The Evergreen State College Top Questions

“Don’t worry. Your life is still going on in four years. You are not weak, but strong. Stop coming suicidal activities, and go get some hot tea.” If I could talk to myself in high school, I would give those words. I used to be such a negative, depressed, lonely girl when I was in high school. I had a tumor. I never thought that I would survive; nevertheless, I fought again and again to pursuit my education. I would tell me as a young high scholar, the college life is very different from high school in Japan and much more difficult. Since I never studied in high school, I feel as if I was reborn and complete different person. As getting great grades, now my life is better than ever—Now I have no more cancer chewing me, no more depressions dragging me to the dark side of my life, and no more bad grades that depress myself even more. I would tell myself in my teens that , just as the saying goes, “life is beautiful.” I encourage myself with this saying every day. Now I am going to go forward!

I would have told myself to take time off. I chose the wrong major the first time around because I was doing what everyone else told me to do/expected me to do and I had to go back to school to get training in a field that was right for me. It was far more difficult to "correct" my career path mistake than to take time off, get a job, get to know what *I* wanted to do rather than my parents, high school guidance counselor (who just looked at grades and didn't care one iota what motivated me) or my college advisor expected me to do.

N/a

I would tell myself that moving across the country is a lot harder than you think and that it takes time to develop the same kind of community you had at home. It's important to keep an open mind and to be patient, it will take time to feel at home here. Although school will be a lot of work, you can handle it. Good luck on your adventure.

Work hard. If there is one thing I have learned at college, it is that the amount of work I did in High School was miniscule. I look back and see how easy it would have been for me to be an all A's kid, and I wish I had put forth the extra effort. I have changed a great deal since arriving at college, and my procrastination in my younger years seems almost silly now. I would tell myself to face every moment with determination and to put all of my will into every moment.

I would tell myself to be more confident and apply to a larger range of schools.

There is no such thing as the wrong choice--every decision you make is an opportunity for growth and new development. Don't spend so much time hesitating and wondering what the correct choice is, just pick something and turn it into the right choice. Even if it turns out to be a complete and utter "failure" when compared with the goal at hand, don't dwell on the past but learn from it and let it become a part of you. Laugh and move on, it won't really matter down the road.Time spent cogitating and worrying will not serve any productive purpose. People are mostly good, don't be afraid to just smile and say hi. You could be meeting your soul mate or your new best friend. There is something shared about the human experience, you have somethin in common with everyone you pass on the street. Life is a journey, enjoy it. Laugh, love, be, do, see, experience, LIVE AND ENJOY IT. You will rock the world.

I would go back and tell myself that prestige doesn't matter. College is about getting an education, not the fanciest degree possible. There are so many colleges that offer so many unique things, you have to really search it out and find your place. Transferring isn't the end of the world either, as long as you find a place that's good for you.

If I could go back in time and give myself advice, I would say, "Don't go to college. It is a waste of money, and the job market is going to tank in a few years anyways, so go have fun! Enjoy life while you are young and debt-free. The higher education system is a profit-oriented industry.They don't care about you or your education, they care about profits. It shouldn't and doesn't cost money to learn, but it does cost money to get the piece of paper which shows that the state has authorized your learning. Rebel! Live your life! Learn all that you can, as cheaply as you can! Use the public library! Don't just go with the established order of things because that is what is expected of you... you are free to make your own choices. Make the right one." These are the things I would tell myself, were I able to go back in time.

The first thing that I would ask myself is, do you have an idea of what you want to do? I was choose to go the University of Washington my first year of college and had absolutely no idea of the direction that I wanted to go in, so I ended up partying and dropping out Spring quarter. When I enrolled at Evergreen the following Winter quarter, I had time to consider my options and choose a school that was more academically suited to my needs as a student. As a senior I was concerned with the outside appearance of my school, the prestige it carried, etc... and because of this I didn't consider what was best for me as a student. The second piece of advice I would give to my high school senior self, would be to research and actively pursue scholarships and grants because it has cost my family a lot to put me through school. This is important and now that I am in my final year, it is something I deeply regret not doing.

Be true to yourself. College can be a weird and frightening place if you adjust your personality in order to fit in. You will change and grow beautifully if you let go and unleash your full potential. Take classes that you WANT to take, not classes you feel you should take. Push yourself outside your comfort zone, you will learn much more. Take risks and realize that you have unlimited potential to change the world. And don't let anybody tell you otherwise, not even a professor.

Nothing - I'm satisfied with both my high school, or lack thereof, and college careers thus far.

Go to school before you turn 32!

It would be too late to correct any damage by the time I was a senior. I'd just tell myself that my future is bright.

I would say to remember that being serious about your work doesn't end when you show up here. My first quarters here seemed rather easy, but my sophomore year showed me wrong. Studies got a lot more difficult out of no where and my living situation was dreadful during my sophomore year. Lets just say my first year blinded me to what college can really be like when everything ISN'T going perfectly.

To go to a 2-year college first and take the time to try new things. These are the years where we get to see what fits and what doesn't so leaving room to wiggle is important. Then, when I would enter a four year college I would be more likely to have focus and direction and more appreciation for the opportunities available.

I would have told my highschool self to not stress about picking a major, knowing what you want to do, cost of school, distance from home. You do not need to have a major, just go to school for the experance, learning and networking. Take classes you think I may not always enjoy, because you might be surprised. Distance from home will not matter. If you live 8 hours or 2 you will very rarely have the time to go home to what is the point. (Although living 2,000 is a bit more difficult.) And get out there! Join clubs, do volunteer projects, go on the little shcool trips, art walks, ect. They are kinda cheesey but always fun. Make friends that know how to have fun, there is no need for drinking or smoking it is very unattractive. If you must get a job to help pay for school. Get one on campus that way school is still your life and you work understands that and is flexable.

I have found my passion. I love learning, and I love helping people. I was the kid with a thousand questions. "Why are plants green?" "What does 'homogenized' mean" "Why do antibiotics make us better?"... I knew that the academic world was my element of comfort. I enjoy the challenge and the reward of asking good questions and genuinely learning. I pushed myself to succeed in high school, but I wish I could have worked more AP classes into my schedule (They only offered English and Calculus). If I could go back, I'd have taken calculus as well. Overall, the transition to college was smooth and I'm the happiest I've ever been.

There's too much involved for me to answer this in a way that would be helpful for this survey.

Make sure that you are able to make a secopndary family of people who love and support you. If you don't find a community of people to surround yourself with you can easily get lost and feel lonely.

Be an activist sooner. Radical politics, radical people, are great for morale. Climb a lot more trees.

Work hard, study hard. Don't underestimate your power to achieve your dreams. You can become anything you want to be. Don't lose focus, keep your eyes on the prize. Remember, if you always do your best, you can never fail. Even though your life so far has been far from easy, keep working and studying hard, you won't regret it. An education can be the key to your success, and will allow you to take care of Mom, even though she is too sick to take care of you. Someday you can look back and see that your hard work has paid off, and that you did everything in your power to help your family and make the world a better place too.

Do exactly what you want to do. Any decision that you make is a great one.

It'll be fine

College is not going to be what you expect. Do not go start your college experience with false expectations, because you will become disillusioned and you will struggle with that. That struggle will lead you in the right direction academically, however, just doing what you are passionate about in the first place will be much easier. Don't concern yourself with whatever the people back home expect of you academically, build on your expectations of yourself. Nobody back home is here to tell you what is right or wrong, you only have yourself and the connections that you make now. Expect more of yourself, because you are capable of more than you ever imagined.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to fill out more scholarship applications and look into more schools. Once I learned about The Evergeeen State College I was hooked to their teaching style and it ended up being the only shcool I applied to. I believe I should have looked into more schools that are similar to Evergreen just so I would have had more options. I've also realzied that paying for college when you cannot qualify for any financial aid is a struggle and filling out more scholarship applications than I did would have increased my chances of receiving more money for tuition, housing, and other school related supplies. As for make the transition into college life, I feel like it has been a pretty easy change. Having no experience living in such close quarters with 5 other girls I believe I have handled it quite well. I've learned that being myself is the best that I can do and stepping outside of my comfort zone to meet as many people as possible is the best way to make friends and enjoy college life.

Go to the scholarship office REGULARLY as well as websites they give you. Set a goal for how many scholarships you'll try to apply for each quarter. Also check-in with the school's career develoment center REGULARLY to try to connect better with alumni employed in the community, for internships, independent learning contract opportunities & future employment.

Don't worry about making or losing friends, worry about where you're going work in four years. Friends come and go, but your abilities and knowledge stya with you your entire life.

visit campuses, take it slow. Trust what you're interested and talk to faculty in the departments you're interested in. You don't have to find a job with your qualification, go towards your passion.

Make sure you're ready to leave home behind and be prepared to embrace a complete restart.

Don't freak out too much about the application process. You're going to be okay, really. It is absolutely crucial to visit the schools that you are considering. Something as seemingly unimportant as the housing situation has the potential to make your college experience miserable. Once you actually get there, meet people! All those orientation activities that seem so pointless are really valuable for making connections with others. Everyone has something in common - you are all at a new, exciting place together. Even the smallest interactions with other students can last you through the rest of the year. You do not want to be stuck in your room watching movies in February when everyone else has found their group of friends. Lastly, this college thing is so exciting and fun! Take advantage of as many opportunities as possible!

First thing first: take a year off between high school and college. Since I went directly to college, I was unable to have an idea of the real world and it was harder to figure out what I was interested in. Second, don't declare a major freshman year- explore classes and take a variety of subjects that appeal to you. Third, put yourself out there and make as many friends as possible - they will become your network not only for socializing but for studying as well. You need lots of friends to support you during your time at college. Lastly, visit as many colleges as possible and talk to people who have been there before deciding where to go. If need be, do what I did and change colleges - many will accept credits for transfer. College is about finding yourself as a responsible adult, but also having a great time with the friends you make there. Make it fun!

If I could go back and talk to myself as a senior in highschool, I would say that college has its ups and downs ( just like every other part of life) I would tell my self to live in an appartment on campus with a kitchen my first year and not in the Freshman dorms. I would tell myself to expore more of seattle and olympia my first year and to be more social with friends. I would tell myself to take 20 credits to maximise my learning.

Be dilligent, don't give up and deffinatly don't procrastonate. You are going to go through a lot of drama and hard work but it will be worth it in the long run. You are going to learn a lot, and not what you expected. Remember to take a breather every once and a while and don't sweat the small stuff. Have fun and keep in mind that this time won't last forever so make the most of it.

I would beg of myself to allow for a future that my family did not see for my life or consent of; I would blow my mind by telling myself that I will be the first in my family to both pursue a college education and achieve a Bachelors Degree; this is a thought which seemed inconceivable and indeed impossible in my life during that time. I would tell myself that it is a gift to learn and that I should stay in school and apply my interests and skills to school so that I could continue to build on my work and passions throughout my undergraduate education, achieving success and greatness in my field. I would say with complete sincerity that while in college I would learn more the I ever though I didn’t know, that the world would change – my world perspective would change forever - through my education. And, I would tell myself that I will be able to help many people reach success in their lives and in their education; that I myself will be able to achieve self actualization, and assist others in their personal pursuit of the same.

I would advise myself to look more carefully into the schools I was considering, instead of choosing haphazardly. Although the college I selected is a good place, I'm already looking to transfer because it's just not right for me, something that I could have figured out if I had taken the time to do more research about their system. Also, I would advise myself to take the time to really explore my options - I went straight from graduation into summer school, and am feeling the pressure of being constantly in school, not having a break in between high school and college, and envious of thsoe of my friends who elected to take semesters off. I would also advise myself to apply to more schools - even though I was doubtful of my ability to get into the schools that I applied to, I now believe I would have had a chance at getting into schools I didn't even bother applying to, and I am regretful that I conciously closed off options. I would also advise my senior self to make more of my own decisions, and not base my decisions on my parents' advice so much.

Do more than the minimum! Get your language and math in, and do a good job too. You will want to have more choices and more funding, and this is how to do it. It doesn't matter that your parents could give a shit, you need to prepare yourself.

Having struggled in high school, it might come as a surprise that I am consistently on the college honors list. As a visual learner, school is always challenging since few classes are geared toward my learning style. Readings and lectures are rarely enough, and courses utilizing images and videos are scarce. In attempt to better grasp concepts I visit museums, seek educational videos and engage in long discussions with teachers and peers. I have had many more educational experiences and become more confident as a result. Most recently, I volunteered with a local historical association where I learned much about the pioneers and geography of Washington State, Native American history in the area, and even about new ways education programs are reaching out to students. Interacting and visualizing what my class was teaching, not only let me experience and understand the information in a way that textbooks cannot, but also allows for personal growth that I could not obtain in a classroom the same way. My grades are consistently high and I am getting more than a degree and course credits from college that will help me in my career, I am getting real life experience and a lifelong education.

Growing up is done in steps, some ascend these faster than others, some fall and never reach their pinnacle, and others strive to find the top and never do so. I have grown more in these two years of college than my entire years of education past, as a human and intellectual and am more than ever prepared to enter proffesional life, live freely, and pursue future happiness.

My experience at Evergreen has been valuable because it has allowed me to explore the field I wish to one day work in. Here, I am able to conduct research in a fully functioning microbiology lab. This has not only confirmed that microbiology is the correct degree for me, but has also given me valuable hands on experience. I feel like it has given me an advantage in the future. By the time I graduate I will have had over two years of independent research. I feel very lucky to have such a unique oppertunity.

I have attended three colleges to date, and believe I have learned what I want out of my college experience; an education! Through trial and error, I have found that it is not the degree that matters in life; it is the experiences and knowledge gained. I finally feel like I am moving forward, and towards something in my field of study. My eyes have been opened to the opportunities that this world has to offer, and to the methods of obtaining my goals. Next year, I plan on doing an internship learning biological surveying techniques in the Seychelles Islands, and this will hopefully open even more doors into the world I want be a part of.

What have I gotten out of attending The Evergreen State College? A question like this is almost too hard to answer. The question should be more like, "What have you not gotten out of attending The Evergreen State College?" On my first day of college, I instantly made kind and amazing friends. Things like this do not always happen to college freshman straight out of high school. When I first thought of going to college, I was so worried I wouldn't fit in, and that making friends would be one of the hardest ordeals I would have to encounter. The atmosphere and expressive people instantly drew me in and I haven't regretted applying for this college one bit. I am taking a year long course called Field Ecology, and I am instantly hooked. My faculty are amazing and so is the class. I have learned so much in just a few weeks than I have in all the years I have learned about animals and plants. I am excited to see what else I encounter at this school.

All of the experience that I have gained from the past year and a half is not only hard work, but a lot of things to learn what you really want. "Every one makes mistakes" and "No one is PERFECT", we all have very different ways of learning what we are all interested in. At least half way through a year you can always plan ahead for the upcoming year, by saving money or have alternative ways to trans for universities. So many things can be learned before you transfer, that way you got a heads up about what to expect from the university that you would like to go to. If you do not that and just deal with what is thrown at you, you end up not seeing everything. "You can see the tress but not the FOREST", that mainly happens if your noy careful. Applying for financial aid and scholarships are there for a reason, to help get you through college and to get a nice career. My goal is to become a Music Composer and write music themes for Movies, T.V. Shows, new Games. Anything to get me what i was born to do.

From Evergreen, I have gained the ability to make valuable connections and think critically. Studying the Liberal Arts has allowed me to have well rounded knowledge on many different subjects.

The most important things that I have taken away from my undergraduate experience is the ability to think and to write. I did not have a clear vision of what I wanted to do with my life; I wanted to learn and I knew that education was the key to a better future. If I knew then what I know now, I would have sought out the wise counsel of a mentor for life and academic guidance. I didn't really have anyone to ask the hard questions of, no one in my family prior to my college experience had graduated from college. For fumbling around and building the plane in flight, I didn't do too badly. It just would have been so beneficial and so much less painful to have sound advice early on and along the way. If I could give myself words of encouragement it would be: don't be afraid to set what you want into motion. Oftentimes, you can't see how a system works until you become part of it. When you open the door, you get a peek at how a system works and from there you can negotiate your way.

As a senior, I lacked holistic perspectives and the ability to view issues from a multitude of situations. The transition for me was one of 2,000 miles, quite a move from my comfortable home life. I shattered barriers and expanded my comfort zone. I should have told myself to continuously incorporate exercising personal responsibility, financial independence, and understanding social interactions in a myriad of crowds. I would tell the past Anna to act intentionally. Take time to understand yourself and your reactions to situations before diving into knee-deep water.

For me, the transition between high school and college was a matter of a mere 76.6 miles and a complete change of attitude. Though the concept of a collegiate education wasn?t very daunting to me, (I wasn?t going far from home, and I was headed to college whose style of education was remarkably similar to the alternative schooling of my younger days), there is something about that switch between having your education dictated for you and finding your own path that can be disconcerting. Looking back, there are a few choice things I would impart to my high school senior self if I were given the chance. There is the ?Don?t slack off second semester!? admonishment that is so common, yet so very important. I would remind myself to get to work on those scholarships and ask for letters of recommendation BEFORE the inevitable panic sets in. And lastly, most importantly, I would tell myself not to worry. Scholarships and applications and college life may seem big and scary, but the real story is that everyone else is just as confused as you are. Keep a smile on that face. You?re in good company.

Dear Grace, So you're preparing for college, huh? Well, first off, don't be scared. You might be anxious that you won't meet people, and that you won't have any friends, but there's no cause for worry. Remember that all the freshmen are just as freaked out as you are, and a smile will go a long way in making both of you feel better. Secondly, get a single room. You might think that a roomate is a built-in friend, but when she's pulling an all-nighter for that Psychology final you're gonna wish you had some personal space. Which brings me to my third point: don't pull all-nighters. It's not good for your health or your stress level, and your quality of work really goes down when you're strung out on your third latte at two a.m. Plan ahead: read in your spare time, keep a calendar, make to-do lists, make a flow chart... do anything as long as it keeps you organized. Most of all, remember that you can be a good student and still have fun. Relax, and enjoy the ride. Best wishes, Grace

If I could go back and tell myself what I know now about college, i would tell myself to go where your heart tells you, not where anyone else wants you to go or be. In school you are with friends for so long, and sometimes it?s hard to let go and be on your own path. You instantly want to cling onto what you know and resist going on to the unknown by yourself. If they are your real friends, they will still be in contact with you no matter how far away. You need to open up to the world and be yourself and discover who you are.

Take the time to think deeply about your passions and interests in life, and then set goals for yourself, based on what you want out of life, not others' expectations. It's great to have a few years of "real life" experience in lieu of college, but make sure you don't get sidetracked from your bigger aspirations. Above all, believe in yourself and your immense potential and abilities to effect change, both for yourself and your communities.