Pacific University Top Questions

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

Shannon

Don't get caught up in what other people have to say about you. Just be yourself and once you're in college, no one will care becase either they will like you for you or choose not to associate themselves with you. Either one of those choices benefits you as a person. Mostly, just be content with yourself as a human being and know that you can do it. Know that you are able to shoot to the moon and back with everything that you do no matter if you are referring to school or sports. Lastly, don't get involved in past drama that is irrelevant. Stay focused on your studies and what makes you genuinely happy. That drama is not going to play into who you are as a person or who you will become so it is going to be most beneficial to you to simply ignore it and move on.

Immanuel

I know you fear all the things that could go wrong while you are “on your own” passing into adulthood. I know you are excited that you have “crossed the finish line”, in a sense, as you are about to graduate and move on from those many years spent in school. The truth is you will make mistakes, and some of the things you fear might actually happen. You shouldn’t be paralyzed by this fear but be ready to learn from it. And yes, you should be excited; celebrate with your friends and family for your great accomplishment, but realize that this is not the end of the line. You have crossed one finish line, but the next race is about to begin. The course of this race will take you to places you never thought you would go and meet people you will remember for the rest of your life. At times you will wish you didn’t have to grow up, but it is not a choice that you get to make. What you do get to decide is what kind of adult you will be. Good luck and know that you are never far from help.

Alexandrea

People describe me as “quiet”. When I entered college, I met my first positive student leader role models, Resident Assistants (RAs), and aspired to become one of them. However, I thought it took a boisterous personality to be a leader. When I began thinking about being an RA, I turned to books for advice. Thus I discovered Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain. As an Asian American, extroversion often seems excessively loud - sometimes even disrespectful. In freshman year, I got teased for being “antisocial” because I didn’t constantly hang out with friends the way most teenagers do. I was studious, enjoyed reading and playing music, volunteered and held a work-study job, and loved having cultural discussions with my roommate – that’s all I needed. Quiet taught me the difference between shyness and introversion, validated the way I felt about my social needs, and empowered me with the knowledge that I could be an excellent leader without sacrificing my personality. I wish I'd known this and gotten involved on campus sooner - I've met so many wonderful people since.

John

The advice I would give to myself as a High School Senior would be, first and foremost, to work harder, but also to work smarter. I have a tendency to want to be too perfect. Due to this, I tend to go into too much detail and run out of time as well as energy. In order to counter this, working smarter would be the best way to proceed, especially since one can only work hard to a certian point, while still remaining healthy. On the other hand, there are always more ways to work in a smart and efficient manner. That being said, nothing can replace hard work. Both the smart and hard compnents of working are crucial for success. All of this work would, of course, go to studying in school for classes, as well as for the Act and SAT. As important as grades are, my life as a human being is far more important, so I would also tell myself to always keep God first. He is the only true way to happiness and the only thing that can truly satisfy the human heart. Overall, I would tell these important things to my High School self.

Ruby-Anne

The most important advice I would give myself to prepare for college life would be about living. Going to school since age 5, I already know how to manage academics. But, at home, my parents took care of everything else. I’d advise me to learn to take care of myself. I’d advise myself to be disciplined with housekeeping. Although I thought I knew how to clean everything, when I actually started to clean, I realized I wasn’t getting good results. I called home a lot to ask for housekeeping advice. I would also advise myself to learn to cook the foods I like to eat, and have never cooked. Being thousands of miles away from home, I missed the foods I ate with my family. My parents gave me a credit card, and just told me, “Don’t spend too much.” I was not taught the concept of income versus expenses. I knew the cost of tuition and boarding. But, I did not consider my parents’ income. I’d advise me to understand, manage and respect my financial situation. I’d advise myself to learn to do the things my parents did for me.

Meagan

I would tell myself that there is so much time in life to enjoy yourself and play so use your time in college wisely. I would make it a point to myself that no ma

Christina

Hey! So the thing is, I’m you a year from now. Am I going to tell you which college to go to and what to say? No, you can figure that out just fine on your own. Am I going to tell you to keep your grades up? No, you’ve known that since junior year, and honestly that has never been a worry for us. What I am going to tell you is to apply for more scholarships. You don’t have any money put aside for college, you know that. Yet, you put scholarships off until the freshman year of college. College is not cheap my dear. Also, branch out more in college. Make more connections, join more clubs, and keep in touch with people. My next bit of advice is highly important. Are you listening? Bring a lot of note cards, and I mean a lot. They are wonderful for studying and great for keeping track of what needs to be done. If you failed to take my advice, there is still time to fix these mistakes. Just be aware of what needs to be done and work hard and you’ll be just fine.

Jayson

Advice I would give myself is to not be scared and to believe in yourself that you can compete academically with others even though you received an education from Hawaii. So many people doubt student from Hawaii because of our low education scores and it effects us. I'm one of many who are in college to prove them wrong. I am prideful and wont let anyone take it away from me. I would also tell myself to get them study habits instilled in you because once your in college the library is your new home. Going from my school to a great University such as this was a shock at first, but slowly I figured it out. It's not the fact of wanting to succeed in the classroom, it's making right choices to succeed. With such great people around me I find myself among others focusing on school. One more thing I would tell myself is to never give up. There are times in classes when I feel dumb, and I beat myself up about it. There is so much help on campus from other students and teachers who want nothing but for you to be successful.

Emalee

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, the advice I would give myself is to use my time more wisely. Time management is important because it helps to stay on track with much school work and it also helps to stay on task. Before having any leisure time, finishing school work first is a first priority. The sooner you finish your school work, the sooner and longer time to have free time. All in all, enjoy high school, make new friends, and never doubt in yourself. Always do your best and strive for the highest.

Kathleen

I would tell my high school self to look at careers in physical therapy. I would still tell me to go to the local community college, but get the math and sciences done which I am lacking right now. I would tell myself to talk to a teacher at the high school about physical therapy because he is the local therapist for the area.

Evangeline

All I can say is make sure you have a blance right off the bat. College offers so many windows of opportunity and making sure you are blanced is the key. Get involved, but don't try to get too involved that you let your studies fall throw the cracks. Have fun, but remember why you went to college in the first place: yes to have fun, but also to learn. And your professors have so much to teach you, you don't want to miss it.

Matthew

Can one be intimidated, frightened and excited all at the same time? Taking Calculus and Chemistry and carrying eighteen credits the first semester is intimidating. Making new friends is frightening. Learning new things like turning on the washing machine, buying my own deoderant, and making Hawaiian fried rice for my new friends is exciting. But, Calculus, friends, and fried rice aside, I have been intimidated, frightened and excited by one word: wisdom. My mom always tells me to "choose my major wisely," "choose your friends wisely," and "be wise with your actions." I didn't know what she meant until now. Making decisions that I am not used to is intimidating and frightening. But, making wise decisions are exciting. Nothwithstanding the ten pounds (of pure muscle!) I'm carrying around, I feel I have gained some wisdom. I feel a bit more mature. I am learning how to make my own decisions and more importantly, own them. I am more grateful, satisfied, determined, and at ease. What have I gotten out of my college experience? Wisdom! Why is it valuable? Because if applied to every area of my life, life is not as intimidating or frightening, but rather exciting!

Rosario

Through my first year of college I've gained confidence in my art ability. I came to college with the single goal of one day becoming an animator. I only had the doodles in my notebooks, one beginning art class in high school and 2 years of art club to serve as my art background. During the fall semester I took an art class. It was nothing how I expected. It was a beginning art class but everyone in there was already a pro to my surprise only one of my classmates actually said he was planning to major in art. The art class was intense we did multiple quick sketches of a model. Then later in the class we moved into longer 30 minute poses. Even thought the class was tough, the teacher helped a lot. He gave pointers to all of his fifteen students. He didn't care that not everyone was going to pursue art he gave equal input. Being a small class size I was able to get the help that I needed when I wasn't sure where I should be focusing on detail. My college experience has helped me grow as an artist.

Cristiana

My college experience has allowed me to have access to various industries and profesisonals within them, and nurture a passion I realized while volunteering through various club activities. Originally, I thought I would return to school, get a degree quickly, and get a stable M-F, 9-5 job. However, during the first week on campus, I looked at all the clubs and organizations I could potentially get involved with, that required little responsibility and joined a sorority, an academic club, and a social club. Little did I know that my volunteered involvement would change the way that I see the world around me and how I can be effective. Within one year, I became more familiar with people, developing my people skills in leadership and management, received nominations, and won positions in each club I spent time in, and mentor new transfer students. I am actively pursuing student body involvement within the school and have grown interest in getting involved with local government. I feel more confident about how to access my resources for issues revolving my career choice and have developed a vocabulary that bridges different departments at the school and the work industry.

Kaitlyn

Attending Pacific University has changed me. Going to college has changed how I think about myself and the world. I've learened so much from each and every one of my professors--things that not only apply to my major, but how I view the world and how I think. Sure it's hard to pay for school, but I don't think you can put a price on an amazing education. Pacific is more than just a school. Pacific University teaches its students new ways to view the world and ideas, and to question everything. I think its been so valuable to me because going to college has helped me become a stronger individual. I've gottent the world out of my college experience.

sarah

From my college experience I have began to identify even more what my passion is. I have been able to take classes that are teaching me exactly the things that I need to know to get to where I want to be someday in my career. It has been valuable for me because I am exploring the different areas in which I could take my career; I am finding a sense of individuality and independence that I couldn't have gotten anywhere else.

Kali

Last year, 26 years old, I re-immersed myself in higher education, working towards a bachelor’s degree in creative writing. During my experience so far, I have been pushed to my intellectual limit, given the opportunity to explore unfamiliar creative mediums and greatly improved my writing. As I began my degree path, most of the writing classes I took were scholarly; I had to relearn how to write a collegiate paper. I discovered that my interest in creative writing only improved my collegiate work; and that learning to structure and flesh out scholarly essays, enhanced my creative writing. In my second semester, I took at mandatory poetry writing workshop. Until that point, I had always considered myself a fiction writer. In this poetry class, I discovered a new form that not only augments my fiction writing, but that I would like to continue to explore in the future. If not for this degree program, I never would have volunteered for a poetry class. In my first year, I was successful in both the scholarly and creative writing classes. Through this, I gained confidence in my intellect, my abilities as a writer and my self as a whole.

sydney

From the first semester at Pacific, I was led on the right course. My academic advisor was knowledgable and worth visiting to discuss my future path with Pacific. I was in a course specific for me to see how my four year degree would unfold. This information was critical for me to open my eyes and prepare myself for the future. Not only that but it got me excited about what I could learn from this university. Another bonus from my attendance at this university was getting to know my fellow lacrosse team players. I was given a grand opportunity to meet new people and play under the eyes of a nationally well respected coach. Being at Pacific has been a beautiful experience in academics and extra-curriculars. I would be honored to continue my education there and gain a respected degree.

Tia

I have made friends that I will stay in contact with for many years, I have aquired the highest degree of learning that I deem important to follow my dream of becoming a veterinarian and I have been given all the opportunities needed to have a memorable college experience as well as a happy and fulfilling life.

Johannah

When I started college I didn't really know what I wanted to do but I thought I knew a lot of things about life. As I progressed through my classes, I found out what I wanted to do as a career and found out that I had a lot to learn about life. The teachers at Pacific and my classmates made a wonderful sounding board for me to share what I was learning and what I wanted to be as an adult. I learned about the enviroment, the world and my place in both. I am very happy to have had the opportunity to go to college at Pacific.

Alyssa

The greatest thing that I have gotten out of my college experience so far is a desire to continue my education even beyond my college graduation. I've realized the importance of becoming a life-long learner, and in my chosen career of teaching, I think that is especially important. I also believe that is the reason that attending college has been valuable. I'm realizing that it's in my best interest to not just do my school work to do it, but to do my school work (and more) because it will help me grow into the person that I want to become.

Olivia

More than anything I have gained a sense of knowledge that no answer is the right answer. College has broadened my perspective to the point that I can entertain many ideas in my head without accepting them.

Cayla

I would tell myself to take the first step to meeting people and to be who I am and be friends with people who respect who I am. As well as that, I would have prepared myself to manage a full schedule, to take pride in everything I do, and to learn how to live with only the things I'd need (ex: without a car, very little cash, no tv).

Vanita

As a senior, I believed that I had my future completely mapped out. If I were to go back and give myself advice, I would stress the fact that I was still building on myself as a person, and that I actually had no idea what I would even want in the future. I would let myself know that college is not just a step in the process to earning a degree, but rather a time to learn about yourself and the world, both in and out of the classroom. I would tell myself not to get bogged down with stress and responsibilities, and whenever life became overwhelming, to take a step back and remember why I was actually in college; to find my niche and to progress as an individual. Because by working on myself, I simultaneously work at bettering society and the people around me. My future self would want my past self to enjoy every step of the process, and to live in the present, absorbing every single experience along the way: Life starts now.

Danielle

I think the most important advice I could give myself would be to expect a big change in yourself and those around you. There is no doubt that college changes people. I've seen a huge change in myself and my friends in the transition. Everybody says that high school is to help you find yourself, but I don't think that's true. My first semester of college has helped me find myself more than the past four years I spent in high school. I have allowed myself to make friends that I never thought I would and step out of my comfort zone both academically and socially. There are a lot of things you can do to prepare for college, but there is nothing to prepare you for all the memories and experiences you will have. You have to allow changes in order to have the true college experience. High school is fun and you should enjoy it while it lasts, but college is like a whole different and more exciting adventure. It's more stressful and you have to do a lot more work, no doubt, but it's an experience that you will not regret.

Christopher

Don't take life as a one way street, there are always different avenues that you can take. When I came to college, I was dead-set on focusing my studies on the science field but now that I am here I realize I have an interest in so much more than just the sciences such as that in political science, ethics, and philosophy, and it just goes to prove that I have options. I would tell myself that just because something doesn't go the right way for me, it doesn't mean that the world must be over; just as before it goes to show that there must be other options. When I came to school I didn't make the baseball team, I felt a complete lack of purpose in my time being here at Pacific but then I found that there were intramurals, clubs, and numbers of other things that I could recommit myself to. Pacific is full of opportunities, there is no reason to limit yourself to just one.

Kelsea

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a senior in high school I would have quite a bit of advice for myself. I would tell myself to really try and apply for all the scholarships I can so I could get all the financial help available to me. Also I would tell myself that it takes time to get used to a place and that even though its hard at the beginning and you will have times when you want to go home you need to stick with it because in time you will fall in love with the school and you will make amazing friends and connections. My main advice would be not to expect a high school cirriculum, this is college and the work is harder and longer, so buckle down and get ready for it because the professors are there for you but they don't baby sit you. My last peice of advice would be to have fun, yes its college and you need to get your work done but do have fun, its a new part of your life and you can only do this once so live your life.

Morgan

At the end of high school I could have never guessed how different my life would be. After one semester of college my world has completely changed. I?m having the time of my life, making new friends, and experiencing new things. As much fun as I'm having there are several things I wish I had known before making the transition to college life. One of the most important thing to do at college is keep in contact with your friends and family from home. It is really easy to lose contact with people you have known your whole life. Make an effort to call often. Something else that is important is to budget your money. You will have money at the beginning of the year and it?s important to save some of it for the rest of the year. The most important when you?re at college is to meet people. Join clubs, meet your neighbors in the dorm, and other students in you classes, this will make the transitions easier to have people to rely on. College is one of the best times of your life. Take every opportunity and enjoy every minute of it.

Ashley

College, in my experience, is a world in itself. No one can really tell you how the experience is going to be for you, because it is unique to each person. As a high school student everything is done for you. You are given limited options for which classes to take, and everything is planned out for you. Going from that atmosphere to the college planning process is a confussing one for most. If I could go back in time and be my own adviser, I would first inform myself on being responsible. You become responsible for knowing all of your options, making decisions, and the general processes of most things. THe thing is, there is always someone out there who is willing to help you. I would tell myself to not be affraid to find a counselor, a mentor, or an advisor. They are there to help you get where you need to be. I would tell myself to involve my parents because they are a great source of information and an important part of my life. After being accepted, make sure to get involved. Being involved helps you make friends and become comfortable in the new environment.

Natalie

My senior year I really felt like I wanted to get away from home and my family. I did not even consider schools in the same state that I lived in. However, after only one year of being away, I desperately wanted to come home. Transferring schools was a lot of extra work and it was difficult to transfer all the classes and units that I had worked so hard for! If I could go back and do it again, I would take more time to really examine myself. I would try to think beyond the present circumstances and feelings and take more time to think about my future. If I could do it over again, I would take the time to consider weather, distance from home, and size of the college. I would also spend more than one night visiting the college and find a way to talk to students that currently attend the school to get a feel for the real culture and atmosphere of the school.

Kathryn

I would tell myself that people are assholes everywhere and even you if you make the trek from Wisconsin to Oregon things might still suck.

Bryan

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself that high school is much easier than college. High school is easier in terms of course material and being less responsible. Though it may sound a bit terrifying, there is nothing to worry about. Responsibility comes naturally in college. I will realize it on my own and take notice of my more mature transformation. I would tell myself that my first and most important job in college is studying; it is why I will be attending a higher level of education. Although responsibility comes naturally, getting good grades doesn?t. It is something I have to work for much, much harder than in high school. But with my continued determination and dedication to studying, I won?t have many problems. Overall, college is a great experience where I will get to know much more about myself than I used to: faith increase and personality being two different aspects in which I will learn about more myself.

Andrea

Dear Andrea, You are about to enter the fall of your senior year. Congratulations! You made it! Start applying for colleges, and try to go take a class at the community college. You'll earn credit, and then may be you will not have to take that class later in life. Focus on your grades, not on the boys or the teams you play on. You are so young, and you will meet many of the great people in your life in Clark Hall. Try to convince Dad to take you college shopping. It's importanat to check out as many colleges as possible, and asked your tour guide if you can sit in and watch a lecture class. Make sure you check small schools and larger schools too, as they have completely different social and classroom settings. If you can get a scholarship for athletics, go for it. But make sure you keep the grades to earn an academic scholarship. Keep yourself involved in the many clubs at Hamilton, and that will help you succeed too. And most of all, each day wake up and say you go girl in the mirror. It will help :) Love, Andrea Jones

Sara

I came from a small high school with a graduating class of only 23. The town was very poor and drugs and alchohol were common of parents and also of students. There were some wonderful teachers in the school, however I fear as students we were not pushed as much as we should have been, and I did not push myself. I kept a 3.5 gpa so I felt this was sufficient and never took books home or studied out side of school except on rare occations. I regret not pushing myself harder. There are so many things about the world and people I do not know or understand. I wish I would have took advantage more in high school with learning and particularily as a senior when I "slacked" the most. I spend a lot of time thinking of boys and sports which of course did not benefit me in the long run. I am able to see today the importance of an education, I am proud of myself for making it to college and avoiding the drugs that the town brought to many. Now I just need to remember and focus on what is in important, learning.

Katelyn

If I could go back to my senior year in high school and give myself advice, knowing what I know now, I would tell myself to stay calm and confident. One of my biggest worries was making the transition to a new place miles away from my family and friends. I would tell myself not to worry and to just be myself, because the college experience is all about being yourself. I would tell myself that I would be okay and that everything would work out for the best in the end. The most important thing though is to be confident and outgoing, or at least to make an effort. Instead of spending your first week of college pent up in your room go out and have fun and make new friends. While college seems scary and stressful and like you'll never make it out alive you will. You have an amazing and supportive family that will do anything for you and you will make friends and connections at school that will also do anything to see you succeed in life. You're a smart and funny person and you should never let anyone tell you otherwise. Good luck!

Sara

Visit your colleges before committing to one to make sure it fits with what you want. It is important to visit schools while students are attending in order to get a good feel of what the school is about. And expensive doesn't always mean good, you don't actually get what you paid for.

Colin

Be prepared to make sacrifices. While something seems like it would be fun now, is it really worth sacrificing a good grade for? You will make lots of friends, but make sure that you use their resources to help you when possible. You are not alone. With the help of others you can do great things.

Mary

I would tell myself, not to give up. That no matter what happens you have to stick to your guns and decide to stay in school. That sacrifing a really good job in leiu of going to school would be worth it in the long run. When seemingly everything is going wrong and life is throwing curve balls at you to stay in school. Listen to your parents because they tend to have a good handle on life and tend to have a better perceptive on life, to learn from their mistakes and not let it go in one ear and out the other. Take chances on people, to be more outgoing the worse that can happen to you is that they will not be your friend. That your fears are holding you back, when the fears are unfounded. That no matter what the economic status of a fellow classmate, they are are still in fact human. To take every chance I could to explore other cultures and try to understand the world from other eyes.

Matthew

Slow and steady. Just remember to breathe, allow yourself those five extra minutes of sleep, and walk to class knowing you're going to make a difference in society someday.

Sara

College is much different than high school. I like going to college, I just don't like the college I chose. Make sure you pick a school that fits your personality and goals, because if you don't your experience will be much like my, regretful.

Alex

College is not as hard as everyone has said. The best way to achieve is to study class notes regularly and keep up on the class readings. Remember that college is a life changing experience that can help mold you into an adult. Participate in activites get out and make friends with your classmates. This should be a fun and enriching time in your life. You just have to learn how to balance the social and educational parts of college. A little time each night of study will go farther than you think to prepare you for the finals. This well be the best time of your life so make the best of it in all the ways you can.

Alyssa

If I could go back in time to when I was a high school senior, I would tell myself to have as much fun as possible, but still always do my best with school work. I would tell myself to find that balance, because learning how to balance your time is so important, especially in college. I would remind myself the importance of building lasting friendships at home and broadening them after graduation. I would say that these are days that I'm never going to get back, but will always remember and wish I could relive, so to soak up every minute of it and conquer all obstacles with a smile.

Hannah

I used a couple websites that made researching my college choices enjoyable. If it's possible, find two or three websites you can trust to use in combination to give you a list of possibilties, and be consistant. I would advise looking through the "Student" part of the school's website, if possible, and browse the courses offered and program requirments to see if there are classes unique to that school that you are interested in. I would also pay close attention to the type of environment offered at that school in terms of average class sizes and the area it is located. For example: I wanted a small school with small class sizes with a lot of opportunities for outdoor activities. Then look into the on campus community and events, and definitely visit the campus once you've narrowed your search, during the school year if you can, to see how it feels for you to walk around campus and talk to the people there. Talk with your friends and see how their research is going, too. Pick the one that feels right for you and try not to let cost be the primary deciding factor.

Aleah

Start your experience with an open mind. That's whats most important. You will experience so many new things but if you keep an open mind than you can ensure yourself of having a much better time.

Meilehua

Don't think about the price. I know the amount of tuition plays a big factor in where you end up going to school, but if you really want to attend a certain college, go for it. Things tend to work out for the best.

Jordana

Research any potential colleges as much as possible. Visit every prospective campus and visit it during times that school and classes are in session to get a sense of what campus life is really like. Talk to students and ask them about their time in college, how classes are, what the school has to offer, and how they feel about their future. Students need to figure out what exactly they want in a college and what they do not want. It would help a lot if the student made a "pro/con" list and checked how much a college or university offers on each side of that list. Parents need to trust their children's descion and if they end up not liking a college, they can always transfer. I would also advise students and parents to not worry about the cost of tuition if they really like a certain college because there is a lot of help (and money) available.

Kristy

Take your time and visit all your choices. Sometimes the right one is the one that is right in front of your nose and it is ok to transfer it is easier than you may think. Step out of your shell and be yourself, do the unexpected and enjoy every minute of it!

Daniel

I would give parents and students the advice that they need to look at the schools which the students are most comfortable at, for instance if the student likes big schools, look at big schools, because i have heard a ton of people complain about the school becasue it is too small for their liking. Also go to the school that provides the best opportunity based on your career goals.

Alicia

Make sure that the school you choose has a variety of topics to study, even if you think you know what you want to do. That way, if you change your mind, you have lots of other options.

Shane

Consider every aspect of the schools you wish to go to before decide "This is the one for me!" For instance, consider the size of the school and what that definitely entails. For instance, if you like large classes, an active fraternity/sorrority life, and a large campus, make sure you understand what effect that might have on your learning capacity. Remember, the point of going to college is to learn and receive a degree you can be proud of, not just party and take a break from life for a little while. Also, take into consideration how far a school is from your home, and whether you are comfortable with the distance or not, and definitely speak about this with your parents! You might like to go to the other side of the country, but when the time comes to go back home, will your parents be willing to pay for the airline tickets every time? Also, try to find a school which matches your top three academic interests, so that whether you change your major or not you'll have room to grow and decide.