University of the Pacific Top Questions

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

Deana

"Everything is alright." That's what I would say to high school senior me. I was seventeen years old at the time, and I felt as if my world was falling apart. My family was going through some hard times, and my depression and celiac disease (I didn't know I had that yet) was getting worse. To top it all off, student loans turned me into a nervous wreak. I felt like it was all going to fall to peices; everything I worked for, everything I wanted, everything I had. The four associate of arts degrees I obtained in high school meant nothing to me. I was burying myself in my own mind. I guess I just needed to know things were going to be okay. Once I found that out, things seemed to get a little easier.

Sarah

Make yourself more aware of the repercussions of being a minority and a female in today's society. Also realize that awareness is not enough: actions must follow thoughts. There is a standard on how females are supposed to look; pay less mind to your outfit and instead articulate the contents of your cognitions. There are so many kids like you who are struggling with two cultural backgrounds- help them focus on the similarities rather than the disparities and embrace themselves. Embrace yourself. Rejection is necessary, but if the thing that is rejected is never created it will never have the chance to be accepted either. Always be prepared to give because you have been given so much. The best teachers can lower themselves to the students' level of understanding and lift them up with them. Respect your time: reserve time to educate yourself on current cultural affairs, read, practice and exercise. Being uncomfortable is good, so long as you're being challenged don't be apprehensive. Tell your mom that you love her. The esoteric is mostly unnecessary; being concise is more difficult and elegant. You are just as responsible for the future as the rest of your generation.

Sydny

Dear high school me, Do not procrastinate on ANY deadline. Work hard and fill out as many scholarships as possible, do not assume you will not win, you won't if you do not apply. Enjoy your free time, and especially your sleep, you are going to need to stock up on that. College is different, you are going to be alone a lot, and have to be self-motivating, do not expect professors to tell you what they want. Open your mind to critical thinking, it is a difficult thing to learn, but it is a crucial skill in college courses. Break out of your shell, professors love when students participate, and have no hesitation calling you out. Also, be prepared to work in groups, it is hard to put your grade in another students hands, but you will learn to keep the group on task. One of the hardest things you are going to have to do is speak in front of theclass, practice this and get over that fear, it is another crucial part of college courses. And finally, breathe, it is not as scary as you are thinking right now. I promise you will do great

Faithe

I would tell myself to care. School matters even on those days that you think every thing else in the world matters more. I'd say get your financial stuff done early becauses it sucks to call those people last minute, they're grumpy and have been on the phone all day. Stay focused on your school work because it is pretty easy to fail. Make sure you talk to your teachers, try to come to class early, and NEVER sleep in class because gauranteed you'll need recommendations and you don't want to pick the teacher with the class you slept in... AWKWARD. But really just make friends and have fun because focus is great but it's also lonely if you have no one around. Good Luck!

Amy

Dear Amy: Your life is just beginning. I know it seems like finishing high school is the biggest thing to happen to you, but you have no idea of the wonders your life has in store. Your college experience will be the most meaningful of your life. You will meet amazing people with whom you will form long-lasting friendships. Most of all, your horizons will expand beyond anything you can imagine. Right now, you have an idea of what you think your future will hold. But you will come to realize that everything you know about life is only a small percentage of what's out there. You think you know what you will be learning and how you will grow up, but college will open your eyes to a whole different world. Embrace every moment. Work hard and dedicate yourself to your classes. Follow your passions and stop at nothing to reach them. Make friends who share your passions and can help you along the way. Seek guidance from your professors. Learn from your mistakes. But most of all, believe in yourself. You are capable of greatness - don't ever forget that. All the best, Your Future Self

Casey

Ask questions! Do not be afraid! And for goodness sake, drop a class if you are taking more periods than there are in the day. Take what you can and do well in all that you do. Do your best this year, and apply--apply early. The simple act of doing something before you have to says a lot of good things about you to the schools. If you desire to do an honors program, or even just get scholarships the deadlines are often sooner. Apply to whichever schools feel right and/or are within your means. Be open to a variety of schools, like community colleges. Don't let other's prejudice fix your own mindset--I almost did. I would have missed out on tremendous opportunities, in scholarships, involvement, financial savings, and jobs. But to find these things people need to put themselves out there no matter the school. It starts by getting involved, join a club, go to office hours, ask teachers questions, establish relationships for possible recomendation letters, as well as to deepen one's understanding of the subject. There's a whole world of opportunities out there, don't let it pass by--apply early!

Jennifer

Jennifer, Your college experience will shape you for the rest of your life so GET INVOLVED! Play intramural sports, join clubs, get an on-campus job and volunteer your time. Do as much as you can! You will develop leadership skills and make tons of friends from all different backgrounds and cultures. These experiences and friends will help you feel comfortable in your new home and can help you through the hard times. Seek out the Student Services programs. They can ease any anxiety you have by helping you choose the best major for you and by offering guidance throughout the year via academic advising, tutoring, job shadowing and emotional support if you feel lonely or stressed. They are kind and patient people, so if you visit them frequently or change your major a few times, they will continue to offer you the support you need. Finally, have FUN! Try new things and meet new people! Be completely yourself! You will make great friends that accept you for who you are and who celebrate your uniqueness. Heed to your father's advice: work hard to play hard and you will develop into a strong female figure!

Anwaar

They should know just because it helps having a heads up. I had no heads up whatsoever and I wouldn't want a Freshman making the same mistakes I have made in my past. (PLENTY OF MISTAKES)

Viral

If I could go back and tell myself about college life, it would be to enjoy it more and take more risks to meet more people because some of these bonds forged will be with me forever. Another thing I would tell myself is to not prejudge joining a professional fraternity to help build your networking and social interacting skills.

Abraham

Hey Abraham this is Abraham Lopez now a sophomore in college. Just wanting to let you know how college life is like and what you should be prepared for. First thing is first college is expensive so you should start preparing by looking into some more scholarships and asking the teachers if they know of any and by any I mean anything that will give you free money. College is not cheap and if you don’t find some more you will be relying on your mom a lot and your family will suffer because of it since they will have to be paying for you college out of their pockets. This will not help and it will put a lot of stress on you which will lower your grades. The next thing you should know is to pick up better study habits because you will need those for classes you will be taking. I would recommend taking more college level classes like AP classes. These will help you improve on your skills for and put your mind in closer state of what to expect in college level classes. Follow these steps and you will be ok so good luck.

Danielle

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior I would have to tell myself to look harder for more scholarships. I would also tell myself to work harder on getting jobs as well as remind myself to never give in when things get tough. Some more advice would be not to be afraid to ask for help. A final word of advice that I would give to my high school self would be to jump on every opportunity out there, right away, even if I think I might not qualify or be able to make it; if I try and put my mind to it I may surprise myself.

Sarah

I would tell myself to not stress over the little things and do what makes me proud of myself

Hillary

Don't panic too much. Everything will be okay because every other freshman is just like you. You are not as incompentnat as you think you are, you are learning like everyone else.

Erin

I am still a senior, i am a PSEO student and i will never regreat going to college for my senior year. It wasnt hard to transition into college, but the biggest thing i would tell mysel after looking back over this last year would be to no matter what always try your best!! Its not as scarey as it looks and you will love it! Also get information about what is all required for the degree your going into.

ezequiel

Assure clear priorities.

Jeremy

Go out and do more. Make the most of it. Party it up, but study hard. Try new things, do things that make you uncomfortable, go crazy. Live it up, because college goes by fast. Go out and meet everyone you can the first few weeks of school. Don't be afraid of what you think about yourself, because no one knows who you are at the beginning.

Serena

Even though this school is expensive, I find that it's pretty much worth going here. The campus itself is absolutely beautiful, filled with nature and there are so many different choices to make for classes. I've been given many opportunities to explore different fields of study and I've been able to try many new things. I found a subject to minor in that I wouldn't have considered if I wasn't encouraged to explore. I was also able to make new friends and become more accepting since I didn't know many people who also attended the same school. I was able to get out of my comfort zone to try something new such as a kung fu class. I've been able to discover more about myself through my classes and experiences which really surprised me. Aside from those, I've also attained new skills and knowledge to help in my major. Because of all this, I'm more confident and a little more sure of how to pursue things in life such as a job or interview. Before, I never had courage or knowledge for this, but now I do.

Elizabeth

I've only just finished my first semester at UOP but I feel like I've gotten a taste of how the courses are going to be like. They're much different that in high school; in a way, college is more laidback but it can be even more challenging at the same time. I don't live on campus so I can't say I have the full college experience but attending classes with other people who are serious about learning keeps me motivated to do the same.

Anne

The best things I have gotten out of my college experience is making good relationships with my professors and even the Dean of Education. I've met very different people from myself and made friends with students from different countries. I have never been left without someone to guide me when I need help. It has been very valuable to attend the University of the Pacific, because I definitely have been out of my comfort zone, and have found many new interests. Pacific has a variety of classes to spice up a student's schedule. I also believe I am getting the best education I can right now at Pacific. Pacific is truly amazing and I cannot imagine myself anywhere else.

Joyce

College is a great reality check. This is the time and place where one evaluates their intellectual, social and overall maturity. Thus,I would say that the most I've earned from my college experience is my diploma for this is the outmost representation of my college experience. The most I got, would be: a sense of direction, an affirmation from myself, that I know what and how I want to live the rest of my life. I believe that nothing is much more frustrating than constantly asking yourself, " Is this what I want to do with my life? "

Brooke

I have obtained a lot from my college experience. My current college is the second college I have attended. I attended a junior college and obtained two Associate's Degrees. I am not working towards my bachelor. I have obtained a high level of education in my college experience. I have also learned life skills that will be with me forever and have gained friendships and social skills that will stick with me in life. My college experience has been great socially. I have been involved in many extra activites on campus and have had a blast in college. I also take my studies seriously and enjoy learning.

karlie

College has gotten me to analyze more than memorize facts out of a text book; its allowed me to interact more with my work. It has taught me how to be independent and survive away from my family. I no longer have my parents there to hold my hand and have been given a chance to grow up. Also, going to college in this job competitive world has become a must.

karaloraye

I have gotten out of college a better understaning of research papers but not much else so far.

Chenee

I have learned to value education a lot more. I have learned a lot about where having a degree under your belt can take you. Social life is also a big part. I learned a lot of compromising and reaching out to others. I learned to ask questions and for requests. I learned a lot about hard work. Time management and being flexible will open up a lot of opportunities. I learned a lot about communicating and addresssing my opinions and as well as being open minded about other people's personal preferences. There was so much that I learned throughout my undergraduate career that I will be taking throughout my lifetime.

Christina

Through my college experience, I have learned to take studying more seriously. I have also learned that with a college degree, you are able to go futher in life much faster and easier than if you had not received a degree. I strongly believe every person should try to better themselves by going to school.

Nichole

I am a Freshman at the University of the Pacific and I will spend the rest of my life reaping the benefits of my college education, for the knowledge and wisdom I obtain from college, cannot be received anywhere else in life. College is so valuable because education is one of the few things no one can ever take away from you. It is essential to have to survive in this world because it’s nearly impossible to get a job without a degree. Educated people have choices, opportunities, and are able to make decisions that uneducated people cannot. A college education truly is the foundation of one’s future. Without getting a degree, you are closing so many open doors. College is critical to becoming a good part of society and giving you the resources to give back to your community. College gives a person opportunities of a lifetime that aren’t ever going to be offered again, especially to someone without a college education.

Destiny

What i've gottin from my college experience so far, are two things. Those two things are one starting my future , and two over coming a fear. After my first day in a college course i realized that my future was going to be bright because all through my high school years i wondered what will happen after i graduate high school and go to college, well i found it out and it wasnt at all as bad as i expected. I actually became proud of myself because i took a big step towards my future by finally putting my fears aside and becoming a big girl. The college experience is actually over rated because it just a more responsible and more expensive version of high school. I also think that attending college is very valuable because with interacting with all of the different people you learn something just about everyday. Maybe its the next person's struggle or maybe their drive to make a difference, but i realized that by observing someone elses motives you will find out just how hungry you truly are to succeed and make a way for yourself.

Sarah

this year i have gotten that smaller classes are awesome in the way that you get to know your professors instead of the teaching assistants that normally teach the class in the bigger universities.

William

When I started college I decided that it would be best for me to live on campus. It was not that the fact that I lived far an away, since I only lived half of an hour away, it was because I wanted to be able to stay up late and get enough sleep while still have enough time to get ready for class. Since I've been here I've gained a lot of wonderful friends that I expect knowing for the rest of my life, as much as I can, and they have taught me that to live a good life is to be successful. Half way through one of my semesters I got very sick and was not able to attend a lot of my classes, and as a result, I did poorly that seamster. I've felt terrible about what happened but as the weeks went by I realized it was not the end of the world. Now I want to not only prove to my family that I can succeed but I also want to prove it to myself.

Jennifer

As a so-called "dislocated worker," I have re-entered the academic arena in order to gain skills that will make me more economy-proof; however, I did not expect that it would be such a personally enriching experience. I have learned many things about myself, such as my discovery that I have a deep appreciation for microbiology and I enjoy learning about human anatomy (these were courses that I thought I would dread!!!). Now that I have reached the clinical portion of my degree in dental hygiene, I feel as though I have been granted not only a chance to reinvent myself as a health professional, but also to help improve the overall health of my community.

Antwan

One thing that I have gotten out of my college experience is just that; experience. I got the experience to make my own decisions and to be responsible and handle important tasks on my own. I've also gained the experience on how to be more independent when it comes to being on my own. For example, living on my own, working, and paying rent. It has been valuable to attend University of the Pacific because not only am I becoming more independent, I am also getting a great education in the process. All of this will lead up to a career, a house of my own, and a bright future ahead of me.

Samantha

What I have gotten out of my college experience has not been as well as I thought it was due to living at home. However, I am getting the educational experience that I need!

Chevohn

I’ve met friends for life, gained invaluable knowledge and realized one of my life’s goals. I finally got to study abroad in the middle east. I got to spend a year there, getting to know my family who resides there. My school also offers copious volunteer opportunities! Something I was specifically looking for in a university community. I even became greek, finding a national community service fraternity on campus. I have been able to get real world experience through internships and work-study funding, and have been given many leadership opportunities. I might not have been such a success if it weren’t for my universities small class sizes and individual attention. With my degree I will continue on into a career in international relations and humanitarian work, two things I am VERY passionate about.

Ariana

For me college has a much deeper importance than my pending degree. Personally, it was a way to change my life. I was unhappy in my life because of a bitter relationship with an ex boyfriend and an angry, resentful relationship with my parents. I wanted a way out and at that point it seemed like it was either self-destruction or going away. Though I was unhappy with my life, I wanted a chance at a better one and knew I could have it, so I applied for college and to my extreme excitement, I got in and found my way to a new life. I don't know if this is too much information for this short essay, but I couldn't find any other way to say how strongly I feel about my college experience than to tell the whole truth. I know it's not just myself that feels this way either. My roommate had an abusive mother but worked hard to go to college so that she could make a better life for herself. For me and for many others, college represents an opportunity to find ourselves and choose a happy and successful life.

Ashlee

Due to several factors and situations, I have become a lot more self-reliant. I specifically chose a school far from home where I would live on-campus. I had no relatives or friends there after my family dropped me off following Welcome Weekend. My roommate left after the two-week room freeze as well. All alone, I had to learn to do a lot for myself and I am so glad for that. Before college, I had never taken public transportation or gone grocery shopping by myself. I had almost always relied on my elder family members to drive me around, made decisions for me, and work with things like paperwork and the insurance company. I not only had to make the calls, deal with the companies, and run around solo, I had to grow bolder and more assertive. Those are the most important things to me because I already believed in my intelligence and problem-solving ability. I had been an avid reader and analyzer all my life, but did not know my true ability to stand on my own. I would have never learned these so deeply valuable things if I had not gone away to college.

Devin

The educational experience has been amazing, however the life lessons I have taken from my college experience is even greater. I have found who I truly am and what I would like to do in life. Through trials I have overcome, college has been a great opportunity to discover myself. My education will undoubtedly help me succeed in the future, but I feel even more so the interactions between classes, students, and stafff members have been instrumental. As a student athlete I feel more apt to handle lifes challenges. My college expierence has revolutionized my priorities and goals. It has also encouraged me to reach for greater heights than ever before. WIthout these key moments in my life, I know for a fact that the milestones I will one day obtain would have been unfeasible.

Lisa

I have learned how to apply theory and practical solutions to my life and use it to help my local community.

Eric

I would have to say that the best thing that I have received from college is self-confidence. Looking back several years ago, I would never have even dreamed of attending college. The company I work for offered to pay for my tuition and that pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me get involved in furthuring my education. They have since cut off the funding but I have reached the conclusion that since I am already deeply involved in my studies that I have no other option but to finish. Attending college has been valuable to me in that it has broadened my social and mental horizons. There are so many wonderful schoolmates and teachers that I would never have had the opportunity to meet had I not begun this journey. Obtaining my bachelors degree is my goal for this part of my life and I have every intention of walking down the isle and turning the tassle.

Joann

Getting up every morning to a new day, a new chance and new opportunity to be able to do your best in whatever comes your way is one of the biggest blessings one can ever have. People may take school as something they "have to do" but I see it as a chance to grow as a person profesionally as well as a ticket to help build your character. Consequently, having all these things in mind lead me to my actual college experience and what I have recieved in return which is perseverance, dedication, responsibility and many more things. The simple fact of having to pay for my own school at the moment, due to past mistakes my parents have made gives me the want and vision to go forward no matter what. Making every day a valuable day where time for me is not spent in small careless things that won't benefit my future .

Theresa

I have gotten an abundance of knowledge in college, but the most cherished thing I have received was honesty. I came into college knowing what I wanted to do after and trying to fit myself into that. But as I learned and talked to my professors I learned that I should not have to make myself fit into something and I should just fit naturally. While my plans have changed just slightly, I know that when I get out of college I will be happy with the field of work I go into. Without the honesty i received from my professors i would still be trying to fit into a mold that is not for me. This is valuable because there are so many people in the world now who work to live, and I have learned from college that I can live for my work.

Steven

My college experience has changed the way that i think. At my college it is important to look deep into what you are learning and try and understand how the things that you learn can influence your daily life. Changing the way that i think has helped me to better understand other peoples motives and actions.

Kimberly

My college experience has not only afforded me education, but also a real world application for my education. I think that this is the biggest advantage of attending a community college. The small class sizes allow me to get more attention from my professors to ask questions and strike up discussion. I feel that, and have been told by those that attend university, community college is based more in what is happening in the world currently, as opposed to pure theory of what "should" or is "supposed" to be happening. I'm glad I chose to go on to a community college, as I've made valuable friends, both with peers and teachers. I feel that each of these connections I've made have enriched my college experience. I finally ENJOY attending school!

Elizabeth

Yes I have definately gotten a very satisfied college experience. My experience has been very personal and also I have learned so much from my professors and classmates.

Ryan

Make every effort to achieve the highest scores possible throughout high school. Look harder and focus more on obtaining scholarships. College will never be the same as 'high school' - these are not my childhood friends since kindergarten, and there are many more potential friendships and experiences coming my way. Choose my new friends and experiences wisely. Remember to appreciate each and everything and/or person that has helped me get to where i am now. Each day has something new to experience and to expand my knowledge -take time to recognize those as they will only help me to better prepare myself for college days.

Morgan

The most important lesson I have learned is that a small campus like University of the Pacific is similar to a high school, only that you eat, sleep, shower and see the same people (like it or not) everyday in the same hall. Being so, it is important to know that gossip travels fast, and although it's nice to think that everyone is technically an "adult," and has matured, this is not always the case. It is vitally important to not gossip with your roommate about the cute guy next door because dorm walls are NOT sound proof. Likewise, it is not ok to gossip about anyone at anytime...again, the walls are NOT sound proof. The worst feeling is when you walk by someone you bad-mouthed (and they found out) everyday on your way to the shower. Walking down the halls in a robe and hair towel leaves you in a very vulnerable position, trust me. This is awkward and could be avoided altogether by just being nice and not spreading rumors...even if they are true.

Carissa

"The most important thing right now is doing the best you can. Not about what other people think about you. Use all your free time studying to achieve the best grades possible. Do not just settle for a standard dioplma if you have the opportunity to get your advanced diploma. Friends come and go but education is forever and the most important thing in your life right now. Your young and have everything going for you. Apply to as many colleges as you can and do it to your best ability. Take your SATs and see where you stand. Go for gold, don't settle for silver. Know that you are the only one that controls your future."

lindsey

If I was a senior now I would preach to myself on curtain sacrefies I would have to make mainly. How i can not just do work in class an think it is ok to do the work in fifteen minutes. The work would take much longer then that and a lot more memorization. Also would talk to myself about the note taking there is a lot more note taking then in high school and you cant miss a day of it like high school or you will end up falling behind. An many other things will will come with that. In the long run though it is totally worth it.

Amber

If I were able to go back and talk to myself about college, I would tell myself to take things a little more serious, and do some research before entering college. I wasn't sure of what I wanted to get into for my major, which made it a little hard to pick the perfect school for me. I knew I wanted to go into pharmacy but I didn't know what it took to get there I thought that I would be taking pharmacy classes now, but once I got into college I realized that I would have to get my degree in biological sciences first and then go to graduate school for pharmacy. If I had known this information I would have applied to more schools that mastered in health sciences instead of just going off of what I liked about the school or what my parents told me to do. If I would have done this I would have been able to go to a school that fits me more as well as my major.

michelle

If i could talk to my high school self, I would let myself know that college life is completely opposite from high school life. This ranges from my study habits to my social circles. I would first let myself know that my study habit is extremely unfit and inconvenient for college. It's impossible to study a day before tests in college, and the key to success is consistently studying a little, every single day. I'd also put emphasis on my responsibility of my own body and mind, stressing how important physical exercise is to maintain a healthy body, and also how important it is to watch my diet. In college, everything seems to go, for maybe the first couple months, but the consequences of careless actions and mistakes begin to show up later on. But on top of that, there are also positive factors of the independence and variety that college offers. The student gets immersed in a field of independent, unique, and mature people who are different from the high school students that surrounded you. But at the same time, there are those people with less self-control, and slack-off attitudes that might affect you negatviely.

Hanna

Knowing what I know now, I would go back and tell myself to be social and make friends while I can but still focus on my classes. The one thing I would have told myself that I feel would have been a huge benefator towards my life and school career would have been to see a therapist when I first started to notice how depressed I was... I had a huge spiral and was actually hospitalized for my depression and it made school and my life harder. Once I got a hold on myself and began meeting with a therapist weekly, I was able to pull my grades out of the dumpster so to speak and start fresh with my fourth semester. My overall advice would be to enjoy it while I can and learn all I can to help me with my career as an Athletic Trainer for the San Jose Sharks (as I know I one day will be).