University of Portland Top Questions

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

Summer

To my high school self: be passionate. Learn who you are, and become that person to the strongest ability that you can. Passion helps in college, and in life, through so many different ways. Who cares if someone is going to judge you for this passion you have, they'll judge you also for the passion you don't have. In order to succeed in education beyond school, you HAVE to care about the material you are learning, about where your future lies, and about who you are going to become at the end of these next four years. College isn't just about getting that degree- it's about what life you are going to live. So, while you are in high school (also known as FREE education), learn just who you want to be when you take the next step, because (in more than just one way), you'll be paying for it. So, to my high school self: be passionate.

Alisa

If I could go back in time and give my highschool self advice, I would tell myself that college is not a place for procrastinating. I will need to prepare for the independence professors give you and the responsibility of being on top of yourself with due dates and tests. To be ready to have to self motivate on getting stuff done in time. I would also advise my high school senior self to not be afraid of letting my comfort zone down by utilizing and engaging in the new surroundings of people and cultures. While college if a place of educational experience it is also one of a social experience. I have not yet found the perfect balance of academic and social life, but I would advise my younger self to not get overwhelmed in the college lifestyle and take everything one day at a time.

Emmanuel

"I know your whole life had been traumatizing; loosing your close friend to suicide, numerous of relatives to cancer, illnesses, and mostly the abuse from your mother and father, but keep that resilient mentality because it saved you. You're academically gifted, a social butterfly, and the most caring and humble person. You must know this, mom and papa are extremely proud of you; they admire what you have already accomplished and the dedication to pursue a higher education; they just don't know how to show it, but you must know that they love you. College is a new beginning to a new chapter. It's a whole new world of obsticales that you cannot do alone. Life would be so much easier once you overcome that fear of rejection. I know rejection is something you struggle with, but once you take that innitial step, you will start to experience the "light" in life. You've been in that dark place for too long, and you know that; and you know that college is your only way out. Keep all your options open, because there is an endless amount of opportunities that you are able to accomplish. Good luck! "

Mackenzie

I would tell myself to study more in high school and read all the material that is given to you. It is hard to catch up in classes and I wish my study habits were better in high school because they would have carried over into college. I would also tell myself to write in my planner daily and to keep a calendar of all your due dates and tests and be organized. One of my biggest challenges here is I forget when things are due and it makes my life a lot more stressful and more complicated.

McKenzie

Children grow up believing that they are special. They are told by their parents, teachers, and mentors that they have unique skills. I have found that no one has truly special skills. The world is full of people who have similar virtues, talents, and traits. I grew up in a rural community. In my school I was a fantastic musician, student, and leader. People told me I was special. Now that I am at a university, I am surrounded by people who have some of the exact same characteritics that I have prized most in myself. I have found that the best advice I can give my high school slef is "you are not spcial." Once I realized other people were very similar to me, I was able to find that working hard and becoming apart of a community is what really makes you special. The impact you make on other people in thier lives is what makes you special. The extrodinary lies in actions, not traits. If I had known what truly makes me special, it would have made my transition into college easier, and allowed me to invest my time into actions that make me a special individual.

Jordan

If I could talk to my high school self, I would tell her first, that just because everyone says college is the best time of your life, doesn’t mean they are including freshman year. It is okay to be homesick, but it will go away. You are going to meet a lot of people, not all of them will like you. But that’s okay. The people, who stick with you through the ups and downs, are the ones who matter. Classes will be difficult, but never miss one. Simply by being in class, you are learning. Go to you professor’s office hours, they actually want students to come ask for help or even just talk to them. Get involved: Join sports teams, or intermural. Have movies nights with the people in your dorms when you do not feel like going out. Go to the activities your dorm has. Express your faith, however that might be, and don’t forget where you came from. But most importantly, college is a growing time for you. Don’t be afraid of change. You are allowed to be a little bit selfish. Now, enjoy the journey of getting to know yourself.

Summer

Having a younger brother makes answering this question even more realistic. Often times, when giving him advice, I try to shed light on areas that I wish I had known more about even just a year ago. As a college student who successfully made the transition, I would want myself to know that all of the hard work I had done in high school was completely worth it. Studying for tests when others did not and going above and beyong on homework assignments taught me irreplaceable information refarding time management. I would tell myself to keep pushing through the stress and to keep being myself because even when high school can be distracting, ultimately, being prepared for college is completely worth it. On a final note, I would tell myself to not take myself too seriously. Senior year, it was hard for me to not be completely stern about everything from school to allotting time for friends. I would say that although it is important to time manage wotk, it is just as important to make time for fun.

Teresa

Get to know people. Seriously. Transitioning to college can be an overwhelming time in your life. Even though it might be awkward and uncomfortable, make yourself talk to new people. Chat up that person sitting next to you in your Intro to Philosophy class, say hi to the student in the dorm across the hall from you, ask your professors for help on that paper you are struggling with. Becoming more confident in who you are as a student on your campus will make your college experience so much more rewarding. In those first few weeks, and especially during orientation, get to know the people around you. You will probably feel out of place, lost, and fairly nervous. And so will everyone else. So take the plunge and you just might meet some incredible people.

Madeleine

Do not worry too much. Be excited, and let your excitement fuel your ambition to keep up on your studies but also to make new friends. Moving is hard, especially when you know nobody, but do not be afraid to just find someone to go to the soccer game, study with, or go to lunch with. Making friends will be extremely helpful in all parts of life including studying and just having someone to hang out with or talk to. Also, do not be afraid to make mistakes. That's what college is for. Take a class you're not sure about or one that isn't related to your major but sounds fun. Explore the city, and take a break from studying every once in a while so that you do not overwhelm yourself. College is about making mistakes to find out what you like, who you are, and what you should or shouldn't do. Just enjoy it and take it all in. As cliche as some of this sounds, it really is true, so do not just ignore it or glance over it because these things are actaully important.

Joanna

If I were to go back to this time last year and give myself some advice about my upcoming college adventure, my best piece of encouragement would to be to stop worrying about the small things in life. This has been the biggest lesson I have learned during my time away in college, and it was something that would have made me more successful in high school. The four years of college go by so fast, and if you are stuck worrying about the small, trivial details of life, you are going to miss out on some of the opportunities college has to offer you. I would aslo encourage myself to go into this new adventure with self confidence. When you embark on this adventure, you leave home and it's comforts behind. You are really out on your own, and if you are not confident in yourself, no one around you is going to be. Self confidnece will bring you success in your academic, social, and career oriented goals.

London

As a high school senior I would tell myself not to stress so much about moving and going off to college. Essentially, what is meant to be will be as cliche as that sounds. In high school, I was always stressed about having the perfect GPA and never making a mistake but the truth of the matter is mistakes are a key part of life. Yes, I made mistakes my freshman year, I didn't have a perfect GPA, and I skipped a couple classes when I shouldn't have. But that's what is so great about college. People here understand that each student is transitioning in their lives and trying to discover who he or she is. I would tell my high school self to realize that the person I knew then will not be the end result of who I am to become because high school is just the beginning and when it really comes down to it, high school is a very small stage in the rest of your life. The sooner you can be true to yourself, the sooner you will be well of and actually enjoying your life. Just be happy.

Bianca

Now having finished my freshman year of college, the advice I would give my high school senior self would be: Be confident. Confidence is such a key assest in growing up and becoming your best self. I have gained so much confidence this past year during freshman year of college and I have never been so happy with myself and life. Confidence is what pushes you to go beyond your comfort level. It allows you to be social and therefore meet some of the most amazing people in your life thus far. It allows you to become a part of so many amazing experiences. Confidence has given me the ability to start this new amazing journey in life, something my old self in high school never would have dreamed of. Going into a whole new place and being the "little freshman" again was not the easiest thing, but confidence made the transition so much easier and worth while. To my high school senior self: We all have our insecurities. Rise above and show the world what you can do. Be confident.

Melissa

Limit yourself to only becoming involved in two or three extra curricular activities. No matter what anyone else tells you, you can reach your dreams and goals. Just work hard, stay focused, and continue to self-motivate yourself. You will get there with the help of friends, employers, and faculty members. As you prepare for this transition, be open to new ideas and ways of life. You have been living in a confined bubble for so long, that it may be difficult to adjust, but persevere past the first couple of months and I guarantee it is worth it. You will make life-long friends as long as you put yourself out there and do the things you enjoy doing. Keep going and stay strong- you have got this!

Johanna

DO NOT DOUBT YOURSELF! Stop focusing on everyone else, stop thinking about it. Have a little faith, things have a funny way of working out when you least expect it. Just because you cannot see the light at the end of the tunnel does not mean you won't get there. I know things look dark and scary from where you're standing, but you're a fighter, a believer and that's what makes you special. Believe in yourself, believe in your family, believe that whatever you set your mind to you can and will accomplish. Put into practice every single advice you've gotten and for the love of everything...don't stop believing.

Sarah

During high school, academic success was what gave me self-worth. I based my personal value upon the grades I received. If I could go back in time and give myself advice, I would tell myself to have an open mind, to from closer relationships, and to involve myself in more school activities. I would tell myself to enjoy any experience, because the time between freshman and senior year moves quickly, and before you realize it, you'll be heading off to college. High school is the place for forming one's own personal identity, and discovering who you are. Unfortunutely my determination for academic success blinded me from discovering what I wanted from life. I entered college not knowing what I wanted to do as an adult; I had not yet discovered my passion for history or language. If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to get involved in more outside activities, and to place more value in relationships and experiences than in a classroom grade. A grade is only a letter, but an experience is a memory that will affect someone's life and beliefs, which today matter the most to me.

Isabelle

Reflecting on my first year of college and all the ups and downs in between, I can proudly say that I have gained a good grip on the lady which I am today. If I was given the opportunity to go back in time and see myself as a high school senior, there would be so many thoughts, ideas, and words of advice running through my mind. Senior year was such a stressful time due to college applications and staying on top of school work, making sure that I would graduate, so I think the biggest piece of advice I could give myself wouldn't really be advice, but reassurance that I can do it. Throughout my first year of college, I remained clear headed and positive about my learning abilities, and I feel that that greatly contributed to my success. If I had done that in high school, I feel like the stressors of senior year (college applications, SAT/ACT, gradaution) would of been greatly suppressed, and I would of had a better grip on the end of my senior year.

Kyla

I have changed greatly during my time in college and I have learned so much about myself. From this, the most important advice I could give my high school self is to focus on herself. The hardest thing I had to learn was to stop caring about other people’s opinions of me. It is something that people, especially impressionable young women, give so much attention to that they forget to be true to themselves. Trying to fit in will dictate how you act and behave in life. College is a time where you have the freedom to form and develop your own opinions, thoughts, friends, and all other facets of yourself. Do not let it be tainted by the wish to appeal to your peers, most of which you will never interact with again after college. How they feel about you now will not change your future or your happiness if you do not let it. You are the only one who can make yourself happy and to do that you need to be your own person. Enjoy all that college has to offer so that one day you can look back and know you chose your happiness.

Jessica

I would try to emphasis to myself that life is full of moments in which it feels impossible to overcome your circumstances, but despite that, it is always possible to keep moving forward and to change your life if you are willing to make decisions that you might not be comfortable with. As a college sophomore, I have now lived in two different countries and also made friends that really appreciate me for who I am, but as a high school student, I always felt so alone even when I was with my friends. I would tell myself not to give up on finding people who truly love you for who you are. The most important thing I would stress to myself would be to think about the political, religious and artistic aspects of my schooling. I was unaware of how much of an impact those three things would have on my satisfaction with a school. I chose UP, because of the location, class sizes and professors; however, I wish I had been more invested in asking about other aspects as well as looking at other schools.

Richelle

Say yes to everything. Coming into college, you are greeted with a multitude of opportunities to join clubs and teams, you are encouraged to take classes a bit out of the norm, and to do things out of your social comfort zone. Say yes, get involved, and be safe. Oftentimes, people can feel trapped in a school as small as University of Portland. You see the same people in the same part of the library, you take the same classes with the same people, and you eat the same lunch with the same people. Getting involved in a variety of activities can help you expand your horizons socially and academically at the same time. I have learned over the past three years that some of your greatest ideas can come from conversation with just the right person. In fact, you can do your greatest learning through interaction, which not only strengthens your relationship, but it also reinforces your ideas and your growth as a person. You will never know when these key people are going to pop up, so you might as well engage everyone you can merely by saying “yes.”

Nicolas

I would tell myself to be more active in trying to meet people in the beginning of school. In the beginning of college you are surrounded by thousands of people who don't know anyone either. This makes it much easier to get to know people at the beggining of the year because they have not yet formed their friend groups. Unfortunatly I spent much of my time in the beginning of the year in my dorm skyping with friends back home, and as a result when I finally did form a friend group at the school it was mostly restricted to just people who lived in my dorm. Eqquiped with this information I will be more open towards the incoming freshmen to help expand my friend group.

Kristin

As a sophomore in college, I would tell my high school self to enjoy every moment of college; to be emotionally and physically present everyday. I would say to embrace your experiences because the next four years are going to change you whether you're ready or not. She has to know that at this point, she’d have to be more independent, completely mindful of herself, and understand her own physical and mental health. Furthermore, I would say to her that academics are important, but they’re not everything. My high school self has to know that failing is a crucial part of life. Lastly, everyone has their own experiences and she doesn't have to follow anyone else’s path. She doesn’t have to be who some else tells her to be, but be able to embrace that fact that she is a unique person who has something to offer the world if she just puts her mind to it. Ultimately, the only person that gets in the way of her dreams is herself: she is her own true enemy. She can get to where she wants to be if she only lets herself experience things.

Sean

As I said already, I would tell my self to be more organized.The only other thing that I would tell myself is to use the resources that were made available to me more efficiently. This would allow me to achieve higher marks in my classes, and I would have an even better understanding of the subject material that I had studied.

Kerrie

Honestly, it would probably start as a pretty light-hearted conversation. The first thing I would say would be, "Kerrie, now I know everyone tells you that it rains a lot in Portland, and you think you've accepted that fact. However, you must know that that rain will also be very cold, and at some point it will snow." I would follow up with more important aspects though. I would tell myself that making friends will be the least of my worries, and it'll be even harder to say goodbye at the end of the year than it was to meet them in the first place. I would say that the teachers are not nearly as scary as I think they are, not in the slightest, and it's imperative that I work with them during office hours so that I don't fall behind. It's important to call mom and dad because I will miss them. Homework is also important, but studying and knowing the material is even more so. Remember to have fun, but remember that whatever you accumulate throughout the year will have to, somehow, be packed up at the end of it all.

Ryson

If I could give my high school self some college advice, I would start off by saying that this is the time to realize that the small things in high school that were important may not be so important anymore. Going into college will allow you to gain a first hand experience at what is most important for the rest of one's life as an adult and a student at a higher level of education. With the obvious increase in scholarly expectations aside, making the transition into college life will allow you to truly see who you are as a person at large. You must allow yourself to adapt with changes and transform as the surroundings transform, find your passions, and strive to learn what kind of person you are. Don't try to change in order to fit in, but allow the positive natural changes to happen then observe where it will take you, because most likely, there are others that are similar in character, personality, and spirituality. You must also realize that you cannot please everybody, but an honest effort goes a long way. And finally, maintain a healthy support group with your peers and mentors.

Abbey

The biggest peice of advice I needed to hear about making the transition to college life was that even if you aren't ready to leave home, once you get to college you will fell ready! I was honestly really scared and anxious about going to college but it has been the best two years of my life. Every day I find myself excited to go to class and learn about science from my even more enthusastic proffessors. I also would give the advice to take grasp every opportunity the University offers. Currently I am studying abroad in Fremantle Australia for the semester with two weeks of pre- traveling through New Zealand. I feel like I have been on vacation for 4 months! Through this expierence I have made friends and memories that I will cherish through my whole life. Though at time college can be incredibily challenging I would not change any moment of it. As I high schooler I needed to know that I was about to have the biggest adventure of my life. I would tell myselft to take a deep breath, smile and be excited for what the future holds!

Susana

If I could go back in time, I would strongly advice myself to always remember why I have worked so hard throughout my educational career. Once you're in college it is surprisingly easy to mix up your priorities and lose motivation. School is going to be difficult and sometimes it is going to seem like you don't belong at Univeristy of Portland but YOU DO, just as much as anyone. Don't be afraid to try new things and let yourself change-don't be scared- it's all part of the process. Just ask yourself why you are changing in order to double check that you are doing it for yourself. I don't need to advice you to try your hardest because you will no matter what. However, it is okay to not get an A. As long as you know you tried your best. You will go through a roller coaster of emotions, embrace them and keep going. Many of the people you meet will be the best people you have ever met and this will be your UP family. There are amazing and beautiful people here. You are never alone, I love you.

Eli

I would tell myself to not be stressed about not understanding tomorrow and the future. The crazy thing about college and transitions in life is that between high school to college is that transitions are constant and the road is never really clear. And yet, things make sense in their own time if you're active and true to your self. It's been researched that people become ultimatly more successful in their career once they've identified who they think they are. Their career choices change with their perceptions of who they are. I struggle with this concept daily because all I want to do is plan, plan, plan. My high school self was no different. I would advise myself to take each day with hope and peace. With a clear mind self-reflection is made easier and then the path to take will reveal itself through life's natural way. I would remind myself that hard work pays off, but working towards the idea of "work" will never prove more beneficial. Working towards the idea of "who you are and who you want to be," is so much more a rewarding experience now and for the future.

Morgan

Hey, you! So you're starting college, huh? I know it's intimidating--you've a bit socially awkward, and it's all very new--but you don't need to be nervous! College is wonderful: you gain independence, knowledge, experience, and freinds. It's all about finding balance. You'll be fine, but here are some pointers: Make friends early--like orientation weekend early. Everyone wants to make friends, so get out of your shell and say hello! That super cute dress that's $56... it's not necessary. Save your money for going out with those friends you just made. Speaking of going out: find balance between studies and socializing. You're there to learn, but it's important to have fun too! Supplement that learning by getting involved in all kinds of campus activities. It's a great way to get experience and connections. Experience is important for after college, so seize any opportunity that moves you toward your goal. College is a tricky transition, trust me I know. But by finding balance, you'll get education, friendship, and happiness all on one campus. When you get there, remember: it's about the journey and the destination!

Austin

In a way, going to college is like going back to elementary school. Yes, college is a large transition, and it's scary. But there are so many people out there who want to help you, all you have to do is ask. Don't be afraid to ask for help, and to reach out to others. College turns us into our kindergarden selves again because there is so much free time, a constant state of recess and snack time. Learn how to balance that time and try and limit the Netflix time. When it comes to your major, it's ok to explore different interests, but don't stray too far from your strengths. While GPA isn't as important as it was in high school, you want to take classes that you are inclined to work hard in, and therefore recieve a higher grade. The most important bit of advice I would give is just don't be afraid. Don't be afraid to try new things. Don't be afraid to relax and enjoy your time. And don't be afraind to build new friendships and relationships with the teaching staff! Don't be afraid.

Hannes

Where you go is overrated. All too often, I think that the emphasis of the college admission process is too heavily burdened on the act of choosing the one single ‘correct’ college, rather than what you do once you’re there. For me, the decision was strenuous because I was split between too many universities. Realistically, it shouldn’t have been as difficult because I was able to quickly narrow my initial list of schools to about five and then two based on characteristics that turned me off throughout my visits. However, once I was down to the final two choices, decision paralysis petrified me. I look back and realize that the schools were not so different from each other. One had a slightly more urban location, while the other had a better system of extracurriculars. Would I be an entirely different person had I not chosen University of Portland? I would have different friends, different address, and different scenery everyday, but I know that I would still be striving for the same grades, for the same quality of friends, and for the same career. Where you go isn’t as important as what you do once you’re there.

Katharina

Don't let planning get in the way of the present. As a high school senior there is so much pressure about what school you get accepted to, what scholarship you will receive, AP credits, SAT scores... the list goes on. Your calender is full of application due dates and deadlines, but make room for friends and activities. Savor your senior year, participate, and make those final memories! Don't forget to breath! During orientation weekend and during the entirety of your freshman year, participate in everything! That is how you make friends. Step out of your comfort zone and introduce yourself to new people. Everyone feels awkward. It just takes one person to break the ice. Be inclusive. Exchange numbers with those people who you meet and get a group together to go on an adventure. Everybody misses their friends back home and is looking for new a new group to fill that gap. The time is now! Don't wait to try new things, meet new people, or get involved! Your time in college will fly by! Enjoy your new found freedom, call your parents, make memories, and live it up! Always remember... YOU GOT THIS!

Jordan

I know it doesn’t seem like it now, but everything will be okay. I promise. I know you’re stressed out about getting good grades in all your classes and worried that your GPA will drop, but please just stop and take a deep breath. Look how far you have come. Remember when you were a freshman and you had the same worries? Remember what happened? You overcame them and in the end everything worked out the way you wanted. I know that you don’t know what you want to do with your life just yet. You want to hear a secret though? No one ever does. Just let life take you where it wants because you were put on this earth for a reason and there will come the day when you figure out why. For now, just enjoy the time you have; you will miss it. You will look back and regret all the opportunities you missed and be disappointed by how much time you spent worrying. You are only a senior in high school once. While school is important, make yourself your first priority. Learn to live your life and not just exist in it.

Marrissa

College is a special experience that everyone should get a chance to partake in. I would tell my high school senior self that the transition I am about to experience will come and go in the blink of an eye. You will also no longer have anyone to tell you what to do. This may sound like a dream come true at first but it won't take long for you to realize that your parents deserve a huge thank you. Afterall, they are the ones who have had the patience to prepare you for solving your own problems and making yourself into the smart, independent young adult that college requires you to be. In order to survive the college experience, you have to go into it with the willingness to work really hard and put yourself out there. You should work hard for not only your family but yourself. When things get stressful, just remind yourslef how far you have come. Also, realize that this is a rare opportunity to meet so many different kinds of people. You know you have found the right combination when they not only enhance your social life but challenge you academically as well.

Jake

Given the opportunity to go back in time and give myself advice, I would have to, first and foremost, encourage myself to continue on with the hard work that I put in to high school. I would tell myself to continue on developing this work-ethic, because it will follow you throughout college and straight into the rest of your life. The hard work that you put in now will pay off. Not only because it will help you get into a wonderful college, but also becasue it will expand your abilities once you are there. In college, this work ethic will allow you to learn with your head, heart and hands in a way that is fulfilling and enlightening. With this fulfillment and enlightenment, you can become good at whatever it is you do, and you can turn your lifelong career into a lifelong vocation; doing what it is you want to do and what makes you happy by intersecting your enjoyment and your job. I would tell myself this with the hope that I would not only continue this hard work, but also find myself and build on my strengths to reach my potential level of happiness.

Garrett

Do not be afraid of who you are! Nobody cares what you do and how you look. Be yourself and people will see that shine through your actions more than anything else. Be friendly and remember the names of the students around you at the beginning of the school year by introducing yourself. Take as many credits as possible freshman year! You will have so much free time and by junior year when you try to double major in finance and accounting you will thank yourself for making the final years less time consuming. Get to know every professor that you have. They will help you in any way necessary to get you into study abroad programs and many intership opportunities. Wear more professional looking attire and stand up straight when you walk. People will see the confidence that you have and show you more respect. Be involved as much as possible freshman year. Try to meet new people and experience all the opportunities that are given to you. College life goes by fast, and I mean FAST! Take advatage of your classes because before you know it, you will be in the real world working a full time job!

Ben

If I could offer some advice to my former self as a high school student, and I had to offer some advice to myself, I feel that I alreday know what I would say. For me it is simple, I would tell myself to not be afraid. Before going to college, I left my house at 17 and moved out of state. I was nervous about starting college and I am not as sociable as people tend to think. I would tell my former self to get out of your comfort zone, go out to dances, movie nights, dorm activities. I never did this as a underclassman and still do not. I still wonder what it would be like had I been more social and made more friends, rather than sitting in my room saturday night doing homework.

Elizabeth

If I could go back in time and give advice to myself as a high school senior, the one thing I would tell myself is to be brave. College can be a scary place for a small town girl. But college is about taking chances, meeting new people, and pushing your limits. Be brave and have lunch with a complete stranger. Be brave and try something new like rock climbing or skiing. Be brave and take challenging courses that push you to become a better student. College is an exciting opportunity, but you will miss out on so much if you aren't brave enough to try new things.

Taylor

Looking back to myself in high school, I wish I would have taken school more seriously and put in the effort I do now in college. As a senior, I thought my grades were not that important. When I entered into college, I was shocked by the amount of work I had to put into my studies, including reading and just preparing for lectures. The hours I put into studying for exams far exceeded my expectations. Professors say that for every one credit, you need to put in three hours of studying. With that, I spent a significant amount of my weekdays and weekends studying for classes. If I would have taken high school more seriously, I think I would be better prepared for my schooling.

Hailey

My advice to my senior self are get involved, apply for summer internships, and apply for scholarships early! Although time management is possibly the most difficult transition into college, there is always time for a one hour club meeting each week. The trick is finding a club that interests you with people who interest you too; that way the meetings become a social event, not a chore. Furthermore, I would recommend joining campus-run service projects whenever possible. It took me two years to go on an immersion trip with my school and I have now created some of my most lasting friendships from each trip thereafter. Also relating to time management, my favorite excuse for not applying for scholarships and internships was not having the time. But when you reach your junior year and realize how much debt you’ve accumulated, you’ll find the time and wish you had done the same earlier. This is also when you realize you need to decide what you actually want to do out of college and if you haven’t had an internship yet, it is much more difficult to decipher what you’re interested in doing and where to apply.

Christine

Think big. Yes, shoot for the stars, and dream without limits, but think big. While looking at colleges and a career and the rest of your life, it's not about trying to figure out the little details, it's about focusing on the big picture. Don't stress over which college to select and how much money it will cost and all the small factors that are so easily changed. Set your eyes on the goal and as long as you keep moving towards it, the little things will fall into place. My advice to you is not to forget about college application deadlines and not to think about which classes to take each semester, but my advice is to remember that these things are not what is important. Getting an education and continuing with college is a great thing, but it is important to remember why you're doing it. When all the classes you needed are filled up and you feel like there is no way to finish all of your homework and keep on going, think big. You are on the right journey that will get you where you're going. Stay strong and good luck.

Madison

When you get to college you are bombarded with new, embrace it. Explore your campus and find all the secret nooks that everyone else misses. Scout out your favorite study spot, the library is everyone's go to, but there are other buildings on campus with great study areas; so find a comfy couch in your favorite building or an empty classroom that overlooks the campus. Know that college gets busy and time management is key. You're going to want to go to the gym, meet new people, explore downtown, and attend classes, and while it may seem impossible, you can do them all. If you manage your time and schedule your classes in a strategic fashion, it is possible. On that note, make sure that you meet people. Your dorm is a great place to start, meet your neighbors and the people on your floor and don't be afraid to introduce yourself, because everyone else scared too. Watch your eating habits, don't eat too many late night snacks, and stay active! Take advantage of the free gym and classes; the exercise breaks up studying and helps to keep you on task. Most importantly, have fun!

Tebelnesh

Given the chance to go back and give my freshman self advice it would be to not be so hard on myself. I took on a lot of credits my first semester which really threw me off and hurt my learning spirit. Having had such great grades in high school I did not see college as being threatening and jumped right into a heavy course load without getting a feel for the college rhythm. Having gone to a big state school my first year, I found it difficult to feel like a part of the community and I really had no one to go to for any sort of support, this lead me to feel scared and hopeless. If I were to go back I would tell myself that things would soon get better. I would love to go back and tell myself that it would be ok, that change would come and that I would still be on track. I would say take advantage of freshman year by exploring classes outside your major, staying simple, getting to know yourself, your studying habits, your partying habits, everything, that way you can organize your experience to be fitting to your needs.

Madeline

Looking back on my first semester of college at The University of Portland, I have learned a lot. Being on my own has taught me to be independent and responsible. In high school I thought I was very mature however I was wrong. I worried too much about social events and self-image, and neglected the important issues and events in life. I should have spent more time on scholarships, my relationship with god and most importantly my family. If only I knew that then. If I could go back and give myself advice I would tell myself to cease every opportunity. When there is an opportunity, take it. When there is a social even or family even, choose family. When Sunday morning comes, go to church. When there is a scholarship, do it. Those are all opportunity I did not take advantage of, which I wish I would have done. However, I have learned from my mistakes and I now know what is and is not important. Too bad I did not know the importance in life a year ago, but that's life.

Alicia

This most important thing is to not stress and simply relax. It is also crucial to feel comfortable enough to contact your professors with any questions because they are there to help you.

Lillian

I would definitely give myself the advice of seriously not procrastinating because no matter how much your school is said to have prepared you for college, it is definitely a whole new learning system. I would tell myself to read everything that is assigned and learn the materials as it is taught because it is so difficult to cram in everything last minute. I did that first semester of college and I struggled with cramming in things last minute. I believe I could have gotten a better grade if I had the assigned readings and studied the material as it was taught. Also, the most important thing of all is managing time. College does not require you to be in class all morning and so you must learn how to use the time in between your classes wisely. I failed to do so and I wasted so much time when I could have used that for studying purposes. I think I have underestimated college workload because my high school was known to prepare students for college and truthfully, it all depends on you and how you want to succeed. Finally, also make the time to have fun!

Johanna

Dear high school senior me, I know that life looks very long from your perspective at the moment; it is not. There will be times to enjoy with friends and relax but now it is time to build a career and a life. The world has changed and having successful careers and jobs has become increasingly difficult and competitive. You are blessed and have an advantage because you already found your vocation to be a physician: start working on it today. Take every class as seriously as possible because everything you learn will serve you as a valuable tool to reach your goal. Read more because in college and Medical School you will have to read hundreds of pages every week. Get involved in your community by volunteering every hour of your time you can. Create strong bonds with your professors because they will guide you through the academic and personal high and low tides. Be brave and persistent and always keep your faith intact no matter how many obstacles are posed in front of you. Love your family above everything else and be truth to yourself.Love,Future college junior you.

Anna

I would tell myself to open up to new possibilities and new opportunities, to keep an open mind, and be willing to form more friendships. I would also tell myself to brace for the amount of time and effort needed to obtain good grades, and start acquiring the time management skills that will prove very beneficial. However, I would also tell myself that there must be a balance between academic pursuits and social activities. Breaks need to be taken every now and then, and spending time with friends can sometimes prove to be more helpful than stressing over classes and homework. I would tell myself to not get tied up in the little things, instead enjoy the bigger picture. Also, to not be scared of change. It is inevitable, and countless things will change within the course of a semester. Embracing change is key, and learning to mold yourself around it into a better version of yourself is the challenge that life gives us. It is up to you whether you will accept that challenge or not. In the end I would tell myself to take in every moment, because time flies at an alarming rate.

Jessica

Hey Jessica, How is high school going? Wait till you get to college it is going to be a blast! I think we need to do a couple things differently before we go to college this time. You need to start applying for scholarships early! Senior year goes by way too fast! Have fun, but be prepared the the next journey thats coming around. See if you can sign up for any summer classes to help prepare you for college and get some pre req's out of the way. I would advise you to take a course in Statistics, and also a biology course. You are going to have to take Bio in College, and since the last time we took it was sophomore year its going to be a bit hard to remember things, so take that course! High school was great, but college is amazing! You are going to meet so many new people that share your ideas and beliefs. Enjoy high school and a stress free life while it lasts! Have fun, and take my advice!

Jordan

If I could go back in time and tell myself as a high schooler about college life and the transition into college, I would say that college life is nothing to be afraid of and that I was making the right decision coming to the school I had chosen. I would say that while the workload is heavier, I would stress the variety of resources around the school that can help so I would not have to go about the struggle on my own. I would also address my previous concerns about making new friends and my reservations I had about "college culture" and tell myself that there are plenty of people who share the same interests as me, I just had to put in the effort to find them. Lastly, I would stress the importance of volunteering and job hunting. I would tell myself to get involved in these things as soon as possible, so that I could acquire the skills I need to move beyond college and gain independence. By telling myself all of these things, I feel I could have saved myself a great deal of strife and worry that hindered my enjoyment of college life.

Eduardo

I would tell myself to try my best to succed and to make the effort to pass all my classes.