Case Western Reserve University Top Questions

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

Anna-Victoria

If I could go back in time and speak to myself as a high school student, I would tell myself to be happier. I would not change anything I said or did, because those words and actions have made me the person I am today. I like the person I have become; I only wish that I would not have worried about this person so much in the past. I would tell myself to remain calm, smile, and be the best I can be. There are no regrets, only learning experiences. Therefore, the only thing I would wish myself is happiness and peace, knowing that the future will be okay.

Valentine

My advice would be to study what you're passionate about, regardless of what anyone says. As as undergraduate, I focused on Anthropology/Archaeology because it was what truly interested me. Many people (my mother included), felt that this was a terrible idea. I'd constantly be told "you'll never find a job!", or be snottily asked, "well, what are you actually going to DO with that degree?" Despite this, I stayed with Anthropology and couldn't be happier. I've had so many great experiences, and I would have deeply regretted pursuing something different. I'd also stress to my high school self the importance of attending class and keeping up with assignments. Just because no one is making you attend class doesn't mean you should stay home watching Netflix. Professors notice who's consistently there; and they're much more likely to help those who regularly attend and engage in class than those who don't. As for keeping up with work, it's not fun at all trying to cram for a test or write a ten-page paper the night before, when you've known about it for a month.

Dave

College success isn't measured by knowing your degree plan. It isn’t about the growing debts of repayment for college that should prevent you from taking that leap of growth, its to knowing that what you are doing is learning about yourself along the way, your likes and dislikes. Say you enjoy helping people but can’t stand the sight of blood – well nursing is not your career choice but neither is cleaning up chemical spills. Imagine this 10+ years later and you’re now making that pit stop in life to attend college, imagine you’re there and are too old to participate in sports, too old compared to the other students and therefore feel out of place. Make the college experience the best that it can be – take the chance to step aside your fears to experience college life through the friends and campus organizations. Learn a new thing or two by taking that unusual class and most of all learn about you so that you are most prepared for your future and to support your dreams and goals. Because being the best you there can be is the best gift you can give yourself and others.

Stephanie

It is important to find and apply for as many scholarships as possible. School is very expensive and the moeny is really helpful. Be prepared to study a lot in order to maintain a high GPA. It is important to have fun with friends, but you want to make sure to keep your scholarship money.

Andrese

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a highschool senior I would tell myself to consider finances when applying to college. I would encourage myself to look more into unversities that are local. I would tell myself to think beyond attending an Historical Black Univeristy and consider other colleges. I would tell myself to save majority of my money from my part-time job. Volunteer more and be more active in school activities. Apply for my scholarships and do not be afraid of rejection. I would guide my highschool self to be open to new opportunities and not ignore advice from counselors and teachers. I want my higschool self to be open to everything around me.

John

To past me, from big me. College is going to be a whole new world. It is going to give you a new level of independence. You might be alone at first, but so are many other students. Just be open and friendly and I am pretty sure you meet many new faces that will stick with you for the next four years, maybe even longer. College is also the transition to the real world. The first year will just fly by but it will be alot of work. Do not underestimate the shortened class time , because the work after, and before, class will take longer. Do not procrastinate on exams. Do enjoy yourself. There are events and opportunities all around. From basketball games to soul food thursdays to study abroad trips to Spain, New Zealand, and much more. Btw, the freshman 15 is real. Workout more. Do talk to your professors. They are really nice, especially outside of class. Maybe even more importantly, carry an umbrella, and get good boots. The rain and clouds may last for days, but the sun will come out again. Also, be prepared for the cold, because winter is coming. Good luck and enjoy.

Elizabeth

The rigors of working and completing high school are demanding, no doubt. School five days a week, 15 or 20 hours of work for movie money, physics projects, research at the library...it all adds up. But in high school, the hours of school are the same every day. You come home and check in with mom or dad, have dinner as a family, touch base. There is something of a routine. The bus ride home is built in study time. College, with M/W/F classes, four hour clinicals this week, eight hours next semester, walking instead of busing to class, checking in with other kids instead of parents (or maybe you don't check in with anyone at all)--the structure is gone. There are due dates for papers, but no schedule to get there. It is like waking up to a foot of fresh snow. You still have to go to school, or work, or the gym, but can't find the road. A few landmarks are visible, but are marginal help. You have to use that stop sign and this tree and that mailbox to find the way you thought you could walk blinfolded. Good luck!

Caitlynn

Knowing what I know about college life and making the transition, I would advise myself to remember to embrace and celebrate differences. When I moved to college, I was surrounded by countless individuals who were not like myself or those I was around prior to college. At first, I was uncomfortable with this different environment and longed for the familar. Now, I realize that the tossed salad that is my new college environment is marvelous. Like a tossed salad, each individual is an important component to the whole. When all of the components combine, the result is a wonderful combination of everything wonderful about the individual elements. College is the epitome of all the wonderful elements that individuals bring to table.

Rena

Dear Rena, I assume you’ve been receiving all sorts of advice as to how to “do” college the “right” way. Quite honestly, these tips will only get you so far. It’s impossible to truly learn everything about life without experiencing life itself. I’ve made my fair share of mistakes, but so has everybody. That being said, I’ve included some tips that should help guide you along the way. 1) Stay true to yourself. 2) Befriend your professors. 3) Take advantage of campus resources. 4) Learn from others. 5) Try new things. 6) Have adventures. 7) Eat cool foods. 8) Avoid doing laundry on Sunday mornings—it’s a nightmare. 9) Ignore all the negative prejudices about Cleveland. Cleveland is a wonderful city to live and learn in. 10) Stay organized. 11) Keep exercising. 12) Ask questions. 13) Don’t neglect your high school friends, your family, or your pets. 14) Mom is always right. 15) STUDY! Best of luck next year! Oh, and as a heads up, I might have stumbled over a few words and embarrassed ourselves in front of the entire school while giving the graduation speech. Sorry. Sincerely yours, Your future self

Jasmine

If I could talk to high-school me, I may say something along the lines of: "I highly advise you to stop worry about being busy and start worrying about retaining information. You breezed through almost everything educational you've ever been through, but it won't be the same in college. The school you're going to is very rigorous and they expect you to know a lot and want you to learn more. You will need to study. You will need to read your books. You will need to do every practice problem you are given and donate a lot of study time to each class you take, not just the hardest one. It is perfectly fine to make friends and stay involved, but for you to achieve the academic standing you want, you need to give a lot more." I say this because CWRU gave me a rude awakening about how hard other people work and how knowledge only builds upon what you've already taken in. I messed up and didn't study enough freshman year, but I know better now.

Linda

If I could go back to my high school days, I would tell myself just how important it is to take college seriously in the beginning. When I first started college, I didn't take it as seriously as I should have. I was only 18 years old, but I thought I was an adult. I was enjoying the newfound freedom and the fact that my professors didn't harass me if I didn't make it to class or if I didn't turn my homework in. Although I thought I had things under control, I didn't, and I messed up -- big time. It took a lot of hard work to get myself back on track, and I am now more actively and seriously pursuing my degree. I just wish I would have taken things more seriously in the beginning so that things wouldn't have to be so difficult later on down the road. Therefore, I would tell my high school self -- and any other high schoolers that I might meet -- that taking college seriously from the very beginning is certainly worth its while.

Andrew

I would tell myself that most of the expectations I have of college are accurate. In high school I often thought that people had a certain perception of me based on who I was in middle school and early high school. But during my senior year I knew that I had become a different, less awkward, and more social person. I didn't really blame any of my high school classmates or even myself. What I thought I needed a fresh start. It turns out that I was right. During my senior year I would tell myself what I was going to do in college, how I would act, what I would say to people, but there was always that doubt that maybe I was who people thought I was. So now I would go back and tell myself that college really is a fresh start; no one knows who you are or what you have done. I would encourage myself to do everything that I had planned to do but better and with more enthusiasm. Because I really do not have a problem with the way my life has turned out so far so why would I change it?

Manshi

Transitioning from high school to college is relatively easy. The most important thing is to make sure you take the initiative and be responsible for yourself. There are many opportunities in college, and you have to take the initiative to make the opportunities yours. Try out a club to get involved, make friends, and maybe even discover a lifelong hobby. Talk to the kid sitting next to you in Math 121, and you might find a study partner, even a new best friend. Relax occasionally, and have some fun! Make sure you go to all your classes, stay on top of studying and homework - aren't you paying up to a couple hundred thousand dollars just for that education? Don't leave your laundry undone - you'll run out of socks and underwear, and it'll eventually start to smell bad. And definitely DO NOT eat desserts after each meal, no matter how fresh, how delicious, how available they are. Make sure you always have your room key on you; there is nothing worse than sitting in a towel and waiting for two hours for your roommate to get back from class. It's not hard, you can do it!

Christopher

I would advise myself to be more proactive in my first couple years at the university not only with class participation, but with my professors outside of the classroom because that has been a very integral factor to my academic success the last couple years. I would also have used more of the campus services such as the career center more in my first couple years in order to grow relationships with outside companies to aide in the career search post-graduation. Overall, though, I would say to do exactly what I did with obtaining a strong core group of friends, being a strong, confident student, and continuing to work hard in any aspect that I am involved in.

Rosalyn

Dear High School Senior Rosalyn, I know you are stressed about your future but leave it to God: he will show you the way. Don't worry about your major. No matter what you do, you will do it with the utmost passion and suceed. Go to a school with in driving distance from home because the taxi fare to the airport is worse than the plane ticket. Plus you will miss what you can't bring the first week. Please sleep and eat before tests, midterms, and finals. If your sleepy or hungry, you are just hurting yourself. Everytime you pull an all nighter, it becomes harder to do it a second time. Get a lighter computer or strengthen your shoulder muscles. Go to all the SI sessions for classes. Find people who need tutoring in subjects that are time consuming to study for: you will actually learn more teaching than memorizing. Don't join so many activities if you want to take the maximum amount of credits. Don't max out on credits if you want to do a lot of activities. Tell your family you love them as much as you can. Don't procrastinate. -College Rosalyn

Shaun

Hello, Shaun! Your college experience will enlighten you! Take enough time to see all the faces around campus because these faces will brighten your day when times are rough. Believe in yourself, and do not doubt your own motives. The words of others will help you with your problems just as your words will aid them. Try your hardest and keep up the hard work through the end of each semester. Have fun as opportunities come, but do not forget to complete assignments on time. If peers need advice, feel free to lend a helping hand in their affairs. Continue to maintain the ethical ideals of Case, and explore your many options. As time passes, remember to look back and improve on previous ideas. Before you improve on your ideas, though, assure yourself that they need revision. The only problems you will have you will make; therefore, avoid solving issues with grand solutions if a simple solution will do. After completing the work necessary for each class, take the time to maintain your extracurricular activities, such as playing music with others, maintaining fraternity membership, and leading innovative roles in engineering research. Good luck with your college endeavors Shaun!

Aditya

Always do what you love! Don't be that kid sitting inside his/her dorm all day playing video games. Never ever settle at exploring just one field. I started college off slow, only doing a thing or two from the start. Now, I've tried dozens of things, found which ones I like the most, and I continue to explore those things. Don't feel afraid to get our of your comfrot zone. College is for academics, but the opportunities outside of academics in service, research, and so on are numerous. I love meeting people with a variety of talents.

John

Dear John, It's you - from the future. I know it is hard to believe anything I say because you know that it is physically impossible to travel back in time, but you have to trust me (or yourself?). College is a great place to learn and to develop and to pursue a wide variety of opportunities. However, you must do the things that you really enjoy and that challenge you to be your best. Many people and impressions will pull you in every direction imaginable, but you must figure out which ones are right for you and undertake them with ardor. It can be easy to overextend yourself and become involved in activities that you do not enjoy or that do not push you. So, make an effort to recognize when this is happening and pull yourself back to your true passions and commitments. I wish I could let you in on some other secrets, but that would take some of the fun out of college. Good luck!

heidi

Soon you will become frustrated and finally realize that the traditional educational system doesn't work for you. Don't quit! Fight to find an alternative process that allows you to stay challenged and engaged. Don't allow your parents to dictate where you will go (what is an "acceptable" school), what you will study (what is an "appropriate" field of study), or where you will live (a sorority may not be the best place for you). You may think that disappointing mom and dad might be the worst thing, but trust me, you'll be better off (and have a lifelong skill) when you figure out how to negotiate with them. They recognize your intelligence -- that's why they get so frustrated. You are a smart, capable, strong woman. Don't throw an opportunity to earn a loan-free, college degree away. You will have great success, but wasting this chance will be your secret shame. On the up side, faster than you can believe you will be nearing 50 and determined to go back to school and finally get your degree. You go, girl! It's never too late to do it on your own!

Kelsie

Being a high school senior is an experience you will never forget; it's a time to make some of the best memories in your life as well as discover more about whom you are and what your plans are for the future. However, being a senior in high school also means taking on more responsibility and pushing yourself to achieve your goals in life. If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would constantly remind myself that while you want to enjoy this last year with your friends and live life to the fullest, this time in your life is a critical time to focus on your studies. Having good grades will not only make you more eligible for scholarships when going to college, but will help you get into programs in the future. Another important thing I would tell myself is that while this last year may be tough, and you're swamped with homework and pressures in life, know that you will pull through and it will all be worth it in the end, I promise. You will be so proud of yourself with your accomplishments!

Taylor

Do everything the way you plan to do it as far as friends go...introduce yourself to everybody and never hesitate to be friendly! Attend all the events you can in your first few weeks! Enjoy yourself! Just be sure you STUDY and do your reading! Ask for help when you need it, and do it early on! Don't let your grades slip! And lose the boyfriend too--there's no point in having him around because you've got your own life to make now and you don't need him! HAVE FUN!

Hunter

Assuming that I went back in time and had the opportunity to give myself advice on how to adjust to the lifestyle of a college student and how to make the transition easier on myself, first and foremost, I would tell myself to not be intimidated by the large campus. Although it is much larger than my high school was, it gives me a better opportunity to met new people from backgrounds I may not have been able to meet before. Next, I would tell myself to step out of my comfort zone and experience things I would never think about doing. Pushing yourself always benefits you. Even if you did not like the experience, you still have learnt a valuable lesson. Finally, the most important thing I would tell myself would be to study, study, study! There is no possible way to succeed in college if you do not put your studies before all else. After all, that is why you go to college in the first place. It was pretty easy for me to adjust to college, but it would have been definitely easier If someone from the future told me these words of advice.

Jana

If I were to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to take my time. Enjoy life, enjoy your friends and most importantly enjoy your family. You do not need to run to the finish line and quickly finish your undergrad. It is important to succeed in life academically, but now I think (do to life experiences) that intrapersonal and interpersonal success is just as important as a college degree.

Stephanie

Dear self, I know you're nervous about meeting your new roommate you met on facebook, but something will happen that will bond you two forever before the first semester is even over. I know you're anxious and angry about the one girl who was CONSTANTLY competing against you in high school following you to a university you thought no one else from your high school applied to, but soon you'll put it all behind you and even start to be friends. I know you're worried about finding and holding a job while taking classes, but your boss will be one of the most wonderful women you ever met and will quickly become the biggest role model in your life. I know you're cautious about putting on the freshman fifteen since you decided to take a break from running, but you're going to show up to Fencing Club and learn how to compete with a sword. You'll even finish in the top half at conferences. So self, you need to stop everything! No nerves, worries, or fear. Enjoy the rest of your senior year, and make it count. Love always, the more experienced you

Andre

College is a large leap from high school. It requires concentration, management and time allotment. You can easily get distracted by your new found freedom and get sidetracked. As such, keep focused but have fun. Enjoy your time in the first few years, it only gets harder. Make sure to involve yourself with as many groups and people as possible because while freedom is libirating it can also be lonely if you put all your eggs in one basket. Go to class and work your hardest. Set a budget so you can effictively spend your money.

Estrellita

If I could go back in time to give myself advice about what to expect in college, I would tell myself not to take anything for granted, to reach for all the opportunities you could. I would make sure that I kept my attitude about school the same, to enjoy it and never feel forced, to always try and if we fail to just keep going at it. I would tell myself to do what makes you happy to not let anyone tell you how to live your life. I would recommend applying to every school you are interested in and not to be afraid of rejection. I would tell myself to apply for all the scholarships I could. I would also recommend to be more involved in activites and school organizations and the community. I don't regret the decisions I made during my senior year, but if I could I would go back and give myself a little heads up about college.

Franchesca

I would tell myself to not be afraid to apply to colleges far away. I only applied east side and I really wish I would have applied over near the west coast and southeast as well. But I am happy with my choice. I would have told myself to relax and not to worry because whatever college you decide, you will make it be the right choice.

Travis

I have no regrets about my life or as a senior in high school, and did the best I could. I believe everything happened the best it could have in that year. I went straigh to college after graduating, had good grades, dint party or do anything "stupid" and I would simply say "know what you want, find it and seek it and dont stop until you have it."

Angga

College life is a more unprotected life where no one will tell you what to do,how to do and when to do. It also depends how you were when in school, because there are people who have been rebels while in school and will continue to be so in college.There are also people who have been studious and obedient in the whole of their school life but once they get in college life they wanna get a taste of freedom and end up changing their paths. Then there are those kind of people also who lead a disciplined life while in college. So it all depends on the person's attitude towards life and how he wants to carry himself throughout his school and college journey

crystal

I would tell myself to study harder and try to persue the optimum grade and not settle for average. Dont allow myself to fall waist side just to spend time with friends.

Jessica

If I could go back in time and talk to my high school self I’d have us drive to campus together to familiarize myself to the campus. As we toured each building I would tell the past me about the all of the different offices and people that could assist me most during my degree quest. My future self would strongly suggest that I should start studying for college early and purchasing or borrowing my books from upperclassmen. I would stress the importance of making friends with other students as well as the faculty. Most importantly, I would reveal that the most significant person in my life, my Mother, would be unable to witness my college experience. Delivering this news would cause me to panic and worry, so I would comfort and assure myself that my purpose of coming back was not to frighten or discourage, but to help the future me deal with my loss so it wouldn’t negatively affect our life. Finally, I would tell my self using last words my mother ever spoke to me that no matter what happens your family loves you and that “you are going to be ok Jessica.”

Ashley

Don’t be afraid. I know you’re shy and nervous, and while locking yourself in your dorm room may seem comfortable, it’s not a good idea. It might be hard to force yourself to meet new people, but try. Otherwise, you’ll just get lonely as the year progresses, when everyone else has already made friends. But also don’t worry too much if you can’t, you’ll find friends eventually. No one will be there to make sure you do your homework. In fact, usually no one will even check if you do. Do it anyway—the extra practice will come in handy. Try to study with a friend if possible, so you won’t be tempted to slack off. You’re a good student though, so even if the workload and material might seem daunting, you’ll be fine. And there’s plenty of help available if you’re still worried. Finally, make sure you do something other than study. Once again, don’t stay in your room all day. Take a break, and try to join some clubs, learn new things. Don’t end your first year with any regrets.

Stephanie

Make sure to start looking for scholarships early on, and keep tract of everything. Only bring what you actually need to college; the majority of stuff you end up bring will sit unused in the dorm.

Skye

During the summer before college, I worked a full-time job to save up money for the coming school year. I knew that college textbooks, accessories for my dormitory, and other expenses would add up quickly. I went into my first year of college with four thousand dollars that I had saved over the summer. I really had never had that much money in my bank account at one time before, and it was overwhelming. In the first couple weeks of college alone, I was invited to dinner, clubs, and to other social events several days a week. None of these events, however, were free but I didn't want to miss out on any of the fun. By the end of my first semester in college, my bank account had been drained. I was irresponsible with my money, and did not know how to handle such a large amount of money on my own. If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would teach myself how to make a budget and alot a certain amount of money for shopping, entertainment, groceries, and toiletries per month.

james

I started college 17 years after I got out of school. I would tell myself to go much sooner then I did. I spent 15 years working construction and then the real estate market took a crash and I found myself out of work and looking for a new path. I would tell myself to get in college early and give it all that you have because without a degree it is hard to acheive the same level of success.

Emily

Do not procrastinate. Although high school may come easy to you, college requires much more work. If you fall behind it is not easy to catch back up. Try to find a friends to study with in each class. Nothing helps you more than to have a friend to discuss hard to comprehend topics with. This will also help to motivate you to study. Get involved in clubs right from the beginning. It's a great way to make more friends, and graduate schools really look for well rounded people. It is important to find friends that care just as much about going to class and making good grades as you. You do not need bad influences in your life, find people that make you want to move forward.

Frank

College is challenging under the best of conditions. Tack on a full-time job, the responsibility of supporting a family, a few minutes for personal pursuits (like sleeping and bathing), and sometimes it feels like I’m living in a blender. I’m proud to be part of a growing demographic: adults returning to school. Despite our differences, our common experience unites us; fears faced, obstacles overcome, challenges still ahead. By sharing my story I share OUR story, a story not often told but worth telling. Three years ago, I was a high-school dropout with a low-paying factory job. I worked my way through the GED and community college, before, incredibly, reaching my dream-school: Case Western, a prestigious private university. In many ways, the journey was expensive, but the self-respect gained and the friendships forged are priceless. I was one of many to take this path, and many more will follow. Along the way, we discover qualities the successful nontraditional student must possess: dedication, determination, and the ability to transform our limited resources into something valuable. Far from being a disadvantage, our triumphs over adversity are our greatest assets, and the key to our future success.

tobianita

My college experience has taught me that I am in competition with a lot of my peers and I must get the top grades and best attendance to be considered in the workforce. It has also taught me how important it is to pursue an education just to have a stable and secure place of employment.

Shantel

As I have spent time taking classes from a wide range of different subjects, my mind has been filled with a plethora of new and exciting information. I have discovered worlds I never would have known exsited, found pieces of myself I didn't know before, and developed a greater sense of my place in the world. While all of the these things are valuable and worthwhile, the most important thing I have gotten out of my college experience is the ability to learn. While stretching my reach, I have found myself challeged to think deeper and evaluate things more critically. In the workplace I have found the greatest value in my ability to adapt and develop a sense of what is happening at a more intelectual level. College gave me the ability to continue to expand my knowledge and sense of self throughout my entire life. College gave me the opportunity to learn outside the walls of the classroom.

Mayowa

I can honestly say these past four years have tranformed me completely. I came into CWRU as a young girl, who didn't know what to expect from a predominantly white university. There were few people that attended a university and fewer that finished where I grew up. To have went through one of the top universities in my field as a (nurse) and complete this fall, means the world to me. I have a bigger picture on the world. My education has shown me many things that I may aspire to and know that if I can make it through here, I can make it anywhere. The only thing holding me at this point is my financial situation. The school has helped in everyway possible, my parents are even trying to help. As far as I have come, I know that this will not be a deterant from reaching my dreams and goals. As I climb this ladder, I always will remember to assist the next generation, which is one of the qualities that CWRU have installeed in me.

Prathima

I have made a lot of new friends and already am expanding my horizons. College is an extremely valuable investment because I know the knowledge I will gain will only help in attaining a successful future and be of use to our society.

Paige

I not only received my bachelors of science, but I gained real life experience with my fellow students and wonderful professors. Constantly having the encouragement and support of them both gave me the strength I needed to achieve great things once out of undergrad!

Vahagn

The most important thing that I got out of college was acceptance. Before college, I grew up in a upper middle class white community with little diversity. I knew that diversity existed, since I am Armenian myself, but I never fully experienced what it was like to have friends who are different races or sexualities. Coming to college I met a plethora of different nationalities and backgrounds. I got to experience the LGBT community through some of my friends who were either gay or bisexual. I got to experience people of different races and now my best friend is Taiwanese. College allowed me to see the world by experiencing a melting pot in which I was just one more unique piece to the stew of the world. I learned that nationality, race, sexuality, religion, etc these things mean nothing. What really matters is that we are all human. We share a common ancestor. No one is better than anyone else because of how they describe their backgrounds. This is an important lesson for anyone who wishes to enter the workforce, and the best way to learn of acceptance is to experience difference through the college.

Vikram

My college experience has been an intellectual, emotional, and interpersonal journey that has shaped me into a wiser and more open minded individual. Not only has it afforded me the opportunity to delve into discovering solutions to mentally challenging academic problems, but it has also allowed me to grow on a personal level. After going to college, living on my own, doing my own laundry, and planning my own life with little parental involvement, I feel like I have taken the first step towards adulthood and developed a sense of responsibility. College has allowed me to meet a myriad of diverse people from which I have gained knowledge about a multitude of different fields, cultures, and societies, as well as forged several friendships that I hope will carry with me for the future. Additionally, my college experiences have allowed me to gain the strength to react more maturely to the trials and tribulations I have faced. College has been valuable to attend because it has been the transition from adolescent to adulthood in all forms, mentally, physically, and emotionally, and it as an experience which has enriched my life beyond anything else I have ever experienced.

Frederick

The college experience has taught me alot about being organized and how to push your focus away from some things that are fun to do but time consuming and take time away from classes. Class work comes first and then when its done its time to do things you like. college is giving me the experience and know-how to take care of myself out in the real world when i am alone and noone to realy help. College has also showed me more on the line of where i want to go with my life and cleared up my future goals in life.

Christopher

As a first year student enrolled in the newly founded Community College of The District of Columbia, I am pleased to announce that my time spent here has been so far rewording and left me much more optimistic then when I first decided on enrolling in a community college. Most people have the advantage when making the transition into their first college experience of hearing an former graduate's opinion. Since this institution was only founded six months before I enrolled, I was at an unusual disadvantage. This put me in a position of apprehension when first attending classes, but after a short time full of collaboration with experienced faculty and some fraternization with other students, I began to get a foothold of my surroundings. I feel, based on my experiences so far, that I have gained and will continue to gain invaluable lessons that will be with me for the rest of my life.

Helga

College trained me how to think and solve problems. It taught me how to research, where to take my intellectual curiousity and how to satisfy it. My college and nursing school were both challenging and tough, requiring that I learn slef discipline if I was going to suceed both in school and in life, later on. The reason I'm going back to school now is directly because of what I learned then; the more you work and know, the more your mind grows. College stimulated me and helped me set out on my life journey. It taught me a great deal about myself, about the various directions I grew in and why. Overall, the discipline of college helped prepare me for life; just remember, there is never an end to final exams in real life!

Vincent

The biggest advice I would give to myself would be to not waste any time of senior year, and use every moment wisely and intentionally. The reason why is that when the life that you know before college will dramatically change when you go off to college. The childhood friends you've grown up with, highschool friends, and everyone will be off to their own college- and while you will still be able to stay in touch or stay close friends, things will still be different. New friends will be made in college, and also a whole new life that will entail with bigger things. So my biggest advice would be to cherish every moment, but also be excited for the next part of life as it will be just as exciting and even better. And transitioning into college, I would say do not be afraid to make new friends, and get to know people. Do not cling to your old life too much in that don't get caught up in the past, but really make best of what you have in the present. Those who dislike college are those who take it for granted.

Sam

Going back in time to do something differently always was something I wished I could do. I know that one small decision could completely change the course of my life, and sometimes I wonder, "What if I had done this differently?" The one thing that I would have told myself a year ago after gaining a semester's worth of knowledge at Case Western would be to prioritize my life. Until I was well into the first semester here I thought I had my priorities straight, but that soon changed. Friends and soccer were the center of my life my senior year of high school, nothing else really mattered. I had good grades, I had a girlfriend, and my friends and I were all very close - what else could a high school senior want? This past semester I realized many things: grades are a lot more important than I had previously thought, girlfriends will come and go, but it is friends that will always be there for me. The one thing that I would tell myself if I could go back in time would be to be very open to meeting new people, they will change my life forever.

Nicholas

To find a school that both meets my interests academically and socially. In order to do so, talk to current students to get the real picture of campus life.