University of Portland Top Questions

First off I would have told myself to take the ACT a few more times to try to get a better grade. Then I would have taken some different classes, and worked a little harder. I would tell myself to apply for more scholarships because even though you may have gotten a sports scholarship, you could use any other money for books or room and board. I would have told myself to take advantage of college visits. I would have looked into classes that I would need to take for college. I'd tell myself to buckle down and be a better student instead of just an average student.

Appreciate your time in high school and your friends you have there. You might think nothing will change once you all go to different schools, but chance are it will. Never again will you have the oppurtunity to make those connections to your friends and their families. Appreciate your own family and what they have done for you, you will miss them. Try your best, but don't stress out,by the time you are in college nothing in high school will matter anymore. However, don't let what you do in high school limit your future oppurtunities, you'll regret it. Be ready for changes but don't expect to become a whole new person in college. Try your best to keep in touch with all the people you love. And make sure you choose your college based on whats best for you, not on where your friends or boyfriend or girlfriend are going, or where you siblings or parents went.

Start looking into colleges that are of interest to you right away. Don't let majors or student population be the deciding factors in your choice. Choose colleges that allows for experimentation and exploration because ultimately you don't know what you want to do for the rest of your life. Also apply for as many scholarships as you can. The school's physical database helps but also look on the internet too. Before making your final decision, talk to everyone you can who are or have completed college for insight into the college experience. When you actually do make your college decision, consider all your options slowly and wisely. Maintain enthusiam by staying academically and socially alert. Explore immensely with your newfound freedom. Be studious in your courses, and if you have the time, delve deeper into them to make new discoveries and/or to strengthen your knowledge of your classes.

Read about college as much as you can. Have an open mind and get involved

get out there and make more friends! Also don't be afraid to go to the office, the sooner you get office hours the better! And focus! School is hard but you can do it if you just work harder.

The two things that I have learned to be most valuable in college, is first to focus on your studies. This is ultimately the reason why you are at college in the first place. Creating good study habits, and having commitment and dedication to your learning will benefit you in the long run. College provides plenty of distractions, and opportunities to detract you from your learning. You need to keep in mind that you are there to learn and to better yourself as an individual, putting the effort in that is needed will only bring success. Second is to get involved. College offers so many opportunities to do great things, from student government, to student clubs, and sports. Don't sit back and be idol, jump in and get involved. It will lead you to meet new and wonderful people as well as provide you with a much needed study break. Many of the friends you make outside of the classroom, are the ones that you will become closest with in your time there. Involvment is also a great way to create those lasting memories and stories that you will reminisce about for years to come.

I felt unbelievable pressure to find the "perfect" fit. A similar concept applies to the search for colleges as for soul mates: there are millions of colleges around the world just as there are billions of people. To say there is only one person out there for each individual is arguably too simple a statement. With similar perspective, there isn’t a single school that’s right for me. Certain characteristics narrowed my list of schools, from region to academic programs, but I wish I’d known I could carve out my niche and find happiness at many schools! Just as I wanted to find my dream school, I wanted to create my dream group of friends. To those who say the shallow dramas of high school never end, I havn't experienced such in college! Friendships are developed at a deeper level, and students actually have the power to create the life they want. I choose the people I want to be in my life and the activities I want to compose my days. Once these decisions are untangled, the transition I spent months attempting to envision, praying it wouldn’t be too overwhelming or difficult, culminates with ease.

If I could go back in time to my senior year, I would warn myself of the prices of textbooks and that I should put away more money in the bank. This past semester I was fortunate and only had to spend a few hundred dollars on textbooks, however this coming semester I was shocked to find that my books would cost me over $700, and that almost half of this cost was due to being forced to purchase several new (rather than used) textbooks due to online pins that were included in them. Because of this, when my Christmas break was to be a relaxing and rewarding time with my family after grueling over finals, I've spent it struggling to find money for books any means necessary (i.e. selling possessions, finding work, donating plasma, etc.). I found this to be incredibly insulting that professors could be so inconsiderate as to overlook that students already pay thousands yearly in tuition then expect them to pay hundreds of dollars for books that will only be good for one semester and won't even be sellable in the bookstore because the pin the book was purchased for was already used.

When I look back, I was a prisoner of studying, sentenced forever to study to get good grades. I was chained to my desk by invisible shackles as I would study for up to twelve hours a day and get little sleep. As time went on, I saw less and less of my once great friends, and the time I did spend with them seemed like I was a different person who was exhausted, agitated, and depressed. However, I have yet to describe the worst part. The worst part is that I chose to be a prisoner. I could have stopped studying, but I chose to become this lifeless person that I do not recognize. I bet you’re wondering who this pathetic person is, well sorry to break the news, but it is the future you in college. To avoid the mistakes I have made I give you this advice; don’t let college control your life or you will have a dull life and no one to share it with. Instead, learn from your mistakes and don’t run away from them like I have until now, and most importantly, just enjoy college.

College is a time to meet new people. And no matter how scary that seems you should remember that you’re not the only one who doesn’t know a soul. Everyone is anonymous, and that is great, because now you can be whoever you want to be. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. In order to get to know people, try joining clubs and participating in school activities. It’s a great way to get your name out there and maybe even find something you didn’t know you liked.Following your first few weeks in college it will seem like you have a lot of free time. Professors rarely assign busy work, but don’t let that fool you. STUDY! No matter how well you did high school, realize that this work is going to be held to a higher standard. Mostly importantly, remember to have fun. There are no rules now, but don’t go off the deep end with your newfound freedoms. College is a wonderful experience, and just so long as you go into it with the right attitude and a certain level of maturity, you’ll be fine.

For some reason, I was inspired to write a poem instead of writing an essay. I enjoyed writing it. So, I’m going to submit it even though it doesn’t fill the criteria. Wait until your mind is primed To find the sublime takes time Want not nor mind For what seems pressing In truth is not distressing But is a blessing not a bind Though there is no sign For the only indicator Must be illuminated later By a happy peaceful mind Thank you

Dear High School Self, When you arrive on campus for Orientation, make every effort to meet as many people as possible and make new friends. Orientation will seem painfully silly and pointless, but attempt to see it as an opportunity to begin forming a new network of friends., rather than as mearly a ridiculous right of passage that you must endure before your university experience actually begins. Secondly, the University of Portland is a wonderful school that provides you with an opportunity to broaden your understanding of the world. Thus, appreciate the core classes that you are required to take. Do not waste the first few fretting that they do not apply to your major. Make the most of every chance to learn and to challenge the beliefs that you have long taken for granted. Finally, I have no need to exhort you to focus on your studies. However, remember to find time for fun. Apply yourself to finding a comfortable balance between work and a social life from the start. The four years you will spend at university are precious, you will have only one chance. Learn all you can, challenge assumptions, and have fun! Sincerely, College Junior Self

I would say choose whichever college you feel is best for you. You will know what the right path is for you in college, and if you want to change, you still have that opportunity. Change is hard, but it is a part of life, and you may lose friends, but you will also make new ones that will last a life time. Enjoy every moment, keep your head up, and look ahead into the bright future that is is waiting for you.

If I could go back in time and talk myself about college I'd say don't wait. Don't three years out of high school to start, start in the fall semester not the spring. Starting college is a lot harder than you would think it is, so sign as soon as possible. You need to make sure you have a good part time job and a denpenable car. If you don't have those it'd get a bit hard to live by yourself. You're much more outgoing though, and that might make it easier to make friends for study groups. Point is get college started asap, life might just go much smoother.

To my younger self, Stay positive. Remember that life is a journey and college is apart of that journey. Everything happens for a reason. All the stress, pressure, and life-altering decisions are not as bad as they seem. You have options and if the one option you choose does not work you always can go to a back up plan. Nothing is over until you have exhausted all possible outcomes. Starting your first year of college is not life and death. You do not need that extra pair of jeans or those five extra pairs of shoes that never seem to be worn. Forget about the small stuff. College is a big, new, and exciting adventure that you should embrace. And do not worry about not knowing anyone. You WILL make new friends! Count on it. You are not the only person going through one of the biggest transitions in your young adult life. Hundreds of kids are. Most of all I would say to you, HAVE FUN and live life to the fullest because you only get one! College is just one stop on the ride of your life and your just swinging on through.

Maggie, Make the most of what you have. Do everything you can during high school and take time to do all the activites you want to do, becuase if you are not accustom to having a busy schedule then you will have a much more difficult time transitioning into the college life. It is busy and stressful most of the time, but it is so worth it. It is the time when you get to figure out who you are and what you want to do with your life, and don't take that forgranted. Go ahead and take the jump full heartly, becuase if you don't invest yourself into your education then you will not get the most you could possibly get out of it. But I know that you will be great. Remember to believe in yourself and don't get scared about the idea of college it is a lot of work, but you will learn how to manage your time and keep your grades up. Love your present self.

If I were to go back as a high school senior I would have told myself to boraden my horizons even more; I thought I had through my volunteer experience, but I really wish i had done more to help the community. I also with I had applied to more schools. I love University of Portland, but I think i should have given myself more options, especially schools on the east coast. this would allow me to be closer to Washington D.C., where I hope to work one day and assist the United States government in its foreign policy towards Latin America.

I would tell myself that it is fine to not always know what I want to do or who I want to be. I have learned over the past year and a half that I am still growing and shaping myself. That is what college is about; it is a time and place where one is able to meet people with many shared interests and who can help one grow. I would advise myself to not think that there is a right or wrong way to do things, but only different ways. Trying different paths is an essential part of being in college, for if one doesn't try new things and go out of one's comfort zone then one will not get the most out of college. Overall, I would advise myself to get everything out of college that is offered; don't focus too much on academics or too much on social things, but have a great blend of learning and being oneself, whatever that may be, with friends outside of class. The main thing that I would recommend is to be myself, for only if I let myself be can I find out who I am.

I would tell all high school seniors it is about finding the school that you feel most comfortable at. As a high school senior I believed I needed to go to the best school I was admitted to and ended up leaving after a semester because it never felt right. I do not think it is as important to figure out what you want to do before you get there because college in general will change your vies and interests. Most importantly, VISIT all schools you think you will like to attend, and if possible stay over night and go to some classes because that is really the only way you will get a feel for the school and will figure out if you truley like it.

Apply to colleges earlier and save up money for college.

I thought I wouldn't miss my family, and I really wanted the independence of college so I didn't apply to any colleges near my house. Now I'm really home sick and wish I had stayed closer to home. Even if you are close to home it doesn't mean you HAVE to go home every weekend, or that your parents will be stopping in to check on you; but having the option to do so would have been really nice. Don't worry about applying to schools close to home.

I would tell myself that there are going to be a lot of challenges that come with transitioning into college. I would remind myself that there is a lot of downtime that needs to be filled. Another piece of advice would be to work hard at making friends over orientation and the first few days because those friends will be important in either lasting friendships or ways to make different friends through them.

If I could go back in time to give myself advice, one of the first things I would want to make sure I knew was that I need to do as much if not more homework as in highschool. In order to get by in college, it is important to not slack off the first year. I treated college as if it was an extended summer vacation, but if I could go back in time, I would tell myself that I needed to take my education the first seriously. I would also tell myself that while the friends you make in college are important, if they continuously prove more trouble to try to keep as a friend, and are getting in the way of your success, it is best to make education your top priority. I am paying 40 grand a year not for the friends I will make, but for the education I recieve.

With all those college admissions you have now in your senior year, you probably know that every paper begins as one white page. Blank, pristine, open to any possibilities you come up with. No lines, no limits. And to resort to a silly but apt simile, that blank page is like your life. You are just at the beginning. Nothing is set in stone. Sure, that white page can be daunting - you don’t want to mess it up. You were always a perfectionist. But in these next four years, you are going to find that it’s the imperfections that make your life uniquely yours. And college is the perfect place to make your mistakes, because everyone is there to help you learn from them. These really will be the best four years of your life. You will learn so much. And I’m not talking about names and dates from textbooks. I know that right now you’re afraid of this next step. I don’t blame you. But you should know, that paper you’re writing over the next four years – it’s going to be wonderful. So don’t be afraid of typing that first sentence…

The advice I would give myself is to stay true to yourself. There is no point trying to impress people, because you will find people that have simliar personalities and enjoy similar acitivites. The great thing about college is that there is a variety of people. Not all will be into sports or the arts. I was stressed about meeting people in the beginning of college, but so is everybody else. Everyone wants to meet people, and making friends and introducing yourself in the beginning is crucial to finding that community you need in college.

I would advise myself to take the harder classes that offer college credit, and not be too lazy to take the SATs or ACT. I would tell myself to take advantage of every game, dance and club at high school, and appreciate my high school friends while we were all at the same school everyday. I would also advise my high school self to enjoy it, because you're only young once.

Attending the University of Portland has shown me that I am capable of so much more than I ever thought. I have expended my thinking and my long term possibilities by branching out and becoming involved.

College is an experience that you could never recreate with a different one. When people try and explain how college is from their prospective, it is not at all how you, yourself experience it. So far, out of my first semester of college, my life has flipped unpside-down. I have gotten more independent and also less at the same time. I have learned that you truely have to work for your grade more than you ever really needed to in high school. Parts of you grow up and realize that you don't always get along with everyone but you have to make do and do the best you can. Though my life has flipped measurable into a different way than I could have ever guessed, I wouldn't change it for the world. It has made me into the person, friend, and student I am today.

The University of Portland (UP) was the perfect college choice for me. At this school, I have been able to open myself to options I never imagined before. The core classes of philosophy and theology have allowed me to expand my mind and see the world in a way I could not before. I have been able to grow and become incresingly self-reliant., even though I go to school only an hour away from my home town. At UP, I feel at peace and have gained a confidence in myself that I previously lacked. The curriculum and social atmosphere have combined to create a home for me where I am amongst others like myself, but provides ample opportunity for me to further expand my comfort zone.

I love college. I love the atomsphere, the professors, and the chance that I had to learn about things that I love. I really enjoy learning, and even though school is stressful, I'd much prefer the school year over summer time. My college experience has involved going out of state and meeting new people, attending seminars, making great friends as well as professors. I have learned so much, and I really enjoy the different jobs that I have had during these few years. College has been very valuable to me, and I would not change it for the world. I have learned the most about different subjects that I enjoy, but also I have learned more about myself. I really enjoy college and the experiences it brings with it. What I learn is very valuable to me because I can apply my knowledge to the future profession that I choose, and the amount of knowledge that I have will determine how well I succeed in that career field. College and the experience I have had there is something that I will cherish forever.

The University of Portland has provided me with many new opportunities. First, it has helped me come out of my shell. I came to the university not knowing anyone. I had to re-learn how to make friends. The university is such a warm, inviting place that is filled with friendly students, so it was not that hard. The university also has an excellent Education program. It allows students to be in the classroom, working with kids during the second week of school. This helped me decide that this is the right major for me and I do want to be an elementary school teacher. Aside from the educational aspects, the university also has a wide variety of fun activities. They require all freshmen to live in the dorms. It’s amazing living with 300 other people, all your own age. And since we do live in the exciting city of Portland, the school provides safe, fun adventures out into the city. I participated in a midnight excursion to a donut shop and ice skating. Being able to attend the University has been a very valuable experience for me.

College has allowed me to see the world differently. University of Portland is a Catholic school so I have taken multiple religion and philosophy classes that have really opened my eyes to other beliefs and ideas. They teach us about other ways of thinking and accepting people for having different thoughts than our own. I have developed new beliefs and expanded my thoughts on other subjects. The University has challenged me to look beyond myself and see life in different perspectives. At the beginning of college I was certain I wanted to be a Physical Therapist. After taking a few biology classes, I realized that I had more interests I would be willing to pursue. One day I visited an aquarium and I had an epiphony. Marine Biology had always interested me and I knew it was a job I would love. With this new career path in mind, I applied to study abroad in Australia this past semester. I was recently accepted and am attending the Univerity of Notre Dame Australia for the spring semester. College at this University has been the best experience I could ever ask for.

During my time at University of Portland, I’ve met hundreds of people from all over the country and different parts of the world. This is the most valuable learning experience for me. Though the classes have been extremely informative and are preparing me for a bright future in business, the opportunity to learn about other cultures and lifestyles from my peers has opened my eyes to the world. The people I’ve meet during my first semester have inspired me to be successful, to travel the world and experience as much as I can during this short life. I know that through hard work and perseverance, I will accomplish all my goals at University and live out this dream

I have gotten the experience of a lifetime. I have met people that have changed my life for the better and made me realize that I had dreams that I wanted to fulfill. It also provided me with one of the best educations. I am constantly learning and applying the things that the school teaches me to the world around me. That, I feel, is what is rather special to this school, because I didn't just learn how to chug beer. I learned how to be a valuable asset to the community. There is nowhere else that I would rather be.

I am actually applying for this scholarship so I can have a college experience to boast about. The rest of my family are college graduates and they are counting on me to continue my education as well. Everyone has gone through rough times and I am going through my own but I am not going to let it keep me from going to school any longer. I plan to better educate my self and go for the career I want and need. This scholarship would help so much because my family is very limited in ways of helping me. I my self is limited in helping my self. I am unemployed and hoping to be a full time student. I've made some mistakes in my life but I've learned from those mistakes and am ready to move forward in life. I thank you in taking time to read this and considering me for this scholarship.

Out of my college experience I have become more of an independent person, meaning from relying on my parents and teachers to understanding the importance of taking hold of my future and not relying upon others. It has also brought me closer to God. Living at home and having everything done for you is one thing, but being on your own, you come to realize that life isn't as easy as I would have visualized it. I became closer to God realizing that I can only rely on Him and not myself or any other person. This has had a profound impact on my life and changed the way I live and do things. This has definitely been a valuable part of attending college. Another valuable aspect of attending college has been that I came to understand other people more and except their differences and work with them. In college you see a lot of different kinds of people with different beliefs. I came to understand that not everyone is like me or thinks like me. This has made me a better person in understanding other people and being open to them.

If I could go back in time with the knowledge that I have now about college, I would do several things differently. Knowing that college requires an extremely large amount of reading, I would practice reading throughout high school. This would benefit me greatly, my reading pace would increase and through additional practice, my better comprehension and understanding of the reading would allow me to do better in classes. Also, I would write my essays and papers more seriously. In college, I have written twice as many essays as I had in high school. Rather than waiting until the night before to begin working on my ten page papers, I would start them the moment I had learned of the due date. This helps me have time to edit and revise my papers rather than typing them and then turning them in without a second glance. One other thing that I would do differently if I were to return to high school, is that i would get to know my teachers better. Since I am aspiring to be a teacher myself, it would have been beneficial for me to get to know my teachers and learn from their experiences.

If I could talk to my senior year self, I would tell myself a lot of things. I would tell myself to prepare myself mentally for the transitions that are to come. To brace myself for some confusion that will be coming. To embrace the feeling of change and learning to seize all opportunities that come my way. I would have also told myself to learn how to save more money to pay off school. I think I would also say that even though I am paying a lot of money for schooling, in the end it is an investment for my future and that every penny is worth it and will get me far. College makes me open my eyes that there are so many things out there that can be attained and experienced, and that I should always remember that.

Money and popularity will not make happiness. Do not get the new car you want so badly and do not use your school refund for a night out with your friends. In fact, its your last year at home. Tell your mom how mom you love her and pick up the phone when she calls to tell you that she misses you. Your family will never let you down, and will always have your back. Do not skip the opportunity to volunteer for Habitat for Humanity or another organization that helps around in your community. Finish school . And one final note: All I ask of you is one thing: please don?t be cynical. You will hate cynicism ? it will become your least favorite quality and it won't lead you anywhere. God speed friend, Death will never conquer. This is your decade.

Vikki, do not fret about living at home. Just listen to Dad. It's really not that bad. You get your own bed, shower, and Mom's delicious home-made meals. You're going to save Dad a whole bunch of money, and best of all you will lessen your future guilt about Dad paying for your college tuition. You'll eventually make a circle of supportive friends. UP takes really good care of you. So no worries about feeling left out. Your relationships with Mom and Dad actually become stronger, contrary to your beliefs. And you begin to value the alone time you once loathed. Sure it's a hassle because you have to wake half an hour earlier than your peers to get to class, but you enjoy that one time you're left alone to reflect. Stop crying and go play Frisbee. You'll be fine. Life moves on and things fall in place. You just have to take life as it comes to you.

I would've adviced myself to get a start on things early. This was advice that many upperclassmen would give me and I wish I really took their advice. It is so important to keep on track of things because things can pile up so easily. I also wish I took SAT's my junior year so that I could've taken it numerous times if I wasn't satisfied with my scores. I also wish that I applied for more scholarships because paying for tuition can be such a hassle, especially now with all the economic hardships. Other than that, I would tell myself to look for schools that have a great program for my major. Lastly, I would tell myself not to stress out but to enjoy senior year because college is very different. And as corny as it sounds, I would tell myself to spend more time with my family (and close friends if you aren't going to the same college) because you're gonna miss them.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would say, "Enjoy the time you have with your friends and family. It'll be gone too quick. Relax and have fun. Once you get to college, you'll be fine. The work is difficult, but you can do it! Be outgoing and meet new people. These people are going to be your friends for life. These college years will be the best years of your life. Don't be afraid of not seeing Mom and Dad every day, you can manage and you'll talk to them all the time. Make a home for yourself in school, because this is your home now! And finally, remember to study hard, but also enjoy the small things in life, because they make life worth living!"

Since I have always been very bad at managing my time and all that good stuff, if I had this opportunity I would tell myself to start becoming more organized and less of a procrastinator BEFORE entering college and not wait in hopes of changing once college starts....cause trust me it didn't happen that way with me; I became even worse! Another thing would be to start developing good study habits (last semester I discovered that indeed I suck at studying; I didn't know the right time or the right things to study).

If I were able to give myself advice I would first tell myself to relax and everything will work out fine. Starting out at a new school is amazing and a lot of students are nervous and excited. Socializing is a good thing and will allow you to meet a variety of people, but do not be surprised that you will meet friends in unexpected places . Some friends will surprise you and be super amazing and some will go the opposite way, so pick a small group of friends and keep them close. Friends are essential and should be a priority. Homework is challenging, but with dedication you will do amazing. Keep focused, but remember to take study breaks of you will never retain the information. Some people will be distracted and have difficulties prioritizing their time, but remember why you are at school. If you do not focus now then your dream of being a nurse will slip from your grasp. Just remember to enjoy yourself and take all the opportunities that present themselves, like volunteering and studying abroad, because time will go by fast and you cannot get this time back.

Some advices I would like to give to myself are: - Be ready to study on the first day of each term. - Read the book the night before class and review the notes after class - Make appointments with professors to ask questions, to show you care about the class - Be confident, don't be afraid of talking in front of your peers - Try not to skip class, each class covers a lot of information - If you can, try to finish all the homework on Friday and Saturday; so you will have Sunday to relax and maybe write some essays to apply for scholarships - Don't be lazy, read the resuma, pay attentions to requirements and exams - Try to get the books before classes start (you can buy international version instead of american version so you can save a lot of money, don't worry, these versions are the same things, except for the prices)

Take time to figure out what you want to get out of college. Choosing a college isn't half as important as figuring out what you want to get out of it. Don't expect things to come easy, you have to work at it. But once you get over that initial hump, you will understand why people strive to get to college. It is an experience unlike anyother. Pack things that remind you of home, because at some point you will want them. Don't expect your roommate to be your best friend, but make an effort to know the people in your hall: they are your new home.

I would tell myself to learn as much as possible in high school, even if it is not necessary to get an A in high school classes. This will be the foundation for future information in college and thus will make it easier.. Learn good study techniques early on so when it comes to college, I have it down.

If I could advise my high school senior self about college, I would explain that in college, there is a lot of freedom, but self-discipline is the key to success. It is crucial to make a schedule for yourself and stick to it. I found this out the hard way after the first few weeks of falling behind. Also, do not hesitate to join new groups, even if they may not interest you much, there is a lot you can learn from people and beliefs who are different from you. Befriend your professors as much as you can, they may hold the key to your success and advise you in career options in the future. Upperclassmen are your best buddies, they have good studying advice new habits that you can try out. Because they have taken the lower division classes, they can give you feedback on which professors are ones that teach well and are more open to their students. Studying in groups saves a lot of time and ensures that you do not accidentally miss some concepts. Try your best. And last but not least, you may be nervous and scared, but always put on a friendly smile!

Knowing what I now know about college life and the transition, if I could go back in time, I would tell myself to relax. Everyone around me is in the same position as I am in - discovering more about yourself, making new friends, figuring out where the building and my classes are, trying to experiment with the schools food, and trying to make new friends. Everyone is just looking for a little friendliness and compassion. Give unto others and you will find that they tend to give back. Take a deep breath and relax. Take it one step at a time. Don't rush it. Explore. Have fun.

The best advice I could give to myself when starting college is to find someone that you connect with. Having a friend that you can trust and rely on will help ease the transition to a new school. After the first two weeks, school can become lonely, especially if you live on campus, and forming new relationships provides a support network to reduce those feelings. I would also advise myself to be courageous. College is completely different from high school; it requires takings some chances, but if you have confidence in your ability and a desire to succeed then you will. It requries effort but there are great rewards at the end. A third piece of advice to myself would be to get involved in campus activities. Whether it be sports, academic clubs, or student government, being involved on campus creates a social network outside of classes. This helps students integrate into their new environment and make connections and friends outside of their major. These connections create sources that, if maintained, can provide students with lifelong resources.