Cuesta College Top Questions

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

Kayla

You can do it Kayla don't ever ever ever give up because you're a wonderful human being and it will be worth it in the end. I can't say it will be easy because, honestly, it's going to get much harder. Someday you're going to fulfill your dreams and you're going to make an impact in the world. I know you feel like dying most of the time but this has to be worth it in the end. I can feel it in my bones. Just let go of your anger and sadness let it all melt into the past and we can move on to brighter pastures. That diploma is the best feeling I've ever had in my entire life and hey I graduated with a 3.9 GPA which means .. you did :) You can do anything you set your mind to I promise you that. Right now I'm working at albertsons in san luis obispo as a cake decorator, which is a huge step up from burger king in ridgecrest (that ends after you turn 18 btw so just hang in there I know it sucks but you have bills).

Melanie

Hey brat. Your about to graduate high school, and you just had a baby. Just turned 17 and you don't know a thing about real life. Really what you ought to do is slow down, and relax. Enjoy taking your time to decide what you really want to do for a career. There are so many things to do and you can do any of them as long as you have a passion for it. So just focus on taking care of yourself and your beautiful baby boy and quit being in a hurry to grow up. Allow others to help you if they can, and listen to the advice your grandparents give you. College will be one of the best tools to get you where you want to be as long as you quit focusing on being done, and learn how to just enjoy each little step along the way. Trust me, you do better on your tests, and you'll actually retain the information you are being taught. So work a little, school a little, enjoy family ALOT!!! In other words, take the pressure off of yourself and take it easy, REMEMBER JESUS LOVES YOU!

Keith

First off, I would sit my younger self down and have him watch all of Sir Ken Robinson's TED talks on education. I assume the people who run this site are familiar with Ken Robinson. He speaks the most sense about today's educational system. What I would highlight is the fact that for a job that would only have needed a bachelors 20 years ago would now need a masters or a higher degree. So, I would tell myself to really think about what I want to do, take some time off after high school graduation for personal enjoyment and maybe traveling, and to DISREGARD people who say "well, you'll have plenty of time to figure out what you want to do while in college!" That's crazy; why would I potentially risk wasting money at an institution and undergo the stress of "figuring it out" with no guarantee of discovering a career that I will love and pursue for the rest of my life? Bottom line for the younger Keith: You just spent 14 years in school, why not take a year off for personal discovery?

Squire

Throughout high school I planned on attending a four year college the year following graduation. I had a college dream: four years of living on my own, meeting new people, and studying whatever I wanted. However, due to financial and other such difficulties, I was not able to make this happen. I ended up attending my local community college. Because no one lived on campus, I found it difficult to make friendships there. I became bored and discouraged; for the majority of my first semester I failed to make the most of my circumstances. Slowly, however, I began to realize that this year at community college could serve as an essential life stepping stone to do and accomplish things that I may not be able to accomplish thereafter. During these past few months, I have begun writing a novel-sized story, learned to drive, mastered some essential life skills, and developed better relationships with my family. My advice to my high school self would be simple. Don’t become overly discouraged when things don’t turn out the way you have planned; instead, be creative, look beyond the obvious, and strive to make the most of any given circumstances.

Jill

The best advice I could have given myself as high school senior would be to stay focused on your education, and forget about impressing kids in class. After high school is over, being highly educated is valued more than the your status in high school. College is great enviornment to learn, to have many new expiernces and to focus on the future of your career in life.

Kelly

I would tell myself that college doesn't really take as long as it sounds. No I am not going to be forever in school and in a couple of years I will have the education needed to have a better future for myself and my family. Be sure to get good grades and take the extra step to ensure you get your homework and reading done. If you don't understand a topic or discussion get further clarification from your professors because the additional information and help is worth it. I can not stress enough the importance of knowing about good grades before college and knowing what I know now I will help my children to keep their grades up in Elementary school, Junior High school and High school.

Elisa

If I had the opportunity to go back in time and give my self advice when I was a high school senior, I would tell my self that I need to be very organized and that I should definitely start improving my organization skills as soon as possible. One of the most important pieces of advice that I would give my self would be to apply for all the scholarships that I could possibly apply for because you never know when you could use the extra money. Textbooks in college are out of this world expensive! So start saving up money right now. Improve on the study skills because the most important thing to do in order to pass an exam is to study and keep up with the lectures and notes because there are a lot of them. Please listen and you will thank me.

Justin

Being alone in this world is difficult and it is hard to put your true priorites first like safey. Staying with the car i had would havebeen my best choice but i traded for a sporty called an eagle talon. it is things like that that will get you into trouble. like not saving when i had a great job, or at least not saving enough. it is all the imply little tings you forget too.. i would not blabber on and on how i could have been better . i wouldstate simple mstakes and patterns i fell into. and Keep on it do academic tuff for fun to keep sharp and an interest for school nd then good luck i hope i go back to a brighter future.

Sarah

I would remind myself that deciding what major to base your life on is not mandatory to do during senior year in high school. College life is not much different than high school. You make new friends, have more homework, and sometimes even have more free time. In high school, the thought of college may seem extremely stressfull and difficult but in reality, if you keep your mind focused on schooling, it is very much like high school. College life should be the best years of your life, don't overly stress about it. Get your school work done and have fun!

Stephanie

If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to make sure to study more in college then I did in high school. Spend more time on the homework, and less with my friends. Also not to take too many unites my first year because the study time is more demanding, and not something I was used to in high school.

Tibisay

Listen carefully, Tibi: Apply for scholarships! Accept the work/study offer! Work more and save! Don't just trust that financial aid will cover EVERYTHING. Assume NOTHING! Don't disregard your concerns! When you have questions, ask people who would know what they're talking about. Avoid worries and problems. When school starts, don't freak out. Yes, you'll be far from family and friends and the coming weeks may be some of the worst of your life, but your freshman year in college WILL be the greatest of your life so far. Trust me, I know. Attend dorm activities, talk to people, go out--you're going to be alright. Talk to your friends for support--You're all going through the same thing right now. Rent your books. You'll save hundreds. Buy the Italian textbook, though. You'll use it beyond the first level. Instead of taking twelve units the first semester, take at least fifteen. School's not going to get any cheaper. Graduate and get out ASAP! Get to know your professors--they can write letters of recommendation for you later. Trust yourself. Live it up. Be confident. Have fun. Remember: Best. Year. Ever.

Onedia

I am a forty seven year old woman who continued my education off and on. I have completed my AA in Psychology, however my ultimate goal is to obtain my BA or BS in Psychology so I can work with children. I graduated out of high school as a Junior, with a 4.0 grade point average and two full scholarships that I never used. If I can talk to myself as a high school Junior before graduation I would tell myself , even though contining school right out of high school seems like school never ends, it's the best choice for anyone wanting to have a better life. Putting school off was the biggest mistake I made in life and one that I am still trying to correct. I did go to a trade school and obtained a diploma in computer operations, but it is no comparison to having a degree that can further the career of your choice. I would tell myself to take that bull by the horns (college) and know that ever day that you attend is like putting money in your bank of life. Never put off college and your heart desire as a career!

Brooke

If I could go back in time and speak to my high-school-senior-self, I would try to prepare myself for the transitions involved in moving from high school to college life. Not only is the academic side of college different than high school, but the social side is different as well. First, I would install better habits in myself in regards to studying and balancing my homework load throughout the week. College classes progress at a quicker pace and staying on top of the reading, homework, and extra practice problems is an important factor in one?s success throughout college. Second, I would advise myself to get involved in the college experience but also to balance that with the academic aspect of college. Many high school kids feel constricted by their parents and when they get to college, they go crazy, partying a lot, experimenting with drugs, or just getting lazy with no adult figure keeping them in line. I would advise myself to set good habits in balancing these social aspects with good study habits. But in reality, knowing myself, I know that I would still need to experience it for myself before I would believe it.

Brett

I have had many long and deep thoughts about this question, and exactly what i would say to my younger self to help me advance through life and grow as an individual. Many people might warn their younger self of a life changing situation or perhaps tell them to follow their heart, but i would say different. I would tell myself to continue on the road that i am on, but i would also tell my younger self to establish a vision of the future and to exhaust myself at obtaining that vision before i become old and bald. For the most part, my senior year was wonderful. I was working toward becoming an Eagle Scout s, and i was also training every weekeng for 3 months to become a certified Los Angeles County Fire Explorer, so for the most part, my senior year was full of accomplishment, but i was just moving forward; i wasn't moving toward a goal. So i would tell myself to establish a vision of where my future should be, like a career, family, house, location to life, and to work towards that. I would also include "Don't get involved in a relatinoship."

Amy

If I was able to go back and give myself advice about collage life, there is only a couple of things I would say. I would tell me to not waite before returning to school. It is much harder to take a break after high school because there is knowladge that I would need and really not have fresh in my head after a couple of years. Money is always an issue as well. I would tell myself to save all that I had saved because everything I thought I needed to get done back then could waite a little while. Being able to have the quite space to study is also a must. When my friends ask my to roommate, just say no. The parties will just get in the way of my study time.

Lisa

Moving away from home is probably one of the most exciting yet frightening experiences one usually faces after graduating from high school. Although it may seem like college is the end of one's rope and that the time to decide the rest of one's life all happens during those few months of applications, there is more time than one might imagine. For me, I knew that I had always wanted to pursue architecture and study those practices at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. Yet since graduating high school, there have been many obstacles that have prevented me from obtaining my desire to attend. At first it was difficult for me to accept the fact that everything wasn't how I had originally planned it, but I have learned through the many impediments that I can still achieve those same goals on a different path. In the end, when it becomes time to step out into the real world and begin one's life career, it isn't about how long it took or the path that one chose to obtain their degree, but rather the work ethics and performance one provides and their abilities to change the world.

Gabriel

Be prepared for alot of studying, the classes require more dedication and attention. The classes do not have mandatory attedance so it requires the upmost of dilligence. Also be careful with your money, as college is expensive. Make sure to have a plan on how to pay or how to handle the stress of having to buy your books. Your parents can cover some, but getting a job or drawing a plan out with your parents is the best thing to do. Friends are really important aspect too, make sure to make friends fast and to connect with old friends as you can form study groups, carpool groups, and most importantly people who will be there with you to have fun with and to hang out after the rigors of school are over. Lastly. just come in with the mindset that you will enjoy college alot and even though it seems daunting and scary, it will be the best years of your life.

Lacey

The day after I graduated high school, I seized the opportunity to move half way across the state with my high school sweetheart to San Diego. I was at a difficult time in my life. Shortly after my parents divorce, my mother began dating our neighbor and abandoned my younger brother and myself at the ages of 15 and 17 respectively. Struggling to survive, college seemed nearly impossible. Unfortunately, I was left with no choice but to work to support myself instead of attended college. If I had the ability to go back in time and give my self advice about college as a high school senior, I would tell myself to fight go to college straight out of high school and to never take a break in my education. At the age of 20, I became a college student for the first time. Slowly, I remembered the basic essentials that was once forgotten and eventually attended school full time. Coming to the end of my associates degree, I wish I had attended college right out of high school, as I have found it difficult to have taken nearly 3 ? years to acquire.

kristina

If is was able to go back in time and talk to myself about college life i would give a few pointers. First i would tell myself that college is a huge part of my life and that i have to take it seriously. At a community college there is a lot of freedom because you dont have to attend class and its a lot cheaper. I would remind myself to go to class everyday because it will really help me develope learning skills that will later help me at a 4 year university. Just because classes are cheaper it doesnt men that you can slack off and show up whenever you want. I would tell myself to be more involved with the school and join a club or a group because i wish that i had done this from the very beginning. This can really help shape your personality and social skills that you will cary with you for the rest of your life. I would also advise myself to take advantage of the resources that are offered. I never really knew about this system, if i had only known about this my grades could have much better.