Foothill College Top Questions

I have always found that listening to my heart has led to high satisfaction. You should too. If going to school and taking classes does not feel right and working does, then take some time off from school to work. There is so much to experience in this world. There is really no right or wrong way to live it. Experience life for yourself and form your own opinions. And take people's opinions and suggestions any not the absolute and only way to live. Knowing this it is okay to start over, so start living!

I have recently discovered the path of meditation and Buddhism. If I could go back and give myself advice, I would suggest this path to myself. Meditation and Buddhism have given me a sense of focus, which I never imagined possible. It has developed in me a deep mindfulness, in which I feel at peace, while doing my homework, listening to lecture in class, taking notes and studying for exams. I am constantly learning and experiencing focus while on this path. I have also become so single-mindedly focused that many of our friends have sensed this discipline and strength in me and have asked me to tutor/mentor their children.

As a high school student, I wasn't eager to go off to college and start a career. My priorities were to take care of the current issues and worry about the future when it comes. If I were able to go back in time, I would advise myself to re-evaluate my decisions in life and to think about what I could do with the potential I have. Up until middle school, I was at the top of my class academically and was involved in extra-curricular activities as well. Unfortunately, the momentum stopped and I ended mixing up my priorities. I didn't apply to any major universities like I had always planned on doing, and it was okay with me at the time. I spent many years in a community college after high school, switching majors and not having a stable goal. I finally found a program that was right for me, which is what I am currently pursuing. I would have definitely told the high school me that I didn't need to waste time with an undecided major, but to really focus in on my goal and work towards it.

I attended high school in Indiana. Indiana doesn't have the community college infastructure that California does. If they did I would have opted to complete all my general education requirements at a community college. The structure for obtaining a degree in California is very well spelled out. Unlike the University level in Indiana where you can take whatever you want and never talk to a counselor. It was very cumbersome to understand how to be successful whereas I feel very confident with the Community College structure in CA that I am on the right track now.

I attended Monta Vista HIgh School and they prepared me a lot for college, almost to the point of being scared that college was going to be too hard. However, now after being in college for approximately three years I would tell myself not to worry. It sometimes seems that college is easier than high school. Now in college there is a passion for what classes I am taking. Once there is that interest and freedom it doesn't make school seem like a bad thing but rather something I look forword to. There was not a huge change in the transition from high school to college which most of the people I talked to said there would be. My high school prepared me for college very well. Overall talking to my high school senior self I would basically say relax everything is going to be okay, make the most of all the experience that are coming, and remember that if something does not work out you can always try again, it is not the end of the world.

Dearest self, I know you are planning on attending college soon and that you are nervous and excited. Believe me (which shouldn't be too hard to do since, after all, I am you) college is so much fun. There are just a couple words of advice I have for you to make it an even better experience. First, learn to manage your time well now. This will help you so much. Making time for classes, homework, work, friends, and everyday activities like eating and laundry can be tricky but if you practice (remember what mom would always say, "Practice makes perfect") now it will help make college such a better experience and provide less stress. Be careful on what you spend time on. Time is precious, don't waste it. Also, don't be afraid to be more out going. I know you have a tendency to be shy and reserved but that is not always the best way to be. Be bold, be yourself, and get out there to meet new people, see new places, have new experiences, and learn new things. Good luck-I know you'll do great! Sincerely, Yours truely-me!

The mistake I made before entering college was researching the area around the schools I applied to, and underestimating my own abilities. I did a lot of searching and discovering within the campus life but I had no idea what the surroundings were like. I would have to tell myself to consider all options. Including the posibility of living off campus and what that would mean to my succes as a student. I would tell myself about my experience when I got to the school I though I wanted to go to. How I had to live off campus, alone, in an uncomfortable, and rather unsafe area. Then I would tell myself how great I am doing now at a college I never even considered going to. All the wonderful experiences I have had and the great people I have met. I would share my succeses to prove to my high school self that i am capable of anything and to aim as high as I can imagine. To not settle for average!

As a senior in high school I would like to assure my self that college is not as hard as people might think it is. By allowing my self to get the guidance of a counselor and creating a map to follow about the classes and requirements I need to fulfill for my future carrear I will take my studies quarter by quarter, or semester by semester and concentrate on the present class knowing that I have a schedule of classes to follow on the upcoming quarters and every school quarter will be closer to my dream.