College of the Desert Top Questions

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

Jennifer

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would have stressed the importance of continuing my education. I would tell myself to keep going even if I didn't have my career planned out. That's what college is for, exploring different disciplines and being inspired. It is okay to start college by just taking the general education requirements, we all have to take them eventually. Just making the start is the most important step you can take and the rest will all fall into place. I would also let my high school self know how inspired I am today to make a difference in the world and fight for social change. I would let my high school self know that with a degree many doors will be opened to effect change for the better.

Jose

The advice that i would give them is that after high school you're pretty much an adult. Also while going to college, that's an oppurtunity to to meet other people and find the person that you truly. You should go to college not only to learn but to explore yourself and have fun.

Steve

As I attend college for my second year, I realise that education is not just a tool to get smarter or to land a good paying job. It's more than that, it is a starting base for many years to come for my family members and friends to further their education in the future. My college experience has allowed me to see the bigger picture of attending college, and that is in educating myself others will benfit as well by trying to accomplish the same and or by enjoying the benefits of my success. Now as I arrive to my classes I think in a different manner, I'am not just educating myself I'am educating my sisters and brother. This though motivates me every single day and helps me push myself to try harder, it is valuable to go to school because one would become eduacated among his or her society. Attending college or any type of eduacting system is valuable and essential, individuals who are educated will spark the minds of the unedated and create chage in the world.

Karissa

Make sure you major in something you love whether it be at a community college, university or trade school. Don't determine your career on your future salary, what others think is prestigious or accomplished or what family members expect of you. Think about what your passionate about, create a game plan and go for it. Learn not to procrastinate because it is never good, learn to prioritize your time and learn as much as you can. If your not passioinate about what you decide to major in, you will hate working hard towards your goal. Never plan to have kids until you have your career in hand, because you won't want to leave your baby, making it significantly harder to go to school and provide for your child.

Christian

I would say to take more math class so it wont be as hard for me how it is now, i am a hard worker and i know i tired my best but knowing now how hard school is i would of been hitting the books alot harder then what i was doing.

Timothy

In High School, I had little idea the significance education could play in the security and maturity of an individual. In fact, my family in general had little appreciation or understanding of this verity. I allowed myself to be enlisted in the Navy at 17 and was told life would be my best educator. There has been a certain modicum of truth to this; however, only a certain modicum. My goal in High School was to attend Annapolis and become a U.S. Naval officer. My family did not believe this realistic nor were my peers supportive. In fact, all were contrary. Should my present self divulge 32 years of experience to myself the younger, I would advise, ?Don?t listen to your environment. They know not what they speak; look at the failures they are and are becoming. You have chosen an excellent course based on wisdom that out distances the years of those whom would define your future detrimentally. You have an outstanding potential to accomplish great things in this life; ignore what you hear, pursue your heart?s desire with all humility, intensity, tenacity, and integrity.? Coincidently, this is my present advice to myself as well.

Kathlyn

As a high school student, you only hear what you're "supposed" to do to get scholarships and prepare for college. Like many other students, I aspired to go to a university right away. But, if I met myself during that time, I would have said "You better just stay at the community college. It's much cheaper! And, you'll have a chance to move out to the big world when you're really ready. You're not ready yet, as of today. Plus, when you do, you might as well take classes in the Summer to get ahead. You'll be bored out of your mind if you didn't take any classes. Another thing, college is fun. Make sure you challenge yourself by taking a lot of classes. It'll prepare you for your major."

Dallas

Having the opportunity to go back and talk to myself as a senior in high school would have a huge affect on where I would be today. I would start by saying that my first choice of school, field of study and career will not likely be my last. Second, I would tell myself to take all the time that I need to make a decision on those as this will be a time of reflection into what I would like out of this experience and preparing myself for what lies beyond. Having enrolled in my fourth college, began a third different field of study and started working towards a career in my third profession I feel as if the past 6 years have been a fast-paced cyclone of decisions made without proper deliberation into such significant matters. I thought I knew precisely what it was I desired, but realized that it would take a great deal of life experience to be able to uncover what was at the center of my aspirations. College is the time that is alloted to make these challenging desicions and I would tell myself to take advantage of it.

Caroline

If i could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, the advice i would give myself is start sooner. I waited a year after i graduated to start getting serious into school, one because i wasn't to sure what i really wanted and two, i didn't really know what to expect with college. It's not that big of a transition once you know what to expect. I think it is a lot better than high school because you are going for something you want, so it motivates you to go to school and work harder. I would also tell myself to just go for it. I always stopped myself to go to certain schools cause i didn't know if i could do it or not, but now i see myself in college doing really good.

Edith

I would tell myself that going to college is one of the best choices that you can make. It is a life experience that you will never regret. It helps to prepare you for life. You gain knowledge that you will never lose. You will learn to focus better on your goals. The more knowledge you gain, the more knowledge you will crave. Not only does college increase your desire to learn, but it also increases your desire to share what you have learned. College makes you feel worthy. You will get to know yourself . You will love who you are and what you are becoming. You will enjoy the college experience. You will feel good about having something positive to offer to society. I would tell myself that college is not a luxury, but a necessity. Life gives you many choices and choosing college is a winner's choice.

Arianna

The advice I would give myself would be to anticipate the financial hardships, and to not underestimate the work-load of a college freshman. As a Senior, one is so blind sighted by the hope of moving away, and the fa?ade of Sororities, and Fraternities, that many Seniors forget about the financial obligation college brings with it. Even more so, seniors disregard the academic responsibility that comes with college. As a 12th grader, I feel as though I undermined the difficulty of a college course, as well as the cost of tuition. Now, I realize I could not have been more na?ve.

Brittany

I would most definitely tell myself to open up alot more. Going to college means meeting so many different types of people; rude people, gross people, stuck up people, dumb jocks, even dumb nerds for that matter... but that there are also people just like me and I wouldn't have to shield myself the same way I had to in high school. There are people just as into old vintagy things as you are and listen to the same weird music you do. I would tell myself that even if you are unique and weird, just have fun it's your "time to shine" as they say and you have the freedom to do that. Now with classes you should definitely take at least one class per semester just for yourself, it's so worth! Oh, and try to join a few clubs/groups, it'll do wonders.

claudia

If I could go back to my senior year and talk to myself. I would tell myself to apply myself more and learn to love school because now that I am in college I really do love school. I would tell myself to enjoy the little things because things change once you are in college, friends change, your schedule changes, you get a job. You start paying for things on your own and your parents arent so eager to help you haha. But the most important thing I would say is to let all the gossip and drama roll off my shoulders because once you are in college it doesnt even matter, you grow up and get new friends.

Kassandra

I would honestly wish to go back further than that, but if twelved grade is as far as I can go I would tell myself to LEARN. There is so little time in highschool to worry about friends, popularity and parties. I wish I could have taken my pre-adult years more seriously and payed attention in class, not to make a "grade" but to learn. The amount of knowlege I let slide past me is priceless and I pay for it now in college taking prerequisites. Understanding that in college everyone is cool and everyone is a nerd, we are all there because we chose to be not because we have to and we share so much in common that the time we spent judgin each other was all done at loss for ourselves. Silly.

Chelsea

I graduated high school a year early. One of the things that I regret most is not being adequately prepared for the financial aspect of college. The biggest piece of advice that I could give myself in my last year of high school would be to start saving money early, and start looking for scholarships as soon as possible. It can be a time consuming process, but it helps to get started early. I would want to tell myself that finding ways to pay for tuition is so very important.

Jasmine

If I could go back in time, and give words of wisdom. I would tell myself: "It does matter, it all matters. It is your future, and the sooner you get school out of the way the better. You don't know what it feels like to waste time, feeling inside that you should be accomplishing something. Just get it all out of the way. Grades do matter, take that extra time and study a little harder before that test. Yes, you do want to do well on the SAT test.? An important thing to tell myself would also be about the financial aid. ?Fill out as many scholarship applications as possible. Just fill them out before the deadlines.? I?d advise myself to ask questions. If I have a doubt about anything just ask: "Is there anything else I should know?? That is the magic question; don't forget to ask it. Although there is one reassuring thing I would say to myself. ?You can do it. It?s not as hard as it seems." College and all that comes with it seemed so intimidating at the time. But, I was always ready for it.

Jasmine

When I was in high school I didnt take homework or tests seriously. All I thought about was that moment in time, not my future. If I could go back in time and talk to myself in high school, I would make myself understand how important it is to use time wisely and plan for the future.

Ariadna

The most important advise and i think would have help me better throughout my college experience so far; it is to "Hang out with successful people." People who are responsible and have a positive attitude towards life and all they live for, they would get me further in every side of my being. Avoiding toxic people who are irresponsible, conformist , and always complaining, it is not just saving a significant part of my time, it is healthier to my mind, body and soul. Successful and responsible friends give me the strength, and the motivation i need to keep moving forward towards all my goals no matter what they are, these people are an example of faith, love, and hard work. They also give me advise whenever i need it.

Laura

If given the chance to go back in time, there is only one thing I would do to prepare myself more than I am ready have, for college. I would tell myself to travel a little bit more, maybe save a little more money. I honestly feel that every single decision I made, from joining the military on, have had a huge impact on the person I am today. It is through the experiences that I have had, both good and bad, that I have learned to be a better and more responsible person. Now that I am older, I appreciate the value of an education far more than I ever could have when I was younger. Having a family of my own now to share my accomplishments certainly makes things better. I may have taken the long road to get where I am today, but I certainly had a wonderful ride. Appreciating the educational opportunities presented to you, is a large part of truly enjoying your college experience.

tatuana

Wow, that a very good question. I would tell my self to think twice before doing some oft he things i did. As a teenage mother, but as well as a full time student attending JC had really opened up my eyes. I've learned so much in college but going back in time i would've said to my self to "open your eyes, and think twice " .... However, i would'nt trade what ive been through, it had made me who i am . it had made me a strong women, a women who is capable of achieving anything that she sets her mind

Brittany

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a senior in high school, I would tell my younger self to rent an apartment closer to the community college I'm attending, rather than buy a new car for the commute. I would tell myself about the options for utilizing public transportation and/or car pooling in the area. If I knew that I would be saving myself at least $8,448 annually (car payments, insurance, gas, etc) by not owning a car, and that I would be able to spend more time expanding my interests and making friends instead of going to school AND working full time, I definately would have made some different decisions! I would also tell myself not to open and use more than one credit card, as right now I have $2,450 in credit card debt. I would tell myself that college is a time for discovering new things about yourself and the world around you, and that nobody's going to remember the brand of jeans you wore to class.

Valerie

Get involved. Grades are important and definately a big part of getting in to college but grades are not everything. For those students whose parents are unable to pay for college, scholarships are a priority in paying for basic needs. But it is hard to find many good scholarships that dont put an emphasis on volunteer work or leadership abilities. Also I would say be real about your choice in colleges. Most high school seniors want to leave the nest after they graduate and that works for some but for others it is just as good to stay close to home and attend a community college for the same class at a way lesser cost. Lastly I would say, just go! Go to college, whether you know exactly what your major is going to be and you have your life mapped out or you have no clue what you want to be and no idea where your life is headed. College is a time to find yourself and a place to grow as an adult. So go out there and don't be afraid to mess up a little because that's what life is all about.

Lisa

I would tell myself to do what I am doing now. Community College isn't your last option its up there with the options you are provided with. A university may be fun, exciting, and mysterious to be a part of, but it doesn't have to be what you prefer. Staying close to home to get a headstart on your degree is easy, affordable, less stressful, and fitting to your own pace. There is no rush to get where you want to be because sometimes a small step at a time is the biggest leap you can make. Everyone is different and has their own wants and needs, but what is most important is what you want and when and how you want it. Commuity College gives you time to figure out what your wants and needs are if you havent already decided like all of your other classmates. College of the Desert has the resources for you to utilize to your advantage and still acheive what your other classmates are, but doing what is better for you as an individual.

Rosalyn

I would stress to any high school senior to get as much education as you can while they have the opportunity to do so. As you get older and have family responsibilities, making the sacrifice of your time and energy to get a college education gets harder. That is what happened to me. As a high school senior, I didn't know what "I wanted to be when I grew up", so I went to work. I have always felt that the lack of a college education held me back from reaching my full potential. That is why I have chosen to return to school now. Having a college degree validates your intelligence in a way that nothing else does. When you have a degree, employers know you have reached an advanced level of learning that many do not possess. No one can take away your education. If you are not sure what field you want to major in, see a counselor to help you identify your strengths and interests. There is a profession available to you that you just have not identified. Don't give up, it is never too late and you are never too old!

Leslie

If I could go back to myself as a high school senior and give myself advice I would have to inform myself that going away to college is a good thing but it also isn't that important if you don't know what your major is. It doesn't matter how many classes you take because each one will help you figure out what you want to make with your life. Also to let myself know that money should not be a factor in deciding whether or not I should attend school or not. Because if you let money hold you back then you'd never get anywhere in school.

Adam

I would tell myself; ?Adam, I?ve come from the future to give you some valuable advice. In this life, time is a finite thing. Each day that passes is lost, never to be lived again. When we are young we feel like time passes so slowly and we have so much of it. But with age we realize how fast it really passes and how it becomes harder to change what becomes. Take this opportunity to think long and hard about what you want to do with your education. Make school a central part of your life. Even if you are unsure of what you want to be, go forward. The real gift is in being taught how to learn, to think critically for yourself and how to apply what you?ve learned in real life situations. There will be plenty of time to enjoy yourself later, don?t over indulge in fun. You will regret it. There is a saying, ?If knowledge is power, then information is king.? Getting an education is a privilege that many people will not experience. Good luck, I know you?ll do fine. Go forward and I?ll see you in the future.?

Annamaria

I would tell myself not to wait so long to go to college. There are many ways to pay for college and that money should not be the reason to not go to college.

Ashley

i would tell myself to get A's in all my classes and enjoy high school, do all the activites, go out with friends more because you will not ever have another experience like that again