El Paso Community College Top Questions

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

Anthony

I am lucky because I never got caught up in the partying aspect of college life. So that wasn't an issue. I did however have poor grades, lacked determination and focus and did not know that anything and everything is possible. If I could go back in time to when I was a high school senior, I would have told myself that I could do anything I am determinded to do. This is something I didn't hear that much growing up. If I had, it would have made a world of difference. I would have also told myself to get any extra help that I could to make sure I was a straight A student. Thanks to free university podcast, I am doing that now. I would have told myself that there is free money for school all I have to do is go look for it. I would make sure to tell my past self that I need to be focused to be successful in life. You see, the thing is my past self would have listened if I was told these things.

David

Dedicate at least 3 hours each day to studying, it will help your memory and make it easier on tests.

Alberto

The advice I would give myself would have been to take a latin or a medical terminology class and to stick with the basic classes first. I would advice myself to take a medical terminology or latin class because it would have made my biology and chemistry classes easier to learn and understand. I would advice myself to stick to the basic classes first in order to get the hang of the college life at least for the first semester. And finally I would tell myself " In college you have different options you can either have fun, sleep alot, work and have bad grades , or you can still have fun, work , have good grades and not sleep , and finally you can not have a social life , work,sleep and have good grades. I would suggest the second option because no social life would stress you out to much and too much fun will affect your grade so get ready to not sleep alot and never sacrifice your grade for anything not your job and not your friends".

leslie

I began college as an early high school graduate. This transition was hard for me because I was alone since none of my family members had attended college before. It was really difficult being young without any idea of how I should start. I was afraid because I thought no person at college would be wanting to help since you were considered an adult. For this reason, I would advice my myself to use the resources the school provides without any fear. Once I began speaking up and asking for help, counselors started helping me on the process. It was truly a blessing to know there was people who were willing to assist me with this transition. Fortunately, I was able to learn the basics and know I am more informed of how the process goes. Now whenever someone asks me about something relating to school, I am able to tell them how it is done. Of course, if I don't know the answer to their question I ask. I believe this is the greatest advice I could give myself in college as learning to ask will ease college and possibly the rest of my life.

Reuben

I would tell myself to buck down a lot more than what I was starting colleg and a little bit in high school. That if I would have studyed more there would have been more options for me know in the future. You can fool around a couple of times just to blow off some steam or to relevie some stress that college has put on to me. But the most importent thing in this time of ages is my school work.

Christopher

Quit being stupid and realize how important school is. Being intelligent doesn't mean anything to anyone unless you are putting your intelligence to good use. You know your potential is way beyond what you are putting out, so do your best. There is so much that you did now know to consider, but the best thing you can do is get into a good university and become successful. Don't let yourself get lazy, or get distracted by money or girls. Education is way more important, and everything else you could ever want will come eventually. Hard work really is very important, and you need to apply yourself to everything you do (even if it is boring, annoying, or seems pointless). Every experience is valuable.

jenna

I would tell myself to apply for college. No one in my family ever went to college and I truely believed that I just couldnt go. In my mind, I made up every reason why I shouldn't go. I even got pregnant that last four months of my senior year. That sealed my decision not to apply or attend college. Almost 9 years has gone by since I graduated high school and I have regreted every bit of my decision not to go to college right after high school. Attending college gets harder as time goes by. You have more responsiblities and lose your memory of important things you learn in high school and you have to relearn in college. Nothing will stop me from finishing this time. I even plan to continue my education and aspire to double major and get my masters. So I would tell my 18 year old self that you are college material and you can start the new family tradition of attending college now.

Kristina

Out of my college experiences i have learned to use my time wisely, how to work as a team with other students,and how to study better. It has been valuable to attend because all these skills that i have learned from my college experiences will help me out in the real world when i get my career.

oscar

The advice that i would give myself would be to definately get rid of any old highschool habbits because life would be taking a huge twist without a doubt.I would also say that it is time to grow up and show how mature i trully am.

Krystal

If I could go back to when I was a senior, I would tell myself how hard the real world is. I would say that the most important thing to do while in high school is to focus on school. The more you can learn, the better you will succeed in the outside world. Life isn't just about having fun, it's about making something out of yourself, to be able to have everything. An education is so important because it will help to get better job opportunities and not have to work so hard once you go into the working world.

Cassandra

The advice I would give myself is take a tour of the college to know how the college life is being run, participate in many activities that they have available ex. Honors or Clubs, start looking for scholorships that will help support me, start filling out financial aid information that will also help support my family and me; and most of all take good notes when I'm in class or ask questions more often in what I don't understand or can't solve problems .

Denise

The hardest thing I have learned now that I am in College is how expensive school is. I live with my parents and just because they both work and I don't have a baby or married, my bother and I don't qualify for any financial aid. I see how my parents are struggling to pay for our tuition because they don't won't us to get any loans out so when we do finish school we won't own anyone. My dad also has taken a side job as a roofer and seeing him work all week long plus also on the weekends just to pay for our tuition is a big motivation to do my best in school. If I could go back as a senior, the number one thing i would have done is tried harder in school to maintain better grades so I could have received scholarships and help pay for my education. I know I can't go back only forwards so I am going to try to make my parents proud of me by finishing school and one day pay they back for everything they have done for me.

carmen

I would advise myself to go to college right after highschool while the math is still fresh in your mind. I would say " Carmen, apply yourself to your studies and wait on the fun, marriage, kids and so forth. I would also advise Carmen to do good in Highschool, it matters as fars as scholarships go. College is expensive, get involved in leadership activities and volunteer services. Study first then conquer the world. All your dreams can come true but you must be willing to do all the work yourself. Miracles don't just happen. I would advise that the transition is easier if done right from highschool vs waiting a couple of years. Oh, and Carmen there is just one more thing. Good Luck and enjoy yourself!

Melissa

If I could talk to myself as a high school senior, I would advice myself to be realistic about the financial aspect of attending college, in particular a four year university. I had intended on attending a four year university after graduating high school, but did not truly take in account for the expenses that would come with that opportunity. I would tell myself to apply to every scholarship available, even those that I may not believe I have done enough to achieve. Because of my financial situation, I had to take one year off from school before applying to El Paso Community College. Looking on my past I would tell myself that just because I could not afford to attend a university, does not mean I cannot still get a proper education, and participate in different activities offered at the community college. If I could speak with the high school senior version of myself, I would emphasize the importance of having a set plan including goals as to what I want and need to do in order to be successful in my college career.

Krizia

As a high school senior, I did the best I could in preparing for my college transition. I searched for scholarships and grants in order to receive financial help, but became discouraged after so many rejection letters. I was always a good student and even graduated under the distinguished plan, but something kept me from standing out. The lack of financial help convinced me to attend El Paso Community College. Even then, I was never one of the lucky ones to be awarded the Pell Grant. I have been utilizing emergency loans in order to pay of my tuition every semester and have continued to work in order to afford my books. I am now transferring to an accredited four-year university and find myself at the same position I was at three years ago. If I could go back in time, I would advise myself to become more involved in school! As I sit for hours in front of my laptop searching for scholarships, I notice that almost every scholarship I come across focuses on volunteer experience and school activities. Unfortunately, participating in my high school orchestra and swimming team wasn't enough.

Deborah

Take it seriously. This is completely worth the effort, because after all you are doing it for you. A college education is a lifelong gift you give yourself. Study, read and enjoy the diversity of campus life. Believe in yourself, you will find out that you're smarter than you think and have been told. Don't believe anything that has been said of you, you will find out they are all completely wrong. You're smart, you can reason your way around everything and don't you dare think others are smarter than you, later you will find out they're just winging it and are good salesmen. Trust yourself. Invest in yourself. Do your absolute best, it will give you such a shot in the arm. You have everything you need inside of yourself, go for the gold kid, you'll get it!!

Daniel

Keep doing what your doing. Focus on your goals, keep pushing yourself, and DO NOT slack.

Claudia

The first thing I want to tell you, Claudia, is not to work a full-time job. It takes you away from school too much. Try and live on campus so you can experience college life. Follow your dream of studying architecture. The way to do this is apply for al scholarships that you can so you don't have to work. Put in your all on all the projects you work on. Also apply for internships so when you graduate from college you have some experience in your field.

Evangelina

If I could go back in time to talk to myself I would say, take more advantage of the free knowledge given to you as a high school student. Professors are not mean and strict as many people say they are but you are responsible for your own work. You should spend a good amount of time studying for your classes, preferably two hours per class or more. Always do your best when it comes to any assignment because that reflects on what kind of a person you are. Don?t every try to just pass a class aim for the highest grade possible. It will be difficult at times but as long as you concentrate and focus on your goals you will be able to overcome any obstacle.

Eddie

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior knowing what I know now about college life and making the transition I would tell myself its a hard journey but not to give up on your dreams. There is no reason for you to leave mom and your sis by going into the navy because they will only send you back.You have already lived through a lot and college is nothing but another hurdle in your way. Nobody believes you can make it out there in the college life but you will get in and be the first in your family to go to school. The doctor told you that you would never walk agian and what did you do? You tried to walk on your own with no help or support and enduring the pain you did it.There is a lot of money out there just go to the library and fill out every possible form of financial aid help to pay for school. It is possible to go to school no matter how difficult it looks I believe in you, I believe in myself!

Jesus

Jesus, college is a great experience and is much different than what your going to expect from highschool. The transition from highschool to college will probably catch you off guard you will soon see that but dont be alarmed. When you go to college no one is going to be there to be telling you what to do. You are going to have to figure it on your own and ask a lot of questions along the way. Stay focused on your studies and never give up on what you want in life. The road to succes might be difficult but dont be afraid help will always be there for you. Talk to your counselors to see what you need or what you are missing. You will need to organize your priorities and your schedule as well and everything will go smoothly. You have no need to worry at all. If you are able to organize yourself, stay focused and keep yourself informed then college and the college life will come naturally to you.

Josue

I must admit that as a senior I catched the famous "senioritis". I worked hard to get a good grades in my classes, but not to my full potential. I would tell myslef to push it to the limit, to find all the things I could accomplish if I tried just a little harder. I would also tell myself to reconsider my major, after my first year I switched to architecture and fell a little behind due to the switch. Another piece of advice I'd give myslef would be to talk to my counslers more often and apply to all the scholarships that I could. That extra money would have been great and I wouldn't be in debt already. The last thing I would tell myslef would be the winners of all the Super Bowls since I've gradutaed, just kidding. I would tell myslef to enjoy every minute, learning new things is such an awesome experience.

Adrian

If i could go back and talk to my self as a high school senior i would tell myself so much. To start off i would tell myself not to get lazy with my training in baseball and to start and not stop appling for scholarships even if they require essays. Also to do things that will help you in the long run dont waste your time with your friends unless you are taking a break from applying. In school give your everything to every assignment especally if you dont want to do it, and pay very attention to due dates. Don't let anyone put you down and if they do get back up and be at a better position you were before. Also be more social so you can keep in touch with your baseball buddies, other than that you will do just fine.

Karen

The advice I would go back in time just to give myself, would be to save. I appplied for numerous scholarships and contests, but never acumilated enough money to even pay for my first semester of college. I work at a local grocery store and only saved a portion each paycheck for school. Now that I think of it, if i had just saved more, or even all of it, It would be so much easier to pay for school. Sure I used that money for gas, my car, and even some groceries for the family, but the money I used to go to the movies should have stayed in my account for the expenses of college life. Now that I know how expensive it is to better one self I save a lot more than just a portion, but if i could've started these good habits before the struggle, It would be easier on my wallet and on my worries of a lifetime of student loan payments.

ASHLEY

ASSUMEING I COULD GO BACK IN TIME AND TALK TO MYSELF AS A HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR. KNOWING WHAT I KNOW NOW ABOUT COLLEGE LIFE AND MAKING THE TRANSITION, WHAT ADVICE WOULD I GIVE MYSELF. I WOULD START BY TELLING MYSELF THAT YOU SHOULD GO IT TO THE MILTARY IT WILL BE THE MOST FUN YOU WILL EVER HAVE. WHILE YOUR IN THE MILTARY DON'T FORGET THE MILTARY WILL PAY FOR YOUR SCHOOL. SO TAKE ADVANGE OF IT! YOU HAVE THREE GREAT CHILDREN OUT OF THE DEAL DON'T CHANGE IT. THE MTILTARY WILL MAKE YOU GROW AS A PERSON. YOU ARE A VERY SMART WOMEN SET YOUR MIND TO IT AND, YOU KNOW YOU CAN DO ANYTHING. THATS WHAT I WOULD TELL MYSELF IF I COULD GO BACK AND TALK TO MYSELF AS A HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR. KNOWING WHAT I KNOW NOW ABOUT COLLEGE LIFE AND MAKING THE TRANSITION.

Brenda

Dear Brenda : I know you have a lot of dreams but you should focus in one. Start making the decicion about which university you want to go . Time goes faster than you think and if you do not start making your applications for scholarships you may not go to the university you desire. You may have the best GPA and i know you are going to graduate as a top ten student but nothing would help you if you do not help yourself. College is not hard because you are going to start your career and guess what ? you are allow to chose your career; and you would love it, so do not be afraid about college. You know what is hard about college? the tiution ,so do not forget about scholarships. please! Brenda something you must remember about going to college is that you can do and you can be anything you want. Dream , believe in yourself and help the people who is around you that would make you succed in collge. Take care of yourself and enjoy your life. I Love you and God bless you.

Norma

I finished now the university I wish to statr My master degree in Psichoogy

Jessica

Continue to work hard! Make good friends who have the same goals as you do! Never give up when class seems hard! Time flies, so just get school done with!

Ingrid

Don't procrastinate. Keep a schedule. In high school work is not due all at once. When you procrastinate in college, you will find yourself with an assignment for each class due on the same day and they usually are not simple projects of an hour or less. Time management is key to get homework done as early as possible. You will have more time for fun and be thankful later when you're not missing out on a party or hanging out with friends because you have to finish your a project. Take advantage of the professor asking questions and try to get a discussion started in the classroom. Other students may not be willing to say anything, but if you take the initiative, stimulating conversations can take place and you will receive so much more from the class. And as a parting note, enjoy the time and do your best. College is an investment and what you put in will effect what you get out.

Raul

I would have to tell myself to consider your options carefully. To prepare yourself and keep an open mind. I would also tell myself to get involve more in college as it can open doors to a better future. In other words, to study hard, to not give up, and give it your best shot..

Mary

The best advice that I would give myself is to take full advantage of college classes available to high school students. What a wonderfully valuable tool in helping to assimilate high school students into college life at a slow even pace. This would make a very timid student feel comfortable with the transition to college life because the shock of the two different environment would not be so "shocking."

Kevin

I would tell myself to attened community college first and not to over load my self with too many classes. I would tell myself not to worry so much and just go with the flow. I would also make myself take another math class and focus hard on my grades.

Symone

Make sure that you have your goals and financial things straight. If you need more information on grants as well as scholarships, make sure you ask your consuelors,family members, and older friends that is college now. Because if you dont, you'll end up left behind. Trying to fill out scholarships when you should already be in school. If you need financial support make sure you fill out a FASFA application before the school year starts. College is not cheap.

Jamaal

I would tell myself to keep up the hard work and focous on your education because I will make something of myself. I just need to stay motivated so i would just tell myself that motivation is the key and with that its possible to become what ever you want.