Eastern Oregon University Top Questions

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

Elizabeth

If i knew then what I know now, I would tell myself to be more open to new experiences and 'not sweat the small stuff'. There are more people at school who feel the same as me, and we can help each other through the tougher times.

Tesmond

Do not procrastinate.

Ashley

To my high school self, college is an amazing opportunity for you to grow as an individual and learn the knowledge and skills needed to fulfill your dream. While in college you will embark on understanding your field of study along with truly understanding what you really want in life. Your friends and instructors are your dearest mentors who only want the best for your life and know that you will accomplish everything that you set your mind too. Understand that in order to reach your goals and dreams in your life, requires your dedication and self-learning, with these skills lying within you, everything will work out for your greater good. While for now college may be scary to take on, know that you have the ability to successfully finish your education to help make a difference in the world in the future. My last advice to you would be to always follow your heart, for it has gotten you this far in life and it is not about to fail you now, as you journey to discover your talent, skills and who you were really meant to be.

Khao Shoua

College life is hard and continue on this path until you reach your goals, no matter how far away it seems. It will be the first time you are away from home, family and friends. Do not take this time for granted though. It is a time to get to know yourself and find new friends that may last a lifetime. Enjoy your time now and work hard towards your goal. It is not easy but it will be worth it in the end. The skills and education you learn now will benefit you greatly in the future. You may not see it now but what you do now will greatly impact everything in your life. Focus on school and no so much on all the distractions. There will be time for that later on. What you put in right now will give your greater returns in your career and personal life.

Aubrey

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to be more confident. In high school I was very studious, was a varsity athlete, but I doubted myself a lot and I missed out on a lot of great opportunities. I wish I would have been more involved with school activities. Also, I was pretty self conscious of myself. An example was that I loved art but I was often ridiculed by others. They made me feel small and it led me to give up on art for a while. I wish I would have stood up for myself more in my past and put those negative words aside. A conversation with myself on being more confident would have saved an immense amount of pain. Today I am very confident in myself, I would loved to have given myself the advice to be more confident however, I truly believe it made me so much stronger as an individual and I would not be the man I am today with out that hardship in my past.

Juan

Anything that you put your mind to is possible. There are no barriers to stand in your way as long as you put your effort into it and know that you are wanting to better yourself and at the same time help others later on with the education acquired. Pursue your goals and don't give up. Stay perseverant in what you believe is the right thing to do so that you accomplish you task. When you are half way there remember that the glass is half full and not half empty. So that you don't get discouraged about your goal being to far from you because when you finally reach that goal you will know that all your efforts towards it was for a reason and that reason was to accomplish what you set out to accomplish.

Shayla

College is expensive. Simple as that. College is a really big investment so be prepared. At times, the money is what will stress you out the most and the schooling will be the easy part. Going home will not be something that can always happen because it is just so expensive to fly to Hawai'i during the holidays. Apply for the FASFA as early as possible and get as much scholarships as you can, because taking out an $18,000 loan should not be an option. Enjoy this experience because it truly is something that really helps you grow as a person and makes your family extremely proud that you're here.

Erica

In my first year of high school I thought I knew what I wanted going to go into once I graduated. However, that changed much more than I had anticipated. I went from wanting to be a forensic scientist, to having an interest in dentistry, then a curiosity in interior design. During my senior year, with the graduation date coming faster than I was expecting, I began second guessing what I wanted to have as a career. This brought on so much confusion and stress before entering college. The advice I would give myself would be to not worry so much. If you don’t know what you want to do, there's no need to cause yourself trouble over it. College is a place for you to find yourself and experience your life outside of the hallways and repetitive curriculum of high school. It is your place to explore and to discover. In realizing this, you can find your true self. If you follow your intuition, then old interests may reappear or entirely new ones could rise. In my case, prior interests reemerged and I now aspire to have a dentistry career with design on the side.

Jessianne

Have faith in yourself. You are cabable of more than you can possibly conceive now, but you need to learn to trust in yourself. Try to enjoy the small moments, because it is all going to fly by and you'll wonder where the time went while you were so focused on preparing for the next step. Enjoy those in between stages and embrace the unexpected. Everything is going to work out, so stop stressing about things out of your control and enjoy the time you have with the people you meet. Above all, believe in yourself and what you can accomplish. Also, do not eat fruit in coolers at parties, you'll see what I mean when you get there.

Brittany

Make the best out of yourself during High School, because it counts more then you could ever imagine. Hard work in High school makes for a smoother, easier, and less stressful transfer to college. College is a huge reality check and causes many tears of frustration and disappointment. Things are much harder once you get to college. The teachers do not hold your hand through every hard obstacle that you face and you are completely responsible for everything you do at that point. If you mess up, you not only have to re-take those classes, but you have to pay for that mess up still, without a redo button that gives you a second chance. That second chance is going to be pricey and will take lots of hard work. You have devote yourself completely to your education and realize it's time to put on your big girl panties and step up and be a responsible adult and make something of yourself! Make yourself become a relaible and professional adult that can contribute to society in a positive way and make a good salary at the same. Enjoy your time in college; you don't get many chances.

Bonnie

Dear Bonnie- The fact that you have graudated high school despite the challenges you faced was a miracle. But, me your college self has some more information for you. You need to take a step back and realize, you might not of been ready for the shock of college. Take a year off and explore some of the things you want to try because you do not know what you are truly interested in and what is going to lead to your future. Take some time to travel and live life because you have a lot of hard work ahead of you. Don't expect to have all the answers, because there are challeges ahead of you that you could of never prepared for. Don't stress about this, realize that you need to ask for help and enjoy the journey, you are going to learn a lot and its going to be a bit of a transformation from where you are now to where you are now. And be proud of yourself for every accomplishment you make, you beat yourself up so often that you need to cherish who you are and what you accomplish. Love Me

Shakena

I would encourage myself to ask for help. It does not mean your wrong or unintelligent when you question the material you are given. Yes, at a certain level the work is similar but it is also difficult. By questioning the material shows you are trying to grasp the concept. That alone shows you are dedicated to learning. Do not be discourage if things do not come as easy to understand as they use to. Your in a new world. Like a child growing up its ok to wonder, be curious and ask questions, explore, find what you like, dislike find yourself. Its not going to be easy. But if you put in as much time and effort as I know you are capable of you will have no problem. You do not have the knowledge of the world. Nor do you need that much information. You know your limits see if you can exceed them. Be you and do not give up because you are not a quitter. You only get determined to work harder not back down. You have your family behind you. Most importantly just believe in yourself.

Diana

One word sums it up.....STUDY

Angelica

So far, I have gotten a lot out of my college experience. EOU is very far away from where I grew up in Montana, so this has really forced me to grow up and take responsibility for my own learning. School is also very expensive, so I have been pushed to fill out scholarship applications and budget my own savings to pay for it. The classes are much more difficult than in high school, so that has taken a lot of getting used to, but I have learned that I can push myself to finish assignments and stay on task. Education is extrememly important, and I'm starting to see that without it, I would not be able to find a career that I actually enjoy. College has definitely made me more mature and aware of finances, the importance of education, and responsibility.

Regina

I have learned that college is about the experience rather than just the degree. College prepares the person for lifetime success through deductive reasoning and analysis. I can know understand how solve a problem using different point of views. Additionally, college allows a person to understand and be tolerant to different people. My education and experiences have allowed me to meet and build life lasting relationships with people from many different counties and cultures. When I started college I just wanted to get a degree and make money, but I now understand why employers want people with education. Employers want educated people because they know that college graduates are committed, problem solvers and out of the box analytical thinkers.

Tim

My college was a place to be fearless and inquisitive, to challenge dogma and find a voice upon which to build for a lifetime. Rather than a static mass of absolutes, my college was a place of beautiful uncertainty, a microcosm of the world outside where knowledge is an illusion that begs to be disproven. Each time I was sure that I'd had an original thought, a little research revealed otherwise. Each time I was proud of an argument well constructed a better case would unfurl my ignorance. To be humble and comfortable in not knowing, these were the most valuable lessons learned. All is in flux, and school is no different. What seems true today may be farce tomorrow. Eastern Oregon University taught me how to learn not what to learn, and that has made all the difference.

Jessica

Right out of high school I did not attend college because I was unable to pay the expenses. Instead I got a full time job and struggled to support myself with earning minimum wage. It was at that time I realzed how important a college education was. Now I am currently a freshman at Eastern Oregon University. During this time it is my second week of classes and I am already improving in so many ways. Organization, time management, and study skills are just a few techniques I am learning to work on. College has also showed me a more social lifestyle. Here at EOU the staff offers may opportunities to become involved in different activities. With all of the skills I am gaining at EOU I know they are all something that I can take with me for the rest of my life and use each and everyday. And for that I need to thank EOU for what they already instilled in me.

Andrew

I have recieved an eye opener from attending college because it has shown me that besides a degree aiding that may help me in finding a better career that I will enjoy, it has given me a wider and more in-depth understanding of being an educated intellectual. I have learned that just the most basics of the courses, can help in leading more productive and happy lives outside of your career. Until two years ago, I never wanted to attend a college. I not only felt inaddequet, but not goos enough myself to even be able to understand the teachings of a college. Going to college has given me, not necessarily a second chance, but a better chance to lead a life I will enjoy and be proud to live.

Kelly

Don't be so concerned with identifying a major; just jump in and take your core classes to get you on track. Throw in some appealing electives, to explore your interests. After a few years, and completion of your basic requirements, begin focusing in on what you like to do and turn that into a major. I would also advise new students to really investigate possible college choices and not limit thier choices to what is local. They should survey several sites before making a decision.

Teri

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior I would remind myself that the transition to college is much more than expected in every way. I would tell myself to consider more colleges and not only talk to the faculty at those colleges but students that are currently there. Also I would take a vacation away from my family for a week or two to determine how I felt being far away from them. Knowing what I know now, college classes are much different than high school classes. In order to get good grades, the main thing is to go to class; if you go to class then you are usually guarantee a passing grade. Never procrasinate, talk with your advisor regularly to make sure you are on track, and meet with your professors so that they remember you making sure you sit in the front of their class.

Chelsea

Take the time to plan better!!! If I had known to plan, research and understand my major, the classes I needed, what was too much and the process behind term classes, I wouldn't be almost two years behind on my major. If I would have just taken the time to get over my fear of the unknown, and try to understand instead of taking the easy route the first time, I would have saved myself a lot of grief. But I didn't. And now I have learned to be more prepared. I didn't miss home or family, and I made friends easily and kept them. It wasn't the social portion of the college life that gripped me, it was the responsibility. Well once you get over the first day butterflies, it's a breeze, just make sure it's planned, so it continues to go as smoothly.

Thomas

If I could go back in time and give myself advse it would have to be "Stay in School" I dropped out of High School when I was 16 and have recently obtained my GED and am now planning to attend college, after realizing the mistakes I had made. It would have been much easier to have graduated high School and then go on to college 5 years ago.

Elizabeth

Always look for ways to search for scholarships. Ask questions of the counselors at school. They are there to help and will if you ask questions. The financial aid counselors and guidance counselors at the school you are thinking of attending are there to help you as well. There is no cost to asking questions and generally everyone is very willing to help. Also, never stop in striving to move forward. If you feel you have to stop for financial reasons or due to pressure from someone then talk to someone. Again, there are people that will help you. If you stop or give up then the likelihood of you continuing down the road is much less likely.

Jeffrey

The first piece of advice I would give myself would be to not choose a major if you are undecided. It is better to be uncertain and get all of the gen. ed. courses out of the way first (and even possibly receive your Associate's Degree). This is beneficial because in this array of classes, you will more than likely discover what your true passion is. This will save you from taking courses in a specific field that you will not be able to use if you decide to change your major. The other piece of advice I would give myself would be to make sure to crack down and study when you need to, but also make sure that you have some time to have fun as well. All study and no play makes a college student tired and stressed, causing lower performance in classes, no matter how hard you try. These are probably the two biggest pieces of advice I wish I had when I was entering the college world for the first time.

Haley

I would primarily advise myself to stay committed and engaged in the education system. I'm currently enrolled in school full time after about a 7 year break from my first couple of undergraduate years. It is very difficult to come back to a system after such a hiatus. After that, I would recommend to myself to focus on finding the career that God would like me to be in rather than one I originally set out to do because it was the easiest path in school. I'm currently passionate about entering the health care field and can't wait to be accepted into my graduate program in Physician Assistant studies. I would tell my high school self to also go straight into part time work in the medical field to gain experience to accompany my education.

Lacey

I would tell myself that I didn't need to be so anxious about things. There will be people no matter where you go that will get along with you and support you as a friend. Keep your stress level down, because not everything is high prioriety. But most of all, just have fun. You are only this age once!

Connie

Take a risk! i know it seems terrifying, but just take it one day at a time and you will see that it will change your life in amazing ways! You have so much to offer the world, but first you have to learn how to apply your skills and natural abilities. The only way you will do this is by getting your education. You will be sucessful. Go with an open mind and apply yourself. It will be the most rewarding experience of your life. Trust me, I know what I'm talking about. I promise!

Melodee

I would make sure I am prepared for the long study sessions and hardwork. I would also like to tell myself then what my passion in school would be so that I could move toward that dream at a quicker pace, instead of going through the dilemmas of what to do when I grow up. The biggest thing is to make sure you are prepared; high school can sometimes seem easy compared to college. You don't realize what studying truly is until you get into your first college course!

Sara

If I could go back in time, I would tell myself that all the hard work that I put in would be completely worth it! All those times that I didn't go to a friend's house so that I could study? Completely worth it. All of those essays may seem pointless now, but they really help once you get into college. But, I'd also tell myself not to get too cozy and not to miss many classes because that just makes you build a habit of skipping, which is not a good thing to do in college! Oh, and don't get the idea that high school is too hard because it's nothing compared to college. There's an outrageous amount of homework and sometimes your social life is non-existent, but it will be worth it. So, push on! Don't get discouraged! Everything that you do and don't do will have an impact on your future, and there is no do-over button. Remember to live for the future and not the moment.

Kendra

If I were to talk with my high school self, I would suggest learning better stduying habits before I got to college. Freshmen year in college was not as scary as I thought it was going to be. I wish I had someone at the beginning of college to tell me to take a chill pill, relax, and not everything has to be so serious. This includes studying, sports, relationships, and the fear of failure. Eastern Oregon University is a good choice without any second thoughts. I'm comfortable here. Like everyone says, I should make the most out of every possible situation in college and put myself out there and try things while I have the chance to get by with being goofy. Keep clean, keep true to myself, and time heals all.

Jessica

I believe that the future student should focus more on choosing a school based on their intended major instead of the location. It is only 4 years of their life, they can have a great time no matter where they choose. The school is going to be better for each student in a different aspect so each student needs to choose based on their personality and how they are hoping to live their lives.

Tracie

I can only give the advice that I taken to find the right college for me. I researched for a college that had a good rep and a strong program in what I am studying. I also wanted an online education in an acredited school. After I found the EOU, I talk to the staff and they made everything easy from there. I love college, pick the class that you want but also pick one class that will be easier for you each quarter so you don't feel so overloaded. Meet people and form fun study groups, you won't feel like your the only one going threw what you are. Finally, join groups or clubs, college is a memory that last a life time. But most of all study, study, study, that is what will make your future secure.

Carol

Students can get the most from the college experience if they find a college with the majors they are most interested in, advisors that are truly listening and responsive, smaller class sizes, and dorms or living conditions where they are respected as individuals. Make sure to visit the campus and ask students if they have goals and if they believe they are progressing toward those goals. Are they enjoying college? What can they do for fun? What has been the best class so far? If you look deep enough, you will be able to tell if you would enjoy that college too. You will also know if your own goals will be successfully accomplished at the school. Maybe you are an online student like me. Finding the answers to the questions above can also help the online experience. Are the students and intructors engaging in conversations? Are the advisors knowledgeable and helpful. College can work for any stage of life if the school is a great fit.

Nam

I would tell them to take somtimes to think about what they want to do in the future, what types of enviroment or neighborhood that they want to line in. I will also tell them to look at many differn colleges beacuse the one that they looking at may be not the beast one for them. To make the most of the collge experience I will tell them to join one of the many sports/clubs that the college is offer. to make as many friends as they can and do things that they able to do in college time.

melody

There are a few basics that should be considered, beyond a high educational standard, when selecting your University. The University you select should offer an environment that makes you feel comfortable; sizes, safety, and regional weather are examples. Next, is to evaluate the cost value that institution offers. It is important to be a savvy consumer when planning financial requirements to gain higher education. This does not mean looking for a discounted school that neglects labs and research opportunities to save money. Think about your interview as a two way dialogue. Top notch advisors that help one plan a major or change a major can save you time and money. An up to date computer lab and dedicated tutors are a must. Your University experience is a life journey; it is a means and not the end in achieving your goals. Therefore you must consider the University you select from the perspective of your whole person.

Amanda

Look at all of your options to make sure you go where you want to go. Visit schools if you can in order to see if you fit in on campus. Once you enter college, be friendly and become as involved with campus and community activities as you possibly can. Have fun! Attending college is a great experience.

Caryn

I would give advice on it being best to search out what you want. Especially, if you know what you want to major in. There are lots of wonderful colleges all over the USA. You might want to think about where you would like to settle down and buy a house at too.

Ashley

For me, going to college is about growing up. I think that students should choose a school that they can get out on their own and learn some responibility. All colleges have a different environment and everyone is going to feel comfortable at a different school. I definitely suggest visiting the campus of any school before attending and exploring the surrounding town or city. Finding out what is going on around the campus and what the current students enjoy doing is going to be a good insight into what you would be doing while attending. To make the most out of a college experience I suggest getting involved in a club or program that you will enjoy doing. Chances are you will meet some people who will become your friends for life. After making new friends you will always have something to do and you will enjoy the experience a lot more than students that just sit in their room studying. I found that finding a balance between school and friends is the best way to achieve academically and socially.

laurel

study hard and apply yourself

Danica

Save your money because it is expensive and try to get the best education you can

James

My advice to parents and students would be to visit the college before registration, and pick a school that is capable of helping students with diverse needs. A school with friendly faculty and smaller class size offers more one-on-one time with professors, advisors and administration. Well kept libraries, labs and study areas are also vital tools needed for the success of all students. There are also other off-campus needs that need to be taken into account, like the availability of jobs. College towns with limited and mostly seasonal work can add financial stress that can (and often will) interfere with academics. Once a school has been selected, I encourage all students to become involved with on campus clubs, sports or any other school related activity. Even an on-campus job is an excellent way to become familiar with the student body and professors alike. The most important advice I would like to give to students would be to set realistic school related goals, and stop at noting until they are completed and your diploma is framed. James Dittrick (JR) Eastern Oregon University

Mikaela

Find a school that you like or know that you'll fall in love with and not just because your friends are there but because the school has what you need and want to succeed in your educational journey. Once you found a college just take in everything that it has to offer and don't just hang out with people you know or are in the same field as you. Explore people and the school and just take in everything that school and community has to offer. College goes by so fast; just take it in and enjoy it while it last.

Karon

Advice that I would give someone wanting to find the right college and making the most of the college experience would be the following four easy steps. First, know what you want and need in a college and then make a list of those criteria. Second, arrange them in order or rank each one on how important it is to you to have. Third, start looking for colleges and try to fit that criterion to the college you want. Not everyone wants or needs the same criteria when looking for a college. Fourth, do not get sidetracked with things that are not on your list or not that important. Most colleges have an online website with a catalog that?s downloadable in pdf format. You can browse college catalogs online to sort each one out faster. You can also call admissions and ask the questions you need answered. The four steps above should keep you on the right track to finding the college you will be satisfied with and get the most out of that experience.

Brandy

I would say find a school that really fits all apects of your son or daughter because they have to be happy about their school in order to do well. If your unhappy your less likely to be successful.

Kari

When choosing a college the best option is always to visit the college, sit in on classes, check out the housing, and talk to current students. College websites and mailings offer important information about their programs, but they can never replace the knowledge that an actual visit can can provide about whether a college can offer the experience you are looking for. Once you have made your choice and gotten to school take advantage of all the opportunities available. There are few places where so many resources are available in life. Take advantage of them.

Lindsey

You should research several colleges in your area and even out of state. Then call or write the college for information and when would be a good time to come look and explore thier university. Take the time you need to discover what type of university setting fits best for you. Go online and you can find tests that give suggestions for the right college that will fit you best. And you can find either community colleges or a colege in your hometown to go for one to two years then youcan transfer on to a four year college. Sometimes for a student who is fresh out of high school a community college gives them the experience in a lower college setting to give many the skills and understanding to make it in a larger school.

Lena

When looking at colleges find a place that you can call home. Many first year students don't realize until you get to campus that you spend the majority of your time at the school; whether its through studying, social activities, or where you crash when you go to bed at night. When looking at a college make sure you get all of the facts, you may not remember them all, but asking too many quesitons to your tour guide, and visiting class's in session, seeing your potential advisor and talking to current students are all ways of keeping your college experience from turning into a flop. be true to yourself when making your decisions, afterall its not your parents, siblings, and friends that are going to be working towards your degree, or living in your residence hall, its you! and you are the only person who can decide if a place is right for you! Good Luck!

Angie

Explore all options and don't just choose the college because of price.

Olivia

To find the right college, you should think about what kind of place you want to live in. The majority of the college experience has to do with where you live. If you want to live in a small town, or a big city it will dramitically change the college experience. You should also think about what career you want. If you know what you want to become then you can check out the programs of each school and decide from there. When going to school learning how to manage your time can help you make the most of your time at school. You need to learn how to study and do well but you also to need to make time for fun without interfering with you school work.

Vickie

Look at more then one college. Find the one that fits the students needs, and find scholarships.