Charter Oak State College Top Questions

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to STOP and reevaluate my education decisions. I would definitely enroll in a 4 your degree program and skip the community college/work route that I chose. After meeting many young adults who went to school full time and lived on campus I can see where I missed out on an important part of life. I am still in school now and I am 28 years old. I work for the federal government which is not a bad job but I am stuck in a low paying tedious position while fresh young college graduates are taking jobs I could be in IF I put school before work. I am working three jobs right now to make ends meet plus find time for school. I also feel like socially I am behind where I should be. My communications skills and self esteem are lacking compared to others. I really feel like being immersed in a four year program with others who have the same interests, goals and life experiences is something that is paramount in being successful in today?s world.

Dear Joan, You are in your senior year of high school and are about to embark on the most amazing four years of your life. Your teachers and parents have prepared you for this next step so don't be scared, you can do this. I want you to take every opportunity to learn, experience life on campus and surrounding your school. You have lived in such a small town all your life, there are opportunities waiting for you. Talk with all types of people and get their ideas and opinions on life, for yours were formed with many boundaries. Taste a new food that you has never passed your lips before. You're a music major so learn every piece of music your teacher gives to you. And, if she asks you to learn another instrument, jump at it. Perform as if your soul depended upon it. Feel, smell, watch, listen and taste all the experiences around you and keep your heart open to everything and everyone. Fear is just a four letter word and used by those who will not risk or leap with faith. Don't worry about making mistakes, they can be fixed. Affectionately, Joan

Knowing what I know now, I would like be move involved, more focused. I would appreciate the opportunity to improve myself and learn as much as I can,realizing that it is a chance that many people do not have. I would also be more involved in student activities. There are so many ways to meet people & make friends in college. I would like the opportunity to do it all over again. When my education was interrupted by a family crisis 17 years ago, I did not appreciate what I had...even as it was no longer available. It was a few years later, as employment options were limited because of unfinished education, that I realized what I had messed up. I am trying now to return to school to finish what I started 20 years ago.