University of Northern Colorado Top Questions

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

Lauren

I absolutely loved all of the one-on-one interaction I had with my professors, and it is what I've missed the most about school since my graduation a year ago. In my time out of school (and in the work force), I have increasingly found myself wishing to return to school, and so I am hoping to begin graduate studies in the next semester or two, depending on how quickly I can pay off my loans. The opportunity to submit my paper (and have it accepted)to be presented at a professional academic conference a few months after my graduation was a thrilling experience, which has remained unmatched in the joy I found in sharing my research with people I hope to one day call my peers. By continuing my studies at the graduate level, I look forward both to continued interaction with new professors and the chance to grow in my research, writing and communication skills, in addition to passing along my love for learning to the future generations of students who will follow me. In the meantime, I continue to use my communication degree on a daily basis as I interact with a variety of people.

Margaret

A voracious reader since the age of four, I have always loved learning! I dreamed of going to college, and planned to become a teacher someday. At nineteen I met my husband, and all those plans were put on hold. Over the next 30+ years, I married, raised a family, taught art as a school volunteer, and worked with community organizations using my artistic talents; eventually starting my own business as a muralist and decorative artist. After nearly 20 years, though, I came to the conclusion that I didn't want to spend the next 20 years on a ladder. My vision was wider than that, and the dream of a college education began to resurface. So, with butterflies in my stomach, I headed back to the classroom in the fall of 2009. I became a full-time student, earning a 3.95 GPA, volunteered as a writer for the campus newspaper, worked as an Anthropology tutor, and as an editor for the annual campus literary magazine- which included two of my own essays! I am also VP of Scholarship for Phi Theta Kappa this school year. Returning to college has been everything I hoped- and so much more!

Desiree

College is very "black and white," the student has every ability to do well, or lacks the motivation to do anything with excellence. I have watched several of my friends fall behind in their studies upon realization that they aren't forced to attend classes. I firmly believe that doing well in college is designed to give you two things: the first being priorities. If the individual does not set specific time out of his or her day for studying and understanding the material given in class or in text books, the student can easily fall behind in the classes, which leads most students to drop out. The other lesson college gives its students is time management. Students are to learn useful material, but fail to do assignments. These two "life lessons" implemented by college is something I have realized early in the semester, and have seen its evident excellence after completely the semester. College is designed to give students intellectual information (classroom instruction, text book learning, etc.), however the personal benefits of completing assignments on time and manifesting time into a task is the real "jewel" college allows students to take for their benefit.

Amber

College has welcomed me with open arms. Coming from a military family, I have always yearned to find a place that I can settle down, without the constant fear of being reassigned. The University of Northern Colorado has provided me with that safe haven, while broadening my horizions of the vast amount of diversity within a college campus. I have made connections that will last a lifetime and am recieving an amazing education, one that my own parents were unable to take advantage of. Because I have immersed myself in the Honors program, the Presiential Leadership Program, and a variety of community service projects, I have developed the tools for leadership and success. My college experience has opened my eyes to amazing new things and encouraged me to change the world with my education. I have deteremined I will become a Speech Language Pathologist with a focus in pediatrics. College has provided me with a steady path that I can follow in the future. The invaluable things I learn here will forever be in my heart and mind, pushing me to follow my dreams.

Abresha

I have found out that you do not have to be the smartest or the richest person to go to college. I came into college thinking that it would be so hard. The way my high school taught us prepared us so much for college that it's not as bad or the work is not as hard as I originally thought. I have experienced traditional classes and online classes. They are very different. I am at a community college now and I am hoping to attend a university in the fall. So far I have gained so much more respect for college students because those extra years are very time consuming. The fact that I can go and work towards the degree in my choosing is motivation that keeps me going everyday. The value I put on college is the set up for my future. I think it will make my job search a lot easier and my money a lot longer. It helps me appreciate things more because I worked for them myself and college was the foundation.

Rebecca

What i have gotten out of my college experience is that I have created a lot more friends and I have become a lot more self reliant. I am able to depend on myself more and not lean on my parents as much. It has been valuable to attend because I have learnt a lot about myself that I would have never learnt if I had stayed at home.

Rebecca

Even though I have only been in college for one semester, I have learned so much. In the past 15 weeks, I have learned what it is like to be truly broke; to have only 15 dollars to your name. I have learned how to manage my time more efficently and cut down on the time I spend mindnumbingly sitting on Facebook. I've learned that you have to take responsibility for your actions now, that mommy and daddy cannot call your professor to complain about your grade. You have to be the adult, and take the initiative for what you want; to go out into the world and get what you want. Nothing is going to be handed to you on a silver platter. It requires time and lots of hard work, but in the end, it will all be valuable. It is your future, afterall.

Amber

Before I came to UNC I was a person that did not believe in myself, had no self esteem, always kept my opinion to myself and didn't really have any friends. For the last 3 years I have grown into a person that is not afraid to share my opinion, say hello to strangers, ask teachers for help, or just be myself without any worry of others judging me. I am a Supervisor at our Subway on campus, CO. V.P. of Projection for the Internetional Film series and a social accet to multiple departments on campus. This school has taught me to embrace who I am and using my strengths to become the person I want to be while giving me the knowledge that will make me successful and happy within my life and career. I would not have any other college. Thank you for considering me. Sincerely, Amber Hahn

Manuel

I have been able to experience life as a college student and value my education more and more as I attend class. I am the first in my family to even have the chance to attend college and I am trying to make the best of it. I have been able to learn new things that I will carry on with my education and hope to further it.

Victoria

College has a very difficult transition for me. My finacial disadvantage caused me to lose out on going to my dream and end up settling for community college for this year. Academically, college has not been to difficult. I took AP courses that helped me transitition to the level of difficulty and work load. I have really enjoyed that freedom that come with college. I have the creavtive option to choose when I go to school and how many classes I get to take. I love the fact that I can have an interesting conversation with whom ever I meet! College, to me, will mean a lifetime of not having to struggle to find a job or settle for anything that comes my way. Having a education will get me further than I can describe. Overall winning this scholarship will give me the motavation to transfer back to my dream college and relieve me of finacial stress and worry that my educatoin has put on my mother and sisters.

Brandon

I've have gotten some good useful information in my few years of college so far. I've learned that I can not put off assignments or projects until the night before. I need to get started on them as soon as I am handed them. With some of the classes I have taken I have learned some good useful information for my current job as a firefighter/emt-b. These classes I have attended have been a huge value to me because it lets me bring new information back to the fire station to teach the other crew members about and how the new technology works. Another great think I have received out of my college experience was my emt-b license. Having this license I am now able to go to paramedic class and hopefully recieve that license so I can be hired full time. Those are some of the experiencs I have gotten out of college so far and how it has valued myself to attend college.

Mallory

Choosing to attend college has been a decision that i don't regret. Neither of my parents attended college, so this whole experience is new and a little bit challenging. I have been home schooled my whole life. Now, for the first time, I get to witness first hand what it means to be in a class room. Being home schooled was in no way like being handicapped, but it was slightly different than college. Burlington County College is a great school. I love meeting new people and getting the chance to show the world what I'm made of. I find that if you show the teachers respect, they will in turn do the same for you. Attending college has allowed me to grow intellectually and socially as well. I hope to graduate and enter the health field as a dental hygienist. It has been a valuable experience simply because I have made it one. I believe you get exactly what you put into things. I know that if i continue to work hard and be a positive example to those around me, i will in turn reap the benefits and be better able to give back.

Bradley

I have learned to really dig deep in the realm of music, my passion, so that I can learn how to make inspiring works to those out there who need a moral boost. My college has helped me to better express myself and learn how to be self sufficient and confident with one's own identity as it important to maintain that confidence in education as well as any career choice. College is extremely tough sometimes and I love it. Working through puzzles of essays and classwork is not always easy but once I acheive my goals I realize how much I have grown from a lone bum to open minded thinker. I enjoy writing and creating essays because it expands my knowledge and forces me to learn new vocabulary (thank you thesaurus) and extensive writing techniques that the pros use daily. As a music student I am so proud to be a UNC because of the fantastic faculty in the music department who really help and I am grateful for their continuing efforts to help students such as myself to make the most of my talents.

Melissa

I have recieved a lot from my college experience like making new friends, deciding what to major in, and living on my own. There has been so many wonderful experiences in the past two and a half years and know I have many more to come. I have just joined a sororirty and that has opened my eyes to a whole new part or college. There is so much community service that we as sisters do, as well as activites for the university. I feel like college has and will be the best part of my life. I am usiing everything that I can, for instance I am going to be going abroad for a semester in the spring. I would not be doing this if I was not attending college. I am loving life each day that goes by and think how lucky I am that I get to experience the life of a college student first hand.

Stephanie

I cannot stress how wonderful my experience at Prince George's Community College (PGCC), in Largo, Maryland, has been. Being a student in the Honors Academy, I am required to maintain a 3.5 GPA, be a member of the Honors Society, take seven honors classes, perform fifteen hours of community service per semester, and take on a leadership role in the college. My advisors and professors have spent numerous hours supporting and encouraging me to become the best that I can be. Without their help, I wouldn't have been able to maintain my 3.9 GPA or do half of the activities in which I've participated: Honors Society President, Honors Society Treasurer, Book Club Treasurer, Member of Phi Theta Kappa- Tau Pi, Disability Support Services Student Scribe, Christmas in April and Walk Now for Autism Service events, Maryland Association of Community Colleges Student Advocacy Day, University of Maryland University Band, PriceWaterHouse Coopers Accounting Development Program, numerous leadership workshops, and maintain my part-time job. The strong support from my advisors, professors, and classmates enabled me to take pride in myself, my education, and my school, which has made my experience at PGCC extremely valuable and unforgettable.

brandon

I have learned how to comunicate my ideas in a more formal way, and I have grown as an individual and a leader

Kallie

During my college experience, I received the very best gift of all, the ablility to teach. Teaching has been my dream since I was only seven years old. To be able to impact the lives of children each day, wouldn't have been possible without the education I received from the University of Northern Colorado. I am a leader in my school amoung my collegues because of my expertise, and high qualitifcations. These came due to the challenging, rigorous classes placed into the Elementary Education Program. Many times teachers will tell you that nothing can prepare you for the reality of a classroom, yet I would have to argue with that claim. The University of Northern Colorado made my first year of teaching an easy transition. The classes were designed to focus on application as well as the student teaching blocks. I value my professors and thank God each day for the gift given to me.

Elizabeth

After high school, I thought long and hard about taking a year off and working . I had a great part time job in a preschool, and I figured I could find another job and have a year of employment and goofing off with friends. I was scared to go to college but I am glad I did it. I had to step out of my comfort zone and stretch myself to do things I have never done before. Making friends was terrifying because I try to keep the fact that I am shy a total secret, and at first I failed. But once I started making myself talk to random strangers in the dinning halls and the elevators, I found that I could always find something I had in common with other people. Living on my own has gotten to be easier and easier with the support of my new friends. School work and studying is even better since I can work with people I get along with so well. If I never went to college and stretched myself to meet new people, I would not be the happy, successful student I am today.

Maile

Trade schools are competitive, it’s about moving quickly, learning as much as you can, and of course producing better products then the person next to you. My school is teaching me hands on what I need to know about the Fashion Industry and what it will take for me to succeed. I have people all throughout my school that are willing to help me succeed; such as my councilor, my advisor, my career advisor, and there are tutors at school from when the school opens to when it closes all there will to help me. The best part my school is that all the work that I do at school is work that I love and am passionate about. I know that I have to work hard in order to accomplish my dreams but I am willing to because I love what I am doing. When I walk around school I feel complete, as if this is where I am meant to be. Every day at school is fun and exciting; I am learning so much about the industry and how to work with people in the industry, I know that I will be able to succeed.

Samantha

Not only have I learned and applied dicipline, I have also learned the value of education along with respect and support of my fellow students. The value of attending is the learning itself, for my strongest strength is input.

Hang

I will be attending a community college this Fall, 2010. I think it is such a great opportunity for anyone to get higher education. College is not just give me knowledge, but it also teachs me to work with other and learn how to deal with life. In class, you need to turn in your work on time. The deadline is always important, even in the reality. We need to be on time for work, and pay the bills. Also, in class, we get to work with others. It will help us to get along and deal with different types of people in life. We also can apply math, computer, reading skills in daily basic. So college is not just a place where you will read giant book but it will teach you many lesson in life. It is not just college, think about it is as important as it is a job because you never know how college could lead you to success in life.

kaitlyn

It is my first year so far i have gotten friends.

vincent

My college experience is valuble because it has enhanced my abilities and skill.

sharlene

I have not yet attended college yet, but im definate it will be a great learning experience. Being able to make your own decisions and choices means we are all growing. I for one do not fall for peer pressure. That will be the hardest thing to tackle when i start sept. 18,2010. Excited much!?!?!? Life couldnt possibly get any better for me. I can finally get away from a hectic household and be able to study, to breathe, to think! I cannot wait. I cant wait to learn more things i never knew and meet new people, especially the girls on my soccer team. I can learn alot from them. College does not run in my family. Mostly everybody in my family goes through pre-k to 12th grade just because their parents made them. I want to go to college to be the best thing that ever happened to my family. I have always dreamed of college but never believed i could make it here. Everyone doubted me but i kept my head held high and continued my long journey to where i am now. I really appreciate the time you took to read my story. Thanks!

Taryn

I entered college in the fall of 2008 and it was a scary yet exciting time for me, i was moving into the dorms and was about a half an hour away from home. I hadn't met my roommate until move in day and was nervous about what type of person she was going to be. When i met my roommate we clicked instantly and were the best of friends. We made friends with a lot of the people in our hall and always had someone to talk to regardless the time of night it was. The classes at our college were small enough that we could get individual help during class time if it was needed. My college experience has taught me to become a more outgoing person and more confident in the route i want to take in my life. By going to college it has helped me realize dreams really do come true.

jasmine

Before investing in my future with a post-secondary education, I took two years off to reflect on my philosophical position on life and to assess what direction I wanted to take my career. I believe that this hiatus has had a positive profound effect on my experience at the University of Northern Colorado due to how thoroughly determined I was to pursue a Computer Arts degree, resulting in focus and effectiveness. Living in Greeley allowed me to be frequently immersed in nature but still have high-commerce opportunities available in big cities such as Denver, which a college life-style often facilitates. A learning environment also pushes one to try new things - I built a PC that I use for personal and professional work, something I would seemingly not have done without a forum of knowledge, resource accessibilty and daring found in the computer element of my Bachelors Degree. Without attending college, I would not have had the opportunity to be familiarized with as many publishing programs, technologies, internships, or job opportunities. It is also gratifying to have an Alma Mater.

Monica

In my college experience so far at the University of Northern Colorado, I have learned that nothing comes easy. The teachers at UNC are very helpful in making their time available to you when you need extra help. They encourage you to try your best, and discourage you to give up. The advisors also help you plan semester by semester goals. They want students to be successful in getting their desired degree and graduate on time.

Oluwaseye

I have gotten alot of things out of the little time I've been in college. I've gotten things such as education [which is priceless], and i've made many friends who I know will always be key part in my life. Although both of the above-mentioned things are of huge value, the most valuable thing that I believe I've gotten out of my college experience is 'Maturity'; i've became more matured, in every sense. Prior to graduating from high school, I knew I wanted to have a huge future for myself, but I was never matured enough to start planning towards it. After coming to college though, one would think that since I was now away from parental control, I would begin to make wrong decisions. This is something that happens to alot of kids that come to college, but as for me, I realized that now that I'm in college it means that the 'real world' is fast approaching, and that every single decision that I make while in college will affect my future. So, college has taught me to be matured, and this is key to my future plans.

Ryan

My college experience so far has been amazing. I not only am getting a good education, but I am also learning life lessons, like how to live on my own. My classes are great and the professors are too. I am recieving the education that I want to recieve and actually learning things I am interested in and that I want to carry with me for the rest of my life. But the most important thing that I am getting out of my college experience would be my independence. I am learning responsibilities and how to take care of myself. Whether that be how to spend my day, or telling my friends that I cannot hang out because I have priorities like studying for an exam. I have to take care of myself now, and moving to college is preparing me for the future when I buy my own house and have only myself to rely on.

Aysa

If i could go back in time there are a lot of things I would tell myself and do. First I would make sure that I stayed on top of my school work doing high school. The transition from high school to college wasn't hard for me but I would make sure that I didn't let anyone hold me back from doing my best. A big thing I would tell myself is to make sure that I and my mother had the money to go to college because I hate having to worry about my finanical aid status plus my school work.

Taylor

Dear Taylor, I know that right now things are easy, or at least relatively easy; you don't have a job to worry about, your friends like you, schoolwork is do-able. Right about now you feel pretty secure in not only yourself, but also your place in life. Well, I am sorry to inform you that's going to change. I don't mean to frighten or worry you, that's not my intent. What I want is to let you know what's coming so you may prepare yourself accordingly for college life. So, here: Rule 1: Don't go to college for that boy, go for yourself. Rule 2: I know you love her, but do NOT let your mother influence your major. Rule 3: You're an artist, trust me. Rule 4: Introduce yourself to everyone. Everyone is a potential friend. Rule 5: Confidence. I don't have time to tell you every little thing but I do want you to know the big stuff, and that's there. I believe in you, and I know you can do it, I just thought this would help. Love, Taylor

Adam

If I could go back in time and give advice to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself that applying to UNC is definitely a good idea. Everything that has happened to me while at the university has been nothing but positive. Everyday I learn and grow as a person and wouldn?t give myself any advice except to trust my own heart and instincts. One thing that I would tell myself, however, would be to apply for more scholarships because as much as I love this university I can feel it slipping out of my hands because the money to pay for school simply is not there. I have taken out far too many loans and am working part time and am still struggling to make ends meet. I am reliant mostly on financial aid and loans as my family is struggling themselves and has no money to spare. If I had any advice for myself it would be to be prepared for struggle, but also to work hard and never give up no matter what.

Cassandra

As a high school senior, I was positive that I had made appropriate choices for my future. I was comfortable with my decision to attend a college for Music Education and wanted to stay in Colorado to be near my family. I was ready to move on. The only problem was that I did not prepare myself to move on. If I could go back in time and express to my younger self advice for the future, I would definitely tell myself to push the boundaries and not allow myself to stay in a comfort zone. I would explain that college is a whole different ball game than high school and that I need to prepare completely for auditions. I would explain that my auditions should be spotless and that I should make sure all of my paperwork is done in time. I would illustrate that practicing for three hours a day is not difficult and that homework is not optional. I would attempt to convince myself that success in college starts my high school year. I would also express that struggles with money and that scholarships are not jokes and should be take seriously.

Christopher

If I had the chance to go back in time and talk to myself, I would give myself an immense amount of advice. First, I would tell myself not to work about living with a roommate. That was one of the biggest concerns about college that I had. I had never shared a room with anyone, and I had never lived with someone else besides my parents. I have come to love the dorm life. I have a great group of friends I have developed in my dorm. I have also grown into a responsible young man by learning how to live on my own. This was a big concern for me in the beginning. Next, I would tell myself to apply, and apply. By that I suggest I spend a great deal of time applying for all of the various scholarships available. Each tiny bit of money you receive can go a long way. I would love to go through college with a minimal amount of student loans, that way when I graduate I can enter the world with a personal finance deficit of zero. Overall I would tell myself to study hard and to have fun!

Brianna

If I could talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell me that college is not what you expect. It is a great experience, but it is much harder than high school. You really have to know how to manage your time to succeed. It is nice to have a new sense of freedom, but if you get carried away you can mess everything you have going for you. The classes are larger, and since you don't have them 5 days a week missing class can make ittough to get caught up. Even though your parents aren't around to tell you what to do, you should still do what you think is right. If you get your work done and go to class, then you can focus on the fun parts of college. It is a great experience but it is different then you will expect it to be.

Andrea

Before coming to college, I remember asking everyone how they survived in college. After experiencing almost two years of college, I have a pretty good idea what my answer would be for incoming freshmen or even myself if I went back in time. Most importantly, to help the transition I would recommend getting involved as much as possible. It is far more unlikely to experience "home sickness" if freshmen don?t seclude themselves in their dorm rooms. Equally important, to get used to the work load, I would recommend getting as much homework done in between classes; this ensures for a light homework load at night, further allowing for involvement in activities. Above all, I would tell myself that college is just like high school, but with more freedom. If I would have known all this information when starting college, I would have been less stressed and less worried about transitioning into college life.

Crystal

Dear Crystal, I am writing you as a second semester college student, and I would like to give you a few tips on how to better prepare yourself for college as a high school senior. Listen carefully to this advice, and you will be able to breeze through college life! First, spend some time to really get to know yourself. Try new things, and decide what you do and don't like. Many of your assignments during the first part of your classes involve writing or talking about yourself. If you get to know yourself better, it will come naturally. Next, start speaking up in the classroom more. In college, professors value your ideas and want you here from you! Also, observe what is going on in the classroom around you. As an elementary education major, you will be asked to make connections between what your observed in classrooms you have been in and what you want to see as an educator within classrooms. Lastly, spend as much time with children as you can. Work with them, play with them, and observe them. You can never have too much experience with children and you will enjoy it!

Margaret

The biggest piece of advice I could give myself as a high school senior going into college is to open yourself up. Get involved in what sounds interesting to you, and don't miss out on oportunities just because it is outside of your comfort zone or you don't have anyone to get involved with. Talk to more people outside of your roommates, and build friendships with those around you to give yourself a variety of things to do and people to hang out with. Isolating yourself or making excuses as to why you're not involved is going to hurt you in the end, so don't hesitate to take risks and do what you want.

Natasha

The advice I would give myself if I could go back in time when I was high school senior is to focus more on school. In high school I got pretty good grades but I didn't try very hard. In college you actually need to study for tests and do your homwork. I would also suggested to myself that I should of hung out with more people instead of just a certain group. In college, I've met so many new people and every person is different with their likes and dislikes. In high school, everyone liked the same thing and they wanted to be like everyone else. I was one of those people in high school but now in college I don't care what other people think of me. God made me to be this person and I'm not going to try to change that. I would give myself advice to just be myself and open up to everyone and everything.

Natalie

I would tell myself that although moving away from home for college sounds exciting, in reality, it's a lot harder than anticipated, especially when you move out of state. Parents can only do so much to support you finically and emotionally. You have to make the conscious decision to find "new family" in the friends you meet at school. No matter what, take a risk on your dreams because you're only young once. Changing your mind won't hurt but taking too long to make up your mind hurts you in the end. I'd stress the importance of budgeting and acquiring a part-time job. In addition, take your job seriously because there are 12,000 other students willing to take our position if you can't fulfill its duties. Lastly, be thankful; education is a privilege NOT a right. Look at it this way: you are paying the university for an education, so milk it for all its worth. Attend weekend workshops, go to free concerts, get lost in the library, take advantage of every amenity, including tutors and professors. You are paying to learn, but lucky enough to get the "whole experience" along the way.

Amelia

If I could go back in high school I would tell myself to get more involved in sports and take advantage of all the clubs provided, because when you get to college time is hard to mannage. I was known to get stressed over my homework assignments, but if I wouldn't have procrastinated I would have been just fine: same with college. I have learned to be more organized and on time. I would have told myself to talk to my parents about more independence, because when in college the world is your playground. I would have told myself to at least one or two AP courses because when it comes to college you get more benefits and the relief of extra credit hours. I would have told myself to ask more questions about college, because really I had no idea about majors or minors. Make sure you know what you want to do in life. Yes, you have eight years to figure that out, but it makes college life so much easier if you have a plan. Last, I would have told myself to loosen up because college will be the best experience of your life.

Moises

Don't be a rebel and wait because CSUSB is going to call saying that you are accepted. Also apply for a lot of scholarships and keep your fastwebs file up to date. Study harder and reach for A's and not just a simple little C. Excercise a whole lot more to keep yourself in shape and alert. And lastly, try art because you are very great at it you just don't know it yet.

Katelin

Knowing what I know about myself now, and what I know about me a year ago when I was a senior, there are a few things I could give as useful pieces of advice. The first thing that comes to mind is, go exercise; work out, run, and lift weights as much as you can but so much that is still enjoyable. I?ve found this to not only keep me in shape and lookin? good but it keeps me busy too. During this transition its primitive that you keep yourself busy doing productive things that further yourself in life so you don't fall victim to laziness now that you don't live with your parents anymore. Second, go have fun! Keep in mind not to go overboard though, and definitely don?t fall into the ?party trap? many freshmen find themselves in. Meet as many people as you can, but keep a few close friends and concentrate on those relationships the most because they?re the people that will stick with you after college too. Oh, and make sure you do your homework because that is why your here in the first place!

Jennifer

I would tell myself to pick the size of school I was comfortable with, and make a list of the schools that had my major. As soon as I had that list, perhaps hundreds of colleges and universities long, I would tell myself to mix all of the names up in a bowl and choose. I would give this advice because college is so much more than an education. The experiences I'm having now are shaping my life and future, and I am learning that life is what I choose to make of it. I think that if I could tell my highschool self to mix up the names and choose, college would be more of an adventure. Perhaps I would be leaving Colorado, going to school in a big city, or a rural town. Hopefully, I would be going off on my own, blazing my own trail, and marching to the beat of my own drum. More than anything, I would tell myself not to be afraid to step out. Switching schools is scary. Making friends is hard. But settling...settling didn't get me anywhere, and that is what I would tell my highschool self to avoid.

David

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high-school senior, I would probably start by trying to calm down the frantic past version of myself that had just witnessed the rapid manipulation of time as we know it which resulted in presenting a slightly taller and more facially rugged version of himself. Once that had been taken care of, I would warn him not to slip into the phenomenon known as "Senioritis", because that might prevent his eligibility for some scholarships, and believe it or not, a scholarship can go a long way! Then I suppose I would tell him that big college parties are not all that they're cracked up to be, and that he shouldn't expect to have a blast in a crowded room full of people that he's never met. I would also tell him that certain classes are a lot easier to do well in if you show up to them. Finally, I would tell him not to worry so much about meeting people, because he's going to end up knowing a few kids that will probably turn out to be life-long friends.

Sara

After completing the better part of my freshman year, I have already wished for a magic wand to reverse actions. I have many friends at my university, but when I first started, people I met in high school were the only ones I talked to. They started partying, and left me at the dorm alone all weekend. I was betrayed, and worse- I was lonely. I long to tell myself pre-college self to get involved sooner! Join clubs I never thought of joining, like swing dance club. Reach out to new people that are in the same situation, look around the dinning hall it may seem like you are the only one alone, but as scan closer and recognize other homesick and withdrawn students. I reached out to them and in return, made a group of friends, and also study partners, instead of partiers. Most universities have a student union in which one can easily ask for a list of clubs and organizations, its easy to get involved when you can visually check out all there is! My School has Renaissance to herbivore to hiking clubs. Ask other students to go with you, not just high school ?BFFs.?

Anna

If I could go back in time and give myself advice about college, I would tell myself to start studying sooner and not socialize so much. I would tell myself to start looking at my major requirements first sememster and start working on them first before the fun and easy classes. For me the transition hasnt been that hard for me. I was always taking care of myself in high school and this year isnt much different other than I am living by myself.

Ariana

If I could give myself any advice it would be to not worry about grades so much and instead partake in more campus activities and social events. During high school I developed good study habits which were transfered over during my transition to college life. Because of this I never had a problem with grades because if I needed to know something I would study it until I had drilled it into my memory. However, this didn't boad well for my social life because I would often over study because I was so obsessed with getting good grades. As a result I got incredibly stressed out and it just seemed to build because I wasn't doing anything to relieve my stress. This actually made me have to study harder because I was so emotionally drained. Without balancing your time between school and recreation it is incredibly difficult to succeed in college because you may eventually have a mental breakdown from being too stressed out and it will hurt your studies in the end. In addition to this it will make your life miserable, something which you don't need when you have just moved to a new environment.

Demi

When I was in high school I did not study as much as I should have, but still came out with ok grades. Once I went to college I learned that I could not get away with not studying. If I was to go back in time it would to better prepare myself to study. Other than that, I have no regrets or anything that I would change.

Stephanie

Speaking from experience I must say that college has taught me well. In summary here are ten things I?ve learned the past year. One; sleeping is overrated. Two; Its ok to drink five cups of coffee in one day! Three; Roommates can either be your best friend or worst enemy. Four; Studying for a test the night before quickly gets you in trouble. Five; Foil does not belong in a microwave! Six; Girls thinks it cool if you know how to play the guitar. Seven; Condiments at restraints count as free food?right? Eight; Textbooks can cost more than a small car. Nine; Ramen noodles are the best friends in the world. Ten; When all else fails laugh. If I could go back in time to my high school day?s I would tell that stressed senior to relax, and simply laugh. Laughter is the cure to everything. Believe me I am a college student.