Colorado Mesa University Top Questions

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

Sarah

When you go into college, remember to breathe. It's a scary thought living on your own for the first time, but it's a pretty simple transition. Don't forget about the young, aspiring girl, you are before entering collegee. There are going to be a lot of different distractions all around you and you can't forgwet your main focus. Don't be afraid to try new things and meet new people, it might be a moment of impact that changes the rest of your life. Also, don't stress too hard about the amount of money you're going to be owing. Enjoy the time spent there, however, if you just can't help yourself, now would be a good time to start applying for all those scholarships you've been procrastinating on this whole year. Have fun, and if you have questions, don't be afraid to ask. Everyone was in this position at some point in time.

John

I would tell myself that I need to put more time into my studies instead of playing games so much. But I would still tell myself to go to Colorado Mesa University because it is very cheap and a great school.

Michele

The biggest advice I would give to myself is to believe in myself more. During my senior year of high school I had no motivation to finish school and I did not care what my grades were because I never saw myself graduation from high school, much less college.. Since high school I have graduated from community college, got accepted to a University, moved across country and most importantly worked hard and earned a 3.6 GPA. Looking back, I see that I was always capable of doing well in school and doing great things, the only difference is that now I believe in myself and it is much harder for me to give up on myself. I would also tell myself that everything gets better. No matter what happens in life, no matter what seems impossible right now, it always gets better eventually. You may have to go through years of bad luck, self doubt, and hurt but one day you will look back and realize that in the big picture all those problems were small. Finally I would tell myself to stop worrying, because in the end I was going to be okay and achieve great things.

john

Don't take automotive & pursue a carrier in diving & construction.

Daniella

Dear Younger Me, You should slow down and enjoy your last year. I wish I could tell you that life in college is all fun and games. Remember when we thought that college was just an extension of high school? I can tell you first hand it's really not. Nobody told you that being a college kid doesn't excuse you from being a "grown-up". Nobody bothered to tell you that those big-girl decisions start as sooner than expected. Now you've got to work and choose who to hang out with. You need to decide who to date and when. Oh and the homework! There is freedom in responsibility, but not the kind you'd think. You do have free reign of your time and money, but now they need to be watched much closer. Most of all I want you to know that it's okay to choose something you love. Don't settle for a dead-end job with money. Trust me we've tried it-praise the gods for internships. Choose a music major. It's what you love and don't let anyone tell you to settle. Money's not everything, kid.

sierra

I would tell myself that its okay to be diffrent. That i need to talk to people, don't be scared to meet people, the worst they can say is no. you are a wonderful person, and no matter what people say or what people do to you, you are the only person you should worry about. no one can change that but you.

Kaylen

Given the opportunity I would march up to my former self with an aplication to Denali National Park and say "Go have an adventure." After one semester of college I took a break to travel because I had no idea what I wanted to study. I worked many seasonal jobs at national parks. I learned how to rent an apartment, cook my own meals, and file my taxes. I was also able to work and play at some of Americas most beautiful parks. I met people from Russia, Bulgaria, England, and the Phillipines to name a few. I helped make tourists vacations special. I believe my time traveling opened my eyes to new interests I was unaware I even had. That is why I would tell my past self to wait to attend college and just have fun and explore. I would save myself a year of stress, worry, and debt.

chelsee

Do not change any moment in your life for it will all add up in the end. I unstand at times its struggle making up 12 credits plus doing the 12 credits for senior year but stay focused and contine through it and you will graduate. Do not get mad about the Turn around student because it was not meant for you. You are meant for more. You are beautiful, precious, intelligent and strong woman who was created in this world to help and understand others at a fundemental level that most never achieve. As the years go on you will become stonger, smarter, and change in subtle ways where you may not even realize but others will. Do not worry about father's day, you will grow to appricate your past and heal those open wounds noone can see but you. Being a product of rape does not make you unloved. Focus on the light not the dark and you will fly in the sky. I love you and wish you the best.

Damie

Going to college at Colorado Mesa University was always my plan because I grew up in Grand Junction and needed a regular degree before continuing on in my education. Moving across the country or an ocean didn’t make sense even though I wanted to get out of this city more than anything. If I could go back in time and give my high school self any useful advice it would be to spend the money and go where I want to go regardless of being alone or broke. The last thing a student needs is to feel is that they are behind schedule; not only in school but in life too. I know everything happens for a reason but I would be a completely different person than I am today if I had left after graduating high school.

elizabeth

Focus! Your first semester of college is full of excitement but dont let the classes slip. You still have plenty of time for fun after working hard

Shawna

I would simply tell myself to focus more on studies and less on my social life. Up until my last two years of high school, I was a good student. I always made the honor roll. But I made the tragic mistake of letting my social life take over, and ended up putting off college until my daughter was in elementary school. School life would have been much easier and much more pleasant if I had gone to college and waited to start a family. Not only that, but I would tell myself that financially, life is much easier with a college education and degree than without one. Regret is a horrible thing to experience, so going to college instead of partying is the ideal route.

Carson

If I was able to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior the advice I would give myself would be to take as many Advanced Placement (AP) and Duel Enrollment (DE) classes as possible. In high school I took AP/DE Biology, DE Englsih Composition, DE Psychology, and DE Social Psychology. Knowing what I know now I would recommend taking advantage of the free classes that were offered in my high school because entering college I already had 22 credit hours, and that was well worth the work. I would also insist that my high school self take part in the Freshman Year Initiative, or FYI program offered at Mesa. The FYI program is a helpful course that is offered and is where incoming freshman go for a week before school starts, and learn all about how to make an easier transition into college, study tips, expanding on note and test taking techniques, learning how to use different resources offered at Mesa, and much more. Having taken this I fully understand the positivie impact it had on myself and others and how much the advice that was given helped me in the long run.

Shantel

I would tell myself to take more college classes to be ahead of the game. I should have taken more AP classes or college classes through the local college.

Megan

Don’t we all wish we could do this? I would say, “Don’t compromise.” As a young person fresh out of high school I was way too concerned with other people. I wanted to keep people happy or make sure I was liked. I would tell my just graduated self, be true to you. We try to follow what our parents want and also allow our friends to even have a say in what we do. I would go back and tell myself; listen to me, myself, and I. I would tell myself to do what I know my heart wants regardless if it keeps everybody happy. This may seem selfish, but it is far from. When you take the time to be who you truly are, you are a happier, more productive, and better person. You can be a better friend and individual. So I would say, “Don’t worry about every choice you make. Don’t worry about what hasn’t happened. Do love life, do live, and be happy. Do plan for your future, but allow room for your heart to lead the way. Listen to yourself and make choices that fit your heart’s desires.”

Nevan

Choosing a college is important, but it is far more important to choose the correct teachers at a college. If the only class that you are able to get a seat in has an undesirable teacher, then it is better to hold off on the class. Always, always ask around and look up a teacher's statistics online.

Sabrina

I would tell myself to apply to more colleges. I only applied to CMU and I wish I didn't. Thankfully, I got accepted, but if I didn't, I would have been screwed. I also would have told myself that I need to work harder once I got here and I would have also said that it's not going to be easy like I originally thought. Although, I love Mesa, I would have wished I tried harder in highschool to go to a D1 school. I would have told myself that I did a good job throughout high school and I need to continue to do well in college.

Chance

Study Study Study, and READ. High school doesn't prepare you to have to be on your own, and be responsable for not only school, but life. If you could learn to be more organized before coming into college, then everything else that happens in college would be a peace of cake.

Andrew

I would tell myself: "Do not to worry about the future, for the future unfolds as it is suppose to unfold. You are suppose to experience things as they come, even if these things bring frustration and failure. Your dreams of selling spacecraft to governments will not come true because you will eventually fail calculus. But this should not dishearten you, for you have real purpose if you allow events to unfold as they come to you. You must remember the words of Marcus Aurelius and his fine words on destiny and how nothing that is destined for you is to be harder than anything you are capable of. Times will be tough and in many ways the world will bear down on you, but remember that whatever comes your way is what you were born to do.

Elizabeth

If I had a chance to go back in time, the advice that I would give to myself in high school would be,to be consistent and more focused. Education is no game and has to be taken very seriously. Join clubs, do not cut class, and ask for help when needed. Also, do not join the crowd. If you see people cutting class or doing something that they're not supposed to, turn the other way and worry about your education because in the long run it'll benefit you. Stay focused and consistent with your work, time, and dedication. One day you may feel the need to give up on a certain asignment if it's too hard, but in reality if you put your time and effort into it, it will make you a brighter student and you will eventually succeed. Finally, take advantage of the opportunities that are given. Teachers and tutors are there to help you when it seems like all hope is lost. Join clubs that interest you because what's better than doing something you love? It'll also look good on your resume. DO NOT PROCRASTINATE!

Craig

I would tell myself to enjoy college life just the way I did. When doubt occurs, here is a list of people who can help you, and make a list of what goals and dreams you want to achieve, and be open to taking different types of classes. I have no regrets about the classes I took, but there are other areas where I may want to study. Do not be afraid of the classes where you feel weak. you are not weak and you are capable of doing anything youwant to. whether its science, or art, or avocational field, do not be afraid to try. You will meet a lot of people who will help you, and there is no failing at Mesa, its more of a lack of effort. You will be successful, allyou have to do is believe in yourself, work hard, and you will amaze yourself at what you can accomplish.

Debbie

Work hard, learn as much as possible and go to college. There is nothing that can improve your life as much as earning a degree can.

Abigail

Abby, You are doing well in school, but you can do even better. You will get a lot more scholarships if you get slightly better grades, and worrying about your friends isn't going to help you. They are still going to like you if you can't talk to them at 2 AM. So get some sleep, do your homework and get ready for College. Save money! Don't spend it on food that you can get for free at home! This will help you so much in college! Food is not cheap! Always be on time, no one likes it when you are late, especially not professors. And most of all, don't let people change you. You are awesome, stay that way. No guy and no party is worth compromising your standards. You are loved! And you will succeed in College!

Anthony

Hey dude, it's me, which is you. Try not to think about it too much. I'm gonna tell you a few - take those headphones out. I'm gonna tell you a few things you should know using the glorious wisdom I've gained in the past 4 years. Your grades aren't good, but when you go to community college, you gotta apply yourself. You'll be drunk off the freedom of being a graduate, but don't let that get in the way. Those grades are gonna matter, and it's gonna make things hard if you mess up, AGAIN. Once you decide to go to a four-year, things will be easier. You'll have a leg up on everyone else and you'll finally start to feel like you're accomplishing something. College is actually easier than high school, because you get to run the show, and you get out exactly what you put in. Get a job, but don't work so much that it affects your grades. Mom's gonna be more proud of you for doing well in school than bringing home a paycheck. Good luck. Go talk to those girls.

Elizabeth

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to make an effort to meet people at the college. I attended University of Colorado at Boulder and lived at home my first year of college. I did not know what I wanted to study, and I did not make any friends. I had a horrible experience. If I could go back, I would definitely spend more time considering what I wanted to study before starting college. I would also live on campus so I could make friends and have a much better college experience. At Colorado Mesa University, I am studying what I know I want to study, and I am living on campus. I have made new friends, and I am having a great time.

Jennifer

I would advise myself to strive to get better grades so that I could achieve a higher scholarship amount from my school. I would also tell myself to study more for my Calculus AP test so that I would pass it and not have to take a math course in college. I would tell myself to consider taking another language arts AP test so that I wouldn't have to take an additional english course. The most important thing I would tell myself, however, would be to reconsider wanting to major in Mass Communications and consider going to a college with more choices regarding majors so that I wouldn't have to transfer if I changed my mind.

Zachary

To be more involved in College activties less partying more attention to studying and to be involved in community lfe. I would advise myself to put all effort into studying and truly achieve the highest grades possible. I would not leave studying until the last minute. I would chanallenge myself to broaden my horizons by taking classes in additon to what was required. In college I would take classes that broaden my overall knowledge of life. I would strive for excellence in all of my college pursuits.

Sarah

As I am entering college for the first time, the advise I would give my high school senior self would be to look much more in depth into the colleges than I did, and to really take more time looking at all of the aspects of the college before making a decision. Although I ended up making the right decision on college in the end, I wish I would have spent more time looking at some of my other options just to get a more founded reasoning for choosing the college I did. While I have looked at my other options now, I think it would have helped to have the information and depth as a senior before I made my decision.

Penelope

Apply to as many scholarships as possible. College is expensive and money is not going to fall out of the sky to pay for your college edication. Start the application early because senior year is crazy. Do community service and get involved. Colleges loves students that better thier community, but do not just get involved for college, do it out of the goodness of your heart. Try your hardest on applications, but don't stress yourself out too much. Grades are important so do well in school and try your hardest. Be the best that you can be and hope for the best. Have faith, but be active. Nobody is going to get your life together but you.

Salina

Going to college has been one of the best decisions of my life. Even though I'm only a sophomore, I have already noticed huge changes in myself. Most importantly I've learned how to live on my own and take care of myself. There are many more responsibilities when you move out, like getting a job or doing your own laundry, and it's rewarding to know that after just a couple years I'm comfortable adapting to new roommates and lifestyles and can still keep my life in order. I've also learned a lot about myself through the people I've met. I have set boundaries and follow my morals and beliefs and in doing so have found other people who respect me because I respect myself. I know in the long run college will help me in my career goals, but more importantly it is shaping me into the adult who will be able to keep that job and balance all other aspects of my life along with it.

Bethany

My years in college have helped me grow in different ways. I spent most of my early years under a different education system so coming to college here was to a certain extent was an adjustment for me. I learnt alot just having to know what I had to do to receive financial aid, how to apply for classes as well as adjusting to the way classes were here. The more hands on approach that a few of my classes involved was a valuable experience for me. Learning to work with others in groups and having group discussions was also a good experience. I also feel that the community college I attend, Irvine Valley College, most of the staff and all the amenities caters to the students incredible well. Overall, my college experience has taught me to be a more responsible person and has opened my eyes to the involvement and impact that students have and can have on the community.

Madeline

My college is located in the same city as my elementary, my middle, and my high school. It took me longer to apply for colleges than most of my peers so, as a default, I registered for Mesa State College as a Music Education major. I'm three years down the road and am now a Biological Sciences Major/Teacher Certification with two music minors in tow, one for violin and one for voice. Above all else, my collegiate experience thus far has taught me what my skill set is. I am good at biology without even trying and I love it! Music is a close second but I didn't want to lose the joy of it by performing myself to death. Because I grew up here, I never had the "dorm experience"; no shared bathrooms or roommates from out of town. I've lived off campus and grown up as a different flavor of college student. I have on my "grown up" boots already. I pay for things that I need and want. I have taken responsibility for my own education. For that, I am exceptionally grateful to Mesa State College.

Tara

Upon entering college, eight hours from home, with no family or friends nearby, I knew I would go through some dramatic changes. I really feel entering college has made me an overall more responsible person. College has been an exciting, sometimes demanding experience. I have learned to manage my time a lot better since entering college. This is simply because a working college student does not have enough hours in the day. College taught me that it is necessary to have a precise schedule of when to do activities like homework, working out, and even relaxing. I am excited to see what college holds for me in the future. I hope to become even more responsible while enjoying new experiences.

marcus

I have meet more intresting people than i thought i would. The social events and experencies are great. The classes aren't even that bad.

Hannah

I am just starting out at this college, but I'm sure I will learn a lot.

Spencer

Even though I am just now entering the college of my choice, I have already had quite a lot of experiences with it. Without this college I would have been floundering in the paper work and complications that are "offered" by other colleges. They have been making the transfer from high school to college very smooth, and I am very grateful. I have also discovered much about myself and how I react to responsiblity, both fiscal and proprietary. I am eternally grateful to this small city school.

Katie

I believe the most important aspect of college doesn't have to do with the end result, but the journey we took along the way. After all, it was Sir Edmund Hillary who once said "it?s not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves." Could I have learned the information needed for my degree without attending school? Absolutely. However, that's only one small percentage of the value we can gain at university. It's the people we meet along the way who inspire us, encourage us, and mold us into productive and responsible citizens, who become lifelong learners. We learn how to think critically, and achieve higher cognitive abilities. We are able to see the world through a different perspective, and hopefully improve on it for the next generation of citizens. The value of college is remembering those few professors who enlightened you along the way, made you a better person, and opened up your eyes to your surroundings. The value of college is much more than a diploma; it?s the inner journey we take along the way.

Matthew-Allen

So far, in my first two terms in college, I have completed a business concepts course and am currently enrolled in a music fundementals class. In my business class I learned how to use all computer applications in windows 2007, I also learned how to manage a business correctly and appropriatetly. Along with learning the basic computer applications I also learned to use the basic skills of network structures. I've also learned the differences between the types of computers and components including types of storage devices. During my current music class I have learned the basics to intro music. I have learned how to read music and minor and major scales. I still lots about music to learn. My educational experience has been valuable to me because it has opened my eyes to a whole new world of being smart. It has helped me to relize that I can do so much more with my life than the basic day to day drive. It has helped me relize that I can make a difference in my family and be the first to graduate with a college degree.

Stephanie

College has taught me that effort and hard work truly do pay off. I'll be honest, my first semester of college I didn't do so well, school has always come easy to me so I figured it'd be the breeze that high school was, but I was very quickly proven wrong. You really have to work at your classes, keep up with the reading and put a lot of effort into the few assignments you're given. You have to constantly study so you're ready for the tests that make up your entire grade, meaning falling behind can have a bad effect on your academics. It's taught me time management and how to prioritize, I realized that sometimes you need to give up a night out to finish your school work so you can do well and succeed. It'd been an extremely valuable experience, having to keep up with my classes so effeciently has made me more interested and attentive in my classes, actually understanding a subject makes it that much more intriguing. It's only my first year and I've learned so much, it's been challenging but every bit worth it.

Caitlin

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would give myself some pretty simple advice. Take it all one day at a time, don't stress, and enjoy yourself. Although I've only been going to college for almost two semesters, I have found that the slower you take things and the more you try and enjoy yourself, the easier it is. My college experience so far has been great. I wouldn't change a thing about it. As a high school senior I would have enjoyed the knowledge I have now about all the little things I'd encounter, but all in all just giving it my all and going slowly has gotten me quite far.

Steven

I would warn myselft about overworking and time management. I would tell myself about my freshmen year experience and how it has changed me. I would advise myself to not take 18 credit hours and work two jobs, although it seemed manageable, over time stress and fatigue began to set in. By the time my first semester ended I was exhausted both mentaly and physicaly. That is something I wish i didn't do but now I have learned from my mistake and have taken on an easier load so I don't overwork myself. Also I wish I could have told myself to manage the time I spent studying and time spend relaxing/playing. With the load of work increasing I found it more and more easier to put it off due to exhaustion and putting it off led to poor time management. I would spend more time playing games and sleeping than I would studying and in the end it would affect me. I didnt fail but I know I could have done better. If I could have told my high school self about what was to come that is what i would talk about.

Allison

The advice I would give myself would be to always keep your dream. Never let go. I have always wanted to be a doctor and right before I got into college I doubted myself and didn't think I could make it that far. I changed my major to something else and it was not until a professor of mine told me to go with my dream, did I think it could ever be a reality. I am now working towards taking all my pre-requisites for medical school. I wish I had kept my dream the whole time instead of sidetracking. Also, make sure to make as many friends as possible and keep them. You never know who you may meet and who may be a friend for life.

alicia

If I could go back in time and talk to myself when I was senior, I wouldn't have too much advice to give myself. All I would tell myself is to keep going on the track I am going. I always studied in high school, I always tried my hardest with everything. So, if I could tell myself anything, I would say "have fun." In high school, I always got good grades, and that has transferred over to college. But, I didn't really live. I was always busy studying. I would tell myself to go out and make more memories, with the friends I don't see anymore. I would say, it is okay to go out and live life, the books will always be there and you are already prepared. Lastly, I would tell myself to not give up on myself, and to stop stressing, because in the end everything will work out.

Becca

If I were able to go back in time I would tell my senior self to prepare for what is coming. I applied to a school I thought was what I wanted and midway through the summer transferred. I could have saved money if I had planned ahead better. I would also tell myself to apply for scholarships! College is expensive. When you combine tuition, room and board, and the price of books the total amount can be daunting. I wish I had known what I know now about the value of a dollar. New clothes are nice but they will not get you the places an education will.

Stephanie

If I could travel back in time to my final year of high school, I would sit myself down and have a heart to heart. I would remind myself that I?m still in school that just because I?m leaving in august for college, the grades still matter that I still need to focus and do my best. I would also try harder for scholarships for college, and look at all my financial options and think a little more about that.

Paul

If i could go back and talk to myself my senior year of High School, I would have to tell myself to be more envolved. Whether it is in my academics or extracurricular activities. That, just because i am graduating in May that does not give me the excuse to slack off and not do the work that I am capable of doing.

Bobbie

I would love to be able to go back in time and tell myself that college is a wonderful experience and to stop worrying about it. I would tell myself to be more open and get involved with campus activities sooner because they can be very fun. Also, go to all the plays and programs you can. Just be prepared to meet a lot of new people, this is nothing like your sad little high school.

Karoline

The adive i would other students is to make sure that the college you choise is the one that you want to attend. If you think that you stay closer to home, than stay close to home. If you think that going away from home is better that do that. You just need to think things over.

Erin

Looking back on High school, espiclly when college is such a new pradigm is something that college freshman find them self doing often. I feel like coming out of high school i had a foundation that is compleatly void when i compare myself to who i was a year ago. If I could walk through the doors of my high school as a student again; knowing what i know now i would i would know that a decency and respect for everything have and everyone I meet is vidal. I would also know that i am not putting on a show for any one, to make my own decisions for myself; and the things i know in my head and my heart are way more important then then things i have on my back. Most importantly i would know that anything i want to do is an option as long as i put my effort and attention into it. Athough I wouldn't cange the time I spent in high school I sometimes wonder what would have happened if i made different friends or choice.

Brian

I would tell myself to get to know your professors. If you get to know them it makes it easier for you to confront them and ask them questions pertaining to class. Make new friends. it makes the transition so much easier.

Monica

I would tell myself that its important to set goals each semester that will allow you to see the end result of a degree. Don't allow your self to be destracted or put off your educational goals. Find your passion within your degree by participating in community events, internships and talking with working professionals. Ask for help when you need it and enjoy the achievements you will work so hard to accomplish.