Metropolitan State University of Denver Top Questions

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

Shelby

In high school, I was overwhelmed with the thought of going to college. I thought about the dorms, the new people, the long nights of studying, and intense exams. I had an idea of what college was like, but I was unsure how it would go for me. If I could go back to talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to not freak out as much as I did. I was constantly worried I wouldn’t do well, and I was afraid to be an independent and responsible adult. I was excited, but also nervous about college when I was in high school, but I also had no idea what my educational goals were going to be. I had no intended major or career path, because of this I was an anxious and nervous wreck trying to find myself. If I could go back, I would tell myself to relax, and that it is okay to be unsure of what my future holds. Stress holds people back from following their dreams, and back in high school, I was tied down by stress of starting college. You just have to follow your heart.

Madison

Myself as a high school senior is difficult to explain. I moved my junior year from a big high school in Colorado to a really, really small town high school in Texas. I didnt know very many people and honestly didn't know what to say to most people. Everyone grew up together and I felt out of place. The people I went to high school with in Colorado, I grew up with and knew for almost all of my life. So I knew what that's like. As time passed at my new school I met new people but still always felt out of place. I am not a very shy person, quite maybe but now shy and I think that is something I would tell my high school senior self, don't be so quite to the point people percieve you as shy. It puts a damper on your experience anywhere when people feel like you have nothing to say. I would say, "Be yourself, be happy and if you talk too much at times it's okay, because if people don't like it, you don't need them around. They don't like you for you. "

Chrstopher

Hey Chris, this is future you. I understand that there's an ideal amount of uncertainty and fear of even the thought of college. Im here to tell you that it’s okay to have these feelings. It’s not okay to allow those feelings to prevent you from growing into an intelligent and enlightened person. Going to college for the first time gave us a feeling of elatedness and wonder of the times to come. Being able to connect with others that share the same goals of getting a higher education is an amazing feeling. Im not going to sugar coat it, its going to be difficult and the material will be challenging. There will be many times where you spend endless nights trying to finish a final project, due to our procrastination. But I can confidently confide that its all worth it in the end. Having the knowledge that you obtain from college, helps you progress in life and become an awesome person both in mind and heart. Looking back I would tell myself to feel the feelings that came before going into college, and turn those feelings into positive and empowering emotions to tackle college head on.

Caroline

Dear Self, Graduating as a senior in high school feels like the biggest step of your life thus far, but trust me when I say that it is only the beginning. Graduating college and looking for a graduate program is not something that we ever thought possible, but it is happening and you, my determined little friend, made it happen. In college it is most important to study hard, arrive on time, make friends, attend school activities, and make yourself known around campus. The connections you make in college will follow you through life and will land you your first counseling job when you graduate. You will graduate with honors, and you will only do this by paying attention in class, staying on top of the work, enjoying your internship, and asking all the questions you can. Your professors are there to help you, and you paid them so use it. Also, most importantly, APPLY FOR Scholarships! You will graduate with a 4.0 and never applied for a scholarship, and now you owe money; stupid move. Help is out there and it's available so use it! Good luck, Caroline

Lozin

We should not procasinate the school work.

Joshua

If I could go back in time to my high school self I would say what the heck are you thinking right now?! I would tell myself that I am going to regret not taking high school as serious as I should have. I needed a big slap to wake me up to the reality that football and basketball are not as important as my academics. I would tell myself that if I kept focusing on sports more than I did school I am not going to get into the college that I want, and after high school no one if going to care how good I am at football if I can't even get into a college to play football. I would say that the high school is easy compared to college and that if I don't get my shit together I am going to have a rough time succeeding in college and in life in general. I would tell myself that I need to rearrange my priorities really quick. Now that I was fortunate enough to get into college I am making sure I'm not going to make the same mistake twice.

Jessica

The advice I would give to my high school self is to dream big. There is so much finanical help out in the world and I should have taken advantage of that and gone to my dream school right away instead of going somewhere cheaper and being miserable. Chase your dreams and don't let money be a reason not to. Also, don't go somewhere just to be with your friends. Sometimes after high school you realize you were only friends with some people because you went to school and saw them 5 times a week. Go where you want to go, no matter who or what tries to stop you, and I promise you won't regret it.

Milo

Milo....psssst, hey....Milo! Listen dude, you are a freshman in high school, nervous and scared, learning how to find your way and fit in, I know. Classes are not your top priority at the moment, but if you really focus and pay attention, you can take actual college classes in high school and earn college credit. The sooner you start, the more credit you can earn, especially your junior and senior years! This means less time in college classes-earning your degree faster- and more time out in real life, living your dream of owning a fashion and design business and hand-painting those custom sneakers you love! So make your high school classes top priority and keep your eyes on the prize. All your hard work now will pay off big later and will be totally worth it, especially when you look back and are able to feel good about how hard you worked. And remember, when you are a rich and famous clothing and shoe designer, living the life, be sure to go back to your high school and speak to the kids about your experiences. Inspire them to follow their dreams and believe in themselves!

Colin

Follow your own path, but don’t be too sure of yourself. You’re an adult and you get to make your own choices now; do what you think is best for yourself, but remember all those older folks giving you advice have a major advantage over you in terms of experience. Exercise every day, even (or especially) if you don’t feel like it: not only will it set you up for a healthy lifetime habit, but it will help keep your mind sharp for your current studies. And stay hydrated. If you decide to “take some time off” from school, you will regret it. Then again, you might regret it if you don’t. Be prepared to make and lose a lot of friends, and try to remember sometimes both can have a net positive impact on your life. Get used to the fact that not very many things are going to go according to plan and learn to accept it—nay, revel in it. You may never work in an area directly related to your major, but that’s ok.

Tasha

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, the advice I would give to myself would be to not worry so much and just relax. I spent too much time my first couple years in college worrying about every little thing whether it was about making friends, homework, what I wanted to major in, money, getting a job, etc. The stress eventually took over my life and gave me terrible anxiety problems. One of the first issues that started my anxiety was what I wanted to major in. Once we graduate high school we are thrown into the real world and expected to know what we want to do for the rest of our lives, it’s a difficult process; I went back and forth between what I wanted to do constantly, it was exhausting. One semester I took a women’s history class to fulfill a general education credit and since then I was hooked. I eventually did learn that everything ends up working out in the end, but back then I didn’t view it that way.

Jorge

I remember that as a high school senior I felt a little lost and unsure but at the same time I felt like I should have had more information than I actually did. I think part of this was due to the fact that a large amount of my peers seemed to have their futures, at least for the next four years, well thought out. College was never discussed in my family but because of the environment and the people I surrounded myself with it was the next progressive step to take after high school. Depending on the student’s support system, this period of time can be a difficult transition in life. I know that even with a strong supportive system, my family means the world to me, this can be difficult. So my advice to the high school me and any high school student would be; don’t be afraid to ask questions and pick peoples brains for advice and lessons. It is important to use all of your resources to be as informed as possible. There is no reason to put the pressure of being a know-it-all on yourself, especially when it is not expected.

Richard

Take the most rigorous classes possible in high school and take the ACT more seriously because it affects a lot of what you end up doing in college. Also, even though you think high school sports are your world, most people do not go on to play sports in college so choose a college that has what you want to study. Take classes in high school that will be meaningful for what you want to study in college if you know what you want to do as a career. Build great relationships with high school teachers and coaches not only because it's the right thing to do, but because you will need them for a few years in college as references.

Savon

Confusion surrounds the true importance of life in high school. I wish it was possible to explain the change in perspective I've found in college. Drugs and parties mean nothing in real life, neither do the friends you feel you've found in that world. The sad truth is that they're connections. They mean nothing, and parties mean nothing in college. You can't find true friends and like minded peers in a superficial manner. It's worth the time to deal with the slow process of making friends; no friends is better than a group of superficial ties. Feeling lonely in a room full of people is never a confortable feeling, so what you need to do is realize your interests, and as a result, your peers. It may sound generic, but you can't find people to connect with if you're not connected with yourself. So take the time, and eventually you will see how things gradually fall into place. I know it's hard to accept, and I'm not saying don't put in any effort, but stop doing what you're doing. Education is the true mind expansion, not psychedelic drugs.

Margaret

If i could go back in time to tell myself as a senior in high school anything, i would make sure to remind myself that I need to stay focused and keep my social life down to a limit during the school week as well as the weekends in order to have plenty of time for school work, like homework and studying. I would also tell myself to join some study groups for each class that I will be taking. The more you study, the better off you'll be. In order to maintain a GPA of 2.0 or higher, you must try your very best at each class and make sure you do the homework and projects correctly in order to get a good grade. Tests are a very huge chunk of your grade so be sure to study, study, study! Make sure you go to tutoring if there is anything you need help with. Most of all, try your hardest and keep your head held high and stay focused!

Brianna

I would tell myself to not get distracted. Yes you are on your own for the first time, but your studies are the most important thing. Later on you will get into graduate school and you need to do your very best in the beginning of college so you are not incredible stressed when you are nearing the end of your undergraduate degree. Do not room with your best friend. You and her will go down two completely different paths and it will create a terrible living situation durring your freshman year. Though you haven't gotten along with your sisters in the past, you are an adult now, about to live on your own. Your sisters want to be close to you, let them. Do not push them away. Be willing to accept change, take chances and do not make the same mistake twice. Do not be afraid to say yes to good opportunities and no to others who may be pressuring you. Always be yourself and always be confident. You will reach your goals, just stay focused and true to yourself.

Shelby

Shelby, calm down. I know you're excited to start this journey. Lot's to do, things to learn, and new people to meet! However, you must remember that even though Denver is a great city with much to see and do, academia is essential to your future! Over the course of the next four years, you're going to encounter those that will become distracted by the world around them. Always remember your ambition and determination, this will help more than you know. It's important to never close off any experience that may enrich or enhance your life. If you feel an interest, go for it! Life is short and in order to truly follow your heart you must really live it. Be sure to remain centered and remember the important things in life: love, family, friends, and of course keeping your eyes on the prize... a happy and successful future! Life is all about balance. Yes this will come with hard work and you will have to make sacrifices. At times you'll think that you're missing out on life but trust me, if you remember your values and concentrate on your strengths, success will follow.

Amani

Looking back to my senior year, I do realize that there were flaws I made. I believed in “senioritis,” and I didn’t take the year too seriously. I did achieve good grades, but I didn’t try my best. I procrastinated and just looked forward to graduating. Even though I didn’t skip school, tried joining clubs, and tried making a good impression for colleges (harder than any previous year), I still think I could have done better. If I were to go back, I would tell myself to not slack off, and to take the year seriously. I would also try to work harder on my SAT scores. I would also tell myself to apply to my dream college. My biggest mistake senior year was not applying for many scholarships, and that is why I couldn’t afford to go to the college of my dreams. Now, I can only hope I can transfer now with the help of scholarships. The last thing I would tell myself is to belive in myself, and to belive that anything could happen.

Cindy

I would tell myself to save money, and to be more careful of the choices i made when i was in high school. I would make sure to be more appreciative of the teacher's i had who extended an extra helping hand, and who cared just a little more than they actually needed to. I would engrave in my head that situations in life will get harder as the years go by, no matter how it seemed like things were passing along perfectly. No doubt, i would let it be known it really is best to continue your education as soon as you've graduated high school, and to not take any time off school in between semesters. Time off only leads to more time off with excuse after excuse, and before you know it two years has already passed by and all you're doing is working to live and living to work. Overall, the most important thing i would have told myself 3 years ago would be to stay in school and work hard at it.

Alexis

Alexis, I have three major pieces of advice for your great adventure next year. 1) When you find yourself watching movies, babbling away to your friends, crocheting hats, and ultimately avoiding those horrible papers which nobody should ever have to write, turn yourself around and march straight to your desk. There, write a list of everything you need to get done and then tackle one task at a time until absolutely everything is finished. Getting behind in college will mean the end of sleeping as you know it. 2) Loosen up! None of your friends from high school are going to follow your genius advice and attend MSU Denver for a music degree. That means you are going to have to start from the beginning in the friend front. But trust me, these people are some of the most wonderful people you will ever meet. And 3) Start practicing clarinet more immediately because even though you hate band now, you are going to fall in love with that crazy instrument in the first week of your private lessons (I was surprised too). Be open and ready to discover what you love doing!

Rebecca

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself about college. The first thing would be to get to know the RA on the floor very well. She is a great resource for you. Second, start applying for scholarships at the beginning of senior year and apply for as many as you can, contact Pitt and see if they have any you can apply for. Third, work hard, get help when you need it and make good study habits that you can keep. There is a learning center on campus for a reason; use that resource to your fullest benefit. If you have any problems with managing your time, take your class schedule to the university psychologist Molly and she’ll help you make a schedule for homework and studying. Ask lots of questions either during class or after class and e-mail professors when you feel overwhelmed and ask them for extra help; don’t be afraid of them. Lastly, don’t worry about being homesick and missing people there, you’ll make tons of great friends in college that will be there for you when you need them most.

Alisha

My adivse would be to see a counsler as soon as you can and figure out your classes. Counslers can help in many ways including helping you figure out your classes and schedule. You need to know what classes you are going to take and having a layout of which classes you will take and when to take them, this is important. There are certain classes that you have to take before other ones and classes that you should take in seperate semesters. You do not want to take classes that you think you might need but in reality you didn't need them. A counsler can help with this confusion.

Denise

Have fun, try everything you can, step out of your box, and take this one chance to be a kid. There is no advantage to behaving like an adult when you are in school, you have the rest of your life to do that. With that being said, your studies are important, take them seriously and put in the effort to be successful. You will thank yourself for the work you put in when you look back. Cherish those that are good to you, and know in your heart, who makes the cut on your true friends list. Those will be the people you call when you get engaged or pregnant, and they will be happy for you then, just as they celebrate your current successes. And last, but certainly not least, tell your family that you love them, and appreciate all they do for you. Just remember, mom did not have to take you to school with your tuba and pick you up late because you missed the bus for football practice. She supported you in all you chose to do.

Mary

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a senior in high school, I would give the following advice: follow your heart. Know who you are and trust your insticts. There is a lot of pressure to know what you want to do in your life right now as you transition out of high school, but you are still young and have a lot to learn and it's okay to make mistakes, but if you listen to the outisde influences more than you listen to yourself, you will fail. In taking the time to realize who you are and what impact you want to make on the world, it will benefit you more than any degree would. Be patient and humble. Take time to breathe and don't overload yourself because you think you have to or because others do it. Be responsible with your time and your finances. And more than anything, have fun!

Charisma

Some advice I would give myself would be to stay focused. Stay determained and remember your goals.

Laura

There are no limits to one’s courage and determination. The advice I would give my younger self is to remain unattached to outcomes and learn to live in a state of unconditional, childlike wonder. There is an inner strength and an inner peace that can be found within us all, both of which the world cannot penetrate and the hypocrisy and incognizance of mankind cannot poison. Embrace that inner source of strength and you will become fearless. Laugh and dance as much as possible. Do not be afraid of heartache, but prepare yourself because tragedy will undoubtedly hit. When this happens, all you can do is keep your chin up, your head held high, and your faith going strong. Life is about learning and you can learn the most through unpleasant experiences and difficult times - do not forget the power in the struggle. Never leave room for regret, while always remaining open to new and different ideas. Embrace life with all of its quirks, surprises, and disappointments, and always be thankful for life experiences and opportunities. Attitude is everything.

Aaron

When I was a senior in high school, I had an idealistic view of what college would be. I expected to have the perfect college experience like you see in the movies, where the main character is able to balance a perfect social life with new friends and relationships with a perfect academic career. I truly felt that this is what my college experience would be. I felt like I would be able to conquer the world. Once I started college, the reality of it all slapped me in the face. While we all need a social life, it took me until my sophomore year to realize how it is nothing compared to the importance of academics. If I could go back and talk to my high school self, I would let him know that he won't have that idealistic college experience, that college is hard work. I would let him know that the great social life he will find in college is not nearly as important as staying on track for his future. I would want him to know straight-up that the friends worth keeping are the ones who will be cheering him on at graduation.

Helen

Dear Helen, I know you are making some major decisions in your life at this time. I want to say, “Be patient, keep searching, everything will work out just fine, and trust your instincts.” You desire to be in the health field, but what you quest after is not readily accepted now, however it will gain popularly as Western Medicine losses its glamour. Western Medicine and Alternatives work well together and you will be part of helping it grow together. Be patient as the world catches up to you and in the meantime find out what your other interests are and act on them. Everything will work out just fine as long as you keep focused on what you want. Trust your instincts, they are trustworthy and will lead you to the knowledge you seek. Again, “Be patient, keep searching, everything will work out just fine, and trust your instincts.” With Love, Your Future Self, Helen

Elizabeth

If I could go back in time to talk to my high school self the most important thing that I would tell myself about college is to work as hard as possible. When I graduated high school I didn't really know how to study and it was a very sharp learning curve during my first semester. That advice to "work hard" would really mean that I shouldn't underestimate the work load that is required to succeed in college. Just because I didn't have to do much to get good grades in high school does not mean that the same applies to college at all. I would also tell myself to be as open to new experiences as possible. I have a tendency to be shy and if I would have been more open to new things going into college, I think that it would not have taken me as long to adjust to college life.

Christiane

The biggest advice I would give myself is don't get frusterated about the little things and don't get lazy. Transitioning to college from highschool was rather easy for me because it was in my home city, and my high school prepared us greatly for college. The hardest part for me was the fact that I would get frusterated about not being able to find a certain book in the library, or the fact that I had to walk to school from the lightrail (which is maybe 10 steps from the first door). Getting frusterated with these types of small things kept me from going to school sometimes, or kept me from continuing to look for that certain book. After attending college for a couple of years now I have realized things like that should not be something that keeps me from moving forward in my education and working as hard as I can to succeed.

Nya

If I could back in time and talk to Nya the high school senior, I would tell myself that the college process is a lot harder than I thought it would be. I would tell myself to make a list of everything that I need for financial aid. I would definitely talk to my advisor more about where I can go to apply for scholarships from my university and what requirements that needs to be met. I would also tell myself not to buy books for class until after the semester has started and I know whether or not if I need a book for that specific course or not.

Alicia

Wake up, young lady! Your potential is greater than you know, and today is a great day to start realizing that potential. Ask yourself, 'What do you want out of life?', 'Where do you see yourself in ten years?'. Answering these questions now will help you decide what you want for your future, and what steps to take to get you to that future. Be true to yourself and what you want, don't follow the pack just because you think it's 'cool'. Great things are waiting for you, but it's up to you to get yourself there.

Chandra

Believing is acheiving. Many times in my life it felt that I was set up for failure. My siblings and I were the raised a single parent who struggled to support our family financially. Although it is fairly common now, the judgement associated with the circumstances seemed to limit my ability to succeed. Throughout my senior year, I attended high school in the morning, beauty school in the afternoon, and worked in the evenings and weekends. I supported my family much of the time. It was the life of constant survival to stay afloat. However, it did not weigh down my spirit. If I could look into my eyes the day I graduated, I would say that all the hard work and effort is worth the struggle. Find that centered place and focus on the ultimate goal when times are hard, then plan accordingly. Research the teachers, review their syllabus, and schedule your time to allow yourself success. You are only limited by the perceptions you allow yourself to hold onto. The demands of college are great, but the believe in yourself to succeed is much stronger. Accept your limits but never forget that your acheivements will last a lifetime.

Alison

I would recommend that kids go to college right after high school. It is so much more difficult at 40 with life being so much more complicated. Transitioning from high school to college is much easier. Also I would focus on the importance of doing well in school. Parties and friends are important but keeping schoolwork first and then allowing for everything else. Discipline within yourself and having goals are the key to being successful.

Nathaniel

SAVE MONEY!!!! I definitely underestimated just how expensive college would really be. I do not think that i was financialy prepared for the burden of gas, parking, and various other expenses that I have had to pay. This means that I have been very strapped for cash during this first semester. I would definitely tell myself to save a lot more money than I did. I would also tell myself to take more AP classes and try to do better on the AP tests. These often times give credit for classes in college and it would be nice to not have to take some of the general studies classes that I have learned the information from before. This would also help out with the financial aspect that i have run into, meaning that it would help to lower the costs of tuition by getting rid of classes I have already taken. Finally i would tell myself to try to live closer to the school. The hour drive I am making now is attrocious and it would be nice to have more free time due to a shorter commute.

Kimberly

I would give myself the advice of finding out what it is that I really want to do in life. I would set up a strategic personal plan that would allow me to be able to see what it was that I wished to accomplish. I would then take my time to find the college that had the best program that fit in with the career goals that I had in mind. I would inform my high school self about how life will be different when I get to college. I would make the necessary adjustments to my behaviours so that I could succeed in college. The most important advice I would give myself if I could go back in time is to be persistent, flexible and honest.

Terri

If I was able to go back in time and talk to myself, I would actually go all the way back to Elementary School in New York. That's where things started to go awry. My mother (a single parent) moved to FL when I was 7 and left me with my grandparents until she could secure a job, residence, and future for us. I felt abandoned and started to change. By the time I got to move to FL with her, the damage had already been done. I would tell myself that no matter what other circumstances are happening in your life, an education is very important. Take every advantage that you are given in the educational system and run with it. You will have time to be social later in life so focus on your studies NOW. Try different things. Join clubs. Even if you find that you don't like them, at least you will then know and can try something different. Embrace your individualism and utilize your talents to forge a career for yourself. Most important of all . . . don't quit or give up because you're not "perfect" at something. Keep going.

Anest

If i could go back in time and talk to my self as a college student, I would say to my self work harder, take things more serious that where come from success in life. More than anything else education is so valuable. There is no better way to succeed in life other than to choose the way of education. I can go higher, I can do greater if I am a lover of education. Nothing can stop my dream of becoming true. I can fall but i will never stay down. I can get beat, but I will learn. I'll fight stronger, smarter, and I will win.

Jessica

Do extracirricular activities. Volunteer a lot of your free time. Develop an identity and a strong opinion. Research and learn the techniques until you could research while sleeping. All these things will help you. Apply to scholarships often and early. Don't be lazy because laziness will you get you nowhere other than the other side of the couch. Have fun, but don't have so much fun you forget your obligations to yourself and school. You may be having fun now, but never forget about the future. Don't forget who you are and never doubt yourself. People are going to question your views on politics and life - never cower.

LaTara

I would tell myself to be more focused about my future. Every since I was five years old, I always wanted to become a nurse. My mother inspired me to become a nurse, she's been a Licensed Vocational Nurse for twenty-five years, and she always took care of her patients. After I graduated high school, I really didn't have any motivation to return to school. I guess after being in school for twelve years I needed a break. The following January after graduation, I decided to attend a community college. I was paying out of pocket for my classes but I couldn't finish the semester because my money was tight. Then later on that summer, I found out I was pregnant with my daughter. I knew right then and there, its was time to get serious about my future. Becoming a parent has given me strength and motivation to continue my education instead of working dead-end jobs for the rest of my life. So I decided to follow my dream and return to school to become a nurse. The only is keeping me from going is money.

Bennett

I would tell myself to seek as much involvement as possible in the college community, and to make as many friends as possible. To make sure to be aware of the opportunities available to myself, and to follow through on my convictions and plans. Also, I would tell myself to construct a schedule that consists of early days, and no evening classes.

Edward

Self-dependence, self-reliance and absolute concentration: these are the keys to surviving college. Everything you have learned in high school will not be enough. Everything you though you know only scratched the surface. College is the real deal and will test whether or not you can make it in life. You can't rely on mom and dad anymore. From this point on, you have only yourself against the world. Stay smart, sleep well, because the worlds of adults is hard. But don't be afraid, take the future like anything else: one day at time.

Veronica

If I could go back in time and talk to my self my senior year of high school I would tell my self to take a deep breath and stop stressing. School will work its self out and all I needed to do was suck it up and just do the work. Everything falls into place, and college is not something scary. There are a lot of people whose job is to help you get through college, all you have to do is reach out to them.

Haley

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to make the most of everything and be very thankful of everything that I was given. I had so many teachers that were just so amazing throughout my high school career and I dont think I let them know enough how much I appreciate them. I was very lucky to grow up in a small school and know everyone. Also, I wish that I would have taken every opportunity and friendship I had seriously. Many times throughout my senior year, I had many great friends but chose to only hang out with the same people all the time. And I feel like I missed so much. I look back a lot and also realize how much I goofed around in my studies. I wish so much that I would have been serious with studying because when you get to college, studying for finals is nothing like studying for high school. So I would say my advice would be: make the most of every opportunity and friendship and take your studies and school work seriously.

Kamen

Don't glide through your last year of high school. Stay focused on what you want and chase after it with all your heart. When school gets you cornered, put your game face on and throw some punches. Don't be afraid of success. Never give in to failure. If you want it, go after it. Don't let anything get in your way. Put forth the effort and keep your eye on the prize. Not everything will go the way you plan; get used to it. Roll with it and make the best of what you get. Don't be disappointed with the results, just turn the situation to your favor. Most importantly, don't ever lose sight of your goal. Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.

Ashley

If I could give my high school senior self a bit of advice, it would be a long talk! I would start with telling myself to take school more seriously, as a senior I skipped a few classes and was more worried about work and friends then my school work. Looking back on it now I kick myself. It wouldn't have been hard for me, and boy would it have helped me in the long run. I would also tell myself to go to college right away after high school. I took a seven year break from school after I graduated and I wish I could go back and start right away. By this time I would already be started in my career, be more financially stable and I think it would have cost less without house payments, car payments, and all the bills that go along with it!

LeighAnna

As I was a senior I had all my credits that I "needed" so I figured hey it's senior year you deserve this just coast. I did all my assignments with passing B's. I honestly wish that I would have staied to my studies & done everything ten times better. It would have been a lot easier to go straight into thee "big" college I wanted to attend @ first. I attended Heritage College for 2 years & the assignments came easy enough to me. ( I guess) If it was that easy for me I wish i would have went to Metro right away to get my nursing degree but everything happens for a reason. I know that it was my test to make sure I was ready for thee real deal. I can't wait to prove to my family & friends that I have worked hard to get where I am.

Maritess

If I could go back in time, the advice I would give my high school self would be to prioritize getting a college education before getting married, and especially before having children because those things changes one's priorities in life. However, life happens, and if obstacles are encountered, I would advice myself to resolve to persevere through those challenges and stay focused on the goal. Stopping and re-starting school only causes setbacks in starting a career. I would also recommend doing the extra work to research and apply for scholarships rather than relying solely on student loans because graduating with big financial burdens add stress to young graduates who are just starting out. And I would say enjoy the experiences of college and don't be in a hurry to settle down. Savor the learning experiences of college life because you are only young once.

Joelle

In my college experience, I have gotten a better understanding of the development of children, which is very beneficial for my future career in early childhood education. I have done a lot of field experience in my different courses which have helped grasp a better understanding of how it is in a classroom. My professors are really flexible and try to work with my schedule to give help. I had one professor who would meet me at 6:30 in the morning to give me help, I was so grateful at the lengths she went to help me out. In my French classes, I feel that my professors are greatly determined to get us to speak and understand the language. I see that if students do the work asked and truly want to succeed, the professors at Metro State are very supportive and can take our education to great heights. Professors at Metropolitan State College are knowledgeable and are excited about the topics they teach. I am extremely satisfied with this school and the professors I have had. I look forward to my future courses.

Heather

Attending school at Metro State has been a life changing experience. As a non-traditional student, I started out nervous about my ability to go to school and succeed. I'm now at the beginning of my sophomore term I am carrying a 4.0 gpa; which has boosted my confidence enormously. Studying at Metro State is especially stimulating, too. I feel so good and alive, all the time, because of what I'm getting out of my education both mentally and physically. Additionally, my two teenage children are getting a realistic preview of what to expect with regard to work load in college, and that is having a positive impact on their education. Finally, the very best part is that I'm doing something I'm passionate about and that is having all these positive effects on my life. I am so excited about this step on the way to my doctoral degree in psychology!

Katlynn

Since i am still an undergrad student i haven't gotten started on the classes i need for my major so im still in general education classes. I do know that you need to have a degree to get a job in this world and im feeling accomplished because i am a first generation college student. It was very valuable for me to attend school at metro because i learned more about myself. I learned the kind of school im looking to attend and that i am definitely not a girl that wants to live in the city.