Portland State University Top Questions

I would tell myself to not feel pressured to go to college right away. Unless you know exactly what you want to go for, exactly what career you want, take your time deciding. Be smart with money, balance work and play, and develop communication or "people" skills. As you do these things, your true gifts and desires will unfold and you will make better decisions for the long haul. And only make decisions for you, not to please anyone else. Do all of this and you'll be just fine, no matter what your academic timeline ends up looking like.

The thing I regret most about high school in general is that I did not make the most of my time there. I wasn’t involved in many activities, I didn’t do sports or get involved in leadership, and I didn’t go to any games or other activities at my school. Quite frankly I was a nobody and if I could do it all over again I would get involved in as many things as reasonably possible and take more of the harder classes. As far as senior year goes, I would tell myself to put more time into applying for scholarships. I gave pretty mediocre effort into that whole thing which is reflected by the fact that I have nothing to show for it. Every little bit counts and whether it is paying for a textbook or for your tuition, free money is free money. I don’t think I realized how expensive textbooks alone were going to be and I know that any extra money would have come in great use. The last thing I would tell myself is to just enjoy the once in a lifetime experience that is high school.

You want to do and see everything right now, and that's okay. Just keep in mind that at some point you have to find a passion and dive into it. I'm ten years past you and I'm just figuring ours out, so by no means should you ever feel rushed. Have fun and learn a lot of interesting and (seemingly) useless things along the way. It's a journey, not a race. I don't want to use a word as constraining as "plan", but at least try to have a general scheme of where you want to go and when you do, go all in. Suffer no mediocrity and in doing so, we will have no regrets. Don't buy into anyone else's idea of what you should be doing or should be interested in or how you should act or how hard you should work. Know what you want and act accordingly.

I would definitely pay attention in high school because college is probably 10 times harder than high school. I would tell myself to learn and not just jump through the hurdles. I would tell myself to have more fun in high school because then you start missing your friends who go to different schools in different states. And lastly I would ask myself to get focused or at least think about what I want to do or become in the future.

When going off to college, you think its going to be easy, but its not. After I have spent one on my own I come to realize its a lot harder than it seems. If i knew what I know now, I would planned better, took more campus visit to make sure that is the college. Talk to the current students to what their thoughts on the campus. Apply for as many scholarships as possible you never know if you get if you don't apply. The big thing I would tell the students PLAN. Start planing when you are a junior or summer before your senior year. It will help you make the best decision for you to futher your education.

I would say to go to community college first and to start exploring gender studies and education. Apply for as many scholarships as you can, and don't be afraid of rejection!

Dear Emily, First I'll start by saying, just to prove it's me, look behind the bookcase. There's a pack of camels and a lighter mom would kill you if she knew you had. Life get's kinda crazy from here, and your in for some good times, but you already guessed at that based on how things have been recently. You're going to make some mistakes, make them. They've molded you into the tough woman you are now, but, be kinder to Jay when you break up, he doesn't deserve what you would do without this heads up. Don't get drinks with Mike, you have a chance to get two years of life back. Take Corey less seriously, he is a good kid, just a little messed up. Be nicer to Mom, she loves you very much. Spend more time with Anikan, we've had some close calls with him, and almost lost him. Life from here gets intense. Take more time to love the people who love you, you can't save the world, but you can help the people who love you. Live, laugh, and love, because time isn't promised.

In my high school days I really needed to be reminded not to worry so much about college life. So far everything in college has worked out as it should for me, so I really could have used advice telling me “just don’t worry so much about it.” I have met fabulous people that I would have never probably come in contact with if I had not gone to this college. These new people in my life have made my college experience more diverse and exciting. I would have loved to have known ahead of time about the people I would encounter. I almost decided not to go to college because I was confused about what I wanted to study. Then I took a web design class that changed my life. Now I enjoy web design like I never thought I would. I have learned to give new things a chance. My college experience has taught me to take risks and try new things. There is so much out there to enjoy. Don’t be afraid!

My college experience has been great so far. I have learned to communicate with classmates intelectually not just as buds. Portland State University helped me to be more resourceful and help me better to work alone and help me find help when I need it.

I have not been able to attend college full time like I had planned due to being financially strapped. But the classes I was able to take taught me a lot of valuable information that I will take me to my future career. This year I hope to be able to attend college full time and finish my Bachelors degree so that I can start applying to medical school. It is very important for people to realize that a college education is extremely valuable and will be a helpful asset in a student's future.

Growing up I attended an elementary school with fewer than 20 students in the entire school. Going from this environment to one where there are twice as many students in the classroom and 10,000 times as many students in the school has been incredible. Every class I take I have been able to interact with different people and through this I have realized my interest in other cultures. My college experience has shown me that there are so many opportunities out there and that there are so many things I want to do with my life.

I was skeptical to apply to PSU at first, because everyone in Oregon knows that Portland is filled with all kinds of peculiar people. I figured I would be going to school with a bunch of weirdos, and I would have a difficult time making friends. After being in school now for three months, I laugh at my silly pre-college fears I had. It is almost impossible to not make friends here. There are a ton of porgrams, clubs, and other activities, both academic and recreational, that anyone can get involved in. The diverse population on campus has allowed me to learn things that cannot be taught in a classroom. I have already created bonds with people that I know will last a lifetime, and I look forward to the great things the rest of my college career has to offer for the furture.

My college experience thus far has taught me that an education is only as valuable as you make it to yourself. College is so special because we CHOOSE to go there, not because we are required to. I have learned the difference between going to school and actually learning, and how it feels to WANT to learn and be there. It has helped me learn the importance of actually wanting to improve yourself.

When I attended my first college, everything seemed very weird: people, campus, and the social life at school. I first attended Portland Community College. It was a small-sized campus, yet somewhat diverse. I came to love it because the social life and getting around was very simple. I was loved by all of my professors and was surrounded by friendly classmates. Everyone was very willing to help me around. I never wanted to leave this school as I also have never experienced any trouble there. However, it was not a really active campus. Also, I always had poor grades there since I was never told about the advantages I could have. Afterwards, I transferred to PSU. The campus was very huge and much more diverse. PSU has raised my hopes in my education as well as my career goals. With all the help I can get, I have been an outstanding student with high GPAs throughout the years. It was something that I couldn't get much of from PCC. I had countless wonderful experiences just by being an observant student. It has been valuable to attend because you will always feel valued and special as a student there.

I was initially quite scared to attend college. As the youngest of four kids, I watched all three of my brothers pass up college, and pursue other interests. I enrolled at the community college, and half-heartedly got through my first two years. During the summer of 2010, I applied, and trasnferred, to PSU. Figuring out how to be financially stable while attending college was my biggest hurdle. At the community college, I worked 60 hour weeks, and came out a near-zombie. With the help of my some friends, I was situated with student loans, and a game plan. Being able to get myself into college without the cushy support of my parents has been my main motivating factor. I push myself to do the best that I can, on everything I do. I cannot settle knowing that I could of done better. College has shaped my character, and made me a stronger person. It has also given me the self-esteem to recognize that, just because one person did not think I would be able to do it, did not mean that I could not.

College is such a stepping stone in life. It's going out there and carrying on with your life. My parents can't take care of me forever and it's my time to go out there and live. So far it's been a huge adjustment, I moved away from home, and had to take on a whole new lifestyle. At first it was a difficult adjustment because everything changed in one night. All the sudden I was on my own. I was living in a different place without my family with all new people. It's been valuble to attend though, I've already learned so much. It teaches you a lot of responsibility and time management. It takes responsibility because no one is there to tell you to do your work or study, it's all up to you and if you don't take the time to study you'll pay for it, literally. I've met so many new amazing people and am living in a beautiful city. College is hard, but if you work for it, you will make it.

I have attained so much knowledge about myself, others, and the way we all manage money while attending college that I would never regret this experience. I have been able to explore what motivates me , at what point I crack under pressure, how I should and shouldn't manage my time and money, and how I affect others under stress. With a couple years left there is still much to learn, but college creates this unique environment of pressure and support that will inevitably cause growth.

Continuing my education has baited me. It gave me a taste for meat and made me hungry for the rest of that big world out there. I love learning all that I can. It has helped me to realize the big and great things that are out there. I really can do great things and I have been blessed to have the tools to get there. It's going to be long and it is going to be tough at times, but just because it is not going to be easy does not mean that it's not going to be worth it! I have tasted success and independence in small fractions, I can only imagine what the future holds. Just thinking about the beauty I can contribute to the world humbles me to no end. College can take me straight there. It can all be possible; I just need to reach out and grab it! I'm going to grab everything I love by the hand and run headfirst into the rest of my life. I cannot wait!

In my first term in Portland State University, I learned how valuable time is. Timing was the biggest obstacle on my way this previous term. At the beginning of the term, I spent much time wondering around the campus and making friendships than doing my homework. However, my advisor suggested attending procrastination workshops. There where I learned how to manage it by planning the time to finish school work allowed to mange my life as a college student and an adult. Using a planner and a calendar helped me keeping a track of my school work. Having fun with friend is not a terrible thing, but finishing the important things in school comes before spending time socializing and making friendships. Planning school time is the best way to succeed in school, and still have much time for life outside the school.

My college experience has been valuable because I have been exposed to people and opportunities that are not available elsewhere. There is limited room for advancement in the workforce without an education, and employees are often treated as disposable and replaced often. The university environment has been structured to ensure fairness and idealism, which is a novel experience after struggling in the 'real world' for so many years. Also, within my department, there is a sense of unity and kinship that I believe is rare in most fields. The experience asssociated with being around people with similar interests and aspirations, people who just 'get it', has been reinvigorating. I feel I learn from the other students often, and we collectively have a great deal of support from the faculty. I have enjoyed the college experience so much that I plan to attend graduate school and pursue a masters degree. The education I have been, and will continue to recieve, both in and out of the classroom, will hopefully prove itself invaluable in the formation of my future and pursuance of a higher quality of life.

College has taught me how important the learning experience is, in order to move forward in life as an individual and as a society we have to learn from our mistakes and look at the whole picture. College allows you to learn about what inspires you from different prespectives so that maybe one day you can take that knowledge a step further in order to create a better life. You meet so many different people that it allows your mind to be more open so that you can be a better person. It is valuable to go through this exsperience because college helps you grow intellectually and as a person in general; it is a learning experience that you cannot not achieve anywhere else and allows our community's to grow.

The most valuable thing I have gained so far from my college experience is that everyone is different, and that everyone has got an oppinion on everything. Therefore I believe that what I have gained thus far is wisdom, I now have the patience to not just hear, but actually listen and appreciate the oppinions of others around me. Beyond the fact that college is place for people to gain knowledge, I think it has been valuable for me to attend college because I believe that this is the place where I've grown the most, and gained a good sense of self.

I've only been in college for a month, but I think the most valuable thing I've learned is how to manage my time on my own. There is so much more freedom, and I'm responsible for making sure all the things I need to do get done without anyone halping or reminding me. It's a little scary, but very liberating.

What I have been gotten out of my experience is how independent I have become. I used to depend on a lot of people like teachers or my parents but with this university that is not the case. It was a big leap and a tough transition but it is vital because in a few years I will be on my own. It helps you for the road ahead.

I haven't attended my college for very long....but what little I've seen and done around campus has definitely awakened my interest. The students and faculty all have a deep desire to learn, to create, to explore. There's no end to the available classes and activites at Portland State, and there is always something new and different to try. I love the easy-going spirit of the place, it keeps me relaxed in high-stress situations, and I love the helpful attitude of everyone who works or attends PSU. So far in my limited college experience I have discovered a love of learning, something I didn't have in years past, and has not only made my experience more entertaining, but has shown me the over-all value of learning. Portland State has inspired me to explore, to question, to persevere, and most importantly, to enjoy all life has to offer.

As a returning student (I didn't start till I was 38) I had no idea what school would do for me. I only knew it was a goal I wanted for myself. Having an education has changed the way I look at the world, interact with people, operate in my daily life, and has given me the opportunity to provide options for others to see their way out of the box of ignorance. I can not say enough about the benefits of having an education. I still continue friendships, and opportunitites developed during my years of education.

I have learned so much about my field of study it blows my mind, also through hard courses that demand a lot of work I have become a stronger person who isn't afraid of deadlines. I know I can do it and do it well. I thought I would be in school forever but through their programs I will be able to finish sooner then I thought with the tools I need to be very sucessful in life and a strong chance of being hired and desired by employers.

Out of my college experience I have gotten a higher degree of education and a greater respect for learning and of those pursuing their goals, not only through mental development but thorough personality and character development as well. It is an honor and a value to attend college because in doing so, dreams of the future are increasingly attainable. With education comes knowledge, ideas, enlightenment and hope which could very well change the way we exist.

My college experience as a whole has been very unique to the average college student. I have attended 3 Universities. The first of which was Dillard University in New Orleans, LA. My first year at Dillard was fantastic! I met all types of people from all walks of life and I knew that if that was just the beginning, the future was going to be amazing. Little did I know what the future held for me. August 2005, Hurricane Katrina hit and I was forced to evacuate. Everything that I had worked so hard for in high school was taken away. I can't even explain the devastation. Several of my peers died in the hurricane, I lost everything, had no money, no place to go. You may be wondering why this is valuable to my college experience? I learned to not take college for granted. I learned to enjoy every step of the way, enjoy each experience and the friends you make because it can be taken away so easily. College is so valuable and it is important to live the college experience to its full potential.

With only a 10th grade education and a G.E.D. I knew there was not much for me to do out there. It was not until I started to work at a treatment center for juveniles that I decided what I really wanted to do with my life. Getting to know those kids and hear their stories made me want to do more with my life. I want to show them that you can do better for yourself even if you had a difficult childhood. I am now 24 and have enrolled in ITT Technical Institute. I am going to get an Associate?s Degree in Criminal Justice, then a Bachelor?s degree in Criminal Justice. My dream is to become a juvenile probation officer. The main question they ask you is ?Why do you deserve a scholarship??. For me that is a hard question to answer. There are many students who did well in high school that may ?deserve? a scholarship. I do not believe that because I decided to take a different route to graduation that it should be harder for me to get an education

Academically speaking, my relatively brief college experience (2-year Associate of Arts Degree) has answered many questions about many things that I have been wondering about for many years. The many things I have learned have helped me to narrow my search for a second career, although with so many interests, I am still working diligently to find where I might fit in best in the working world. I am no longer able to perform as well as I would like in the field I have always been in (professional musician/writer) , but I have been blessed with a strong work ethic and I always put my all into everything I do. I want to make sure I end up in the right field. I have narrowed my possible second careers to Astro Biology/Physics, Science Education, Addiction Counseling, Psychology, and Human/Animal Rights Education. Attending college has been valuable for another reason: I have learned much about myself as well as others, how I relate to others, and how the many different kinds of people relate to each other. This information has helped me to find my (new) place as a sober adult who contributes positively to society.

I have learned greater study, reading, note-taking and people skills. I have been challenged and have succeded. Going to college will be a valuable expierience because I will be able to use what I have learned and apply it for years to come.

I went straight to college after I graduated high school. I knew exactly what I wanted to do and I went for it. I have only completed 1 and a half semesters so far and it's not as easy as what I thought it would be. College has made it to where I have alot more responsibilities but it has also made me very strong. Most of my time is dedicated to my education, and when I finish I will be able to go out in this competeting job force, and work with a law degree. I will finally be able to have a job that not only I could make great money, but it is also something i will love and look forward going to work for everyday.

I've learned that you must pursue what you love. I completed a bachelor's degree in a field I considered practical. When I later was able to return to school, I realized that I wanted to enter a field that drew on my unique talents, specific strengths, and personal interests. The 'practical' degree I had obtained wasn't enough to project me into a career I would love. I ended up completing a second bachelor's degree with entirely different prerequisites and classes necessary for the professional degree I am now pursuing. Had I trusted my instincts and studied a major less 'practical' but better suiting my interests and personality, I would have saved time and money. Don't let anyone tell you that what you want to study is not applicable in the real world. Do it. Excel in it. It will pay off in the end.

My college experience has not been everything I have wanted it to be, but basically it has been a learning experience, and isn't that what it is supposed to be all about? I am a 52 year old female and I do not have my Bachelor's degree yet because of financial reasons, and because of various societal influences in my life I never have enough funds to cover tuition plus basic living expenses. Financial aid is great if you can get it to cover everything. As for the societal influences, well, I have learned that the racial issues in this country have really not changed much since the 1960's, the issues have just been silenced, muffled, and oppression still exists in this country for poor people, regardless of race or ethnicity. College has taught me that the United States of America is very uneducated, and unless someone sits down with you and tells you to get that Bachelor's degree, some don't know to get that Bachelor's degree. College is valuable because of what you learn to apply to a job; but also for what you learn to apply to society and your community.

Over the last three years I have attended three different colleges. Through my experiences I have developed various reasons as to why college is valuable. During my first year at Walla Walla University I learned the importance of surrounding myself with people who have similar values. It equipped me with not only the strength to persevere what I believe but also gave me the support. While a sophomore overseas at Newbold College I found an environment that was open to sharing diversity in culture and ethnic backgrounds. By this experience I was able to embrace the importance of being open minded and globally aware. After my first two years of college I still had not mastered affective studying habits. However this year I have learned that in order to accomplish my goals, I must buckle down and conquer them with my whole heart. College has helped me stay the course by having the discipline to stick it out even through the hard times. My religion, social life and work are all defined by my education. Most importantly my experience in college has given me many valuable skills that I will be able to use the rest of my life.

?It isn?t where you came from; it?s where you?re going that counts? said by Ella Fitzgerald. As a first generation student in college I am obtaining a knowledge that will help me serve my community by giving people hope. I have been politically active, speaking for the DREAM ACT and informing the public about current issues. I have also learned responsability, commitment, and perseverance through tiring days of homework or meeting a challenging assignment day. While growing up I have witnessed poverty in my family, sometimes living in the street when we did not have a place to stay. I would sometimes sacrifice my meals just to see my smaller brother and sister with a full stomach. My mother was always working jobs that never paid much which made it challenging to picture a future. My father left when I was five years old. Even though I am 18 years of age I will succeed to set an example for my brother and sister to follow. I also want to make my mother proud for all of the sacrifices she has done for us as a single mother and this is why my education is valuable.

I would tell myself to buckle down a bit more and actually pay attention to the teachers. On a personal level, I sometimes have a hard time writing research papers and with grammar etiquette. I believe lying the foundation down early is essential for later in life. If you lack the fundamentals, then how are you supposed to build on these things? If that happens then you are taking time out of your busy schedule to learn the things you should have learned in the first place. For me this has happened a few times but luckily I am a quick learner. I would also tell myself to get a mentor as early as possible so you have someone to talk to when you're unsure about how things work. Everyone needs help at some point in their life and that includes me. Lastly, I would tell myself to enjoy my time in high school because life isn't always a toga party in college. Responsibilities have to be met or you will suffer the consequences.

Our generation differed from our parents' in that we were all told again and again that "you can do anything you set your mind to". While the intent of this statement is to motivate, it is incomplete. It suggests an invincibility and entitlement that can be counter productive. It fails to mention the importance of thoughtful action, hard work, and endless dedication and passion for a particular field of study. You have this deep sense of capability and potential that has been instilled in you since you were a child. You think it is just a matter of time until the clouds magically part and the world takes notice of what you have to offer. The missing key is that you first need to prove it. Perhaps you are as special and talented as you were told; perhaps we all are. The only way to find out is to allow yourself the space, the experience, and the openness to discover what you truly love, where you truly fit, and how you can truly make a difference in this world. Then it's time to put everything, mind, body and soul, into making it the reality you earned.

I would tell my young self to look at college two ways. One, you have to consider college your job while you are in school. You need to treat it with the same commitment and seriousness that you would a paying job. Your job at this point of your life it to attend school and work hard. Second, I would tell my younger self that college needs to be a fun experience. Explore things that seem silly, strange or crazy. Take a chance on classes that you would never think of taking. Do a study abroad program and use the experience to let yourself go and to open you mind to new ideas and views.

If I could go back and talk to myself back as a high school senior I would have pushed my self harder in math. And I would have asked more questions to my councler about scholarships so that way I could have enough money to pay for my books and other expenses that I had to pay.I would also have also pushed myself more over that summer between the transition of high school to college to get more volenteer work done because having volenteer hours help you alot when it comes to applying for scholarships. I would have also told myself to be more consistant on making more appointments with the advisors at te school , they are the people that help figure things out .And another important thing is that , if you have a class that tells you that homework isn't required but could help, DO IT! it will benifit you at the end becasue alot of teachers use somethingd from the homework on the quizes. And another thing, get enough sleep and take notes of the lectures . Intoducing youself with your teacher and get you questions answered from them on their office hours or in class!

I would tell myself to take better advantage of all of the tools the school has to offer. There were so many more resources that I didn't take advantage of. Encouraging more club activities and volunteer opportunities would also have been a large part of my lecture to myself. I would insist that the past me try new foods, be more social, and try to be more open-minded about how people choose to live. I would mention to always stock up on extra toilet paper so as to avoid that awkward knock on your new dorm-neighbor's door at 3AM to ask for some. There would be a lot of positive reinforcement and back-patting, reminders that it would always be difficult, but never boring, and never impossible. Most importantly, I would tell myself to never take no for an answer. If you are told that such a thing cannot be done or are denied, keep trying and asking questions until a solution, or at least a compromise is reached.

"So you're starting college next year, eh? That's a good choice, you're on the right track already. The best thing you can do for yourself at this point is take everything that has to do with your future very, very seriously. Think ahead. The fact that you're a senior in high school doesn't give you the right to figure that 'Oh I'm fine now. I don't have to worry about scholarships or getting a job just yet. I'm still not in college'. That's not the case - it's never too early to start thinking about money or your future. Get a head start because what you do now will affect you in the long run, plus it'll make your life much, much easier. And what? You're nervous? Don't be. Just think of it as another step towards the person you're going to be later on. With each challenge you will continue to grow and realize your potential as a human being. So take everything seriously, do your best, enjoy the opportunities and keep moving forward. You'll be fine. "

I wish that I had pushed myself. I know I am capable of earning a 4.0 but I let situations get the better of me. When my mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's I let depression consume me and my grades fell where they should not have. School should have been my vice, my escape from my home life. Instead neither location was a refuge for me and I fell behind. I was so focused on science classes during my years at Grant High School, that I often neglected exploring other fields. Now that I am in college, I realize that I could have earned a handful of college credit had I taked the AP English or AP Government tests. I should have been more involved. Even though I wanted to pursue an internship over the summer I lost track of deadlines and let an amazing opportunity slip away. I suppose if I could talk to my past self, I would offer words of encouragement. I would tell my self, "Chin up, girl. Get through this. The grass is greener on the other side. I promise."

I would tell myself to earn a degree in a tangible field. Employers are looking for individuals with tangible skills that they can place immediatly. I would inform myself of the importance of a degree that works for me, versus a degree that I have to make work. Ultimately, people are in charge of their own financial well-being. This is why we go to college, to get skills in order to get a job that will provide us with a prosperous life. Were I to go back in time and give myself advice, I would instill the idea in my mind that I need to obtain a degree that provides me with a specific and practical skill. I belive it is vital to know what you are going to do with your degree after college, in the first few years of college, it is okay to be unsure, but eventually a person needs to know. Afterall, we are paying a lot of money to get an education, it might as well be worth it.

If I could give my teen self advice about college I would tell myself to take as many college prep classes in high school as possible to help prepare for the classes in college. I would stress the importance of looking for a mentor at the university. Someone that I felt very comfortable talking to and could trust their advice. This person could be a faculty member or another student, but someone who would keep me in line and focused on my educational goals. Another bit of advice that I would give is to not stress too much if I haven't selected my major my Freshman year. I would tell myself to take my basic required undergrad classes and keep an open mind. Try a variety of elective classes to see what field peaks my interest the most. I would tell myself about the freedom that comes with college life and how easy it is to get off track. It is very easy for a Freshman, living away from home for the first time, to get caught up in the party life. Taking classes seriously and putting studying first will be key to my success.

Finish today it is the only way to live tomorrow. Your ideas are the tree upon which your actions bear fruit. Pay attention to the little man for in him are the truths you lie to hide. Grow relationships, without them you will surely starve. Debt is like plastic surgery it gives you things you didn't have but doesn't fix you inside. The only thing that can overcome your hopes and dreams is your failure to recognize your ability to achieve them.

My life back when I was a senior in high school was incredibly small and callow. To think back on my experiences as a young adolescent is to think back on all the events that led up to me being the person I am today. If I had the opportunity to travel back in time and speak to the rebellious, immature and self-centered girl I was back then, I would grab that girl and slap her around a couple times. Due to my recklessness as a late teenager, I had to face the consequences of my actions as a young adult. Finding the girl that took pleasure in breaking rules, ditching classes, sneaking out at night, and indulging in self-destructive behavior, I would face her and say, "Stop it, you're hurting both of us." I would tell myself, "Throw the pack of cigarettes in the trash, do your homework and really research your options for colleges." I'm thankful that I've grown past those behavorial issues and can safely say that I'm a more mature and focused student. But without the mistakes I made in the past I wouldn't who I am today.

If I were to go back in time and speak to myself as a high school senior, I would advise myself to weigh out the pros and cons of each of my college choices. I would remind myself that even though I am stepping out of the educational environment that I am familiar with, I will be able to adjust to my new surrounding just fine. I would inform myself that Portland State University lacks a lot of the traditional college traits, and that it will be a major social adjustment. I would tell myself to remember to accept all of the scholarship awards that I spent months applying for; I?m going to need that funding. Most importantly, I would tell myself to keep in mind what an important transition this is in my life, and to make the best of my experiences.

I love the friends that I've made and the experiences I've had at Portland State University, but, unfortunately, there are so few of them. If I could go back in time and talk to my my high school senior self, I would tell me to stop being the shy, introverted person I am and go out and just have fun! If I wasn't so shy I could have made more friends from the start of college and participated in many more fun events. Now I've spent over a year of my college life mostly on the sidelines, and I wish I would have gone out and done more. Now I'm doing more things and meeting more people, but it would have been nice to start making the most out of my college experience during my freshman year, instead of waiting until now.