Chapman University Top Questions

Get your GE courses done within your first 2 years. Bring a car, make sure you can afford housing in the area. Get involved in Greek Life

If I could talk to myself as a teen making a transition to college, I would have so much advice to give. My transition was not easy. I did not enter college out of high school. I entered as an adult with a husband along with small children. The main word is “motivation”. You have to find something to keep you motivated. YOU have to be determined within yourself. In order for you to grow and learn is to have the motivation to do so. Don’t blame the things that happened to you on someone else. Even if it wasn’t actually your fault, as I stated before your life is yours and yours only. We were not put here to share lives. Throughout the few years that I have attended college, I have met so many people. I have met people of different cultures, different ages from young to old, and even other teachers were sitting in my class that actually already had a bachelor’s but insisted on returning to school. I call that motivation, determination, and consistency! That would definitely be my advice to myself. Stay strong and change with the world, don’t fall behind.

To be honest, I would have to sit my younger self down and plead with them to plan ahead as much as possible, but at the same time to not put all my eggs in one basket. Having options is the best strategy when going through the college application process. Along with that I would tell them that if a high school or college counselor elludes to anything about the transfer process from community college to a 4 year university being simple and easy, or that something is guaranteed, to take that with a grain of salt. My experience was the opposite of what my advisors had described. All in all, I would say "Use your head and don't slack off!"

I would tell my high school self: YOU NEED TO GET YOUR ACT TOGETHER!! Stop worrting about what other people think about you and start working harder! Don't wait so long to transition from high school to college. It's going to be tough, but so worth it in the end!

You are ready. Don't be nervous about going off to college because you are going to be fine. The biggest transition is being on your own. Know your schedule and what you can and can't fit into one day. Appreciate the time that you have at home because you are going to rarely want to go home on the weekends once college starts. There are a lot of parties and other temptations on college but remember that your studies come first. Don't overload yourself with classes; leave a little bit of time just for yourself. A movie in with the roommates is not a bad night out; in fact, those may be some of your best memories. There is no need to try and be popular; you will find a circle of friends who will be perfect for you. And it's not a bad thing to want to go home every once in a while, even if it's just to do laundry, get some money, and have a home cooked meal.

I would convince myself that finishing college before you are 25 and before you get married and have children or any real responsibilities is the best decision for you and everyone involved in your future. I wouls also explain that knowing what you would enjoying doing everyday would be half the battle in regards to planning for your future. If you know what kind of lifestyle you would enjoy i.e.: what kind of car you want to drive, or where you would like to live ... if you want to live by the ocean or in a large city. These are important questions to ponder as a young person. It is extremely important to think these options over, while you have them as options. Once you have children, and they start school themselves, it is difficult to move them from their friends and the roots they have come from. In other words, once you have these kinds of responsibilies, you have more to think about and there are more lives to consider than just your own. I think the pondering should happen as a freshman. You are making a plan for your future and it starts as early as possible.

I would tell myself to apply to as many scholarships that are available. Looking back, I knew then that schools would offer me money to go to their school. I thought 'it's okay to not receive any scholarships because the school is going to give me.' But now that I am enrolled in a university, I now know that scholarships are very important. Although my university offered me a lot of scholarships and grants, it is still not enough to pay everything. With all the loans and work-study that I have accepted, scholarships would still be a big help to me. I have graduated from high school and regret that I didn't apply to all the scholarships available.

It's nothing like what you see on TV. Sure, you're away from the parents and on your own, but that's not all it's cracked up to be. You need to learn how to juggle doing laundry and studying at the same time. There is no dinner on the table after classes are over. No one to pick up after you. You will not be able to survive on 4-5 hours of sleep more than a few nights in a row. College courses will be hard. The work you're doing now is a piece of cake compared to what is ahead of you. Professors speak a completely different language. Social life....what social life? Throw a boyfriend into the mix and you're toast. So bottom line, my advice to you is buckle up and enjoy being catered to by your parents while you can because college life is about to begin.

I would tell myself to not wait and just go for it. That way I would have attened college as soon as I graduated. Instread I waited and am now apply when it is much more difficult for me. But, despite everything working against me I keep my head help high,because I was blessed witha beautiful son, Cyrus. He makes me want to work harder than I every have before. I want him to look up to me and know that I have done something with my life. Myself as a senior was carefree and spontanious. Now I am determinded and goal oriented, and my goal is to graduate college. The only speed bump is my financial situation. I hope you will consider me for your scolarship, because I am in need and would not take advantage of such kind gesture.

Do not assume you know what you want to do and who you want to be when you finish college. Your plans will change. You will realize you have many more options than you initially thought, and you will push yourself and exceed all boundaries in a way you never expected. You will realize medical school is not the right path for you, and you will find a way to contribute to the community through participation in a variety of groups on campus. Be open to new ideas, new clubs, new people, new methods of learning and studying and new food. Do not hold back during orientation just because the events are all silly--you may miss out on some incredible opportunities you will never be presented with again (and most importantly, bring the friends you've already made along!). Be silly with other people and don't forget to laugh and smile, even when you're stressed beyond belief. There will always be room for smiles during the rough adjustment period during the first semester of college. And always remember you are not alone in any problem or challenge you may face in school, especially in the dorms!

My college experience so far has helped me determine what I want out of my future. I have learned to train my body equally when it comes to spirituality, physicality, and sociality, and from this experience I have discovered aspects of my personality that I did not know before. I have learned how to interact with people of different backgrounds and learned to respect different cultures and social narratives. Most of all, my college experience has benefited me when it comes to deciding what I want to do in my career. Before going to college I already knew that I wanted to be a high school teacher, but my time at Chapman has helped me discover the true importance of education and renewed my desire to be an active and helpful member of society. In summary college has been a great experience of learning, self-discovering, and appreciating life.

College... It's an experience that every young adult wishes to live. Through my college experience, I have not regretted any single decision that I have made. Instead, it has made me a more mature and knowledgeable individual. I have grown not only intellectually but also as a human being. I have been given opportunities that I will use for the rest of my life. Being part of the Honors College at Miami Dade College, I was able to attend an etiquette dinner. This was an outstanding experience because it taught me not only how to properly use utensils but also how to make network connections and set a good first-impression. As a college student, I have also been able to explore different career fields while enjoying life. College has actually helped me keep my mind set on become an Aerospace doctor. I have yet to find a single negative reason of attending college.

College was so much more than I ever expected. I'd always been told how amazing the experience would be, but now that I am here, I completely understand why so many students say college was one of the best parts of their life. I used to be a quiet person in high school, but college has forced me to step out of my comfort zone and make friends that I know I'll have for the rest of my life. I've become a much more independent person, realized what it takes to immerse myself in a whole new environment and feel comfortable, and begun to understand the organization and time commitment required for success in a real career. Not only has college improved my self-esteem and taught me the maturity important for adult life, but it has been the most exciting and amazing experience of my life thus far. I look forward to taking the academic and social skills I've acquired in college with me throughout the remainder of my life, and I know I will never forget the friends, professors, and mentors that have influenced me such a great deal in these four years.

So far my college experience has been valuable because I have learned more about my slef and have developed as an individual. I am currently majoring in sociology, and hope to have a career in social work. My dream is to start a non for profit organization some day in hopes to work with young women on a number of issues though group work, physical activities, peer bonding, and tools for self confidence. I am passionate about empowering women to recognize they have the power to control their lives and achieve their goals. These aspirations began once I took college level classes and was informed about how I can achieve my goals. I believe that without my college experience thus far, I would not have as much confidence about what opportunities are available to me. I have leaned and grown from my peers on a new level, and my professors are willing to go above and beyond to help me with subject matter. My college experience is invaluable not only because I am challenged to learn, but I have been able to discover new possibilies about the world around me and how I can contribute to my society.

I received a great education from Chapman University. The experience from attending will be with me for the rest of my life. The things I learned not only from my education but the people from all over who attended have taught me life lessons that will forever lead me in the right path.

I CURENTLY ATTEND A SMALL PRIVATE CATHOLIC COLLEGE. I AM THE FIRST IN MY FAMILY TO ATTEND COLLEGE HERE IN THE UNITED STATES. COLLEGE HERE IS THE BASE TO THE SUCCESFUL FUTURE I WANT TO HAVE. I'M VERY FOURTUNATE THAT I'M LIVING THE AMERICAN DREAM, PERSUING THE PROFFESION I WANT, TRYING TO CHANGE THE WORLD BUT ALSO TRYING TO SHOW OTHER HISPANIC STUDENTS THAT THEY CAN ALSO ACHIEVE THE AMERICAN DREAM. COLLE IS PREPARING ME FOR THE LIFE AHEAD OF ME. I HAVE LERNED THE RESPONSABILITY OF BEING AN ADULT.

Once you move away from home, you learn more about yourself than any other time would allow. By leaving my state, my home, and my friends, I learned that I can be independent from everything that I know. From my first year of college, I learned that each person has trials that I can relate to. I learned how to better balance my life in order to make it all fit. I learned that when you hit rock bottom, the only thing that can get you out of the hole is your own determination. Life isn't for watching; it's for doing. The value of education cannot be measured. There is nothing greater then personal achievement; which my school, Chapman University, has given to me.

Growing up on a farm in rural Kentucky, I couldn't imagine all the opportunities and curiosities that would entice my mind and spirit in college. Not only did college awaken my intellect, but stir me as a human being. In college, I was challenged to speak up for myself. Say YES! Say NO! And most importantly, ask WHY? Beyond booksmarts, I became aware of the diversity and possibility in the world around me. Very simply, college changed my perspective... my experience as an undergrad transformed my viewpoint from LIMITED to LIMITLESS.

As a transfer student from a community college into a four year university it has been an utter delight. In general the students seem as though they are truly there for a specific purpose, thier education. Chapman students, for the most part, are very delightful and willing to help people whether it be for directions from one building to another or in a classroom setting and you need a little extra explanation with an assignment. For the most part the professors are more than willing to open their doors, emails, and phone lines to help students get the maximum out of their classroom experience and to have full understanding of the materials set forth. The staff at Chapman in the financial aid department or the business office department are so friendly and will take out so much time for a student when a student needs direction. The best part of the Chapman staff is that the attitude is not, I'm sorry this isn't my department you need to go to this department. It is, let me see what I can do for you without having to send the student away.

The most important aspect that I have gotten out of my college experience is that whatever you do, whether it is teaching or any other profession, it is vital that you have a passion for what you do. When you truly care about what you do, it conveys in whatever you do and allows people to learn more and be challenged in a positive way. No matter what I do, I want to have such a strong passion for it so I can be the best at whatever I choose to do. My experience so far in college has been valuable because it taught me more about what I want out of college and life: challenging and trying experiences that help me learn more about myself and life.

Despite the fact that I am only a freshman in college, I have already gained so much from my experiences here. Yes, I have learned an immeasurable amount in regards to everything academia related; however, I have also learned so much about life itself. Before attending college and living in a dorm room with someone I didn?t know, I had no idea how to deal with conflict resolution. College life has taught me how to not only confront a problem that I have with someone, but also how to talk through it without ending things on bad terms with said person. I find this to be an incredibly important life lesson, as it will help me not only in my social life, but also my professional work life after I graduate. In addition to this important skill, I have also learned how to cope with my emotions. College classes and such may produce a lot of stress, but being subjected to such stress has enabled me to personally learn how to deal with it and any negative emotions it may create. Overall, college has taught me so much about life, and I ameternally grateful for this.

College is really fun. I am learning a lot, i have met new friends and i really enjoy my classes. When i was in high school everyone told me that college sucks,its boring, and its really hard. Well they were right about one out of the three. College is hard, but its school so everyone has to get used to it. I like to be challanged; and i like doing work. If classes weren't hard they would be boring. College doesn't suck! I have met a lot of people there, and the teachers are pretty nice too. If i could go back to high school and talk to myself i would probably tell myself to ignore all those people that say college sucks.

By attending college, my eagerness to learn has been reignited. High school was a chore, but college is something I look forward to. It allows me to take classes that I find interesting and make me want to wake up in the morning.

Every experience from high school to college is different. There seems to be a generality that college is about finding yourself, and that if you don't experience a drastic change within the first few months of college, you aren't branching out enough. If there is one thing I could go back and tell myself, it would be that it's OK to stick to your comfort zone. At a certain point, it'll be your turn to try something new and branch out; don't force the change, because it will only result in unnecessary stress. You WILL find yourself in college; but it's a marathon, not a sprint. Take your time and get comfortable with your surroundings before forcing any changes in lifestyle.

Every winter salmon face the difficult task of swimming upstream. High school graduates endure the vast change of college. What do these creatures have in common? Instincts. Their difference is that salmon thrive off their instincts and students neglect all they have learned to fit into their ?new tribe?. In high school I found the sins of college barbaric. Sex, drugs, and alcohol were poison! Living on campus I gradually became desensitized. I had agreed to drink alcohol. Some false fire fueled by my new ?friends? to see me drunk for the first time got me to participate. What happened? Before we began we were caught and I was facing a jury. Luckily, I trusted my intuition and got released with a warning. Animals in the wild survive off their instincts. Because of the unique environment of college, students tend to drop their sensitivity to fit in the norm. If I could revisit myself in high school I would urge myself to trust my heart and disregard activities outside of my comfort zone. There is a reason that slight feeling of anxiety grumbles through my throat. I need to fight the current and stick to my journey upstream!

If I had the chance to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, the advice I would give myself is this: Once you start your college life, it'll be different from high school - harder, more challenging. Don't let that dissuade you. You have the smarts and strength to get through it. Use the resources offered to stay on track. Most importantly, talk about your feelings. No matter what, your family and friends will support you and your decisions. Take time and really think about what you want - not what you think everyone else wants you to do. Choose the path that interests you - not what you think people want to hear. Choose the school that best suits you and your goals - not where you think people expect you to attend. Be happy with what you're doing and where. If not, you'll quit and tell yourself it's just a break. But that break will turn into years of putting it off. And when you finally decide to do it, you'll find yourself looking back thinking, "Oh if only I knew then what I know now..."

College is not only about learning, it's about discovering yourself, your learning style, etc. With that in mind, I would first submit my fafsa in on time, and follow the giudelines. Try to get the most money you can in advance, but not with a loan. Interest is killer. Second, I would not sweat the small things. So what if your roommates a pig? She's a great person anyway, so look past that. Be the best person you can be, and let stuff go. Third, stay out of debt. Don't borrow more than you have, and try not to borrow at all. Fourth, no one is there to make you go to class. If you fail, it's your own fault. So pay attention, anf get the help you need to in order to do your best. And finally, be integritous. Have enough courage to do the right thing, no matter who's watching, or who isn't. Even yourself. Don't look back on college ashamed to tell your future kids what exploits you did at 3.am. College is what you make it. It can be great, or it can leave scars. You choose.

I have been a student for most of my life. I have two associate degrees and one bachelors degree plus certificates in business and medical office procedures. I am now enrolled in MTI College for paralegal studies and I love it. I have a differnt situation than most people applying for this scholarship in that I had lost my job as an office manager in a doctor's practice and as a result I lost my home. I am in the process of starting over and retooling for a new career and regain what I lost. My advice to myself if I could go back in time would be to keep in mind that I might have several careers in a life time and that to think that I will just have one job for the rest of my life is wrong. The key now is to be a perpetual student always learning new things andto be more marketable for the future. This is a lesson I am teaching my children who are now in high school and college so they make good choices for their futures.

I would tell myself to prioritize better and make a schedule that I am able to keep. Make sure that I keep up with all of my stuff and be more organized. Make time and deadlines an important aspect of my life. I would make sure that I have a study partner established early on in the semester.

Don't focus on the small things. I know that you are used to being number one in the class and having a frisbee team to rely on, but don't be afraid to step outside of that box. It's scary walking away from what you know, and going to try and live your life, being you, but you will always have your family cheering you on. Don't be scared to ask for help. Everyone wants to see you succeed, and you aren't the only one struggling to find your footing. The people at the tutoring center are kind, you will make friends, and the only thing you have to worry about is working on those study habits. I know it will be long and tedious, but you are going to learn a lot. Don't be afraid to chase your dreams and try something new, or difficult. You are going to shine amongst your friends like always. Take a deep breath, have fun, and you will find a place to call home again soon. Best of luck.

Many times I have heard people say, "if I knew what I know now when I was your age my life would have turned out a whole lot better." I never really understood, or even bothered to try and understand that statement until now. I haven't even been out of high school for a year and there are already things that I look back on and wish I did differently. However, if there was one thing I would tell myself, it would be to not slack off. I would tell myself to be more focused on my schoolwork and my grades and not get distracted by the other aspects of my life. I would demand that I stay on top of my scholarship applications and my college applications and not push them aside and never bother to glance in their direction again. I would tell myself that an education is one of the most important things to have and I shouldn't sit back and watch all of my opportunities slip away. That is the one thing that I regret the most about my high school career and I wish I would have taken a more mature approach.

This question reminds me of a song called "Letter to Me" by Brad Paisley. In this song, Brad describes what he would tell himself if he had to chance to talk to himself at 17 and tell himself what he knows now. If I could go back to talk to myself as a 17 year old high school senior I would tell myself not to worry so much. My senior year of high school was full of worrying and stressing about grades and college acceptances that I did not allow myself to fully enjoy the experience of my last year of high school. Having gone through the transition into college, I now realize that there was really not that much to worry about. Everything eventually falls into place and I wish I would have realized that as a high school senior.

As a high school senior I was scared to death of the college life. What it would be like, would I be pressured, or how much would I change? The answer: Don't be scared. The truth is that if I were to talk to myself I would say that the only way that you can change is through yourself and if you don't want to change you don't have to. The same goes for pressure. Peer presure is a great problem, but in the end it all comes down to your own decision. You have to be the stronger person. No one can do it for you. Speaking of on one can do it for you, college is going to be tough. If college wasn't, anyone would do it and it would no longer be a great achievement. The point is that you CAN work throgh all the ups and downs ensuring that you will never be a failure. Sometimes the curve balls are what's really the best thing for you anyway. As I say, "I don't have any regrets, for they are little life lessons to learn and be inspired from".

If I were able to go back in time, not only would I have accomplished a huge feat in time travel, but most importantly, I would be able to prepare myself on some of the choices and opportunities that await me in the future. My first piece of advice is to enjoy and appreciate the relationships that you have with your family and friends. The love and support of your family and close friends is priceless, and will definitely be missed when you move away for your first year of college. While your sitting in your dorm one day, you will understand that your parents, grandparents, siblings, and best friends, are your main eternal support systems. Although I do advise you to make new friends and connections in college, I also encourage you to keep in touch with the people who love you. My second and last piece of advice is to take advantage of all opportunities that come your way. Don?t be afraid or too lazy to join a committee, get involved in the community, or participate in a play. Once you leave high school, the world is a much bigger place, so prepare yourself and get involved.

Megan, do not doubt yourself. You can almost always trust your first instinct. Just go for what you believe is right. Take risks. Do not feel as though you need to justify your decisions to others. You know what is best for you, not them. And since I'm from the future, believe me - you're doing great so far.

"Who do you know that went through college and what are the possibilities of your future?" That is the question I would ask my doppleganger of high school senior age, and the question I would ask any high school student looking to further their education. If I had the same thought process and cognitive ability I have now, I could have made a much bigger impact on my college life before beginning the Fall term. In high school, my life was about art and media. Yet, I was also very interested in the natural sciences and ahd the capability to do well in those subjects. I had doubted my ability in doing science as a career, and I did not realize what I wanted to do in my life. I would now tell my 18 year old self, "What do you want to be remembered for with your life? Do not doubt what you can do, even though everyone has limits, do not fear failure. Once you do, you will be more limited than your current state. Do not be afraid to seek guidance." If I was free from doubt and sought assistance, I would have been much more prepared.

That i need to strive for a better life for myself and going to college, and getting a job i love will help, because they say if you work at a job you love , you will never work a day in your life.

Undoubtedly, the transition between high school and college life is a feeling that no words can truly explain. Although, being a high school senior seems so distant now, I vividly remember every thought and question I had about whether I was going on the right path or not. In high school, life seemed so structured: every day was comprised of the same classes, extracurricular activities, meetings, homework, and time with the family. Rarely was there a moment when I could sit and think about myself. In college, you do take on more responsibility for yourself, however, you are also granted more time to reflect. Whether it be about yourself, your studies, or about life, in general, college life gives you the opportunity to reflect on the person you are now, what you enjoy, and where you want to go in the future. Knowing what I know now, I would tell myself to just relax. As long as you are focused on your goals and believe in yourself, there is nothing that can stop you. Let your mind be free of societal norms and expectations of others. Follow your own mind and heart. Anything is possible.

If I could go back in time and do some things differently knowing what I know now, I think the first thing I would do is remember to not be shy about introducing myself to every person I see on campus during orientation week. It was hard for me to remember that everybody was in the same position, and not knowing anybody. I just wish I had been more outgoing during that first week, and made as many connections with other new students as possible. I think another important thing would be to try and come in to each class and go to the front of the room and introduce myself to my professors to start that relationship. This lets them know that you are interested and excited to be there. I did this with a few of my teachers, and it definitely made a difference in the class, and will also help me in my future if I ever need to go back and ask for any letters of recommendation or anything like that. I guess basically it's just important to put yourself out there and not be afraid of rejection.

Don't change a thing, and don't worry about mistakes that you may make; that is how you learn, and that is how you have thusly turned in to who you are today...and I would say you have become a well rounded individual within the last 2 and a half years of college. WAIT! I spoke too soon! There is one precaution that you should take during your senior year of high school as well as all years of college: try not to accrue student loan debt!!! They will soon be the bane of your existence. Enter in as many college scholarships as you can! I can only hope that you will not learn your lesson too late...as your future self fears he has. Although college is considered good debt, debt of any kind can hinder your exploration of the world. I want to see the world and its many faces, not a cubicle and a bill statement.

There is only one piece of advice I would give myself as a high school senior: "hakuna matatta" (no worries). As a senior there were many big hurdles and unprepared moments I had before knowing I was attending Chapman University, which is literally my dream school for the major I am pursuing. When I finally knew Chapman was the college I'd be attending, I was so overwhelmed with joy and anxietes. The film program (since I am a film production major) is top notch. I felt I may be going into this with less experience than some of my peers, and a little worried that I may not be able to catch up. I now have no fear of that. Chapman University's program is designed to teach people with all different experience levels, and I am glad to be going in with what I know and what I don't know. I have been able to learn so much in just one semester and have already seen the growth in the skills I'll continue to develop all my years at Chapman. So I would tell myself "hakuna matatta" because I was prepared for it all along.

I always wanted to grow up, be older, and have more responsibilities? pretty much what every teenager preaches. I was at a blockade when it came to increasing my age since a time machine had yet to be invented, but when it came to exiting the so-thought ?immature realm? of high school I found my loop-hole. I left traditional high school after my junior year and enrolled into an independent school program. It took me only three months to complete my senior year. The adult world was within my reach! Although my need to mature at a accelerated speed has allowed me to accomplish a lot so young, as well as introduce me to the responsibilities of adulthood, I look back frequently and miss my adolescence in a big way. If I could build that time machine I wanted so badly in high school, I would go back and tell myself to take life as it comes. Adolescence only happens once and I wish I could have enjoyed it more than I did. Life comes at you fast, I'm just learning to stop and smell the roses and to enjoy my surroundings every now and then.

More than anything, do not be afraid to meet new people and try new experiences. The best thing you can do is be open and willing to socialize with people you've just met because the likelihood is you will run into them again and it's nice to have as many friendly faces on campus as possible. There's really no better feeling than walking through a building and hearing hellos from a bunch of different people. The only way you can really make that happen is to put yourself out there. You have to make yourself at home, not just expect to feel that way.

If I could go back in time and talk to the high school senior of myself, my advice would be to not be afraid of changing. Going into college I thought I had my whole life already planned ahead of me, to go into the medical field and become successful while being a swimmer and a great friend. I would say only one of those things is still true today, my friendship. Who I was in high school has changed completely compared to who I am today. I now pursue the studies of education in order to develop an equal opportunity to all in the learning environment, and I have swapped out my competitive swimming side for my more community involved club personality. If I knew these transformations would happen to me as a high school senior would happen, I would have been scared, but today I am thankful for every change that has occurred to me. With out these changes I would not have a chance to explore who I really am and the endless opportunities that this school and community offer to me.

Do not attend a junior college!!! Save your money and attend a four year univeristy!!! Just ensure that the college you attend is accreditted throughout the nation. Do not allow yourself to become distracted by the social arena. Remain focused, goal oreinted, and dedicated throughout the years. Education is a previlage, not something that should be taken advantage of.

I would tell myself that every professor and class has something to offer. To never take anything for granted and to appreciate everyones opinions and outlooks because you can only learn so much from a text book but you can learn infinite amounts from peers.

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to do more research about my school. I think talking to more students would have helped me know what to expect more. I would probably been less disappointed about some things if I hadn't set my expectations so high. At the same time, I could have learned things from current students that would make my transition into college easier and more enjoyable. It is important to look beyond the brochures and other messages that colleges put out because they do not say anything negative. By talking to actual students, I would have learned both the positives and negatives of what it is really like to attend my school.

I would tell myself to have come out of my shell sooner. I was hesitant and guarded when I first started college, so I didn't make as many strong relationships and do as many things as I could have immediately. I eventually did everything I wanted and met everyone I possibly could, but being able to do so more quickly would have been a great advantage to me early on. Also, I wish I would have taken financial aide and scholarships more seriously when I was a senior in high school. Not taking the time out to write a few essays and fill out a few applications cost me a lot of money I could have had in college. Now, I am paying back loans I could have easily avoided by having great scholarships and fellowships. Finally, I would tell myself don't be afraid to always ask for help and be direct about what you want and need from your peers, family, and professors in regards to school and life. When you put your energy out into the universe and speak your truth, everything around you will start shifting itself to bring you what you desire.

I would tell myself to take more time considering my options, and to have more faith in myself and apply to more competitive universities. I was not able to visit Chapman university because I went to school abroad, but I wish I had the chance to talk to actual students from Chapman and hear what they had to say about it. Coming from a mixed ethnic background and having lived mostly in japan and Switzerland for most of my life, I was shocked to see the lack of international diversity at this school. I made some amazing friends here at Chapman and am satisfied with my overall experience here, but I often feel like the school does not value things that are important to me -- such as artistic and creative expressions of the students, and the integration of different cultures and religious faiths. If I could go back and talk to myself back in high school, I would also tell myself that Orientation is meant to be crazy and hectic, and that you don't have to be friends with EVERYBODY you meet your first week. Your good friends will come along naturally -- there's no need to force it,.

I would say to wait on picking a major unless I was aboslutely sure and to not choose a school based on the majors they offer if you are unsure of what you want to do. I would also say to not be intimidated or shy because everyone at college can be themselves and they will be accepted by someone.