Cerritos College Top Questions

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

Erik

The one thing I would tell myself to do is to stay strong. I would do this because during the begining years of College it wasn't exactly easy. And for the most part it still isn't.

Muaz

PLAN PLAN PLAN!!! Measure the weight of your actions before you do them and see if it's actually worth it. Opportunities do not open themselves but YOU taking initiative does. Being consistent with your sport and school work will bring the best opportunities. Most of all do not be afraid to ask for help, but even more important do no become dependent on others. All you truly need is guidance and your willingness and dedicaiton to use the guidance for good. Opportunities come once in a lifetime and this will be one of them. Stick it out for 2 years by doing the best possibly can and see how life opens up to you. Never seek to win but always seek to do right, for doing right will lead to winning. Good day to you youngin and be true yourself.

Rosa-Leah

If I could go back to my high school senior year to give myself an advice about transitioning to college, I would say: put your focus to passing your classes and stay in close contact with your advisor because that is what builds your foundation for the rest of your college years. I would say this because I have realized that fun with friends is no fun at all when you would find yourself all alone afterwards trying to catch up with your school work. Your failure doesn't affect others. It only affects you.

Erika

Keeping in mind all that I have gained from attending a community college, I would tell myself that I need to keep up the same school ethic I had in high school, if not a better one. I have to take every single class seriously, invest in studying , and take it one class at a time. I would tell myself to research all the resources available. The staff will not come to you and ask if you need anything. You need to search for what you want. This will come in handy well after you are done with school. Lastly, I would tell myself that it is key that I get to know my professors. They will always be available either online, during office hours, and in class to help me with any questions you may have. They are your first real networking connections and they have the potential to take you far if you invest in them properly.

Marcos

I would tell myself that everything going through in high school it's just temporary, don't let yourself be overwhelmed by the current problems you are dealing with at home. when the time comes to start applying for colleges study hard on the SATs pass all your classes with B's or A's so you could go straight into a university or Cal State.Don't slack off on your studies like you do in high school this is a whole different ballpark you're in no more waiting till the last moment to finish an essay or staying up late to finish homework take initiative and pre-pair yourself ready for the real world. If for whatever reason you still happen to go to a community college make sure you go to Cerritos College, there you will meet different kind of people that will help you make the transaction from high school to college so dont stress yourself about going to college alone. lastly,when you get to college dont be afraid to be yourself because college is the place where you are free to express your inner self without feeling judged.

Danah

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would go back to the very beginning of the fall semester. I would tell myself to not stop playing softball so I could receive an athletic scholarship out of high school. I would tell myself if I didn’t want to participate in sports any longer, to apply to every school I would be able to attend one of my choice instead of having a narrow list to choose from. I would also tell myself to do better with my academic studies, instead of being lazy and relying on how I always seem to make it work at the end of the semester. Instead of putting all the pressure on myself to barely pass, I would tell myself to study and get the best grades I can, because I know now, and even then, I was capable of preforming to a higher standard than I was performing at throughout my high school career. The last thing I would tell myself would be to believe in myself, that no matter what I choose to do, I would be able to achieve it.

Alexandria

Do not be scared, even if it seems hard don't me scared. Don't feel as if you need to be rushed into figuring out what you want, it will come to you. Though in the mean time just work on our core classess. Everyone has their own pace in school, you will find your's though as you wait keep an open mind, you have many gifts though you find out which gift stands out the most compared to the others. Just don't ne scared, others are around to help you when things seem tough, don't just do things on you own, go and talk with your mother she can knows and understands. But just remember to focus ony our core classes, if you fall that is alright, get back up and keep going. Admit your faults, because your future self has done many mistakes in college, I am learning from them now, and now you know. Keep faith things will be alright, just don't be scared. Those are the words I would tell my younger self.

Kyla

If the me now, could talk to the high school senior me, the most important thing I would tell myself is to manage your time wisely. Entering college provides a new source of independence, it is up to you to take control of it. No one is there to make sure you turn in your assignments, do well on exams, or even make sure you attend class. Classes in which you didn?t attend for no reason, other than ?because you didn?t feel like it?. Don?t wait until the last minute to write a paper you?ve known about for weeks, don?t start studying for an exam the night before, and don?t let the fear of not doing well, keep you from trying your best. New surroundings, new people, different types of classes, all of these things are a part of what makes college so amazing. It provides you with experiences, and lessons that will last a life time; but it is so much more amazing if you accomplish your goal! Don?t get distracted, and don't procrasitnate. Stay focused, work hard, and keep your eye on the prize?Graduating.

Laura

Great question!! I would tellmyself to stay in school right after high school. I unfortunately left school after a year of fulltime attendance to work. I took classes here and there for years, but did not make it a priority. I would tell myself to stick with it and get the degree in 4 years instead of putting it off. I would also tell myself to get involved with student activities. I have never really experienced the student college life. I would tell myself to appreciate the moment and take it all in.

Pete

The opportunities start to open up on the inception of stepping onto the college campus. Everyone is helpful and cordial toward your academic interest. The instructors are lively, intelligent and thoughtful. You can decide from the many classes to fit your time schedule toward your degree. There are options to finish homework ahead of time without penalty. Tutoring is available and willing to help with subjects which you thought where out of reach. Research for scholarships, such as Campus Discovery, is available at the touch of a button via the World Wide Web. Student activities abound throughout the year, such as sports, entertainment and food. There are ?student discounts? with a valid school student ID for purchases and services at various vendors and business around campus or around world. At the college level there is a great respect between peers and faculty. There is the opportunity to meet and interact with other students who have the same goals and aspirations as you do, basically to achieve academic advancement and acquire intellectual growth for a better future. So college life and making a transition is easier than you think. Go forward, go for it.

Audrey

I would tell myself to interact with those people on campus who are there to help with financial need and that prepare you for college. Do not slack off, take every class serious, finish extra credits, participate in class activities and those out-of-school activities. When the opportunity emerges to volunteer in community service, go for it! If their are people in your life that get you into trouble or give you bad advice, avoid them. If they are your true friends they will understand, and be on board with your decision as school being a priority. No one is responsible for your actions, you are the only one that decides where your life ends up.

Cheryce

Everything i learn since the first day of college to present i would tell myself which includes, registation, fees, payments, deadlines and etc. You have to learn to have a focus mind in college to be about to make sure everything is set the right now for you to achieve your dreams.

Crystal

If I could go back in time I would have told myself to focus way more on school and school activities rather than word. I moved in with my boyfriend (now 11 years later he is my husband) and worked full time my senior year in high school. I lost my focus my senior year and didn't get to really enjoy it. I would tell myself to deal with my parents and focus on school. I think if I would have done that I would have continued to go to college right after and not wait 9 years like I have done. But I am happy that I am in school now and I love it.

Sovanchenda

If i could go back into time when i was a senior, i would let myself know how procrastination in high school is different than procrastination in college. and that if i were absent for a day, is literally missing four chapters of lecture and that showing up will help me and that i could do so much better if i took certain classes more seriously. the fact that with out school i'd almost have no purpose on this earth and that school can take me farther than anything else could. college is for the serious endearing students who pursue a GREAT and not mediocre life. if i'd just take the time and concentrate and push myself life in the long run will be easier and that not everything is handed to you, as it is in highschool. college you have to seek help its just not given out. you have to want it and you have to do what makes you happy.

Olga

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would convience myself to complete school. To never let go of your dreams. Give myself knowledge that life is VERY hard without education back round. That ME time is important and it isn't selfish to finish school even thought I had a child. I would try to convience myself that life without an education is extremly hard.

Danielle

I am so proud of you. Danielle, you have worked diligently and it paid off. The goals that you have set for yourself are great but remember life happens. Enjoy life and embrace failure because it only leads you to success. Don't forget that roadblocks will come but it will all be worth it in the end. With me being the Danielle from your future, I can tell you in my present moment that wonderful things are happening and great opportunities are coming towards us. There are no limits and I believe in you and your ability to do whatever you put your mind to. P.S. Your company is going well. Your dreams do turn into reality. So don't worry!!!

Leilani

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself not to slack off or take time off of school because you would want to finish earlier on so that you can find a better paying job. Also find a major that you think you can pursue in like teaching because it has always been something that you loved and never let anyone get in your way of finishing school. This is what I would tell myself.

Deyera

If I could go back in time to talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself what I needed to do to be better prepared for college. I would tell myself to work hard in all my classes to get the best grades I could get. I would push myself harder in the sports I enjoyed participating in so I could get a scholarship so I could go to any college I wanted without my parents having to take out a loan or having to sacrifice going to a community college to save on money. I would also tell myself to participate in as many clubs and oranizations as possible. Basically, I would tell myself to work harder to prepare myself for college and the world after college. I believe I would be further along in my education or even finished and further along in my career if I knew as much then, as a high school student, as I know now. Deyera Bizzell

Jasmine

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself that education is going to pay off and it's important to do better in high school so I won't have to start all over in college. I would encourage myself to take college prep courses as well as AP honor courses. I'd make sure to include the economy status and the unemployment rate so that I can think twice about my education. I'd also encourage myself to get good grades so I can win scholarships and grants to pay for college. I'd include the benefits of joining clubs in school so that I can hang around with positive influences who are also dedicated to pursuing a great career. I'd tell myself to volunteer and do extra curricular activities to improve my resume. If anything, I'd make sure to tell myself about paying attention in school and not to slack off. I would also mention how much potential I have and if I want something I have to strive to achieve it. I'd believe in myself and move forward. I'd study often.

Jonathan

That you should do your best that you can be, excel at what you do best, and have no regrets.

yessica

I would advice myself to don't procastinate on the paper work. On the financial aid, and taking the placement tests. I would still maintain the idea of being a full-time student because that is very helpful. I would tell myself to stay focused in school and stay dedicated.

Jarrod

If I could go back in time to change anything, to be completely honest I don't think I would change anything at all. I have learned that life is a learning experience and if you change anything in the past then you would affect what you learned. I have always looked at things as a learning process and not being able to experience that would be a waste of life. having all the answers is not a way to live that would make life incredibly borring. So I would tell myself to keep doing what I am doing and not to change anything. I am not a person that worries about what could have been, I rather think of what I am going to be and what the future will hold in store for me. Life is one big surprise, and each experience in it should be considered valuable.

katrina

If I could go back to when I was a high school student I would have taken classes that I thougt where to hard to take. I would have been more focus on my college life not just the fact that I was graduating an no longer was a high school student. The approch to college would have been more serious on my part.

SONIA

For as long as I can remember, my family has always looked to me to be the one in the family to make something of myself. I am the youngest of six girls; the daughters of parents who came to California from Mexico with nothing but the clothes they were wearing. I am the only one in my family to graduate high school with a 3.8 GPA and with hopes to go onto college, and so my family looks toward me to make something of myself. This dream that my family and I share is a motivation for myself, a motivation that sometimes scares me; its one that, somedays, I am not sure I can live up to. My advice to myself is to remember that as long as i try my very best, things will be ok and my family will be proud, no matter what. I would tell myself to live life, one day at a time, an to the very best of my abilities, so that, no matter what happens, it was worth it.