Lakeland University Top Questions

I would tell my 18 year old self that as I mature, learn and experience more about life it is okay to change my educational and career path. Don't be discouraged when your plans change. Changing goals doesn't mean you've failed or wasted time. It represents growth and experience that has rewarded you with reassurance and confidence to follow your aspirations. Keeping an open mind to new possibilities will help you to realize your potential.

If I was able to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself not to be afraid of what people thought of you. Everyone is nervous in the beginning and it is best to try and get out of your comfort zone, sooner than later. Caring about what people think about you just holds you back from being yourself. Don't be afraid to try new things, clubs or social groups. You will never know the friends you could make if you do not adventure out of your circle.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, knowing what I know now I would have a list of things to help prepare myself. I would tell myself that college is going to be some of the best years of your life; it’s exciting and life changing. College is a huge step and no one is ever really completely prepared for it. I would tell myself to do my best because grades mean so much more in college than they did in high school, and stay strong because you can make it through all of your classes no matter how hard they seem. You don’t really understand how important college is until you walk across the stage for graduation and knowing that you are moving on to bigger and better things for yourself in life. I know that the person I would go back to talk to would be an innocent senior just trying to complete some sort of degree after high school, but I will learn, and I did that college is worth it and I just need to keep pushing myself so I can accomplish my dreams.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, the first thing I would tell myself is to stop being so arrogant and obnoxious. Then, I would explain how college is not like high school because there is not as much drama and my class mates will not ridicule me for the fun of it. I would also tell myself to start looking for scholarships early because someday my college money would go towards my mother's medical bills and not to let the stress of my mom's cancer battle discourage me in my studies. I probably would not tell myself what career path to take though, because the best part of finding my calling was the sense of accomplishment that came with it. Besides, knowing me, at that age I would have purposely tried to take a different career path just to prove myself wrong. *Sigh* Kids these days.

If I could go back to my first year of college, I would tell myself not to buy books from the school because they are too expensive. I should have bought my books online to save over 100 dollars becasue I bough books from the campus shop. I would also tell myself to get a lower meal plan to save money becasue the school recommends a very expencive and large meal plan for freshman. I would tell myself to eat less and start using the gym and excerize rooms to stop myself from gaining the freshman 15. I would buy a new dorm refriegerator in order to have more fresh fruits and vegtables in my room.

I would tell myself to go out and talk to people. I need to get out of my comfort zone more often because it will help talking to other people. It helps me try new things and meet many amazing people.

I would tell my younger self that college means commitment, dedication ,self sacrifice , and that one must prepare themselves now to face the challenges it will bring. For example, going to college takes commitment because you will be spending the next 4 years of your life in a quest for a degree to whatever career path you decide to take. It may seem like forever but stick with it and don't give up no matter how difficult the road ahead may seem. Don't settle to fail but expect to succeed. Remember that education is a priceless gift. It also takes dedication because there are so many things in life that can distract you and make you lose your focus as to whats important and in achieving your ultimate goal. Stay focused and keep your eyes on the prize. Just stick with your classes and get the best grades you can get. Keep improving yourself ,in the classroom and as an individual. Lastly, it takes self sacrfice because there will be many things you will have to sacrifice to pursue your goal such as time, sleep, or even recreation. However, remember, that your struggle is not in vain.

This is your chance to pursue your dreams. Work hard, but also take time to relax. The next four years will go by quickly, so take time to soak in the moments. Take deep breaths, look around and make as many friends as you can. This is a huge step in the direction of your future; step forward boldly!

If I were able to give myself advice I would consistently remind myself to work hard. In high school I had the tendency to only give fifty percent when it came to my work because initially I was not motivated to go to college. Now, that I am a college student I will tell myself to, not only give a hundred and ten percent, but learn to enjoy what it is that I am learning and doing. Also, I will tell myself to become my own "cheerleader". No one is going to give me more support than myself. In high school I should have not been dependent upon others for support regarding whatever goals I were to attain. Now, in college I know that I have to depend upon myself for motivation and support. Therefore, looking back, I would have told myself as a high school senior, to work hard, focus,be self-motivated, and give my full potential toward my work and my goals.

If I could go back and talk to my high school senior self, the best advice I could give would be not to worry so much about choosing a major right away. I think many students feel they have to be aiming toward a specific expertise, but there are options of just taking general studies until we, as students, can figure it all out. I have switched majors many times and have loved every experience and I am now finally on the path that I can see myself doing everyday forever. I would tell my younger self that there are other financial options out there and there is help so not to put a hold on going to school because for awhile that seemed to be what was holding me back. Also, go in and talk to an advisor. You don't have to do it alone. They are extremely helpful and want what's best for you too.

To not stress out and worry so much, and beleive in yourself. I got poor grades in high school and was worried about how college would treat me. My first semester here i recieved a 3.0 which i had never gotten in highschool before. I would convince my self that it is deffinitly possible to turn over a new leaf in college and to be confident in myself.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, there are a few pieces of advice I would give myself in order to be better-prepared for college life. First of all, I would advise myself to research in-depth possible careers that interest me. I feel that this advice would have helped me be better prepared to decide on a major. Secondly, I would advise myself to get involved on my new college campus. It is so much easier to meet new people and make friends when you are involved in sports, clubs, and musical groups! Lastly, I would tell myself to meet with my advisor routenly! There is a reason why students are assigned an advisor- they know what classes you need and they are here to help you keep on track! Advisors are there for you, and they want to help in any way they can. Even though the high school me wasn't completely prepared for college life, my freshman year was a time when I learned so much and discovered exactly where my life was headed!

This is a question that I have actually asked myself. I honestly feel that I would have told myself to take a year or two off of school. I don't know that I would have listened to this advice at all. College is a whole new world, and I was not ready for it. When I got to college I took advantage of the freedom and forgot about my studies. I would have told myself that focusing on my degree is more important then working. The money would be great right at that moment but if I could just stick out being a poor college student and get the good grades that it would work out better for me in the end. I would also tell myself to enjoy college, take advantage of all that college is suppose to teach you, the good the bad and the crazy. That is what college is all about but most importantly focus on getting those grades that I worked so hard to get in high school.

Currently, I am an adult reentry student in college, and I have two completely different perspectives concerning college life and the transition from high school to college. Knowing what I know now about college life, I would advise myself as a high school senior to stay out of debt and take advantage of all the financial aid resources available and that although the transition from high school to college is challenging, it is also very rewarding. The Financial Aid Office was an excellent resource that I utilized while attending college. Staff taught me ways to fund my education by filing the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) and by submitting the California Board of Governors Grant (BOGG). They also gave me direction to the hundreds of scholarships for which I qualified. To stay out of debt is easy: throw the credit card offers away! If you are asked if you want a student loan, say no; there are other ways to pay for a college education (see the paragraph above for details). College is quite different than high school, so “be prepared to work hard and keep your nose to the grindstone,” just like Grandpa used to say.

I gave very little thought to what I wanted to do after graduate. I didn’t visit college campuses, look at different schools online, nor explore careers. Actually, I only applied to one school, Fox Valley Technical College. I was accepted as I had a good GPA, graduated third in my class and participated in several extracurricular activities. In 2010, I graduated from FVTC with a GPA of 3.951 and received an Associate’s Degree in Business Management. My original plan was to use this degree and work at my father’s company. However, while working part time and going to school I realized my passion was not with my father’s company, but in Accounting. Therefore, I transfer to Lakeland College and I am now pursing an Accounting degree. I would tell myself: explore options. Use your senior year to visit colleges and really think about what you want to do. Don’t go to FVTC because you feel like you are expected to enter into the family business. Think about what classes you enjoyed in high school and see if there is a career available in that field. Good luck and your family is behind you!

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would advise myself to consider what type of college experience was most important to me and also consider this when selecting a college. College life includes more than an education; it also encompasses a variety of clubs, as well as environmental, community, and social networks. It is important to keep my ultimate goal of college in sight: where I want my education to lead me. For me, the purpose of a college education is to help me achieve my dream career. It can be too easy to have a narrow focus on the classes I am currently taking or even become overly absorbed in an entirely new social life that is available, and become ambivalent to the other facets of college life. While getting an A in a class takes hard work and is an achievement and enjoying the social aspects of college is a lot of fun, it is also important to take advantage of networks, clubs, and other resources that could assist me in my career path upon graduation. Keeping this in mind would help to maximize the benefit of a college education.

I would love to go back in time and talk to my-high-school-senior-self. I would first of all tell myself to stop thinking about relationships with boys and concentrate more on school. I would tell myself to have more confidence and faith in myself. I would also tell myself to get to the student resource center and apply for scholarships. I was never told in high school, belive it or not, that you actually had to apply for a scholarship; I thought they were just handed out. I would also tell my past self that my future self would have a good experience in college, and that even though I didn't know what I wanted to do in school, I would realize my goals just as long as I just attended. I would also tell myself to be more adaptable to change, that change is constant, and that only through this realization, I will be more suited to the world that lay before me. Then before I jump back into that time portal back into the present, I would give myself a big hug and say,"Don't ever use credit cards!"

Here is the advice I'd give myself: College is easy for some and not for others. A 4 year college can be confusing with registration and knowing what you need to do to be prepare for graduation. I would suggest that if you don't know what you want to major in, certainly start with something cheaper such as the technical college and complete some generals there. By followign this path, you'll give yourself some time to learn about yourself and learn about what you really want to be in life. This option also is cheaper, saving you some money. The technical college works every well with their students to understand college life and you won't be lost as far as not knowing what classes to pick out and what to do next. Jumping right into a 4 year college can make you feel like you are lost and noone 's around to help.

If I could go back, I would tell myself to attend a four year college right away. I loved my technical school experience, but in the real world it seems like a bachalor degree is what gets you promotions or jobs. I was afraid to leave everything that I found comfortable at home, and if I could change things I would tell myself to take the jump into the world I didn't know. I learned what importance furthering your eduction was a few years later and have been striving to achieve my bachalor degree goal for years now.

The advice that I would give myself would be to take nothing forgranted. I know, it seems as such a cliche but I mean it in more ways then one. I would tell myself to appreciate all my parents do. That includes them paying for all the things I need, as well as them fussing at me to go to bed at a decent hour, or even them trying to have random parent daughter talks with me. I never knew that I would miss them so much, even being only an hour drive away. I would tell myself to appreciate the time I had to spend with my friends. Although I have made new friends and I often talk to my old ones, it is not the same when we all go home. I would tell myself to appreciate living my high school life. Appreciate everything, because college is a whole new ball game. I would tell myself, college is a big deal...so be prepared. Lastly, maybe one of the most important things, I would tell myself to go to prom. Everyone talks about it, and I regret not making those memories. I took that opportunity forgranted.

College is a great experience and is not as scary as people make it seem. As long as you keep your mind focused on your education, your goals and your dreams, you will be successful in all that you do. Don't ever be afraid to ask for assistance when you need it, because there are always people around to help you.

I would have made wiser decisions. I did it backwards and started a family before I got a degree. This makes things more diffecult then just coming out of high school. Now I see myself having to make sure I have great time management to get everything completed. College is diffecult, but having other responsiblies are hard enough. The other thing I would have done was set up more options. I jumped into school with my family and our health complications with my daughter. I would go back and look at what best options to get my degree. I was so determined that I didn't look at if it was possible. So your situation you put yourself in a long with the right school is most important. Rushing things can cause issues because life has it ups and downs. You need to make sure you at a place that fits your lifestyle along with what college has instore for you.

Life in college is similar yet different than high school. You are on your own. There are no parents to make sure you get your work done and the professors do not moderate your work. It is up to you to make sure your assignments are done and in on time. You will find you don't have a curfew but also you can't get your school work done if you stay out late night after night. You are responsible for everything in your daily routine, from what time you get up, go to class, eat, and what activities you get involved in. You meet new friends from diverse backgrounds. Some you will like, some you won't. You have to learn to accept things that you cannot change and to stay clear of things that will hurt you academically or socially. College is the beginning of your adult life. What you learn in college in your daily routines will prepare you for the real world when you get a job and begin life as an adult. Have fun, but always stay focused on the future.

The advice I would give myself is that I need to make sure to try to get into all the college level classes in highschool and make sure I work hard to do well in these classes. I would make sure that I try to save as much money as I can, so it isn't as big of a problem right away when I start college. Also, I would apply for classes as soon as you can therefore, you are able to get into the classes you want and get them when you want. When your college has an orientation I would recommend going becuase you learn a lot of information about the school and you get to meet professors. By going to the orientation you also get familiar with the campus and it is a great time to meet friends. Another tip I would give is make sure you get in with the right crowd and don't be afraid to get out and do some of the activities that the campus has, it is a great way to meet friends. In college you can't be afraid to go to the tutors and ask for help.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a senior in HIgh School , I would tell myself to never give up. College is not a party time just because you have reached adulthood, but a time to buckle down, study and be organized. In classes that are hard for you detailed note taking will help you out a great deal when it comes to studing for test, quizes and exams.

Finding the right college was a difficult process for many students. You might feel nervous, even frightened, when travelling around the country to find the right school. But the search is worth it - there will be a school whose campus and people will feel just right for you. Lakeland College has made me feel this way. It indeed has become a second home for me. When you search for a college, don't look for something unfamiliar or a school with the very best reputation; instead, look for a school that feels like home.

I would advise parents or students that this school is very personal and accepting to absolutely everyone. This school is not about the partying it is about making friends and focusing on school. I have made lifelong friends and become very involved in on campus life. It was the only school I ever considered and I would never have gone anywhere else.

Make sure you visit your school and try to meet as many faculty/staff and students as possible. Although other things are very important when deciding what school is best for you, the people you are surrounded by are critical. If you dont like the people around you it is hard to enjoy anything else a school has to offer!

For the parents, I would say-know about financial aid so that you know how it works at your child's college. Also, dont be afraid to let you kid go, they are growing up. For the students-dont be afraid to go out there and make some friends. your college lie will be miserable lonely. If you arent doing so well in class, talk to your prof--they are there to help. Also, go to the tutor!

Do a weekend-long stay.

don't do it based off of a boyfriend/girlfriend. do it for yourself

Find a college that you feel comfortable at. Take the time to talk to the students at the college about their experiences and look into the statistics of the college. Make sure the school will help you to acheive your goals. My biggest advice is GET INVOLVED!! I am a commuter student and love my college because I got involved early on and it opened up so many more doors for me. Find a campus that feels like home. Find a campus that gives you the opportunity to get involved in many different things, where you don't have to choose one over the other.

Do what feels right to the student. He or she is the one who will be spending the next few years there, make a choice based on how they react to situations and what they want to do with their lives. If they love an active social life, then you should find a school with a great set of social groups. Don't decide because the neighbor's kid got accepted to Harvard that Harvard is the place for your son or daughter.

Make sure you know what type of school you want whether its big or small. Why do you want to go there for sports or school. Make sure you dont just go to a party school and you really would like to learn.

Look for a College that will point you in the direction of your career....

Find a school where you feel at home. When you have that feeling then you know you are where you are supposed to be. Enjoy all of the activities and be involved in as much as possible. Life is what you make it and you can decide if you are going to be bored or have some fun. When you see someone new don't be afraid to introduce yourself that is how you make friends!

Keep your mind open about where you want to go and what you want to do. I was always told that everything happens for a reason, and I truly believe it does. I was planning on going to a completely different school, but when that did not work out, I went with my second choice, which was a lot closer to home and a little more expensive. At first, I was not too excited about attending, but it grew on me very quickly. Now, I have a different major, different career goal, a lot of great new friends, and even the man that I hope to spend the rest of my life with. If I had attended my first choice, who knows where I would be, but I would not have had all of these wonderful experiences that I had attending my current school. I am happy that things did not work out with the other school. Keeping an open mind led me to where I am now, and I could not be happier.