Eastern Washington University Top Questions

Going back to college as a nontraditional graduate student has reaffirmed for me the potential that people have to change their situations, and to make a difference in the world, regardless fo their situations.

I have gain knowledge, independence, courage, and strength. Attending College has taught me to view life in a whole different aspect. I learned about third world countries , people who suffer from hunger, wars, violence, and diseases. I obatin information that before I contained but was made more clear and realistic to my eyes,when I began attending College. My time here at Eastern Washington University I quickly comprehended that if desired to achieve my goals that I will have to work hard and not get distacted by other people. I have gain courage and strength to keep my mind in school and not contribute to drugs or binge-drinking like several of my friends. I retained courage and respect for myself to denie such unhealthy habits. I gain strength to stand up for myself and my right to an education, when others did not believe I would make it this far. I have grown immensily and have gain independence, ripping away from depending on what others thoughts were in what should I do with my life. Attending College, motivated me more to continue my education and become a successful person in life, and taught me that anything is possible.

I have gotten alot out of my college experience. In my field of study I feel that the teachers are fully preparing me for my future career. I have meet so many people that I will be friends with for the rest of my life. The professors in my major really care about you and want you to succeed. The professors bend over backwards to help you out. Also the advising staff is unbelievable, they will do anything to help you get into the classes you need. I have received many opportunities at Eastern that I otherwise would not have gotten anywhere else. I absolutely love Eastern Washington University, and feel I am getting a better education than most students do at more expensive colleges. I wouldn't want to go to any other college.

If I had to give myself advice, I would tell myself to live on campus. I really enjoy my apartment, but it seems to really become a part of the Eastern Washington University family you must be involved in the "dorm" life. Be outgoing and friendly to everyone, because although education is what we are there for, it is so much more helpful and beneficial to have friends and other people around to support you through all of life's other obstacles.

If I could back in time and had the chance to change something about my high school years, there would be only one thing to change. That is to apply for the Running Start Program that was offered to me as a junior in high school. When I was in high school, I did not think that such program was worth it. However if I had the chance to go back today, I would most certainly would apply for the program. With Running Start, I could have earned up to two full years of tuition-free college credit while I would be still in high school. Not only that I could have been finished with school and most likely already working for an accounting firm. By attending these college courses, I would get a faster glimpse at the real world, and could have served me as an additional benefit after the high school graduation. Running Start is a great program for students that are in high school and I recommend every student to consider this option when they are still in high school. It could have saved me two years of time and also lots of money.

If I were to assume that I would go back and talk to myself I would give myself some advice. For starters, do not be so timid there are so many other people who are experiencing this for the first time just like you so do not be afraid to let go and be more out going. Speak your mind especially when it comes to you new roommate, you are living with this person for 9 months and you need to be comfortable too. Find that perfect balance, between friends, family, and school work. Determine what is the most important to you and keep that in mind. Go to the school events, you might think that they are kind of lame but you would be surprised about who you may meet.

I would tell myself that it's really not that important to have a significant other in my life even though it seems that way at the time. Guys come and go while my education really should be the main focus. The guy I find should be one that values my education and pushes me to do better than even I think I can do. I would also tell myself that friends are extremely important. Keep in touch with the group even after graduation. They will be my support group and keep me from going insane when life seems to be crushing down on me and the stress gets to be too much to bear. Take time to enjoy life, but also remember that there are assignments due at some point and if something is going to go wrong, it's not usually at a convenient time. Last but not least, mom and dad really do love me and are just trying to get me going on the right path. All I'm achieving is giving them gray hair.

Knowing what I know now about college life would completely change how I went through my 4 years of high school. If I could talk to myself as a high school senoir I would tell myself to study harder and take more time to enjoy the freedoms of a high school student. I would tell myself to reconsider the military as a first choice right out of high school instead of waiting until I was three years into college to join and gain the experience and knowledge that I have now. I would also tell myself to experience more hands on training during high school doing more internships to gain knowledge about what I really wanted to be when I grew up, because I definately did not know when I went to college when I was 18 yrs old. One final word of advice I would have for myself as a high school senior would have to be work hard and study hard because it will all be worth it in the end.

I would suggest to try and find out what major you want to pursue early on. If Running Start is an option, then take it. Too often I hear college studentstell me that I was very smart to do Running Start. They often see the benfits, but in hindsight, it is already too late. Community colleges are ways to take beginner level classes at a lower cost, avoiding a large pile-on of student loans can be very detrimental. This makes it more efficient to take intorductory classes in different fields to gain a better understanding of what field of study you want to pursue, with a lower pricetag, so as not to take unnessecary classes. Be bold, don't let others tell you what you can and cannot do. But listen/learn from others' experiences to learn what's best. Don't limit yourself. Try and get a part-time job early, to help pay for tuition and limit student loans. Have fun, enjoy college. This is where adulthood for most people begins! This is what can easily shape who/what you will be as an adult.

I was the freshman college student who didn't take his/her first year of college with the seriousness necessary. I would go back to convince myself that every assignment, quiz, paper, attendance, etc is just as important as the next. I would say that college is the time to come into your own, and it's like a huge white canvas to splash the colors of your own personal goals and life aspirations on. I, just like hundreds of other high school seniors, wasn't quite ready for the giant void that college was. Many lose focus on what's important when choosing a school or actually preparing for it. The most important thing I would say is to not be afraid to be different than the people around you. This is the beginning of your adult life, and it needs to be started drenched in your own true colors, soaked with success, and draped by all the new wonderful people surrounding you.

Dear Heather, I have always believed in you to accomplish what you were set out to do. You have always made the right choices for you, and not worried about fitting in with the crowd. At times, I wish you were more outgoing and got involved with extracurricular activities, but you made it anyway. The most notable thing you did and shall never regret is going abroad for a semester. Ghana was the best choice you ever made and will transform your future. It was definitely a challenging time, acclimating to a new environment, family, friends, and culture. Seeing the impoverished parts of the world will encourage you to continue your life changing experience after college. Be prepared to work very hard and stay focused on your lifetime goals. Don't worry about not having the "college experience". You don't have to be a partier or a social butterfly to make it through college successfully. When it comes time to apply for the nursing program, go with confidence and be your humble self during the interview. Stay true to yourself and have faith that God will use you as hands and feet to serve the oppressed. Sincerely, Future You

I'm in my early tweenties, I'm still a young man and my job is hard working and dealing with customers all the time. When I think back during my high school years, I had my days easy going to classes and by staying in school I had a lot of help by my teachers solving my problems with homework, quizzes and test Anything I need help with, I asked and I kept my grades up. My teenager years, I slowly went downhill, I should'nt have done, what I did. Being seventeen, and not studing in school. I relize now being in my early tweenties I made a big mistake. If I were to go back in my high school years, I would tell myself: "study more. If you dont study, your going to end making bad decisions that I don't evan want to think about, staying out of trouble and hanging with the wrong crowd. If you dont study hard, getting into a collage you want, you wont be able to comprehen the collage lifstyle. Your high school diploma is very important because even though it's just paper, that paper shows you can do anything.

Sitting uncomfortably in the metal folding chair I began shifting my weight from side to side, and with each adjustment I grew even more uncomfortable. The anticipation began to bubble beneath me like water on the brink of boiling. The crowd to my left was no longer a distinct sea of individuals rather it had become a sea of moving faces blurred and bound together by yelling and cheers of congratulations. That fateful day I had the world at my finger tips, It was the day I graduated. Knowing what I know now, I would tell myself to try your best in college no matter what. Never be afraid to say hello to a stranger, and always try your hardest even if you're unsure of yourself. Transitioning will be hard and at times scary, but I would want to say that by keeping your head up its the best way to be succesful. Try not loose faith in yourself even with the world upon your shoulders, because hard work really does pay off, and the rewards are so worth the pain and struggle it may take to get there.

Justine, know that college is an eye opening expierience. Be excited to have the opportunity to go, and a family that supports you in your quest. The drama of high school will disapear as soon as you throw that red cap in the air on graduation day, so why worry about it now? In college, the people that matter will not judge you on material things. You can truley be yourself, while also finding a new self. Though high school is fun, and it is important to enjoy the ride, do not be sad when it is over. Always consider the things you learned, the people you loved and the experiences that highlight your life, but look forward to where you are going. College is not easy, just as life is not a stroll in the park, but the challenges ahead will be ones you learn from. This last year in high school, embrass your family and friends; they will always be there for you, but will not always be there. Accept that you will lose many ties, but gain many more. College is worth your hard work.

I believe if I had the chance to go back, I would tell myself not to make friendships too quickly. Giving your trust to new friends can be wonderful, but don't give all your trust into them, because some people just aren't worthy of that trust. Some people aren't capable of being true friends, and some people, you come to realize, are not people you want to be spending your time with. You want people to bring a positive light to your world, not people who will compromise the goals you have set for yourself.

If it was the beginning of my senior year, I would try to convince myself that my social life at high school is not as important as my success in college. With this I would persuade myself that attending one of the local community colleges for Running Start would benefit me greatly. If I had attended Running Start I would be that much closer to my degree right now, and I regret not going through with that decision in high school.

Sean, this is yourself speaking to you with a few more years of wisdom under your belt. I am goin to tell you something that will be shocking to you but please believe me, its true. I know you are thinking college is impossible for you because of many different true and made up reasons such as , your family does not have the type of income to send you, your not smart enough and you have lived in this small town forever, how could you ever make it in one of those big city atmospheres? But despite some of these partial truths I know the facts now, college is possible for you! Yes you! Sean, first of all you live in a free country that provides help for you through grants and other means. There are hundreds of charitable businesses and organizations that are willing to help you with scholorships. Money should not hold you back. Also there are programs and friends that are willing to lend you a helping hand, with these and some effort you can be smart enough. Think of all the options, there are thousands of colleges and one of them will meet your needs.

Knowing what I know now, I would reassure myself that it does not matter if I do not have a clear plan for my future. Each course provides new experiences and opportunities to reveal undiscovered interests. Finding the college that feels most comfortable to me is much more important than selecting one based on its history, prestige or specific majors. Impressive campuses and newly built dorms mean nothing if the culture of the college conflicts with my personal values. Finally, I would tell myself that this comfort level is especially important since I must become self-reliant and responsible for my personal conduct and academic success.

If I were able to go back and talk to myself as High School senior, I would give the advice on better studying and sleeping tips. Knowing the college life I have learned how to manage time to study and sleep so that I can stay focused on what I am in school for.

The first thing I would tell myself is that time is invaluable and that I should make the most of it while attending classes and working towards a goal that has such a tremendous influence over my life. I would also stress that preparation for any class project or writing assignment needs to be conceptually sound and given a chance to materialize in the mind before the task is carried out. Specifically with any writing assignment, always expect that it will take much longer than you originally think. Knowing your options and the opportunities that are available is also important and I would make a point to convey the idea of taking advantage of internships and overseas learning coursework. Lastly, I would emphasize the point that just because the social aspects of life seem incredibly relevent and worthy of your time and attention while attending college, they're more often than not just distractions and small instances of momentary satisfaction when compared to the happiness and self-satisfaction you'll feel once you've accomplished a momentous goal such as graduating college and knowing that your ready to start building a lasting foundation that is your life.

Leaving home to begin higher education alone seems more frightening than it really is. So far, college has been more than welcome. With the amount of time spent on homework and in class little time is left for work or fun. Being a senior in high school, you've got a fairly easy ride, take advantage of this time and work more, try to save more money and enjoy your time before college! Good Luck.

The advice i would give myself as a high school senior knowing what i know now, would be, to stay on top of things at school. Be aware of deadlines, and start projects early. Also to keep an open mind to new surroundings and new people and ideas that come my way. Enjoy the time spent with people from my home town, family and myself. I have been doing a lot of soul searching that i wish i had done earlier in my life. I would tell myself to not lose myself in boyfriends and gossip, find myself first, mae myself happy first, then focus on others. It will take you a long way. Stay true to myself and make decisions for me, not for anyone else. Stand strong and prepared for a world on my own and full of responsiblilities.

Make sure not to be swept off of your feet by the first person who is romantically interested in you. Get to know people in your major and your professors, do the extra-credit events and get involved in clubs. Go to campus and dorm sponsored events, free food and lots of good memories! Make good friends the first year and they will stay your friends after that. Try to get along with your roommate as best as possible, even if she's totally impossible. Don't turn down any opportunities if you can help it!

Life moves fast, so take your time and enjoy it. As paradoxical as the previous statement may seem; the statement holds great truth. Marriage, kids, family and academics seem to happen instantaneously, and getting caught up trying to justify the right time for these things in life to occur is a mistake. What?s important is that you take the time to do things right the first time. And if you happen to make a mistake, keep moving forward and tackle the, believed to be, next best solution. Be honest and take responsibility for your actions. If you receive a ?D? grade, do not look to point the finger towards any source other than towards yourself. Ask yourself, ?What have you learned from this experience?? Taking this responsibility teaches you to become the adult you and this world needs. To conclude, you must take responsibility, take your time, and realize there are numerous scholarships for high school seniors!

As a senior in high school I was very going through a lot at home but I was very driven and really anxious about college. Even being that anxious about college I still waited till the last second to apply. Also I really thought choosing the right college was quite permenant. Really if I could go back first I would tell myself to have more fun. Also I would stress that switching colleges ISN'T BAD. Then I would try to get myself to get my applications in earlier so I didn't stress. I ended up going to the University of Washington just because I felt honored to get in. I had a great time there but I hated the classes, there was no getting to know your professors. Then at thanksgiving I got very sick for about 2-3 months and I decided to drop out and get better. It was the best decision I have made. I realized I want to be a teacher and that I wanted to go to eastern and I am so happy there. I know I wish I would have done things different but everything always works out.

Drug abuses, violence, seizures, and poverty. In middle school I fell off of a balcony head first on concrete, giving me seizures. My whole life, my parents have been addicted to weed, crack-cocaine, and alcohol. In high school I fought, or got beat up because I had to. Field trips, sports, and dances we couldn?t afford, well, my parents high was a better investment. I am a broke freshman in college, applying for a scholorship on advice i would have given myself as a high school seinor. unfortunatley i dont have any. Growing up I faced many obstacles and challenges. Being as young as I was I considered myself a grown up. I had to take care of myself, provide for myself, and do what I could to feed myself. All while dealing with school and trying to pass. It would be hard to give myself advice, when all my life I constantly told myself ?don?t ever be like your parents, or peers. Be strong, ambitious, and never give up. Do what it takes to move on, hold your head high, your name one day will scream success". dominick eugene carney is on the road to success.

If I could go back as a high school senior, I would tell myself that follow what I love to do and it will lead me to where I am today.

To keep your head on. It's easy to get caught up in the "fun" of school. However having too much fun can kill your grades. Be smart. Have fun but make sure you spend more time studying than partying.

I would tell myself to slow down and really look at the decisions I was making. That it was more important that I was happy with my decision and how it would affect my life in the upcoming years. There is a lot of pressure put on high school seniors during the time that they are thinking about college and they should know that what they want and need matters too.

I would give myself advice to attend more sports games and to be even more involved with the school than I am. I would also give advice to be myself and to make even more friends than I have made.

I would say choose one close enough to home that you could get there with in the day. I would say be involved with the campus life, find something you like outside of class and stick with it. I would suggest to wait until your second year to join a soriety, or fraternity. I would suggest you live on campus for at least your first year, and I would say to be sure the school has a good history in the field you have choosen to take. Don't go to a school that is known for science and math, then major in art.

Find a college that offers a good program in the area that you desire to do for the rest of your life. A college is for education to do your job. It is also important to find a college that is supportive of your beliefs but yet challenges them. Finding a college that does this will strengthen your identity and help to rid of beliefs that are false.

Finding the right college is hard knowing where to fit and where you belong because moving away from the norm is bad enough. When visiting a college especially the right college it clicks going this is where I belong. Also the college experience is what you make it even though it may be hard and crazy at times. Its what you want it to be and it can be an amazing journey.

College is what you make it!!

I would tell parents and/or students to not rush into the decision. Start early in high school so you will have plenty of time to choose. I would tell students to go on as many college visits as possible and to try and stay over night so you get a feel of the campus. Set up interviews with people involved in your program and ask as many questions as you can so you can find out if that schools' program is right for you and if it will provide you with the esucation you need. Take as many campus tours as you can and feel free to ask the guides any questions about the school and college life in general. Tour guides are students and will usually give you honest answers. As far as making the most out of your college experience, I would tell students to join as many clubs as they can. Tons of clubs are offered at college campuses and they are really one of the best ways to meet lifelong friends. Clubs are a great way to experience the area around your campus as well.

Try to get into college right after college and enjoy the dorms, it will let you meet lots of people

I would advise future students to be educated on career paths prior to entrance of college allowing them to be better focused on a goal to avoid distractions common in any large complex social environment. I would advise parents to keep their children focused on their studies and to encourage them positively and expressing to their child that their goals are your goals.

Find a college that is about the size of the town you grew up in, if you like that town's size. You will be more comfortable there. Make sure you know your personal values before you get to college, so you won't have any confusion or question as to where you should be and what you should be doing.

Advice to students and parents planning on attending college and making the most of your college experience: - Choose a school that has the best program for what you want to persue. - Apply for as many scholarships as you can (It's very expensive). - Don't worry about where your friends are attending; you'll make new frienships that last forever. - Don't be afraid to leave home. You meet so many awesome people and grow up in such a cool way! - College isn't easy, but it is more fun than high school . - Responsibility is a key quality to have because there is so much freedom. - I encourage everyone to attend college. I have truely discovered who I am as a person and have grown into a very independant individual. - You are the one to make your experience worth while, no one else is.. - College has been the best years of my life! Go EAGS!!!!!!! :)

The advice I would give to the parents on finding the right college is take your time with choosing what college for your child to go to is, first of all make sure your child feels comfortable with the school then you should look at the where they have places to study and for kids to do there work. And then you might want to check out what kind of actvities the school has because getting involved is very important also, if possible take your young one along to visit the campus to get a feel for it it will be very comforting for them in their decision if they decide they want to go there. And for the student, as you know it's not highschool anymore they dont make you go to class so its real easy to mess up and get behind so you need to go to class it's crucial! That's the hardest part of college is making yourself go to class but its possible you just have to want it bad enough. If you stay focused and get your work done then you will still have time for fun.

To find the right college you would need to do a lot of research about that college. You would want to see if that college have the right field of study that you're interest in studying. You would want to see if they have the right cirriculums. Besides all of that you would want to see if the shool have any activities for you to join during school, this way you then can join, have fun, and it'll looks good on your resume or scholarship. It's also good to find a school that is far away from the big cities, this way you won't find yourself partying all day with your friends instead of studying. The school that I'm going right now is in the middle of nowhere, therefore all I do all day is study, but the school does have enough activities to keep me from boredom. The last piece of advice is to fill out as many scholarship as possible because if you're lucky to get your hands on some money you wouldn't have to worry about your financial situation and can concentrate on your school works.

In order to find the right college the student needs to know what major they think they want as well as how big they would like it in order to feel comfortable. The reason I chose this one was because I grew up in a small town and I wasn't ready for a big university, that helped a lot to get accustumed to the university. So I would tell the students to make sure they feel comfortable there and know their major so that they know if the classes are offered there otherwise they will be wasting their time. Also no matter where they go they will make friends. For parents I'd say let their child decide it's a lot easier on them then being pressured to going somewhere they didn't want to and fail. Students will do good no matter where they go whether it's far or close to home, they will always have a support system right there at school with all the new friends and staff.

The most important thing a student could find in a school is the program they might be interested in the most. I think it is equally important to have great advisors that would be helfpul to facilitate determining what major a student might choose. It is very important that advisors guide students in what classes to take, and make necessary recommendations. I did not feel very well advised at all during my time at Eastern.

Advice to parents: Let your children experience all of college, it will help them become the people that they are meant to be. Even if this means letting them make huge mistakes, its their life, not yours. Be encouraging, and if they fail, let them know that you still support them in their studies. Advice to students: I was afraid to leave home at first, I quickly learned that I would have much rather gone away to a 4 year instead of a 2 year. It was a lot cheaper, and I did make many friends, but I didn't get the best experience or have the best outlook on college. When I did transfer, I made even more friends ,had better experiences, and took college more seriously. I loved the freedom and responsibility that being away from parents gave me. I strongly suggest starting at a 4 year, and getting all the advise from your counslor as possible. Take your time in figuring out what you want to do, I redeclared my major 3 times! And lastly, take random classes, they add fun to being in school! College is the best time of your life!

Make sure the first college you go to has a variety of degree choices, just in case they want to be something they never heard of. Like an anthropologist. :) Smaller more close knit classes are way better, but difficult to find. EWU is a great choice.

I would tell them to look at the activities and things they want to be near and choose a school that offers them or are near them. Think about your major and if the school offers it and how close you want to be to home. Make sure you know what you want adn then plan around that, or if you are dependent on financial aid go to a school that is willing to help you out.

Find a place that you will fit in right and feel at home. Live in the dorms your first year, that is where you will make the most friends. Be social, do school activities when they are offered, and don't be shy. If you don't know anybody at first, then you have nothing to lose. Go out there and be yourself and make some new friends, it will make your college life and experience much better. Take your time, there's no need to rush, just have a good time and learn a lot. Not everyone gets the oppotunity to attend college, so make the most out of it and don't give up. Sometimes the school work will seem to take over your life and just be too much, but don't guive up and just work through it, and get help with work if you need it. Once again, don't be shy, all professor's are there for you and willing to help you out in any way they can.

It helps to know what you want to do with your life, but not necessary. Many colleges have resources available to guide you in the right direction, depending on your interests, or what you are good at. Community colleges are great for students who haven't decided what kind of career they are interested in, as they provide the general classes needed for a 2 year degree. Some community colleges even offer specialized 2 year degrees in certain fields. If you have decided on a field of interest, or have a few in mind, a particular college or university may be better than others in your field. The best way to find out is ask alumni of colleges you are looking at, or researching online. Talking to advisors and counselors can help too. If you are still in high school, your counselor there can be a valuable resource as well. When it comes down to it, a college education is more important than it used to be. But with so many resources available, it is not a bad thing to do what you want to do. Study what you want to study. And don't forget to have fun.

As the former student government President of Eastern Washington University it is in my belief that any post secondary higher education institution that provides your child or student an opportunity to succeed is the best choice. I would say from my experience is you don?t need to attend a larger or more prestigious institution. What you should be focusing on is does the university provide every service your student needs. In my experience a larger institution does not provide what a smaller university or college can serve at a higher standard of academics. A small institution will provide not only more opportunities to become active and gain experience but will also provide a diverse classroom. By less students attend a smaller institution there will be more dialogue and discussion in class. Smaller institution will also have smaller classrooms providing more interaction with a professor instead of being instructed by a graduate student. In every class I am personally challenged because the professor has legitimate time to get to know me. In a smaller institution I am not just another number by my student identification number. In addition tuition is typically lower as well.

For choosing a college, the best advice anyone ever gave me was to visit the colleges you are considering. After walking around campus during a typical school day, you should get a pretty good idea of what the culture is like. Read bulletin boards, campus newspapers, and signs to see what's important to that campus. Also, don't necessarily discount a school based on cost, as there are several options for financial aid. Most schools offer scholarships as well as government funding. Private scholarships are an excellent option as well. Once you are in college, get involved! Maybe join a club, but if not, just be active. Hang out on campus. Living on campus is an amazing experience, I recommend trying it at least one year if at all possible. Make sure, however, not to let extracurriculars interfere with academics. It is easy to join five clubs and go to every event and let homework fall by the wayside. This is the quickest way to end your college experience, as you will flunk out. Failing a single class, however, is something to be experienced. Not intentionally, of course, but if it happens, learn from it and move on.