Northland Pioneer College Top Questions

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

Miranda

If I could go back in time and give my highschool self advice, I would have three important points to make. The first thing I would tell my highschool self is that even if you think you know what you want to do, you'll probably change your mind. It's really important to have a goal and know what you like, but it is crucial to be adaptable as well. While in college , you will learn and grow immensely. I would tell myself to allow for that change. The second thing I would tell my highschool self would be to organize my time wisely. There are times in college when you have no homework and other times when you are overloaded. To avoid unnecessary stress, you should use free time to get a head start on projects. The third thing I would tell myself, would be to get out there and be more social. I would tell myself to attempt to get more involved and meet new people. College is an incredible time in your life when it comes to making connections. You get out of it exactly what you put in. That advice is priceless.

Shanelle

Trust your gut in all decisions you make, and do whatever you feel most comfortable with regardless of what other people think. College is going to turn your world upside down in both the worst and best ways possible. You will lose yourself, but you will eventually find yourself again. You will change your major like a hundred times, however, go with a major that will provide the career of your choice. Change is both necessary and inevitable in college, so try to embrace it as much as you can. At the end of the day, remember that you're in college to learn and become whoever it is that you decide to be. Making mistakes will be apart of the learning process, so be easy on yourself. Forgive yourself of all the wrong doings and keep moving forward. Last but not least, be selective of those who get to spend time with you. Surround yourself with positive people who have the same goals of being successful and making something of themselves. Stay focused, study hard, and have fun!

Leah

Being a senior wouldn't give me enough time. I slacked off through high school because I didn't know how important school and education is. I would tell myself to get involved in every club and activity I could, keep up on my grades and strive for A's, and apply to any and every college that had programs for my intended study. I would tell myself, chin up! Times will get better. Money will get easier to come by. You won't have to work for friends. And your intelligence will be your strongest attribute. I would also tell myself that my interests will shift all over the place until I land on one that will open doors to many jobs and not keep me stuck in one field. And lastly, I would remind myself to travel. Leave home, go places that are uncomfortable, see the world with new eyes. Do it now while you don't pay bills and have a good job. Go satisfy your ever-oncoming wanderlust.

Holly

Talking to myself as a high school senior I would say that going to a 2 year community college after graduating would be the best thing, and then transfer to a university. A smaller college will be easier and help you adjust.

Crystal

I have recieved confidence that I never thought I could gain. I have the proper learning skills that will be useful to obtaining a career that suits me in the future. I am now a junior in college, and I have much more knowledge about the business field. Now I am confident that I can look forward to a better future for my family knowing that I have the knowledge and confidence needed to becoming more successful. I have also become a more responsible individual when it comes to scheduling and making time for things that matter most in life. I now know how to set goals and reach for something better by never turning down a challenge. Most importantly, I learned that some things do not come so easy in life. We must all work very hard to get to where we want to go, and through this college experience, it is possible.

Alexandrea

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior the advice I would give myself would be to put in for scholarships a lot sooner and to be more aware of how important my grade point average is when applying for scholarships. I would advise myself to start preparing for college my Junior year and focus more on my academics rather than athletics. My first year of college I would not procrastinate when doing my work and would study more.

Victoria

I would tell myself not to over load myself with so many classes. Going to school full time is harder than it seems, and the work that you get is harder than any high school work, so you have to stay on top of all your assignment and not procrastinate. Talk to your advisors, they are willing to help you with scheduling the right classes and making sure that they have the classes that you need to finish your major. The classes deserve your full attention and concentration, dont be texting and talking to other students, you are there to learn and to take advange of all the oppertunities you have to get ahead in the world. The results you get is from what you put into it, strive to be the best you can; anything you put your mind to, you can succeed in. Also, a C will drop your GPA tremediously, so get only A's and B's. You can do it!! Its just another curve life throws your way, but you can and will pass it with flying colors.

Tiffany

If i could go back in time to tell myself about college life, I would tell myself to prepare as much as possible. I would also tell myself its not as scary as you think. I would say that there are people to help you and to talk to them and get to know them because they will be there through out your college life. I would tell myself to take a little of a year off and do what I did in that time. Work with mentally and physically challenged adults. The lessons you learn from them are priceless and might help you in your college life. I would end my conversation with myself by saying dont take life for granted and do the best you can. Dont get discouraged when you get a bad grade or whatever it may be, pick yourself up and learn from it. Strive to do what you want to do.

Rasheed

Advice I would give would be to never give up. Yes, life can be difficult but if you focus and keep determination in your heart, you can achieve your goals. You must have goals after high school. Plain and simple.

Candice

The advice I would have gave to myself would be to pay more attention to the college recruiters on how to apply for scholarships and financial aid. I would have encouraged myself to visit colleges earlier to look into programs and degrees. I would warn myself to save up money for college so I could focus completely on my studies. I would have also told myself to set a long term goal and then planned a reward so i had something to look forward to, other than just my degree.

melissa

Assuming that was possible, I would tell myself that college life isn't all party and fun. I would advise myself to start preparing now by studying harder, apply for scholarships early, and make sure to do my best in all my classes.. I would also advise myself that even though it will be tough at first and you may want to give up , you have to stick with it. If you stick with it then you will find that it isnt all that difficult and when you get those good grades at the end it is all worth the effort.

Sky

If I traveled back in time and told my high school self what I know now, I would say don't double guess myself and just apply for community college, therefore it will be easier for me to finish all my transferable credits at a community college and I can have more chances of becoming a experienced college student, even if the college is in my own community.