class, and leave campus as soon as class was over. No questions, no making friends, no interaction. I was there strictly to learn the material, not another students life's story. It wasn't until my second semester that I realized I couldn't go through my entire college life being absent from a social life. I needed people with me to help me get through the toughest classes, the toughest school and work schedules, and to just help me get through life. I needed to be able to make friends. I started making the effort and actually utilizing the help offered to me at school, and now, here I am. Looking for scholarships, trying to help myself a little more to get through college. And if it hadn't been for the new friends that I made, I probably wouldn't have tried.

bryanne

I learned to be better organize in school and life. I make better use of my time and do the thing I need to get handle out the way so I have more time to thinks I enjoy doing and exspecially having a son, education and organization last forever.

Dat

I am only a Freshman attending CSULB this Fall 2010 semester but so far, I know that it's a much different experience from high school. Having orientation and signing up for classes is really something different than having counselors help a student pick out their courses in high school. To add, meeting new people is a really differnet experience. We are all accustomed to having friends who around our neighborhood but in college, there many people who don't even live in the same city as one may live in. I feel as if heading into college will help me mature and will let me grow more independent for the future. You really have to be wise and precise upon what classes one picks because it'll evenutally add up to what you what to be. (Major) Though entering new territory may be really frightening, new experiences only gain more lessons and I know that college will have a different influence on everyone.

Sarah

College has helped me experience many different aspects of life. For instance, for two years I have been involved in the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society and was an active officer as the Correspondence Secretary in which I attended frequent weekly meetings and helped organize events such as our annual Blood Drive coordinated with Life Stream. I gained so much experience being a member of Phi Theta Kappa where I also participated in a Beach Clean-up, spoke at and helped organize a Human Trafficking Informational Event in which I organized and also successfully collected materials for victims of Human Trafficking through a Basic Needs Drive. Recently I worked with the Red Cross to raise funds for the Haiti earthquake victims and other similar international disaster relief needs. I am very focused in helping the community and working in events such as these for people in health and circumstantial needs and crisis. Long Beach will help me help others. That is what I love to do and in the long run would want my career to be in Health Sciences in order to keep on helping other people.

Carissa

Stepping onto California State University Long Beach State's campus in Fall of '06, was emmensly overwhelming. Standing as a young eighteen year-old among 48,000 fellow students was quite intimidating. Over the following five semesters I went through a rollercoaster of emotions. I battled trying to find a positive friend base, inter-active clubs, and a right fit major. After multiple trys at each trial, during my eighth semester I seemed to have finally gotten it right. Throughout the previous semesters I had enrolled in various Theatre-Arts courses as a part of general education, I had also met several Theatre majors who had a passion and a love for what they were studying. Before that time I had learned a variety of subjects, however, nothing seemed to draw me in like Theatre. Over the next three semesters I had the great honor of studyng Theatre as an art form. I have learned the history, the political impact, the emotional opportunity, and the varying acceptance of theatre. I have been exposed to a wide-variety of students and professionals who have one common passion and goal; to educate and expose the public through the miraculous entertainment of Theatre.

Shannon

While at CSULB, I had the opportunity to study a variety of my interests and really explore the possibilities for my future. As a music major and marketing minor, I had opportunities to work in the LA music industry. Even though I attended school as a full time student, I was able to balance both my career as a performer and my responsibilities as a student. I toured several times during my school breaks, and released four albums as a solo artist. I feel that my business classes were extremely advantageous for me to take, and I find that I apply the skills I learned from my professors on a daily basis. The faculty at CSULB is extremely supportive of its students, and I still communicate with several of my professors regularly. The most valuable thing I've learned from my experience at CSULB, is what I've discovered about myself. Before college, I thought I would only obtain my bachelors degree and barely scrape by as a local musician. Since, I've been accepted to graduate school in Ireland, and I hope to one day obtain my doctorate so that I may teach and spread my joy for music.

Heather

Out of my college epxerience I have recieved a world of confidence and pride. I recently recieved my A.A. and am now moving on to a radiology degree. With completing my two years of college, a number of oppurtunities have presented themselves. I am able to move up in my career, I am able to compete to higher paying positions, and my family now sees me as an accomplished woman. Attendeing and completing college have layed the stepping stones for me later in life and i have been able to prove to myself that if I work at it, and have the proper education, then possibilties in life are endless.

Zaaida

I have better understanding of people from different cultures and backgrounds. My college experience has taught me how to appreciate other cultures, and how to work along with people who were brought up different from me. A very important trait a person must have to succeed in any career field is to be able to work with different people. I remember taking several classes that discuss the importance of multiculturalism and diversity in Education and in the work place. My education experience in valuable to me because I plan to teach high school and college level students. As a perspective educator, it is important that I am able to work with different people in helping them reach their academic goals in life. In many cases, I will be dealing with students from a different country or culture, and I have to find out ways to help the students understand the materials in terms of their own culture.

Teresa

I am what is considered a "non-traditional" student who is going back to school after being in the workforce for nearly 20 years. My experience returning to school has been a wonderful challenge and experience thus far. I have been slowly completing all my prerequisites to apply to the RN Nursing Program at College of DuPage. I was thrilled when 2 months ago I received word that I had been accepted into the fall program! I think a college education is imperative for success and I am thrilled to begin my journey. I know that today's students face so many challenges, especially those that are now returning to school, balancing families, and working as well as being a full-time student. It can truly be exhausting, but I know that the reward in the end will be well worth the time and effort. I can't wait to begin this next "chapter" in my life!

Pippa

I have learned a lot in my classes, but the memories I have made with friends is far more important to me. I am learning how to be a responsible adult, and it is one of the best experiences of my life.

Christine

During my years at Long Beach State I have learned many important values that have led me to life changing decisions. I was taught to truly have patience while taking classes to become an elementary teacher. There was volunteer observation hours at elementary schools that were required to become a teacher and patience was definitely an asset to have. I also needed patience to study, read, and learn the skills to become an educator. I proved to others that I had the patience to teach, learn, observe, and learn from my mistakes. Patience was also a character trait that was important for students and faculty to see. As of today, I still am very patient in all the things I do.

Colleen

I have met with many teachers who have inspired to me to go to law school and have faith that I can achieve all my goals. They are willing to open doors for me in the criminal justice fields and have invited me to take place in activities that not many students get the chance to. I have joined many clubs and have even become involved in student senate. I am going to partake in study abroad this summer because of these very same teachers. I can't wait for law school, I can't wait to get into the FBI, and I never would have gotten here if it weren't for this school and my teachers. I always knew that I wanted to work for the FBI, but I never knew how I could get there. My teachers had all the answers that I needed, and they are setting me on the right track.

Letjan

When I accepted to attend CSULB I was scared, I doubted I?d make any friends and assumed I was just going to sit, learn and leave back home to study. However, once I stepped foot onto CSULB my assumptions were proven completely wrong. What I got out of my college experience was much more than I would ever imagine. First of all and most importantly I found myself, I found the major I adore, psychology. I?m learning about it each day and am getting closer to profiling my dream of working with and helping people. I?ve experience things I have never before and doubt I would have, not attending college. I made lifelong friendships, meet different people from all kinds of places and learned interesting things from their life experiences. I got to overcome my timidness and actually got to know my professors. I joined PSA the psychology student association and am currently going to join PsiChi the society of honor students in psychology. Attending college has been extremely valuable to me it made an impact on my present and future. I acquired things I wouldn?t have elsewhere and wouldn?t change it for the world.

JESSICA

Attending college has broaden my general knowledge, allowed me a chance to learn social skills that I need in order to become a successful nurse, and instilled a better sense of discipline in my life. What I learn in college will stay with me through out my lifetime. The education I receive here will help me to achieve my goal to be a nurse. Without college I wouldn't have as bright of a future.

Sharon

College is valuable to attend for the lessons I learned. The beginning to my future. My so-far college experience has been absolutely life changing. It seems that when I entered college I actually grew up, even though I thought I already had. I never had a broken bone before, but a week before class, there I was, in a cast for my fifth metatarsal being snapped. About two weeks later my laptop crashed, rendering all of my assignments and essays that I completed useless. About a month after that, I had to sell my first car by myself for near scrap metal after the engine blew right on the 91 freeway on the way home from CSULB. Finally, when turning a corner too fast my sister?s car (that she let me borrow) bounded off a 200 foot cliff, three weeks before finals. I could say that I learned to walk down stairs more slowly, to backup my computer every week to a flash drive, to maintain my car, and to take corners more slowly, but the most valuable lesson I gained when I went to college is from Friedrich Nietzsche: ?What does not kill you, makes you stronger.?

Heather

I would let myself know that college is completely different from high school. I am responsible for all my work, my professor will fail me if I slack off. I would tell myself to balance my social life and school life and not stay out late and miss morning class. Also to take my academics more seriously than I did my freshmen year. Also to try and get into extracurriculars sooner and work to getting to where I want to be in grad school sooner.

Lauren

Look here Miss ?Know-it-all? I have some important life lessons to bestow upon you that I believe are worth their weight in gold. Never mind who I am, please just know I am about to give you some powerful advice making you unstoppable as a college student. Get your head out of the books for a few minutes and start applying for scholarships now! You need to do whatever it takes in order to receive scholarships. Trust me on this or your unpaid student loans will haunt you. Listen up! Do not stress over the small things in life. You will encounter moments of extreme stress due to your educational and personal responsibilities. You can relieve this stress by taking time to do something enjoyable. One more thing before I go, make sure your AM/PM selector on your alarm clock is always set in the right position so you get to school on time.

Stephanie

If I could talk to myself as a high school senior, I'd give myself plenty of advice. Firstly, don't be shy to talk to strange people. Everyone is looking to make new friends and college is an opportunity to start over. Life (and college) is too short to waste time hesitating and being scared. Second, save money! The bad economy and rising tuition doesn't help college life. So many expenses other than textbooks attack our wallets. Finally, the most important piece of advice I could give is don't take what you have for granted. Friends, small classes, your bed and even time. College is a rough transition in which we're shoved into the real world. Everything is done on our own. In high school so much is done for us and we don't appreciate. Even school friends need to be taken advantage of because they wont be there to help next year. I would tell myself to enjoy what I have before it gets taken away. Sure, college will bring new and fun experiences. But the experiences from high school will never be relived, so take advantage.

Jeremy

Relax. The single most important piece of advice I would give myself if I could go back in time would be to take a deep breath and calm down. College life and the transition are not as difficult as they seem. Sure it is challenging to leave behind your family, friends, and significant other, but the distance between them will not break the bonds that have been formed over countless years. In addition, where a new home is being made, new friends are simply waiting around the corner, and once those relationships begin to blossom, the pain of leaving home begins to lessen. College life is a whole new experience with not only new friends, but also new surroundings, freedoms, experiences, knowledge, and challenges. Focusing on the positive side of a college career greatly eases the aching for home. A relaxed approach and an open mindset will make the transition much smoother and much more fun. College can be an extremely difficult path to undertake, however it can also be one of the most rewarding, enjoyable, and enlightening periods of your life. So relax, take a deep breath, sit back and enjoy the ride.

Conchi

If I could go back in tiime, I would tell myself to stay on course at all costs. I would also tell myself that when I go back to visit my grandmother when I am 19 years old for her 70 the birthday to make the best of it. Ask her a lot of questions abuot my grandfather and her life togther. Ask her where we come from and what my greatgrandparents were like because it is the last time I am going to see her. If I could go back in time I would tell myself that not matter what dad is always right even if it feels wrong at the moment. I wouldn't change anything else. I am quite content with my life experiences and have fullfiled many of my goals.

Therese

I had an extremely difficult time trying to decide which university to attend. I sat at my computer just hours before the enrollment deadline of April 1, 2009 crying and hoping something would come to me. In the end, I made the wrong choice. If I could go back in time, I would tell myself not to choose Cal State Long Beach; after all, I worked too hard in high school for such a terrible and expensive (supposedly) college level education. I would tell myself how attending a commuter college like Long Beach equates to a lack of new friends, and without friends college is not a good experience. If I could only say one thing, though, I would tell myself that deciding on a college should be about me, and me only. It shouldn't have been about my family or finances, it should have been about my dreams and my future. Fear of failing should not have been an obstruction I let overtake me, and I should have allowed myself the adventure of moving away to the University of Miami.

Huy

Going back in time, I would tell myself, as a senior in high school, to take as many units as possible when I get into college. The reason for this is because I hesitated to exceed 13 units because I feared that college would be stressful, at the same time, I hesitated to ask anyone for help or support, and now, as a result, I am trying to catch up on courses because I am a little behind. I would also inform myself about the campus of California State Univeristy and how it is big and incredibly beautiful and that although I did not get into the schools I desired, California State University Long Beach was definitely a college worth experiencing; because CSU Long Beach was my back up college, I felt disgraceful that I could not get into my desired college which was UCLA, however, during the first semester of attending CSU Long Beach, I met people, and interacted with my professors a lot more and eventually I felt welcomed to the school. Since then, there has been no regrets that I have regarding the fact that I attend CSU Long Beach; the school opened its arms to me.

Reuben

I would have said to myself, "Reuben, lose the bookmark." I know that seems arbitrary, but it has a lot more to do with college life than just the time I spend reading. See after a sit-down of book browsing, I put the edge of my bookmark exactly where I left off, so I don't waste time reading what I'd already covered before. Sounds innocent right? Wrong. The bookmark ranks among the exclusive club of man's inventions that are too convenient for our own good, like the tv remote, escalators, and coffee. See, I used to read without the use of a bookmark. I would end reading at a chapter break. But now, I end whenever I want... mid-chapter, mid-line, mid-sentence even. It means when I pick up reading again, I'm lost. I have no context of where in the story I am, because the damned bookmark gave me no incentive to finish the chapter. I really might have done better to lose the thing. But its too convenient. The day I get rid of the bookmark is the day I lose the remote and taking the escalator. Not going to happen.

Nancy

If I could go back in time and talk to my high school senior self the first thing i would tell myself is to study harder so I can pass all of my ap tests thus there would be no need to take thoes classes in college. In addition I would tell myself to apply to more scholarships because college is expensive and it would be very helpful if I had more economic support. I would also tell myself that what I put into my classes is what I get out from them thus I would have worked harder.

Angelica

I would tell myself: "do not be afraid of change and open yourself up to new opportunities. No one should hold you back from your dream or your future. You need to be confident in yourself and not be easily influenced by people who are unmotivated. College is a whole new world where you shouldn't be afraid to be yourself. It is a place you learn to be comfortable in your own skin and make real friends that will stay with you for life. You get to learn a lot of new subjects that will get you where you want to be. College is the key to your future where you will learn what you need for your career and meet people who can help get you where you want to be. Most importantly, all of the challenges you will face are experiences that should be learned as lessons to help you in the future."

Sacha

If I were to go back in time to my senior year of high school I would advise my senior self to take deadlines seriously and make them a first priority. In college I have learned that deadlines mean everything and that you can't rely on people's generosity. In high school, teachers tend to keep up with you. In other words, Ms. Johnson from your English class may have said, "Don't forget, your papers are due next Monday." In college however, the professor will state the deadline and usual won't say anything till the day before it is due, so it is definitely important to note deadlines and keep them organized. If I was really able to have this talk to my senior self, maybe I would have realized this lesson when I was first admitted into Cal State Long Beach, because even though the forms said to hurry and apply for housing, I didn't take it seriously. The result of my mistake consisted of being numbeer 993 on the waiting list and spending extra money I didn't have for an off-campus apartment. If only I had known the detremental consequences of deadlines.

maria

High school seems like a hassle but it really is a preparation for what college brings to the table. In college, no one will tell you to complete the homework or to study for the quiz. The reality is that you have to be responsible and have balance. At times it will be tempting to skip or 8 am class and sleep in. Other times your friends might convinve you that In-n-Out is a much better alternative to your afternoon communications class. Balance isn't right or wrong, it is what works best for you. Teachers and classmates can offer their advice and opinions but you have to know yourself well enough to know what workload you can and can't handle. However, college isn't only the expensive education you pay for. College is experiencing life from new angles and making connections with people you never thought you would meet. It is making hard choices and growing up. The knowledge you attain isn't only from books but also from your mistakes and the ones you observe. Give yourself time to fit into this new environment but don't lose yourself in the moment, just live it.

KAREN

IF I COULD GO BACK IN TIME AND TALK TO MYSELF AS A HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR, I WOULD PUSH MYSELF TO LOOK FOR MORE SCHOLARSHIPS IN DIFFERENT AREAS. I WOULD ADVICE MYSELF TO BECOME INVOLVED IN MORE ACTIVITIES WITH MY SCHOOL AND MY COMMUNITY. IN ADDITION TO THIS, I WOULD ENSURE THAT CLOSE CONNECTIONS, INCLUDING A LOT OF COMMUNICATION WITH TEACHERS WERE MADE. ANOTHER PIECE OF IMPORTANT ADVICE THAT I WOULD GIVE MYSELF AS A HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR WOULD BE TO RESEARCH MORE ABOUT THE SCHOOLS THAT INTEREST ME SO THAT I COULD ACQUIRE CONTACT INFORMATION AND MAKE CONNECTIONS WITH PEOPLE WORKING AT THE SCHOOL, FOR EXAMPLE, ADVISORS. IF I COULD GO BACK IN TIME AND TALK TO MYSELF AS A HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR, I WOULD VISIT MY COLLEGE COUNSELOUR MORE OFTEN AND TAKE ADVANTAGE OF ALL THE OPPORTUNITIES THAT WERE OFFERED TO EXPLORE COLLEGE ENVIRONMENTS, ORGANIZATIONS, AND PROGRAMS. LASTLY, I WOULD MAKE SURE THAT COLLEGE WAS THE MAIN FOCUS OF MY SENIOR YEAR.

Maximillian

Trust yourself and the decisions you make because in three years you will love your life in Long Beach, California. Do not be afraid to leave New York City because you can always come back to it and all the ones you love. Persue art because you are damn good at it. Keep it up buddy!

Lacey

Sit down and THINK about what it is you want. Don't say you want to go to a particular college because you always wanted to be an artist- THINK about what going to that college is going to take. Think about the time commitment, the financial commitment, and think about whether or not, half-way through your education, are you still going to like doing what you're doing. Think about it now, while you can, before you wind up down a road that's too steep for you to back out of. High School isn't just about completing little assignments to get a good grade- it's about learning good habits that will SAVE YOUR LIFE once you get into college- learning how to effectively read text, learning how to take good notes and study for exams, learning how to apply your thoughts to essays and papers, critical thinking and thinking beyond yourself and your experiences. It might not be fun, and you might want to do something else, but LEARN them. KNOW them. When you move to college and the work load becomes heavier and harder, these tools will make it all seem so familiar.

Kandis

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself that a lot of things are going to change. I would tell myself to try harder in my classes because even though it does not seem like its going to make much of a difference, passing AP tests especially, will make college easier. I would advise myself to take advantage of the financial aid possibilities because working two jobs and going to school is not easy. When I recieved my college admissions letters, I would have told myself that my first choice school would not have been whats best for me, that Cal State Long Beach (the school that I'm attending) is truly the better choice. Being popular is not what was important about high school. Memories with close friends is key to a great high school experience. But more importantly, take advantages of all the resources that surround me, whether it be academic resources or developing beneficial relationships with the faculty, I wish I would have known how different college would be.

Erik

First off, I would say drop all of your assumptions about college, and simply approach the transitional process with an open mind. Remember that college is not just about academics, but also about finding out who you are, what you stand for, and what you do not stand for. Be prepared to meet many different types of people from many different backgrounds. Be prepared to develop an understanding for the new experiences that will be presented to you every single day. Keep in mind that open and constant communication with your teachers and classmates is essential for success in not only passing a class, but truly learning as well. I would tell you not to abuse the new found freedom that you will be presented with, but that would rob you of finding this lesson out for yourself and learning all the other lessons along the way; so I will tell you to ?go with the flow? and have your fun, but be careful. Also, get a physics tutor. Now.

Elyana

If i was given the chance to go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to follow my heart. I would tell myself that even though college is hard i should always remember to have fun and enjoy every minute of it. I would let myself know that i human development is the major for me not business. I would also tell myself not to stress about losing friends because i will still have the same best friends from high school plus new friends. :)

J

If I could speak to myself as a high school senior, I believe the greatest advice I'd have to give would have less to do about my education and more about figuring out myself. When I was eighteen I was pretty confused, and I'll be the first to admit that I still don't have it figured all out. I think I would tell my senior-self to take it go easier on myself and enjoy myself a little bit more. While grades are an important ingredient of the "perfect college student" concoction, being happy and not losing yourself are important ingredients for life. I think one of the greatest fears for all college students is the complete explosion of possibilities that post-High School life presents and the resulting fear that you'll miss the greatest opportunity ever. The truth is, yes, college is rife with potential, but life in general is. Rather than cripple yourself with fear, you should just do the best you can and things will turn out fine in the end.

Joy

Knowing what I know now, I would tell my high-school-senior-self to be more conscientious about homework and studying. It isn't that I "slacked off," but I just procrastinated--sometimes-- to the point where my work would not be as thoughtful as it could have been.

Sinette

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to not be so stubborn and to listen to my councelors because they do know what is best for me. When I was a high school senior, I was so stubborn and thought I knew everything about anything because of the research I could do on my own. However, the expertise of my teachers and counselors should have been more valued since they had the knowlege, and the experience about how the college transition works. Not only did they know how college works, but they also knew a great deal about how life was like as a young adult going to college. I was so Idealistic and thought that I could tackle the whole world with my own wits. However, I realized now that my teachers and councelors were only trying to bestow self-discipline upon me because that's exactly what college requires in order to succeed. They advised me to paste myself instead of loading too much work. However, I did the opposite in college and now I regret not listening to them.

Jazmine

Looking back now as a college freshman, I do feel that I the advice should not have only been given during my senior year but all through high school years especially the first two years. Reasons for are, the first two years act as the foundation for the following years in high school and college. In my case I feel that during those years, I wish that I had been repeatedly told that I can't constantly mess up in school, simply because not making the grades mean a numerous amount of things from how you reflect your parents, yourself and the school you go. Because of the school I attended, many people assumed already that I was a bad student so not making or barely making the grades gave them the benefit of being right. However, I accepted the personal responsibility for everything that I did in high school and I am glad that I did get on track with grades and attendance because it makes others proud of me and it makes me proud. Overall, the only advice I wish I would've recieved is to constantly stay focused and make the grades you know you deserve.

Karyn

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to focus on the day by day things and not stress about the upcoming college experience. My first semester at college was so overwhelming and it was easy to get off track and forget about commitments. The main thing I would share with my younger self would be that your education is yours. What you want to get out off your education and your classes is all yours. In high school, you aren't told about everything that is expected of you. Your high school teachers can only prepare you for so much. The best advice my teachers gave me is not to be afraid to ask questions. Risk looking dumb in front of your classmates and ask a question because chances are someone else has the same question.

Alexandra

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to learn good study habits that would greatly help me in college. I would give advice of managing my time better since college classes can be throughout the day and there is no set time to do homework. Learning skills such as listening in class and planning things needed to do throughout the day is important. Some words of comfort about college and bigger classroom environments would help. I would tell myself not to be afraid of adapting to a bigger school and meeting new people. Setting acheivable goals would help you along in college. I would also tell myself not to fall under pressure of more homework and longer class sessions. Getting involved with school activities and organizations would help in getting a break from the classroom. It gains an opportunity and experience to meet new people and have fun. A person can spend their free time volunteering at their clubs instead of doing something unproductive. I would tell myself that being involved in school and getting good grades makes a person a well rounded student.

Juan

If I was able to speak to myself before I entered the California State University of Long Beach, I definitely would let myself know that money is a big issue. That even though a four year university might allow you to enter your major and make the friends that would continue on with you until you graduate, that maybe it would be more beneficial to attend a two year college and then transfer. The distractions at a four year university aren?t worth receiving bad grades because of them. I would also let myself know what I intend to be interested in so that I would not waste my time taking courses that are unnecessary. When it comes to academics, even though it is common knowledge, I would let myself know that it is necessary to begin studying for the course when it starts and not a few days before. I think having it come from my own mouth would benefit me a lot more. And to enjoy the time with my family because they are the ones working over-time in order to send me to somewhere I wanted to go and not somewhere I needed to go.

Melissa

The first thing I would say to myself is there is so much opportunities that will be offered to you. You should take advantage of all these opportunities that will cross your path. Even though you are receiving financial aid from this school you should apply for scholarships. These scholarships will help you to further your education. Also, make sure to pledge in a sorority. It will cost money to get in but I believe it will be worth it. I believe that being involve in a organization will increase your communication skills, be knowlegeable of diverse backgrounds, help your community, and have strong bonds within your group. Finally, make sure to major in Liberal Studies to become a math teacher. It might seem very intimidating to be a teacher because you will have 25-35 students in each class period. However, I promise you that you will love working with students. You shouldn't worry because you will develop a great passion for the art of teaching and will become a teacher that can handle any student from kinder through 12 grade. You will have challenges in the classroom but nothing you can't handle.

Lance

I would tell myself to brace yourself for the future, to be prepared for all that may come, and in the end all the hardship that i may go through will all be worth because it will aid in the discovery of my own ideals, virtues, and essentially who i am as a man. Also i would tell myself to think logically and with reason, not in impulse, planning and organization in terms of finances and overall day to day life aids in the quest to a stress free college experience.

Gabrielle

If I could go back I would tell myself to apply for every scholarships offered to me, and get all of my paper work in on time, or before hand. I'd tell myself to read more to prepare for the vast amount of reading that would be required for most of the classes. I'd tell myself to work hard, and enjoy college because it truly is the best time of your life. I would also say that you should apply to as many colleges as possible, even if you dont think you can get in, because you never know. Being in college is serious, but it is a time to grow and learn about who you are and who you will become, but it is also a time to have fun before you go off to the world of "serious careers". I would lastly tell my self to go in with an open mind and get to know people, because for the most part these people may be you friends for life, you best man, or you made of honor, or maybe even you life partner. Oh, and College is a blast, so look foward to it.

Candice

If I could go back in time and talk to myself when I was a highschool senior I would tell myself to work as hard as I could in school and not take the easy street senior year. I would tell myself to stay in all the honors courses I was enrolled in and work my butt off because it will definitely pay off. I would also tell myself to take the SATs and prepare prior to taking them so I could get into a university right after highschool. If I would have given myself the advice previously stated I would have already graduated college and would probably be onto my graduate classes by now. Instead, I just got to a 4 year university at the age of 23, which isn't bad but I wish I would have already finished school and had my life career by now. It would have been nice to have given myself that advice but regardless I am extremely proud of myself for continuing with my education and plan to graduate with flying colors.

Terry

I would have shown myself how diverse college is with culture, religion, and intellectual minds. I would ask myself to not be egoistic, and open my mind to a world of special people. The college experience is not about parties, drinking, and being destructive. College is the first step into the real world, where you meet people of outstanding vision. People who allow you to experience their ways of life, even for a brief second. I would not only give myself advice verbally, but show pictures of all of the amazing people I have met in a few short months. I would say that these people are what makes the world go around, and I am joining in that party soon. Lastly, I would adivse to open my heart towards expressing my culture. To show my philosophical ideas through martial arts, and my cultural beliefs. In order to understand culture, you have to understand and share your own. As a senior, I was unaware of this becuase I lived in a segregated part of South Los Angeles. If I had known, I would have helped my fellow students develop a better understanding of themselves, people, and most importantly, life.

Cynthia

Knowing what I know now about college life and making the transition, I would tell myself to take challenging courses during high school and to note the progress towards graduation. I would also tell myself to develop strong study skills. In addition, I would advise myself to participate in extracurricular activities and clubs. I would tell myself to begin exploring my interests, skills, and scholarship opportunities. Moreover, I would tell myself to apply for a part-time position and to save my earnings.

Tam

If i can go back in time and talk to myself about college life when I was a high school senior I would tell me to keep my grades up. When I was in high school, I didn't know the importance of my grades in senior year. I thought that if I got my acceptance letter from a University I wouldn't have to try as hard and it's okay to cruise through the rest of the year. Well I was very wrong, so if I can go back in time, I would tell myself to do my best in all the subjects because some of those AP classes that I passed can really help cut down the number of classes I'll have to take in college. When it comes to making the transition, I would tell my high school senior self to research about any campus events, any clubs that I can attend once I'm in college because making new friends can really help me transition and feel more comfortable in college.